Profile

I'm a writer and photographer and I use the Seals Splash Deck religiously on my Wilderness Systems Aspire 105. I'm 6'-7" tall and I like the Aspire's open cockpit for ease of entry and exit, but that big hole makes it hard to keep gear dry. The splash deck takes care of that problem nicely while still allowing easy access to my camera equipment. The zippered mesh pocket also keeps my notebook and pen handy. I paddle throughout the year mainly in Oklahoma where I live, and the deck shades my legs in the summer and cuts down on chilly breezes in the winter. The splash deck is very well made and shows almost no signs of wear even after five years of heavy use. All in all, it's a great product.

I purchased the Aspire 105 a few weeks ago and have had it on the water every chance I get. I can't get enough of it! It is a great boat.

My family is new to kayaking and we chose three similar yet different boats: My wife has an Ascend D10, my daughter has a Vapor 10 and I chose the Aspire. Each 'yak has a different personality, but the Aspire clearly outperforms the other two in terms of paddling ease, directional stability and glide. Don't get me wrong, the other boats are nice, but the Aspire with its retractable skeg, water-tight storage compartment and infinitely-adjustable seat has more bells and whistles that justify its slightly higher price.

I would have given the Aspire 105 a perfect 10 if it had a factory-installed drain plug and the seat back did not have a penchant for occasionally getting caught under the rear coaming at some settings. All in all, though, these are just minor inconveniences.

Wilderness Systems has done a great job of providing a great value for the money with the Aspire 105.