review

The AdvancedFramce Ultralite of the American brand Advanced Elements is a very light and compact 1-person kayak. The manufacturer is known for its inflatable kayaks with particularly good driving characteristics. How well the Ultralite kayak performs on the water and whether it convinced us as a kayak, we tell you in the following review.

Technical Specs

Which model has been reviewed?

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite from 2020

How did we organize the review?

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame was provided to us by OutEquip, the European distributor of Advanced Elements. Our review is independent of the manufacturer or distributor and reflects our own opinion of the boat.

How intensively has the product been tested?

First impressions and assembly

In the past, we had already tested the classical AdvancedFrame kayak from Advanced Elements and have often been on tours with it. It has convinced us of its driving characteristics and the quality of workmanship very much. However, the high weight and the large pack size for a 1-person kayak was a pain point for us. This was probably the case for many other paddlers who do not only transport the kayak in the trunk of the car. It is precisely for this target group that the manufacturer offers its AdvancedFrame kayak in a lighter version, which weighs more than half less. In order to be able to compare both boats with each other, we also had the classic AdvancedFrame with us during the review and could thus compare it directly on the water.

The first difference is already noticeable in the bag. The Ultralite version not only has carrying handles, but also shoulder straps, so that the bag can be carried on the back. The AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite 2-person kayak also comes with such a bag, which we have used very often. At first glance, it seems practical that you can remove the shoulder straps via carabiners, but that’s exactly where the weak point lies. The carabiners lie exactly on the shoulders and when carried for a long time, this is disturbing or even painful./

Nevertheless, we also know that many other manufacturers do not even include a bag with a backpack system, but only a small carrying bag. Therefore, a bag designed for the boat is a big plus if it is already included. The bag itself contains the boat, the seat, the inflatable foot brace, the foam floor and two small aluminum elements to stretch the front deck. There is also room for paddles and an air pump for inflatables in the bag, but these must be purchased separately.

In order to achieve a weight saving of almost 10 kg for the boat, the manufacturer must have worked on the materials. For example, the deck is made of a 300D ripstop fabric instead of a 600D ripstop fabric.

When unpacking, we also notice that the boat skin is clearly thinner than compared to the classical AdvancedFrame kayak. However, the boat skin is definitely much more robust than that of inexpensive entry-level inflatable kayaks (e.g. Intex or Sevylor).

A second big weight saving comes from the floor foam. Typically, most Advanced Elements boats have an additional air or drop-stitch chamber for the floor. However, the Ultralite uses a floor foam that strongly resembles a yoga mat. This is rolled out and inserted into the kayak floor. To do this, you lift the side chambers a bit and push them down. By inflating the side chambers, the floor foam finds its hold and can no longer slip. We found the insertion of the floor foam very simple and well designed.

To get the boat into shape, the two separate side chambers are inflated. In the classical AdvancedFrame kayaks, there are not two side tubes, but an inner and outer tube. The air tubes are additionally protected by a nylon cover. The side tubes can be removed from the boat for drying or cleaning and in case of repair.

After the two side tubes are inflated, most of the assembly is already done. Then the front deck is stretched by two aluminum elements. The rail is inserted crosswise and the rod is inserted lengthwise under the deck. The stretched deck gives you more legroom, and when you attach luggage to the bow, the luggage doesn’t press the deck down.

Last but not least, the seat is attached to the boat. This can be positioned variably in the boat. Those who are smaller can position the seat further forward and thus have more space behind the seat for additional luggage. Taller paddlers like us, on the other hand, will position the seat as far back as possible to have enough room for the legs. The seat cushion is pressed firmly on the floor under the side tubes. Thus, the seat then lies really firmly in the boat and can not slip while paddling. Finally, the back of the seat is attached to the side tubes by two click fasteners. This makes it very easy to vary the position of the backrest. On the back of the backrest is a small pocket in which smaller items such as sunscreen and co. find space.

We also really like the bungee lacing on the stern and bow. This makes it very easy to attach luggage and equipment to the boat and everything is quickly at hand. The manufacturer did not include a zipper on the front deck. This would allow quick access to the inside of the boat for cleaning and drying. However, when paddling the other AdvancedFrames with bow zipper, we found that they are water-permeable. Thus, in stronger waves often came a little water into the boat interior. With the Ultralite, this can no longer happen.

The included footrest is inflated by mouth and can be pushed under the deck into the bow. Of course, it is not obligatory to use it, but we are curious how it can be paddled with this foot brace on the water.

After the boat is fully assembled, let’s take a look at the bottom. For an inflatable kayak, the bow and stern are very nicely shaped. By using the aluminum ribs in the bow and stern, the ends of the kayak are very pointed. This promises good driving characteristics, as the water can thus be cut. A non-removable fin at the stern and a keel strip at the bow should further improve the tracking stability of the boat. The fin is very flat, so that the probability of grounding remains minimal.

Review of the Advanced Elements Ultralite on the water

Since the boat is very light, it can be carried to the water without much effort and very comfortably. Just as convenient and easy to get into the boat thanks to the wide opening in the deck. Tall people have no difficulty getting their legs under the deck and thus the entry is not a shaky affair for paddling beginners. The front luggage net is also ideal for fastening shoes or a dry bag right at the start.

The use of a floor chamber is very common in inflatable kayaks, but it has been replaced by a floor mat in the Ultralite to reduce weight. In our opinion, this is also very well done, because the boat still seems stable and the floor foam also insulates well from the cold. Although we sat barefoot in the boat and the water was very cold that day, we had no cold feet. On the other hand, the very flexible floor makes you feel every little wave or grounding. This may take a little getting used to at the beginning, but we quickly got used to it.

In terms of paddling, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite is a lot of fun right from the start. It has the usual good driving characteristics that we are used to from other boats of the manufacturer. It keeps its track well and we move forward quite quickly. During leisurely paddling, we measured a speed of 4.7 km/h (7.6 mph). If you paddle faster, you can reach a speed of up to 6 km/h (9.7 mph). Above this speed, however, a bow wave forms and paddling becomes more inefficient. The maneuverability of the kayak is fine. Course changes are effortless. But a 180° turn requires considerably more paddle strokes.

