I took the Targa 100 kayak on the Current River in the Ozarks for a review. This included some Class 1 rapids. If you want to see more of that Paddle Tales adventure, click this link. But for now, let's break down the Targa 100 kayak review, and then I'll dive into my unbiased assessment that comes from a full-day of testing.
Background of the Targa 100 kayak
Wilderness Systems has been making high-quality kayaks for a long time. In fact, last year I gave one of their models, the Pungo 120, a Kayak of the Year award. Recently, they put out their first recreational, sit-on-top kayak (that hasn't been specifically focused on fishing), in quite some time.
Not only that, but this model, the Targa 100 kayak, dipped under that coveted $1000 mark. Now, Wilderness Systems doesn't typically just kick out boats haphazardly – they push boundaries. And so I was pumped to learn more.
Here's a little plug straight from the horse's mouth: The Targa 100 is perfect for day trips. It offers the right balance of comfort, stability, and care-free spirit.
Ooo, I like the sounds of that. But as always, I had to go splash around a bit and see for myself what this kayak is all about. Even though a 10-foot, sit-on-top kayak isn't my usual genre, I certainly liked the looks of the Targa 100, and needed to see how much value it packed into that sub-$1000 set-up.
ABOUT THE TARGA 100 KAYAK
Retail Price: $969 USD
Length: 10′
Width: 32″
Weight: 57 LBS (26 KG)
Capacity: 325 LBS (147KG)
The Targa 100 has four rigid handles; one at each end, and one on each side. In addition, it has a sling seat, a removable bow-hood, large foot-braces, an integrated/removable cooler, deck padding for comfort and traction, and stern bungees for stowing extra gear.
How portable is theTarga 100 kayak?
Even though 57-pounds might sound like a lot, for a sit-on-top kayak, that's really quite good. Sit-inside kayaks are inherently lighter because there's less plastic used in the hollow shell. At 10-feet, the Targa 100 is also a very manageable length. Wilderness Systems really helped the cause by adding those four grab handles. This makes carrying it tandem a total breeze. But you can also carry it suitcase style…it's just a rather heavy suitcase.
The other nice thing about the modest length is that you can mount it on any roof-rack, or even toss it in the back of a pickup. As kayaks get longer, they get harder to lug around and transport. So all things considered, this is a relatively portable kayak, just not exceptionally portable like an inflatable or folding model would be.
Is the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 kayak stable?
One of the selling-points for sit-on-top kayaks is that they are supposed to be stable. The Targa 100 did not disappoint in this department. I was actually able to do a little stand-up paddle boarding while cruising down some Class 1 current. Now, I didn't feel invincible doing this, but the fact is, I was able to do it without issue. So that's pretty cool. Some other models in this class are more stable than the Targa, but they achieve this off of a much wider design. The Targa 100 gets the job done nicely, while still being slim enough to preserve some decent performance.
How does the Targa 100 kayak perform?
Now, it again must be prefaced that a 10-foot, sit-on-top kayak has some inherent strengths and weaknesses. A boat of this nature is not going to break any records. That said, the Targa 100 surpassed my expectations. It did actually carry some reasonable speed. I attribute that to its slicey, V-shaped bow. This not only increases its efficiency, but it also helps it hold a line while paddling. This design transitions to a catamaran-style stern, which helps improve that stability we just talked about. So overall, the hybrid hull design is great for expanding this kayak's scope.
I've mentioned that I took the Tagra 100 on some Class 1 rapids. It did fine under these conditions but I wouldn't recommend pushing it any harder. The wide, flat hull, because it prioritizes primary stability (i.e how sturdy it feels when just sitting flat), doesn't allow for much secondary stability, which is needed for putting the kayak on edge in those rougher waters. The Targa is primarily for flatwater use.
Is the Targa 100 kayak comfortable?
