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I've owned well over a dozen (maybe 2 dozen) kayaks over the last 20+ years of Kayaking. From 17ft sea kayaks, to sit on tops and even some high end inflatables. Although I still have a sea kayak, sit on top, and Inflatable, this WS Aspire 105 has become my favorite, most used all around Kayak.

I purchased this in Spring of 2023 but waited until now (late fall 2023) to give my review after several dozen outings with her.

I live in the Midwest so my sea kayak is really overkill for me unless I'm on Lake Michigan, which is only a couple times a season. I wanted a lighter weight, more stable, carefree kayak for my everyday local kayaking.

I first tried the new Pungo 120 and after half a dozen outings I sold it. For me the Pungo did not track/glide well for me. Many correction strokes were required especially when paddling at a leisurely pace. The V bottom of the Pungo was not like my Sea kayaks V bottoms I've owned. It did not add to the tracking or glide, it just made it rock from side to side especially when coasting.

I have retractable skegs on my sea kayaks and I always prefer that feature over a rudder in my longer boats, and wished the Pungo had one.

I decided to try the Aspire 105 mainly because of the skeg feature. WOW, what a difference. Even though this Aspire is not even 11 feet long, It tracks/glides as well as, and in some cases even better than, some of my past sea kayaks with the skeg down! The stability is as stable as my sit on top kayak (also a WS), I can actually stand while getting in and out of it from a launching pier. The kayak weight is relatively light compared to other kayaks I've owned, and the Aspire is well balanced for carrying on your shoulder for short portages.

I always loved WS kayaks because the seat is so comfortable, the Aspire seat included. I love the large cockpit opening and the integrated small dash area (I hated and never used the Pungo removable dashboard). I also purchased the full splash skirt with full zipper, extending kayak season for when it gets colder out, keeping the warmth inside the cockpit (and also cold water drips).

I have had this kayak on larger lakes with 2 to 3 foot chop and in windy conditions and the stability and tracking is incredible to me, it handles like a much longer boat.

Is the Aspire as fast as sea kayaks, No, but I'm not competing or trying to break any records, I kayak for enjoyment, relaxation, and exercise. It's also not the slowest kayak I've ever had either, with the tracking so outstanding, I believe its as fast if not faster than the Pungo which gets high overall reviews.

For those who may be wondering, I did contact WS about my Pungo before I sold it and sent then many photos of the hull, body, etc...thinking there may be a manufacturing issue causing my poor experience with it. They were willing to send another copy of the Pungo if they could see any signs of a defect, but there was none. I then decided to sell it, but I did not lose any $$ because I got it on sale and when I sold it it was still in like new condition and the price went up.

I've always loved WS kayaks, and Aspire 105 has become my favorite current all around use kayak.