Submitted: 07-07-2010 by charles pace
Everything good said about this boat is true. It is efficient. You can paddle upstream below hydro plants. You can paddle it down the Middle Fork in Idaho. If you know and love paddling, the Wildlife will be among your favorites.
I bought mine used. Took out the seat. Put in two thwarts, 36" apart. Made a closed-cell foam pedestal the same length. Put in knee pads. Float bags. It rocks.
Whitewater is challenging. The long pedestal allows you to weight and unweight. The relatively short length allows you to practice self-rescue. And the boat is tough. I've destroyed a Sandpiper (but have a life long love affair with 'Rhonda'), and Mad River ... is junk (Sorry, they are fine for lakes etc. but don't stand up when you really punish them).
The Wildfire does it all ... or rather did it all. Whoever buys it at the garage sale tomorrow, they either love it or they will want something with "more" rake or "more" flare or "more" rocker. This one is for the minimalist. |