I just bought one of these for easier entry in a Hurricane Kayak (2.2 sizing). These now retail for $115 but REI has them discounted to $85 and I had some credits to use so mine was nearly free!. I do have to admit that... never in a million years would I have thought that one of the benefits of a Spray Skirt would have been "easier to pee". While I am also older closing in on retirement age I fortunately do not have bladder issues so can still go for four or 6 hours without having to pee but I know it's a major issue for others so KUDOs for putting that out there
Yeah, it turned out pretty comical. I didn't really know how else to express it. Being able to "go" without stopping to find a place to get out of the kayak will save me a lot of time.
I bought a nylon spray skirt for racing kayaks since it was the onyl one available for the size of my cockpit (110 cm)...I also have a high seat but it turned out it was not because oof the seat that I couldn't put the skirt on, it was the very short back part, and the shape of the bungee that was just too different from the shape of the cockpit...spent three days trying to hook it with me in it (I could do it, just barely, only if I just put the spray skirt on its own on the kayak).
These have a plastic tube at the end of the bungee that can be removed by simply untying the bungee, pulling that plastic piece off and then retying the bungee. I saw another reviewer point that out as others also had the same issue you had.
Great review.. thanks. May I ask you what size paddle do you use for this kayak? I’m 5.10 ft and planning to get the tsunami 145 and need help on paddle size. Also, I noticed your has a rudder, mine don’t. How often do you use a rudder and do you recommend I should get one for that boat? Thanks
Thanks for the comment Bluefin. The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 tracks very well, so I have not had a need to use the rudder very much at all yet. On a windy day while crossing a big open piece of water, the rudder will be a joy. Most of the time I paddle protected waters and I am used to controlling the boat's direction with my paddle ( sweeps and a bit of kayak edging ). Your experience with the boat may be different. Once you get a little time with it you will know if you think a rudder is something you want. It is a good option to have though, in my humble opinion. If you decide to add a rudder, check with Wilderness Systems. They sell great accessories and probably have a kit that includes everything you need to add a rudder to your boat. I am also about 5' 10" tall. Since this is a touring boat ( at least the way I am using it right now ) I am using a 230 cm paddle, although I have used my 210 cm whitewater paddle with this boat many times because I often paddle shallow rock streams and don't want to subject my lightweight and expensive touring paddle to that abuse. I generally try to have a fairly vertical paddle stroke for better efficiency and power ( shorter paddle shaft, shorter, wider blade ), but over the course of a long day and when I am paddling many miles day after day, my paddling style is more horizontal ( longer paddle shaft, longer, narrower blade ) and less taxing on me physically. I'm not a young as I used to be ( 63 this year ). I hope this information helps. See You on the River!
Are you aware of the new tsunami 145 model? The one without the day hatch. I’m trying to decide should I get the older model like yours with the day hatch or go with the newer model that doesn’t have the day hatch? Keep in mind that the day hatch is not my only concern. Just trying to get an overall evaluation between the two models. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated
Bluefin, I am not totally familiar with the newer models of the WS Tsunami 145. I have never paddled the newer models. I have seen some of the newer models in person. They strike me as being very similar in hull shape and design and the cockpit looks very similar. The biggest change I noticed visually was the lack of the day hatch and the addition of the mesh pockets just ahead of the cockpit on the outside of the hull. Personally, I wouldn't miss the day hatch, as it is not a separate compartment on my boat. Putting a day hatch on the Tsunami without a third bulkhead was kind of a sales gimmick in my opinion. It didn't make much sense. I absolutely hate the way the mesh pockets look on the outside of the new Tsunami models. I would probably remove them if I had one of the new boats, but that's just me. I like to keep a clean deck as much as possible. I have found that my Tsunami has more than enough room inside for anything I need. Good luck in your search for a kayak. I don't think you can go wrong with a Tsunami.
No idea if you've already decided on a model, but I have the latest model 140, and I absolutely love it! I do not feel like I miss the day hatch of the older model. The included removable deck bags hold exactly what I need, and the in cockpit water bottle system, mesh bag, and simply stowing behind and under the seat are perfect for me.