When shopping for the right kayak, it can be difficult to truly assess how comfortable something is. There's the initial acquaintance, in which case something glaring either jumps out or it doesn't. Ideally, you want to be able to spend some real time in the cockpit to see how things shape up. Better still, I got to test the Targa 100 over the span of six hours, and across some moving water. I'm therefore pleased to report, with confidence, that this is a comfortable boat.
Suspension seat
The suspension seat was the stand-out reason for this. It's able to contour to your butt as you shift around. This differs from your basic padded-seat, which really doesn't tailor to any particular butt, in any sustained situation. The Targa's seat is fixed (i.e. can't be adjusted into high and low positions), but Wilderness Systems picked a wonderful, medium height for it. It's elevated enough so that you don't get wet, and your heels are lower than your butt, which is naturally a more comfortable position for the long haul. An added benefit to the fixed seat is that you don't have to worry about losing it during transportation (which as much as it pains me to admit, I have learned the hard way…twice).
Other notable aspects of comfort include the Targa's wide open deck, which you can sit cross-legged on or, as I mentioned before, stand with relative ease. Plus, the foot braces are solid, and give good purchase while paddling.
In terms of sizing, I'm 6′ 2″ and long in the legs. I had one free notch left for the foot pegs. Therefore, there's not much room left for a taller person. If you're north of 6′ 3″, then you might not have the same level of comfort that I experienced. I would also recommend a paddle length of between 230 – 240 centimeters (90 – 95 inches) for this kayak. That will give you the necessary clearance for the Targa's moderate width.
What are the features of the Targa 100 kayak?
I took an inventory of the features off the top, but now let's dig into what actually stood out during my day-trip. The Targa 100 has some cool stuff to talk about, starting with the integrated/removable cooler. I dug this feature, and I appreciated that if you don't want/need the cooler, you can take it out and have another storage compartment (with scuppers for drainage). But…why wouldn't you want this? As far as I'm concerned, every good day on the water includes a fresh and hardy lunch. With a bit of meal prep, you're all set for whenever an idyllic picnic spot reveals itself.
I already bragged about the seat and the foot braces when talking about comfort. But I also thought the padded deck was a nice touch for cushioning and traction.
The only enigma, by my standard, was the removable bow-hood. This feature stands out, but to be honest, I just didn't know what to make of it. This is usually just dead space in a sit-on-top kayak, so it certainly doesn't hurt to have, but it's out of reach from the seat. Maybe it's something that an owner would come to appreciate over time. Let me know if you've come up with a good use for it across your own adventures.
Is the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 worth it?
If you're just skimming for price, you'll find lots of kayaks out there that are under $1000 (USD). But that search window will narrow dramatically if you have an eye for quality. In my opinion, the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 gives you lots of bang for your buck. It's something that could easily be a lifetime kayak. As you progress as a paddler, you may want to invest in a higher performance model, but you will always be able to return to this boat, or put any of your friends in it, and it will be a fun and comfortable ride.
Who is the Targa 100 Kayak for?
This model is excellent for anyone wanting a manageable-sized kayak that can be used for day trips. It just doesn't have the capacity for overnight outings. In terms of conditions, the Targa 100 is great for flatwater, and it can hold its own on Class 1 rapids. And finally, all ages, and most experience levels, will be able to enjoy this kayak.
Kids will have a blast just poking around close to shore (kayaking or paddle boarding) and adults will have all they need for a full day on the river (or at least long enough to utilize the cool cooler feature). This is a versatile boat, so it all comes down to what you want your own paddle tales to look like.
A little note on safety before we sign off:
I wanted to give a quick mention to the American Canoe Association's (ACA) free online paddling course. I know these things are easy to bypass, but I highly recommend you take the time to check it out. Paddling is generally safe and enjoyable, but when things do go wrong, they can escalate quickly. Often, a bit of key information can make the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. And did I mention it was free? If you're reading this blog then that means you're probably already at your computer, so go ahead and click this link to find out more.
I hope you enjoyed this review. For more tips, shop-talk, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.
