To offer premium recreational, touring, and fishing kayaks for novice and advanced users alike through innovative designs, comfortable outfitting, and uncompromising attention to detail.
We founded Wilderness Systems in 1986 in High Point, North Carolina. Andy Zimmerman and John Sheppard, who had both worked at Casa Bique, a furniture business in High Point owned by Zimmerman's family, decided to try their hand at something more adventurous. We set out to build premium kayaks that would deliver unmatched experiences on the water, combining innovative design with exceptional quality.
Over the years, we grew significantly and eventually merged with Mad River Canoe to form Confluence Watersports Company. We consolidated our manufacturing near Greenville, South Carolina, where we continue to design and build our kayaks today. Our 'Designed by Adventure' philosophy drives everything we do, blending cutting-edge design, proven performance, and top-tier outfitting.
Today, we are part of Confluence Outdoor, which encompasses several distinguished paddlesports brands. We have pioneered features like SlideTrax gear rails and stand-and-cast designs that have become industry essentials. With input from our professional fishing teams and continued innovation like the Helix Propulsion Technologies, we remain a must-have brand for serious anglers and paddlers seeking premium recreational, touring, and fishing kayaks.
At the core of Wilderness Systems is Helix Propulsion Technologies featuring 6:1 gear ratio pedal drive system with forward/reverse capability and auto-raising mast for zero draft.