With the classical Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame with backbone, we reached a speed of 5.5 km/h (8.9 mph) on the same day during leisurely paddling. When paddling fast, we were able to measure up to 7.5 km/h (12.1 mph). We felt it clearly that the Ultralite is slower, but the Ultralite doesn’t feel like a slow boat. If you’re paddling alone and the one km/h more or less doesn’t matter to you, you’ll be happy with the speed. However, if you are paddling with someone else who has a longer kayak, you will have a hard time keeping up.

Compared to the classic AdvancedFrame, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite cannot be upgraded with a BackBone or drop-stitch floor.

Thanks to the closed construction of the kayak, you are well protected from splashing water. However, if a little water gets into the boat, the raised seat cushion pays off. Many kayaks (like the classical AdvancedFrame) use only a thin seat cushion for the seat and thus you sit faster in the wet. The seat is very comfortable even after long paddling and gives very good support. Likewise, we have come to appreciate the foot brace. With the right positioning of the seat and foot brace, you sit very well in the boat.

We see the AdvancedFrame Ultralite primarily for use on lakes and calm rivers with sufficient water levels. The boat is aimed at day-trip paddlers who want to get on the water quickly and easily for a leisurely tour. For ambitious sport paddlers who want to cover a lot of distance or go on multi-day tours, the Advanced Element AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite is recommended, which is longer and therefore faster and offers more space for luggage.

Regarding the whitewater suitability of the boat, the manufacturer specifies whitewater class 2. We haven’t tried that ourselves yet, and wouldn’t. The boat’s skin seems too fragile for that, and in addition, the fin and the front keel strip cannot be removed. If you get stuck with it, the boat skin could get broken.

Dismantling the kayak

Dismantling the boat is very simple and fast. Simply let out the air and pump out the rest. Then it is folded again and fits in the bag without any problems. In most cases, however, you will not get around to unpack the boat again at home and let it dry. Especially the nylon covers can not be wiped completely dry and need time to dry in the air. You should never store the boat in a wet or moist condition for a long period of time, as this can lead to mold growth.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Ultralite’s greatest strength is its light weight combined with an integrated deck. In addition, it is easy to paddle on the water. In favor of the weight, the boat skin is significantly thinner and only coated on one side, in contrast to the classical AdvancedFrame. On a river trip with rapids, we had the first unsightly scratches in the boat skin. Therefore, the kayak should only be used for tours with sufficient water depth. Another weakness of the boat that cannot be ignored is the long drying time due to the nylon cover. Especially on long tours (a lot of getting in and out of the boat during breaks and portages) and river tours with small rapids, water gets into the boat and the cover gets soaked with water. Good that you can remove the nylon cover with tube, so that everything can dry reasonably.

Conclusion on the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite

With the Ultralite, Advanced Elements addresses a target group that wants to transport and paddle their boat to the nearest lake or river without a car and without heavy carrying. And the manufacturer has succeeded in this, as long as there is sufficient water depth. We don’t consider the Ultralite kayak suitable for whitewater and shallow rivers with a lot of grounding. If you keep this in mind, you can have a lot of fun on the water with the kayak and will appreciate the good driving characteristics considering the low weight. For small or even extensive day trips, the Advanced Elements Ultralite is a very good choice.

The Aqua Marina Steam 412 is an inflatable kayak with drop-stitch floor. This is the new edition of the Aqua Marina Steam 412 from 2022. Compared to its previous model, not only the color scheme has changed, but also the width, capacity, spray covers and much more. The manufacturer even speaks of improved running characteristics.

For a 2-person drop-stitch kayak in the upper entry-level segment, it has a decent length of over 4m, has a footrest for both paddlers and two large fins. These are all aspects that should speak for good running characteristics. In addition to that, space and seating comfort are also crucial. In this review, we are interested in whether the inflatable kayak is more than just a beginner’s boat, i.e. whether you can also paddle longer tours with it in the summer and if it’s also an option for beginners with higher demands.

Technical Specs

Which model has been reviewed?

Aqua Marina Steam 412 from 2022

How did we organize the review?

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk was provided to us on a rental basis by Arts-Outdoors, a store and online shop for outdoor gear. Our review is independent of the manufacturer or store and reflects our own opinion of the boat.

How intensively has the product been tested?

Assembly and first impressions

The Aqua Marina Steam 412 makes a pretty compact impression when packed. On the other hand, the foam seats are quite bulky. The package includes a compact air pump with an integrated pressure gauge, a 10-liter dry bag, two large directional fins, repair materials, a water guard for the bow, a valve wrench and a solid transport backpack.

In total, the kayak with accessories weighs 15.5 kg (34.2 lbs) and can be easily transported in the included transport backpack. The backpack has padded shoulder straps, a simple chest and hip belt, and a large mesh pocket on the side for paddles or other accessories. The very simple waist strap is unnecessary in our view, as it is only a narrow strap and the click closure is pretty uncomfortable. Even without using the waist or chest strap, the kayak is very comfortable to carry in the included backpack. The side mesh pocket is nicely sized to fit two double paddles without squeezing.

If you pack the kayak well, you can easily fit the air pump and optionally two life jackets in the backpack. The backpack could be a little more robust overall from the material. After the second paddling tour, there was already a small hole in the fabric, which will be unavoidable in the long run. The previous model only came in a simple carrying bag, so that the perfectly fitting transport backpack alone is a really good upgrade.

To assemble the kayak, we first start by inserting the Drop-Stitch floor into the boat. The Drop-Stitch floor is quite narrow and has two cut-outs on both sides. The cut-outs are a good guide to whether the drop-stitch floor is positioned correctly in the boat. The cut-outs are there to expose the drain openings. However, on sea and calm river trips, the drain holes remain closed.

We noticed that the drop stitch is not glued cleanly in some places. Small unsightly spots where the glue is not clean are often found on boats produced in China and are not functionally critical. Nevertheless, these spots on our test model are clearly more than what we know. Even if it should not have any functional effects, this is a pity for a new product.

Now the side chambers can be inflated. The valves are spring valves. When inflating, the pin must stick out. Then the valve adapter of the air pump can be screwed on. The air chamber is quickly inflated, as it requires only 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI) and has a smaller diameter compared to other inflatable boats.

After the two side chambers are inflated, the drop stitch air chamber follows. This is also quickly inflated. The drop stitch is inflated to 0.3 bar (4.35 PSI), which is not much for a drop stitch air chamber.

Although a little air escapes from the pump during inflation and the double stroke pump is quite small, inflation was very quick and easy.

