Wilderness Systems Tsunami 175

Size, weight, capacity

At 17’6” (528 cm), this kayak is roughly the same length as a lot of sea kayaks and is only a little wider at 24” (61 cm). For a touring kayak, then, it carries a load of speed and tracks effectively over open water while maintaining that balance that makes it accessible to all levels of kayakers. Where the Tsunami 165 really gains volume is in its depth. A deck height of 15.75” (40 cm) means that larger paddlers can sit comfortably in a spacious cockpit area, but also that smaller users may struggle to reach the water to paddle this boat efficiently.

The maximum capacity of this kayak is an enormous 400 lbs (181 kg) which should be ample space for most paddlers and all of their equipment for a weekend away.

Of course, this extra space doesn’t come without some compromise, which in this case is weight. At 68 lbs (31 kg), this boat is not easy to loan on top of your car alone.

Features

One of the most noticeable features of this boat on first glance is the rudder system located at the stern to help steer in rough water or river currents. This can be raised and lowered from the cockpit depending on your needs.

The Tsunami 175 has static deck lines around the outside of the boat, crossed with bungee to secure any kit you need access to on the water. For any kit you need to keep dry and internal, there are three waterproof hatches, one large rear hatch and two smaller hatches, secured by covers and separated by watertight bulkheads.

The Wilderness Systems Phase 3 AirPro XP seat is said to be the most comfortable kayak seat on the market. Made from honeycomb-vented foam, it will keep you well supported and cool throughout long days on the water.

Fully adjustable slidelock foot pegs mean this boat can be quickly adapted for paddlers of varied heights. Adjustable thigh and knee braces, padded for extra comfort, give you even greater control of the Tsunami as you negotiate rivers and open water.

The v-shaped hull runs the entire length of the boat, but the varied chines balance tracking capabilities with stability.

Performance

The Tsunami 175 fits a wide range of paddlers, but the extra depth definitely lends itself to this kayak being perfect for the taller or larger framed

Beginners will develop well thanks to the stability and easy to use features of the kayak, while experienced paddlers will find the hull shape and outfitting allows them to negotiate some serious chop and swell on open water, as well as comfortably cruise down meandering rivers.

This boat is just one short step away from the world of sea kayaks, but as far as touring kayaks go, it seems to have it all.