Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $999.00
Our Overall Rating | 86 out of 100
Pros - Great tracking and speed, durable, drop-stitch, comfortable
Cons - Annoying to set up, less stable, catches wind
Overall - Like a hard shell but not the best for complete beginners or extremely windy conditions
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 375x75cm
Weight - 16.5kg
Load Capacity - 128kg
Packed Size - N/A
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 is an inflatable kayak designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers who want a balance of performance and portability. Unlike budget inflatables, it features full drop-stitch construction for rigidity and improved speed, along with a V-shaped hull and twin skegs for better tracking. While it's not the most beginner-friendly kayak due to its narrower profile and reduced stability, it offers a noticeable upgrade in performance for those moving up from basic models. The setup requires some effort, but the trade-off is a kayak that paddles closer to a hard-shell while still being packable.
Performance - The Tomahawk Air-K 375 is significantly faster and more efficient than budget inflatables, thanks to its drop-stitch construction (inflated to 10 PSI) and V-shaped hull. The twin skegs provide excellent tracking, making it easier to paddle in a straight line with less effort. This does mean, though, that it turns more slowly, and removing one skeg (as some users do) improves manoeuvrability at the cost of tracking precision. Stability is lower than entry-level kayaks, requiring more balance from the paddler. While it feels tippy at first, deliberate tests show it’s harder to capsize than expected — just not ideal for complete beginners. The high sides catch wind, making it trickier in strong gusts, but overall, it's a great choice for touring and longer paddles on calm to moderately choppy waters.
Construction - Built with 7cm-thick drop-stitch PVC, the Tomahawk is rigid and durable, far sturdier than cheap inflatables. The three separate air chambers add safety, reducing the risk of a complete deflation. The premium high-back seat is also comfortable for multi-hour trips, with EVA cushioning and storage pockets, though the footrest straps could be more secure. The water splash guards at the bow and stern help keep spray out and the multiple D-rings allow for gear attachment. Drying it fully, though, is tricky, as some water tends to linger in the seams and sand can build up where the floor meets the sides.
Setup/Pack Down - Setup takes around 20 minutes, mostly due to the stiff twin skegs, which can be a struggle to fit initially (silicone grease or sanding may help). The included hand pump works well but requires effort to reach 10 PSI, making an electric pump needed to speed things up. Packing away is straightforward, though proper drying is needed to prevent mildew. The kayak fits back into its backpack-style bag, which is manageable but heavy for long carries (smaller people may find it awkward to carry, too).
Portability - Weighing in at a moderate weight (heavier than ultralight models but still portable), the Tomahawk is easy to transport by car. The backpack straps help for short distances, but the lack of wheels makes long hauls less convenient. Folded, it’s compact enough for storage in a flat or car boot.
Comfort - The high-back seat is one of the best features, offering good lumbar support for longer trips. The adjustable footrest helps with paddling efficiency, though it doesn’t stay firmly in place during use. Taller paddlers (up to around 6’2”) will find enough legroom, but the narrower design means less wiggle space compared to wider recreational kayaks.
Overall - The Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 is a strong performer for paddlers who want speed and tracking in an inflatable package. It’s not the most stable option, making it better suited to intermediate paddlers, but it outperforms budget kayaks in its efficiency and rigidity. While the setup requires patience and it’s not great in windy conditions, for touring, fitness paddling or multi-hour trips, it’s a great upgrade from basic inflatables.