Admittedly, the air pressure of the air chambers for an inflatable kayak with an insertable drop-stitch floor is lower than average. The cheaper Itiwit x100+ even holds 0.2 bar (2.9 PSI) in the side chambers and 0.35 bar (5.1 PSI) in the drop-stitch floor. The lower air pressure in the Aqua Marina Steam, especially the air pressure in the side chambers, makes a noticeable difference on the dimensional stability and stiffness of the kayak. Compared to the drop-stitch floor, the rest of the hull with its side chambers has a very good finish.

For additional protection against waves that would otherwise come splashing into the boat from the front, the front spraydeck can be stretched with a plastic part as a kind of wave/water guard. If then a wave comes on the bow, the water does not run into the interior but sideways off.

Then the seats are inserted into the boat. To do this, the seats are fixed to the floor using Velcro. The backrest is attached to D-rings on the side chambers with four carabiners. The D-rings make a high-quality impression and are double reinforced on the side chamber. The advantage of the carabiners is that you don’t have to adjust the straps again on the next trip.

The upper straps of the backrest are attached to the side chambers in front of the seat and the lower straps are attached to the side chambers behind the seat. This way, the backrest cannot fold forward or backward. The upper straps can also be used to readjust the individual position of the backrest.

The footrests are already mounted in the interior. We try it out and we (1.89 m / 6’22” and 1.76 m / 5’77”) immediately notice that for us the distance between seat and footrest is clearly too small on both seats. Both footrests have two positions, and the footrests are already attached to the outer tabs. So we could only move the footrests closer to us, which doesn’t help.

So we place both seats much further back in the boat to create more space, because there is still enough room behind the second seat. However, the problem now is that the upper straps of the backrests are not long enough. We checked the manual again to make sure we installed the seats correctly. Also, the straps of both seats have the same length, so they have not been switched either. If we attached the lower straps of the backrest (which are actually a bit longer) in the front, the backrest would barely provide any support.

That is pretty annoying. A few more attachment loops on the floor for the footrest and longer straps on the backrest would have solved the problem. Presumably, the kayak was designed for markets where people are much smaller. So, without further ado, we decide not to use the footrests and remove them.

At the back of each seat there is a small pocket and two mesh pockets in the form of a drink holder, which is very practical for a leisurely tour in the summer.

After that, we mount the two fins on the bottom of the kayak, which should provide a better straight running characteristics. Do not mount the fins on the boat until you are done with the seats and footrests.

In the photo you can see how narrow the drop-stitch floor is. You can also see that the kayak has a high rocker. In addition, both the bow and stern have plastic caps to better protect the kayak in case of collisions.

Furthermore, the Aqua Marina Steam 412 has a total of 4 carrying handles, one each at the bow and stern as well as centrally on the side chambers. This allows you to carry the kayak both alone and with another to the water. If you want to store some luggage (e.g. the included 10 liter dry bag), you can use the luggage net at the stern.

Furthermore, the Aqua Marina Steam 412 has a total of 4 carrying handles, one each at the bow and stern and centrally on the side tubes. This allows one to carry the kayak both alone and in pairs to the water.

Rewiev on the water of the Aqua Marina Steam

The entry is easy and turns out to be pleasant and safe due to the firm drop-stitch floor, even if it is “only” 0.3 bar (4.35 PSI). However, the two fins ensure that the boat must be placed in parallel with the shore. With the bow to the shore it works less well, because otherwise you would get stuck with the front fin. When landing on the shore, you should also keep in mind not to paddle the kayak directly onto the shore, otherwise you will touch the ground. Rather, position the kayak in parallel just before landing and then get out. Alternatively, you could leave out the front fin. However, we are interested in the paddling characteristics with the two fins.

Our first tour with the Aqua Marina Steam takes place on a cloudy and slightly rainy day on a lake. After a short time we are positively surprised by the driving characteristics. Although the kayak has a high rocker, it runs well for a kayak in this price range. We have the feeling that we are making good progress on the lake. Speeds between 5.7 (3.5 mph) and 6.2 km/h (3.85 mph) are no problem with a normal paddle stroke.

We also like the straight running characteristics quite a lot. The kayak runs much better straight than expected. When both stop paddling, it doesn’t drift right away. It takes a while and drifts only slowly. This is where the two large fins make a difference. Despite good straight running, the maneuverability on the lake is also good. The kayak can be maneuvered easily and quickly. In terms of handling characteristics, it offers more than the Itiwit x100+ 2-seater.

The paddler in the back does not miss the footrest when paddling, as he can rest well on the backrest of the front seat without disturbing the other paddler. Nevertheless, there could be more legroom. Tall people (I sat in the back at 1.89 m and had the seat positioned as far back as possible) have to angle their legs too much. Unless the front person is shorter, so the front seat can be positioned further forward.

For the front paddler, a footrest would definitely be a nice feature on a longer trip, especially since you expect to be able to use a footrest when you buy the kayak. This only works if you’re shorter. If both paddlers are perhaps only 1.60 m (5’25”), it could probably work. Of course, in the end, it depends primarily on seat length, not height. If the use of a footrest is important to you, sit at home to test it before you go out on the water. However, for small leisurely paddling trips (with 2-3 h of paddling), you can safely do without a footrest, especially since the footrest is also just a kind of bar.

Although we had only small waves on the lake, the one or other wave came in the front side of the boat. What is noticeable is that the side walls are quite low. Probably, this is a possible reason why the one or other small wave came into the interior faster. Fortunately, the water in the boat gathers under the drop-stitch floor and in the cut-outs where the drain openings are located. So you don’t have water standing directly in the boat. In addition, the seat cushions are thick enough that you wouldn’t be sitting with your bottom right in the wet. Also, the seats stay in place and do not slip away. Overall, the seats offer a good seating comfort, especially the backrest gives a good support when paddling.

On a river tour, we were convinced by the kayak’s tipping stability. Although it is not as stable as the Itiwit x100+, it still offers a sufficiently high tipping stability, so that even beginners feel comfortable in the Aqua Marina Steam.

We were particularly struck by the kayak’s low stiffness. If you lean on the side tubes to sit properly in the seat, the air chambers give way quite a bit on the one hand, and on the other hand you push the boat apart a bit. This is only known from cheaper boats, but not from drop-stitch kayaks. The kayak also sagged during the transfers due to the low air pressure. There are other reasons for this: First, the air pressure decreases in cold water and second, there was some water in the boat because some splash water got into the boat. With a Gumotex boat with similar dimensions (e.g. Gumotex Solar or Gumotex Swing 2, both with 0.2 bar / 2.9 PSI in the side chambers and in the bottom chamber) we never had the problem that during a transfer the boat sags to the bottom.

