Wilderness Systems TARPON 100 Kayak Review 

Do you use it in the ocean? I'm moving to Kailua-Kona and I'm debating about selling it.

Susan Anderson I haven’t but I have seen the Tarpon 120 out in the ocean off Sydney.

Hey Laurie, Hope you enjoy your new kayak as much as I do. My wife has ventured out in this boat with our 44 lb. poodle sitting in front of her on many occasions.

TheOneCanoe That is so good to hear about your dog. I’m hopeful mine will be happy cruising along in it.

I have a question: what length paddle do you recommend? 230cm or 240cm (I’m wondering if the 240 as the kayak is pretty wide and sits high)

@@lauriefrazier5670 We use a 240cm paddle, for the same reason you suggested...the longer paddle gives me more thrust due to the width of the boat. I also have a shorter paddle, but with that particular kayak, i much prefer the longer paddle. Check out my review of a 240cm Aqua-Bound kayak paddle: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IkRtm4ptsoU.html

TheOneCanoe Thank you for directing me to this paddle. Yesterday, when going to purchase the Tarpon 100, I was convinced to get the Tarpon 105 due to the size of my dog-65-70#. (Hope this wasn’t a mistake). They also sold me a 230cm paddle...that said, on dry land, with dog, self and 230cm paddle in the kayak, the 230cm seemed almost too short. I will return the 230 for a 240cm and hoping they carry the Aqua-Bound. I really appreciate your reviews and advice! Many thanks!

Your welcome. Thanks for checking out this review.

Thank you.

The Tarpon 100 has a capacity of 325 lb. so you should be OK. I like it because it only weighs 55 lb. so easy for me to carry. The Tarpon 120 probably handles a bit better. It has a capacity of 350 lb. but it weight in at 63 lb. You might also want to check out their now offering, the Tarpon 105, an updated version of the Tarpon 100.

I love the Tarpon 100, and find it to be the perfect size for an overnight trip with plenty of storage for all my gear. Unfortunately they discontinued the 100 model, but they have replaced it with the 105. Major difference being the 100 had 2 hatches, the 105 has one hatch in the bow, but the midship hatch has been replaced by a 'dry-box' for storing wallets, phones, keys etc. Both boats have a large storage well at the stern. The 100 is a super stable craft, and I'm sure the 105 is too.

@@TheOneCanoe thanks for the info. Much appreciated. I’m assuming I could use a dry sack to make up the loss on one hatch.

So many variables... a lot comes down to personal preferences. Starting out you probably want something that's not too big and easy enough to carry/transport by yourself, so weight may be more of an issue than length. I find the 'sit-on-top' style of kayak to be a lot more stable and very hard to tip than a 'sit-in' style. This particular boat (TARPON 100) is very maneuverable, but at only 10 feet in length it's not as fast as a longer, narrower kayak might be.

Hey Colin, Great to hear you just ordered one. Hope you enjoy yours, I really love mine! The camera mount is made by a company called Scotty. It is the #135 camera/compass mount. I did a review on that item, you'll find it on my RU-vid channel. Its called "Scotty Camera Mount Review" Here is the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3Chvz5d7stY.html

Fab thanks. I'll get one of those and the #438 base unit. Good to go exploring the Gower coast then (Wales UK). Always sailed but want to get in closer :)

Good, those Scotty mounts are really useful, reasonably priced and very well made. If you can't find one at a dealer, there is a link to Amazon(U.S.) under my review video. Cheers and happy paddling -Wayne

It’s called a “Gear Head Track Adapter” made by Scotty. I think it costs around $20.

TheOneCanoe thx I will look it up!