Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 Kayak
Rating
Performance: 9
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 10
Setup: 10
Value: 8
OVERALL: 8.8
The best step-up from cheap inflatables.
If you have ever started out on a basic inflatable kayak and felt like you were ready for something that actually feels closer to a real kayak, the Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 is exactly that kind of step up. It is not aimed at total beginners or people who just want to float around for half an hour, but more for paddlers who want speed, better tracking and a more ‘serious’ feel without owning a hard shell. We used it after spending time on cheaper inflatables and the difference is noticeable straight away.
Comparison
Rank: #2
Open Size: Long & narrow
Packed Size: Mid-bulk
Weight: Relatively heavy
Capacity: Moderate–high
Best For: Intermediate paddlers who want speed and touring performance in an inflatable.
Pros: Fast, great tracking, rigid feel, comfortable seat.
Cons: Slow setup, less stable, struggles in wind.
Verdict: A high-performance inflatable that feels close to a hard-shell but needs confidence and patience to enjoy fully.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 compares to others in our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks, or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 375 x 75cm
Packed Size: N/A
Weight: 16.5kg
Capacity: 128kg
Approx Price: $959.00
First Impressions
When you first take the Tomahawk out of the bag, it feels strong and heavy compared to most inflatables. At 16.5kg, you can immediately tell this is not a toy, especially if you’re coming from a cheaper kayak. The drop-stitch construction makes it look and feel more like a rigid kayak than an air-filled one and the V-shaped hull gives it a sleek, performance-focused look. The high-back seat feels comfortable and well-padded, and the overall design feels high-end. It gives you confidence that it can handle longer trips and more demanding conditions than entry-level models. At the same time, though, the narrow shape can be a bit intimidating if you are used to wide, super-stable inflatables.
Setup/Packdown
We’ll admit, setup is where the Tomahawk asks for a bit of commitment.
Inflation takes longer than cheaper kayaks because it needs to reach around 10 PSI, which takes real effort with the hand pump. An electric pump makes a big difference here. The hardest part is fitting the twin skegs, which are very stiff and awkward at first. They do get easier with time, but the first few setups can feel frustrating.
Once everything is inflated and assembled, it feels very solid and ready for action. Packing it down is easier than setting it up, but proper drying is important. Water tends to collect in the seams and around the floor joins, so it is hard to get it perfectly dry on site. We usually re-inflate it at home to wipe it down properly. It fits back into the bag without too much drama, but the bag is heavy and not great for long walks.
Paddling Experience
The Tomahawk feels much faster and easier to paddle than budget inflatables. It tracks extremely well and you spend far less energy correcting your direction. For longer paddles, this makes a huge difference and feels much closer to a hard-shell kayak. The twin skegs help keep it straight, though they also make it turn more slowly. You can remove one skeg to improve turning, but you lose some of that amazing tracking.
Stability is lower than that of recreational inflatables. At first, it feels a bit tippy, and you constantly make small balance adjustments. After some time, you get used to it, and it feels more natural. Deliberately trying to capsize shows that it is actually harder to flip than it feels, but it is not forgiving for nervous beginners. Wind is another factor, as the high sides catch gusts, especially in crosswinds, and you will feel like you are fighting the kayak more than with heavier hard shells. In calm to moderate conditions, though, it is a joy to paddle and much less tiring over long distances.
Final Verdict
The Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 is one of the closest things to a hard-shell kayak in inflatable form. It rewards you with speed, excellent tracking, and a more serious paddling experience, but asks for more effort during setup and more skill on the water. It is not the best choice for total beginners or very windy locations, but for intermediate paddlers who want to upgrade from basic inflatables, it feels like a genuine performance leap. If you want an inflatable that actually feels like a proper kayak, this is one of the better options available.
Want to see how the Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 compares to others? Check out our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.