It is a pity that the narrow insertable drop-stitch floor is not attached to the actual boat hull (e.g. via two straps as on the Itiwit x100+). So we noticed that in the event of a capsize or too much water in the boat, the drop-stitch floor can be pushed up and come loose.

On river trips with low water levels, where unsightly groundings are to be expected more often, it is better not to attach the fins. Otherwise there is a risk that your kayak will often touch down or even get stuck. This happened on a river tour with the Aqua Marina Steam. The consequence is that you have to get out. One fin even broke off on the Aqua Marina Steam. This shows that the fin is made of a plastic that is too inelastic.

Meanwhile, many 2-person inflatable kayaks can be reconfigured so that you can paddle the kayak very well alone. Aqua Marina does not offer this option. Rightly so! Because there are no separate attachment points for the footrest and seat for the 1-person configuration. Nevertheless, it was possible to attach the backrest so that it provides sufficient support while paddling. We definitely miss a footrest here then. Also, the kayak has more rocker, the waterline is shorter and the running characteristics decrease noticeably. The kayak is not designed for this, but you can still take it for a leisurely short paddle tour. However, we personally wouldn’t want to paddle with it for more than half an hour or at most an hour in this configuration (unless you let yourself drift down a river with just a few paddle strokes).

The Aqua Marina Steam has, among other things, the rocker and the many drain plugs to be able to use it better in white water. The kayak is even advertised for use up to whitewater level 3, to possibly suggest a higher value!? The kayak has in any case a sufficiently high tilt stability (but less than compared to the Itiwit x100+), but personally we would not paddle with the kayak in white water level 3. For white water level 3 it needs thigh straps and reasonable foot support, where not the heels but the balls of the feet can be put on. A self-bailer function through the numerous drain openings is in our view not yet an argument to be able to use the kayak safely in WW3. In addition, the narrow drop-stitch floor is only inserted in the boat and is not attached anywhere. In the event of a capsize, it could come loose. Last but not least, it should not be forgotten that whitewater has a very low water temperature most of the time. The side chambers would become even softer due to the low water temperature, so reinflation is necessary.

Dismantling the Aqua Marina Steam 412

The kayak is as easy and quick to dismantle as it is to assemble. The boat is easy to wipe dry and put back together. It went without problems everything back into the transport backpack.

Water, which stands in the interior of the boat, can be very easily emptied via the drain plug in the stern or bow. If the seats are wet, they must be dried in the air.

Strengths and weaknesses of the Aqua Marina Steam

We liked the simple and quick assembly as well as the running characteristics best. The running characteristics are not comparable with an Itiwit x500, nortik scubi 1 XL or Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite, but they are better than expected for this price range.

We were disappointed by the positioning of the seats and footrests. In addition, we would have expected a higher stiffness for a kayak in this price range, because the side chambers allow only 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI).

Conclusion on the Aqua Marina Steam Drop-Stitch kayak

With the rocker and the drain plugs, as well as the longer design and the two large fins, Aqua Marina wanted to bring a real all-rounder to the market with the Steam 412, which can be used both for white water and for lakes and calm rivers. The driving characteristics of the kayak convinced us for this price range in calm waters. In white water, we would use the kayak only up to white water level 1, despite the steering option. Unfortunately, it is not an all-rounder in terms of seat configuration (i.e. reconfigurable as a 1-seater kayak), as the separate attachment points for seat and footrest in the boat are missing.

What also disappointed us is the positioning of the seats and footrests in the 2-person configuration, which is what the kayak is actually intended for. The footrests can’t be positioned far enough forward, and the backrest straps are too short to place the seats far enough back. So the use of the footrest is reserved for shorter people. This is actually a pity, because there would be enough room for two tall adults in the inflatable kayak. If you only want to go on short, leisurely tours, the lack of a footrest won’t bother you. On the other hand, those who plan extended day trips should not neglect this aspect.

Also, we would have expected a kayak with an insertable drop-stitch floor to have a higher overall steadiness. The side chambers are quite soft at 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI). Even a kayak (e.g. Itiwit Touring) with 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI) and a polyester shell makes a more stable impression overall. The hull is overall cleanly glued. However, we could determine a few unclean glued joints at some points of the drop-stitch bottom.

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 440 is an open 2-person full drop stitch kayak, i.e. both the bottom and the side chambers are made of drop stitch material. The construction method makes the kayak look like a hardshell kayak, because you won’t find voluminous air chambers in the Tomahawk. Aqua Marina is not the only brand of full drop-stitch kayaks, as full drop-stitch kayaks have been on the market for several years and in recent years this type of inflatable kayak has become increasingly popular. Among the Aqua Marina kayaks, the Tomahawk is one of the most popular kayaks of the brand. We have tested the Aqua Marina Tomahawk and would like to share our experiences with you in this review.

Technical Specs

Which model has been reviewed?

Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 440 from 2022

How did we organize the review?

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk was provided to us on a rental basis by Arts-Outdoors, a store and online shop for outdoor gear. Our review is independent of the manufacturer or store and reflects our own opinion of the boat.

How intensively has the product been tested?

First impressions and assembly

The kayak is supplied with a transport backpack. The big advantage is not only that you do not have to buy an additional transport bag, but that you already have a bag that is perfectly suited for the boat.

The backpack of the Aqua Marina Tomahawk can be opened all around via a zipper. This large opening ensures that you can easily pack and unpack backpack. On one side of the backpack there is also a side pocket. Such side pockets are good for stowing multi-part paddles (paddles are not included in the package and must be purchased extra). Unfortunately, only one four-piece paddle fits in the side pocket of the Tomahawk backpack. The second must be stowed in the main compartment or in a separate bag. The shoulder straps of the backpack are lightly padded. For the storage of the kayak and short transport distances, the backpack is more than enough. However, if the way to the next station is longer than 10 minutes, we would have liked a hip belt and more padded shoulder straps due to the high weight. For example, the backpack from the Aqua Marina Steam is better padded, although the Steam is lighter. Overall, the backpack is a nice addition from the manufacturer. However, if you want to transport the boat over longer distances on your back, you are probably better off with a higher-quality backpack.

