ZERO WORRIES PER HOUR. PHOTO: PO MARSHALL
70 STROKES PER MINUTE,
Rudder Ready
A molded rudder pin and ready- to-use cable routings accept Wilderness Systems’ optional BTS rudder system, which uses the classic pedal-on-sliding- rails foot control. Look for an improved gas pedal-style rudder system from Wildy in 2015.
Back Gain THE FOCUS 150 BY WILDERNESS SYSTEMS
For the last decade, most of the Wilderness Systems boats you’d find crowding the racks at outfitters and clubs across the country would belong to Wildy’s versatile, and still wildly popular, Tsunami line. But that might be about to change. Released in late 2013, the new Focus series tempts beginner-mediate paddlers with the prom- ise of improved tracking and faster cruising speed, not to mention sleeker lines, in a sub-16-foot package. Wilderness Systems says the Focus blends the beloved stability
and predictability of the Tsunami with the enviable speed and ef- ficiency of their performance skeg boat, the Tempest. A welcome compromise, no doubt, for Tsunami paddlers who find a grain of truth in disparaging “Salami” references. But comparisons—wheth- er they are to cured meats or design bloodlines—seldom tell the whole story. With its symmetrical shallow V hull, soft chines, al- most-nil rocker and pronounced keel, the Focus reveals a riot of influences, not merely a combination of two popular designs. On the water, that long waterline and surf ski-inspired bow and
stern result in very strong tracking. The Focus holds course so well that, particularly in windy conditions, some paddlers will find the op- tional rudder helpful to assist with turning. We found acceleration and cruising speed quicker than a comparably sized Tsunami, but the real efficiency comes from all those minute course corrections you save thanks to the Focus’ affinity for straight-line paddling. Combine the aforementioned hull characteristics with predict- able stability and a low, unobtrusive deck profile, and the Focus shines as an affordable, entry-level option for aspiring fitness pad- dlers. Those planning longer day tours and weekend trips will find plenty of storage space in the three hatches, as well as ample wet storage behind the seat. The Focus holds its own in rough water, with fine secondary sta- bility and increased maneuverability on edge. Even in lumpy condi-
46 PADDLING MAGAZINE INSET PHOTOS: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
tions, it’s near-zero rocker waterline makes for better A-to-B cruis- ing than playful wave hopping. Wilderness Systems is an industry leader in comfortable, func-
tional cockpit outfitting. Slide yourself into the Focus’ Phase 3 Air- Pro XP seating system, and all discussion of waterline efficiency or rough water performance may start to seem like frivolous fluff. Adjustability? In spades: tweak the hip pads, foam thigh braces,
back support and leg lifters to create a custom fit. Comfort? La-Z- Boy would be envious: the padded, generous length seat and thigh support are especially welcome for those who suffer from numb bum or sciatica issues. Fit? Dialed: there’s room to perform a solid leg drive off the SlideLock foot braces while forward paddling, without sacri- ficing the contact and support required for bracing and rolling. The Focus is available in three sizes—including a snugger 145 and
roomier 155—to suit paddlers of every description. From light touring to fitness training, for be- ginner-mediates who want a kayak that combines effi- cient design, user-friendly handling and supremely comfortable outfitting, Wilderness Systems brings your priorities into Focus. —Virginia Marshall
Wilderness Systems Focus 150
Length Width
Weight DIGITAL EXTRA: Watch a video review here.
Max Capacity Price
www.wildernesssystems.com This article first appeared in the Spring 2014 issue of Adventure Kayak.
15 ft 23 in
52 lbs
325 lbs $1,419
($1,639 with rudder)
The Focus’ padded backband provides low-profile support for fitness paddlers, but can be eas- ily replaced with an optional high backrest for recreational users.
MyPod
In addition to bow and stern storage compartments, a deck pod in the cockpit puts small essentials within easy reach.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98