I just bought one of these for easier entry in a Hurricane Kayak (2.2 sizing). These now retail for $115 but REI has them discounted to $85 and I had some credits to use so mine was nearly free!. I do have to admit that... never in a million years would I have thought that one of the benefits of a Spray Skirt would have been "easier to pee". While I am also older closing in on retirement age I fortunately do not have bladder issues so can still go for four or 6 hours without having to pee but I know it's a major issue for others so KUDOs for putting that out there
Thanks for that review. You gave me a good chuckle with your frankness around the skirt making it easier to pee while out paddling.
Yeah, it turned out pretty comical. I didn't really know how else to express it. Being able to "go" without stopping to find a place to get out of the kayak will save me a lot of time.
that is a much nicer skirt than i had, i like it!
I bought a nylon spray skirt for racing kayaks since it was the onyl one available for the size of my cockpit (110 cm)...I also have a high seat but it turned out it was not because oof the seat that I couldn't put the skirt on, it was the very short back part, and the shape of the bungee that was just too different from the shape of the cockpit...spent three days trying to hook it with me in it (I could do it, just barely, only if I just put the spray skirt on its own on the kayak).
These have a plastic tube at the end of the bungee that can be removed by simply untying the bungee, pulling that plastic piece off and then retying the bungee. I saw another reviewer point that out as others also had the same issue you had.
Great review.. thanks. May I ask you what size paddle do you use for this kayak? I’m 5.10 ft and planning to get the tsunami 145 and need help on paddle size.
Also, I noticed your has a rudder, mine don’t. How often do you use a rudder and do you recommend I should get one for that boat? Thanks
Thanks for the comment Bluefin. The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 tracks very well, so I have not had a need to use the rudder very much at all yet. On a windy day while crossing a big open piece of water, the rudder will be a joy. Most of the time I paddle protected waters and I am used to controlling the boat's direction with my paddle ( sweeps and a bit of kayak edging ). Your experience with the boat may be different. Once you get a little time with it you will know if you think a rudder is something you want. It is a good option to have though, in my humble opinion. If you decide to add a rudder, check with Wilderness Systems. They sell great accessories and probably have a kit that includes everything you need to add a rudder to your boat.
I am also about 5' 10" tall. Since this is a touring boat ( at least the way I am using it right now ) I am using a 230 cm paddle, although I have used my 210 cm whitewater paddle with this boat many times because I often paddle shallow rock streams and don't want to subject my lightweight and expensive touring paddle to that abuse.
I generally try to have a fairly vertical paddle stroke for better efficiency and power ( shorter paddle shaft, shorter, wider blade ), but over the course of a long day and when I am paddling many miles day after day, my paddling style is more horizontal ( longer paddle shaft, longer, narrower blade ) and less taxing on me physically. I'm not a young as I used to be ( 63 this year ).
I hope this information helps.
See You on the River!
@@NewGloryDays This is excellent information. Thank you very much.
Are you aware of the new tsunami 145 model? The one without the day hatch. I’m trying to decide should I get the older model like yours with the day hatch or go with the newer model that doesn’t have the day hatch? Keep in mind that the day hatch is not my only concern. Just trying to get an overall evaluation between the two models. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated
Bluefin, I am not totally familiar with the newer models of the WS Tsunami 145. I have never paddled the newer models.
I have seen some of the newer models in person. They strike me as being very similar in hull shape and design and the cockpit looks very similar. The biggest change I noticed visually was the lack of the day hatch and the addition of the mesh pockets just ahead of the cockpit on the outside of the hull.
Personally, I wouldn't miss the day hatch, as it is not a separate compartment on my boat. Putting a day hatch on the Tsunami without a third bulkhead was kind of a sales gimmick in my opinion. It didn't make much sense.
I absolutely hate the way the mesh pockets look on the outside of the new Tsunami models. I would probably remove them if I had one of the new boats, but that's just me. I like to keep a clean deck as much as possible. I have found that my Tsunami has more than enough room inside for anything I need.
Good luck in your search for a kayak. I don't think you can go wrong with a Tsunami.
@@NewGloryDays thank you very much. Your feedback is a great help for me
No idea if you've already decided on a model, but I have the latest model 140, and I absolutely love it! I do not feel like I miss the day hatch of the older model. The included removable deck bags hold exactly what I need, and the in cockpit water bottle system, mesh bag, and simply stowing behind and under the seat are perfect for me.
What size of this spray skirt? Is it the 1.7 or bigger?
Yes, it is a 1.7.