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk, almost like any full drop-stitch kayak, is quite bulky and heavy with its PVC coating (the Tahe Breeze is an exception in the segment with a simple PVC coating). For example, a Gumotex Seawave made of polyester coated with rubber with similar dimensions is much more compact and partly lighter than a full drop-stitch kayak.

Unpacked, the Aqua Marina Tomahawk appears with a length of 4.40 m pretty long, slim dimensioned and streamlined. From the first impression, the drop stitch kayak makes a high-quality impression. The Drop-Stitch material consists of a polyester fabric and 2 PVC layers as a coating.

In addition to the transport backpack, there is a high-pressure air pump with an integrated pressure gauge in the scope of delivery. It has a single and double action function. You use the double action function at the beginning, whereby you pump air into the air chambers during both the downward and upward movement. This way you quickly get maximum air within minimum time into the chambers. When you have reached a certain high air pressure, pumping with the Double Action function quickly becomes exhausting. Then switch to the Single Action function. With this function, only air is pumped into the air chambers during downward movement, and pumping becomes easier again when the air pressure is high. In addition, two solid kayak seats, two footrests, two fins, a valve wrench and repair materials are included in the package.

The Tomahawk consists of 3 separate air chambers, each has a spring valve. The valve cap is unscrewed, the pin of the spring is pushed out and the adapter of the air pump is put on. After that the pumping starts. You can read the air pressure directly from the pressure gauge on the air pump during inflation. Each air chamber must be pumped up to 0.68 bar / 10 PSI, which is a common value for a full drop-stitch kayak. Inflating is really easy and fast. Without much effort, the inflatable kayak with its flat air chambers is inflated after a very short time. The side chambers and the bottom have a thickness of 7 cm when inflated.

Now that the boat is inflated, the seats are placed into the boat. These are solid seats. The seat cushion is attached to the Velcro strip, which is located on the floor inside the boat. This is to prevent the seat cushion from slipping while paddling on the water. The backrest is attached to D-rings on the side chambers with four carabiners. The D-rings make a high-quality impression and are double reinforced on the side chamber. The advantage of the carabiners is that you do not have to adjust the straps again on the next kayak tour.

The upper straps of the backrest are attached to the side chambers in front of the seat and the lower straps are attached to the side chambers behind the seat. This prevents the backrest from folding forward or backward. The upper straps can also be used to readjust the individual position of the backrest. In addition, there is a small simple pocket at the back of the backrest for storing utensils, such as sunscreen or snacks (not waterproof and also not completely closable. Items can be lost in the event of a capsize).

Once the seats are positioned, the next step is to install the footrests, which do not differ for the front and rear seats. Both footrests have two straps each, which are threaded through the D-rings on the side chambers. The straps are then closed via a bar buckle or ladder buckle and adjusted in terms of length. We especially find adjusting the length of the straps via the bar buckles cumbersome and annoying. 

It is also noticeable that some space in the bow is wasted as potential footwell. The footrest is too wide and the bow too narrow to position the footrest further into the bow. We (1.86 and 1.89) therefore had to move the front and rear seat significantly backwards, so that both paddlers have enough space. Of course, you give away some space in the stern to store luggage and equipment.

After the seats and footrests have been adjusted to suit your needs, the fins can be slid into the two slide-in boxes provided on the underside of the boat and secured with a cotter pin. The fins are relatively heavy compared to fins of other air kayaks.

A directional fin provides better straight-line tracking and is very common on inflatable kayaks, but two fins of this size are rare to find. We are curious to see how good the straight running of the Aqua Marina Tomahawk will be.

For additional protection against waves that would otherwise slosh into the boat from the front, the front spraydeck can be stretched with a plastic part as a kind of wave/water deflector. If then a wave comes on the bow, the water does not run into the interior.

A hard-shell element is incorporated at the end of the bow and stern respectively, shaping the ends of the kayak well and protecting the air chambers in case of contact with shore or rocks. 

Besides the carrying handles and the safety loops at the bow and stern, there is unfortunately no luggage net or similar. Many inflatable kayaks with an open cockpit (e.g. Tahe Breeze, Aqua Marina Steam, Gumotex Solar, Itiwit x100+, …) have a luggage net at the stern to securely attach luggage so that it does not take up space in the interior. Unfortunately, the Tomahawk does not have such a luggage net. The spraydeck at the stern of the Tomahawk is also quite small. This at least has the advantage of stowing a larger backpack or pack behind the second seat and making it easier to get into the corners when drying. For stowing luggage inside, some manufacturers like to work with D-rings on the floor so that the luggage can be secured. But even for such features to secure luggage, you look for the Aqua Marina Tomahawk in vain.

Although Aqua Marina advertises the 1-person configuration on the Air-K 440, the kayak is only half-heartedly designed for this configuration. For the 1-person configuration, there are no Velcro strips and no additional D-rings to secure the seat in the center of the interior. Instead, the D-rings of the 2-person configuration are used. We’ll go into how well this works on the water in the section below.

Review of the Aqua Marina Tomahawk on the water

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk has a total of four carrying handles. The carrying handles at the bow and stern are ideal for transporting the kayak to the water or transferring the kayak in pairs on river tours. More than lightly loaded (small daypack in the boat) we would not carry the boat with the handles, however.

If you are traveling alone, you can use the carrying handles in the middle on the inside of the side walls. This shows how unwieldy such a long boat can be. Nevertheless, the handles are absolutely sufficient to put the Tomahawk alone at short distance into the water. 

Due to the open cockpit, entry is very easy. The two directional fins can be annoying on the shore. If you get in too shallow water, they tend to stick to the ground, so that you can’t get off the spot. This is partly because the fins are pretty long and there is a fin in the front as well as in the back. It is better to place the boat in the water sideways to the shore or to enter via landing stage. Alternatively, you can also leave a fin off so that the entry on the shore works better.

When paddling the Tomahawk, it is immediately noticeable at the beginning that it feels very tippy at first, as if it would tip over at the next movement. If you trust the boat and give it some time, you will be rewarded. The drop-stitch kayak is tippy, but the stability of the kayak on the water is much higher than felt at the beginning and the actual capsize point comes very late. We have challenged several capsizes on summer tours. We were surprised how late the kayak actually capsizes then. Before it tips over, it literally continues on the sidewall. If you’re fit or athletic, you’ll also manage to get out of the water back into the kayak without any problems. 

