With exceptional primary and secondary stability and surprisingly speedy acceleration, the Tsunami blends beginner-friendly handling with performance that won’t leave you wanting once you’ve mastered the basics. Everyone who paddled it—from testers to their mothers—had fun. A high-backed seat provides superb support, and with seven sizes available, it fits everyone from teens to linemen. Two hatches stow enough cargo to go overnight. We preferred the boat with a rudder for improved tracking. 52 lbs; www.wildernesssystems.com
Bonus: Wilderness Systems donates a portion of Tsunami profits to AmeriCares to assist survivors of water-related natural disasters.
Bummer: The high-rise cockpit feels boxy.