If you are timid, you will not like the Tomahawk. There are much more stable inflatable kayaks on the market (e.g. Aqua Marina Steam 412, Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible, Itiwit x100+ 2-seater, Gumotex Thaya, …). This aspect should not be neglected in a 2-person kayak. If you want to paddle with your partner or friends who may have never paddled before, it is easier to win them to the new activity if they feel safety and comfort at the beginning. Also, in a 2-person kayak, there are always two people who need to find the right balance together. Finding this joint balance is more important in a tippier kayak than in, for example, an Itiwit x100+ or Gumotex Thaya, which hardly tilt at all when there are unsteady movements in the boat.

Speeds of 6 to 7 km/h during leisurely paddling for two are possible without any problems. The kayak accelerates very well and has a good glide with only a very small bow wave. Overall, the trim of the kayak is really good on the water and forms a nice long waterline. 

With the two fins, the straight line runout is also very good. If both people stop paddling, the kayak does not drift, but keeps track. These are definitely ideal conditions for a relaxed and yet speedy tours, where the kayak continues to run straight even during a short break.

On large rivers and lakes with sufficient depth and space, the two fins are a real gain. On small rivers, however, the kayak with two fins would be too little maneuverable for us. Here we would use only one fin at most. On rivers with obstacles, we would not use a fin at all, because the fin is too rigid and the risk of getting stucked or the fin breaking away is too high. This happened to us on the Aqua Marina Steam on a river tour, which has the same fins and slide-in boxes on the bottom. Other manufacturers like Gumotex have a fin attachment that allows the fin to bend to the side. With the Tomahawk, however, this is not possible, because the fin is in a fixed insertion rail. 

For multi-day trips, we think the Tomahawk lacks space for luggage and protection from splashing water, light rain and cold. Here, other inflatable boats are clearly ahead (e.g. Verano California Duo*, Gumotex Seawave or Rush 2, Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Elite, nortik scubi 2 XL). If you still want to take the Tomahawk on multi-day trips in summer, you should take the 3-person kayak Tomahawk Air-C 478*, which is 38 cm longer. However, it should be noted at this point that the Air-C 478 has no footrests. For use by three people, footrests are probably not even necessary. Due to the short interior space for 3 people, the front person rests his feet in the bow and the rear people against the backrest of the front paddler.

When paddling the kayak alone, the trim on the water remains amazingly good despite the boat’s length thanks to the drop-stitch technology, so that even as a solo paddler you can make very good progress on the water in the Tomahawk Air-K 440. The maneuverability with two fins is only moderate for a 1-person kayak. 

Space is more than enough for one paddler and luggage in the 1-person configuration in the Tomahawk Air-K 440. The large transport backpack can be placed in the back behind the seat. The unused D-rings can be used to attach the backpack or additional dry bags. 

In the 1-person configuration, the footrest is indispensable to find sufficient support in the boat. The footrest is fine or better than nothing, but proper footrests such as with the Itiwit x500 would have been a great feature to allow the kayak to be paddled more cleanly. The aspect that the seat cushion is not attached to the floor via a Velcro strip in the 1 configuration proves to be practically uncritical.

Dismantling the boat

Dismantling the boat is quite simple. Water standing in the interior of the boat is very easy to drain through the drain holes in the stern. If the seats are wet, they must be dried in the air. 

The kayak is dismantled as quickly as it is assembled. It is easy to wipe dry and put back together. If you fold it neatly, the kayak goes back into the transport backpack without any problems. The backpack is sufficiently large dimensioned to still stow the air pump or life jackets. 

Strengths and Weaknesses

We liked the glide and straight line performance best for an inflatable kayak with a full drop stitch construction in this price range. Nevertheless, the Tomahawk does have a few weaknesses that you should be aware of before buying. 

Conclusion on the Aqua Marina Tomahawk

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk is a classic full drop-stitch kayak that is ideal for half-day to day trips on calm waters in the summer. It is aimed at recreational paddlers who accept a certain tippiness in favor of better running characteristics. Due to the good gliding characteristics and the good straight running, it allows a speedy progress with comfortable paddle strokes. The solid workmanship, the slim construction and the drop-stitch chambers give the kayak a high value. 

Although the Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 440 has a length of 4.40 m, there is little space / options for stowing or attaching luggage. A small 10 liter pack can be stowed in the front in the bow and the large transport backpack (with some content) and the air pump in the stern. For multi-day trips this would be too little. Therefore, we see the kayak primarily as a kayak for day trips.

The Itiwit x100+ is an inflatable kayak with a drop-stitch floor from Decathlon, which is aimed at beginners and occasional paddlers for paddling short tours on the water and leisurely half-day trips. It is not the only inflatable kayak from Decathlon. We’ve already had the chance to test the Itiwit Touring 2/1-seater, the Itiwit x100+ 2-seater, and the sporty Itiwit x500. Compared to the popular Itiwit Touring series, the x100+ is a significant development. It costs more, but offers clear advantages from our point of view. Find out more details about the kayak and how we liked the x100+ 3 seater as a 1-, 2- and 3-person kayak on the water in this review.

Technical Specs

Which model has been reviewed?

Itiwit x100+ 3 seater from 2021

How did we organize the review?

The Itiwit x100+ was provided to us by Decathlon, a French manufacturer and distributor of sports equipment and clothing. Itiwit is a brand for the paddle sport of Decathlon. Our review is independent of the manufacturer or shop and reflects our own opinion of the boat.

How intensively has the product been tested?

First impressions and assembly

The boat weighs 18 kg and can be transported comfortably over short distances to the water or train station with the included backpack. The backpack has wide shoulder straps and two side pockets where the paddles can be inserted. In addition, the lower part of the backpack is waterproof, so a wet boat in the backpack does not soak the backpack.

As with all transport backpacks for kayaks from Itiwit, we like the large all-around zipper opening, which makes packing and unpacking the boat much easier. Included are repair materials, patches (for short term and quick repair of holes), a compression strap, three fins for better straight running characteristics, a valve wrench for retightening the valves and an inflation connector for the air pump.

An air pump and double paddles are not included, which is completely understandable for the price. Double paddles in a cheap complete set (e.g. Intex Challenger K2, Intex Excursion Pro, Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura or Sevylor Adventure Plus) have never been able to convince us so far. Both paddles and an air pump can be purchased at Decathlon or elsewhere.

The assembly of the kayak is very simple. On the inside of the backpack there is even a short picture instruction for the assembly, which is very helpful if you sometimes do not have the instructions with you or want to quickly check a step. The boat is first rolled out completely. The inflatable kayak has two side chambers and a separated drop-stitch floor, each inflatable via its own valve. The valves are high quality spring valves that are easy to operate. On the valves there is a label to which maximum air pressure the air chamber may be inflated and which one should be inflated first, second and so on.

The gray Drop-Stitch floor is inflated to 0.35 bar. 0.35 bar is not much for Drop-Stitch, but it is enough to get a sufficiently firm kayak floor. The inflated floor is placed in the boat. In the front and in the back of the boat there is a strap, so that the Drop-Stitch floor is firmly fixed to the boat and cannot slip.

The side chambers are inflated up to 0.2 bar. Considering the price, this pressure is a really good value for air chambers without drop-stitch technology. Thus, the kayak not only has a solid bottom due to the drop-stitch floor but also an overall form-stable hull, which makes a much higher quality impression compared to Intex or Sevylor boats.

Lately, we have been using the Quechua electric pump for inflating inflatable boats, which is powered by a rechargeable battery. The boat’s included valve connector fits the electric pump perfectly. The electric pump manages to fill most of the air chamber with air. We then create the final air pressure with a double-action pump. This means 2/3 to 3/4 fewer strokes are needed with the double stroke pump. This is a very pleasant comfort, especially on hot summer days.

After the kayak is fully inflated, mount the 3 small fins on the bottom of the kayak. Each of the fins is inserted into its fin tray and secured with a cotter pin. Fins are common on inflatable kayaks to improve straight-line stability. This is because, compared to rigid kayaks, inflatable kayaks float on the water rather than in it due to their high air buoyancy.

Due to the small size of the individual fins, the Itiwit x100 has a shallow draught even with fins. This has the advantage that you can already enter the boat in shallow water and groundings are reduced in general.

When looking at the bottom of the inflatable kayak you easily see that it’s is designed for maximum stability. The bottom is very flat, almost like a board. In addition, the side tubes are mounted very low, so that the kayak has a maximum width on the water surface. This is good for tipping stability but disadvantageous for the performance on the water.

In addition, there are two drain openings in the center right and left. These can be opened from the inside to drain water standing in the boat during a break on the shore. In the stern and bow there is also a drain opening, which are intended for draining the boat before dismantling.

The seat cushions of the seats are inflated via a small Boston valve with an air pump or inflated with your mouth. So you can decide the hardness of the seat cushion yourself. As with the other Itiwit kayaks, the seat has a good height. On the one hand, it makes sitting in the boat much more comfortable and on the other hand, you do not sit immediately in the wet, if water comes into the boat.

A 20-30 liter dry bag can be attached on the stern with the bungee cord. There is also room for a larger backpack behind the third seat. This is then no longer completely on the stern, but hangs partly then inside the boat.

Review on the water of the Itiwit x100+ 3 seater

The Itiwit x100+ is a 3-person kayak that can also be reconfigured as a 2- or 1-person kayak. We tested all three configurations on the water. The side and front and rear carry handles make the inflatable kayak easy to carry alone or with someone else to the water.

On the water, the kayak has a very high tipping stability in all 3 configurations, making it ideal for paddling beginners. Due to the firm drop-stitch floor the entry and exit is very easy, because the floor hardly gives way compared to traditional inflatable kayaks without drop-stitch floor.

The Itiwit X100+ 3 seater as 1 person kayak

In the 1-person configuration, the rocker of the kayak (the curved part in the bottom of the kayak hull that connects the bow with the stern.) is the biggest, so the waterline is much smaller than the actual length of the kayak. The water position of the boat is significantly worse compared to the 2 and 3-person configuration, as you can see for yourself in the photos below.

Also, like the Itiwit Touring 2-seater or Itiwit x100+ 2-seater, it lacks a footrest if you seriously want to paddle the kayak alone for a longer distance. On rivers, where you want to float down for the most part, paddling from time to time a bit and otherwise just correcting the direction, it may still work. On standing water, we recommend the Itiwit x100+ 3-seater as a 1-person kayak only if you occasionally want to go on a small leisurely paddling tour, i.e. where staying and relaxing on the water is the focus.

The Gumotex Solar (2+1 person kayak with the same boat length) works much better as a 1-person kayak. You can paddle it solo without any problems and reach a good speed.

The Itiwit x100+ in the 1-person configuration feels quite bulky and unwieldy on the water. The paddle stroke should not be too strong, so that the tracking while paddling still remains in an acceptable range.

The Itiwit X100+ 3 seater as 2 person kayak

With 2 people, the kayak can be paddled much better. However, we have the feeling that you sit quite far from each other, ie the front paddler sits quite far forward and the rear paddler quite far back. This puts weight on the stern and bow, so the kayak lies better in the water and creates a longer waterline.

Nonetheless, we would have liked longer seat side straps and a continuous Velcro strip on the bottom so you can place the seats more variably in the boat. The Velcro strip for attaching the seat cushions to the floor would do the job. This is because the person behind has a lot of legroom, which he cannot use in most cases, and the person in front still has enough legroom, but much less.

When paddling with another person, the straight running characteristic is alright. However, if you stop paddling, the boat drifts quickly. A speed of 4.8 to 5.5 km/h (3 – 3,4 mph) is possible on average, depending of course on your own paddle stroke, the double paddles themselves, the weight distribution and the weather conditions.

The Itiwit X100+ 3 seater as 3 person kayak

Although the kayak is quite short for a 3-person kayak with a length of 410 cm, paddling with 3 people works quite well. We (189 cm / 76 kg, 186 cm / 74 kg, 174 cm / 82 kg) did not have enough space to stretch out our legs slightly bent. 

Still, the interior of the kayak is wide enough so that you can sit well in a slight cross-legged position. Since the seat cushion is high enough, sitting or paddling cross-legged for several hours is not uncomfortable. Alternatively, you sit in the boat with your legs strongly bent. Regardless of the seating position, we and friends of ours see the Itiwit x100 as a kayak to use for a short and relaxing afternoon trip (2-3 hours).

When paddling with three people, it is quite possible for the rear paddler to steer the boat alone. On a lake or very calm river, at least two people should paddle to make reasonable progress. However, on rivers with noticeable current, it is also sufficient for the rear paddler to do some paddling and steer with good foresight, meanwhile the front people mostly relax and enjoy their time on the water. This was much more relaxing for the rear paddler in that case than if all three people were paddling.

When all three people are paddling, the paddlers need to be well synchronized. Otherwise, the rear paddler must not only steer but also constantly compensate for the uneven paddle strokes of the front paddlers. Due to the short boat length for a 3-man kayak, paddlers with their double-bladed paddles will quickly get in each other’s way if they are not paddling in sync. Three paddlers can reach 5.6 km/h (3,5 mph), up to a maximum of 6.1 km/h (3,8 mph). Please consider these values only as rough reference values.

The side cutouts in the middle of the drop stitch floor (where the drain holes are) have proven to be very practical. If a little more water comes into the boat, the water mainly accumulates there and the bottom remains free of water. In addition, the seat cushions are nice and high, so in most cases the seat remains dry.

Also super handy are the pockets on the bow and on the backrests. This gives every paddler the opportunity to store a snack and a drinks bottle within easy reach.

Itiwit x100+ 2 seater vs 3 seater

Itiwit x100+ is available in 2, 3 and 4 seater versions. The kayaks differ in price, weight, dimensions, load capacity and color. Otherwise, the two kayaks are identical in terms of tipping stability, material, air pressure and features.

If you are looking for a 3-person kayak, the decision between the two models is already made. But how does it look if you want to paddle the kayak only alone or with another person? Should you buy the 2-seater or better the 3-seater?

The 3-seater has a 50 kg higher load capacity (i.e. 245 kg instead of 195 kg), which means that the paddlers can weigh more and at the same time still carry some extra stuff. There is also significantly more room to stretch your legs in the 45 cm longer 3-seater, especially for the rear paddler. In addition, you have the possibility to place one or two large bags in the middle without disturbing the paddling. For two, the 3-seater is about 0.5 km/h (0,3 mph) faster and drifts less when you stop paddling.

Only because of the slightly better driving characteristics, however, we would not advise the 3-seater. If you really want to have noticeably better driving characteristics, you should rather buy another kayak like the Gumotex Solar (same boat length), which can be paddled very well both alone and with another paddler.

The Itiwit x100+ 3-seater is recommended if you really want to use it as a 3-person kayak, or at least have that option. Also, the 3-seater is recommended if you need a higher load capacity. Then the slightly better driving characteristics are a nice side effect. In the end, from our point of view, both are inflatable kayaks for paddling beginners who are looking for an inflatable kayak with a robust boat skin and high tipping stability.

Dismantling the Itiwit x100+

The big advantage with the Itiwit x100+ over an Itiwit Touring 3-seater is that it is much faster to dismantle. The seats and the drop-stitch floor are removed from the boat. If there is water in the kayak, you can drain it through the screw-on drain holes. Afterwards, the inflatable kayak can be easily wiped dry with a towel. Since the boat is designed very open, you can reach everywhere with the towel.

During dry wiping, we again took a closer look at the bondings. Here we had to find processing problems last year with the Itiwit x100+ 2-seater. The bottom was not cleanly glued to the side tubes. This did not affect the functionality of the kayak, but is still not nice for a new product.

It’s a real pity that we found workmanship issues in this area on this one as well. It’s a pity because the bottom is sometimes the most heavily used area and otherwise the boat is cleanly finished overall. When wiping dry the crevices between the floor and the side tubes, which were still filled with air, it sounded like Velcro was coming loose. Most likely it was the bonding. In the following photos you can see this place where the bonding came loose.

The next time we dismantle, we will let the air out completely and then wipe it dry. This puts less stress on the bonding. A stable bonding should still put it away without problems. When asked at Decathlon, the manufacturer told us that such a thing is not normal and can not assure us whether it has an impact on the durability. On the next tour, it had no effect on the functionality and the adhesions did not loosen further. Nevertheless, we advise you to check the adhesions when buying the boat.

Strengths and weaknesses of Itiwit x100+

The Itiwit x100+ is one of the most tip stable inflatable kayaks we have paddled and offers a high level of features for the price (3rd seat included, good seating comfort, drop stitch floor). Overall, the kayak has a good finish. Only the gluing between the floor and the side tubes have small defects. We had the same defect last year when testing the Itiwit x100+ 2-seater.

The material is robust and if the bonding on the inside of the bottom was clean, we could not complain. Nevertheless, the kayak does not come close to the high quality of a Gumotex or Advanced Elements kayak. In the entry-level segment (eg Sevylor, Intex, …), however, the Itiwit x100 offers much more in terms of workmanship and robustness.

Conflusion on the Itiwit x100+ 3 seater

From our point of view, Decathlon has done a lot right with the Itiwit x100+ and developed an inflatable kayak that clearly stands out from the inexpensive inflatable kayaks from Intex, Sevylor and Bestway and, with the drop-stitch floor, offers real added value in this price range.

The x100+ is significantly more dimensionally stable due to the drop-stitch floor and the higher air pressure of the side tubes, it has a significantly more robust boat skin (which can also be repaired if damaged), it has a higher seating comfort due to the high seat cushions and stable backrests, it is more tilt-resistant and it can be easily wiped dry after the tour. In terms of driving characteristics (especially speed, tracking stability, gliding characteristics), the x100+ offers no significant advantages over the boats from Intex, Sevylor and Co.

If you are looking for a kayak with great driving characteristics, which can be used for long day trips (> 20 km), regardless of whether alone, with another paddler or two other paddlers, should take a closer look at other inflatable kayaks from manufacturers like Advanced Elements or Gumotex.

Although the inflatable kayak offers the least space as a 3-person kayak, we liked this configuration the best. It’s just great to have the option to go paddling in a kayak with two other friends for a nice leisurely paddle together. This is also a great way for families with a child to spend time together on the water. Because of the high tipping stability, you can quickly convince friends and family members to come along for a paddle tour. For families with small children, the very high tipping stability is a real plus in terms of safety.

As a 2-person kayak, the Itiwit x100+ 3-seater makes sense especially if you need the higher payload capacity and the extra space for luggage. It is an advantage that you can also paddle the boat as a 1-person kayak. For small and leisurely paddling trips it may be sufficient. However, if you want to go on tours alone with it more often, you won’t do yourself any favors with the boat. The kayak is not designed for that.