watch video on youtube »
First Thoughts Review: the 2026 NRS Akamai Series
Hey there, Simon from AQ Outdoors here, with our first thoughts review for the 2026 NRS Akamai Family. If weight, packability, and performance all sit high on your priority list, these inflatable kayaks should definitely be a contender for your next boat purchase.
At AQ Outdoors, we see a lot of inflatable kayaks come through the shop, and every once in a while, one shows up that genuinely changes what people expect from an inflatable. The NRS Akamai fits into that category. Lightweight, packable, and surprisingly efficient on the water, this kayak is aimed at paddlers who want to cover distance comfortably while still keeping things simple and travel-friendly.
Navigate To:
Who is the NRS Akamai 125 for?
The NRS Akamai 125 is for paddlers who want the convenience of an inflatable kayak but care deeply about on-water performance. It’s a great fit for recreational paddlers looking to explore lakes, mellow rivers, and coastal areas without feeling like they are paddling a pool toy.
This kayak especially makes sense for people living in apartments, travelling in smaller vehicles, or anyone who simply doesn’t want to haul around a heavy hard-shell kayak. At under 20 pounds, the Akamai is incredibly easy to transport and store, making spontaneous paddling trips much more realistic.
It’s also a strong option for paddlers who regularly deal with windy conditions. Thanks to its low rocker profile and efficient hull design, the Akamai tracks well and doesn’t get pushed around as easily as many inflatable kayaks on the market.
If your goal is to cover more distance with less effort while still keeping your setup lightweight and compact, the Akamai 125 checks a lot of boxes.
Shop more NRS Kayaks
View all
What is an inflatable kayak?
An inflatable kayak is a portable kayak that uses air chambers instead of a rigid plastic or composite hull. Modern inflatable kayaks have evolved dramatically over the last decade, especially with the introduction of high-pressure drop stitch technology and advanced materials like TPU.
Older inflatable kayaks were often bulky, flexible, and slow on the water. Newer designs like the NRS Akamai family are built to paddle efficiently and feel much more rigid under load. High-pressure floors create a firmer platform that improves speed, tracking, and responsiveness while still allowing the kayak to pack down into a compact bag for transport or storage.
For many paddlers, inflatable kayaks offer the best balance between convenience and accessibility. You can throw one in the trunk of your car or carry it into remote lakes without needing a trailer or roof rack system.
Lightweight Design and Packability
One of the standout features of the NRS Akamai 125 is just how light it is. Thanks to its TPU construction, the entire kayak comes in at under 20 pounds, which is remarkably light for a performance-oriented inflatable kayak.
That low weight makes a massive difference when you’re carrying the boat from your vehicle to the shoreline or packing it for travel. Whether you’re heading out for a quick evening paddle after work or planning a weekend road trip into the mountains, the Akamai is easy to bring along.
The included compression carry strap helps keep the packed boat compact and manageable, and because the kayak packs down so small, storage at home becomes much less of an issue compared to traditional kayaks.
Shop all PFDs
View all
How the Akamai Paddles on the Water
This is really where the NRS Akamai 125 separates itself from many inflatable kayaks.
The combination of the high-pressure drop stitch floor, low rocker profile, and removable fin gives the kayak a much more efficient feel on the water. Instead of feeling soft or sluggish, the Akamai tracks cleanly and maintains momentum well between strokes.
For paddlers who spend time on open lakes or windy reservoirs, this matters a lot. Inflatable kayaks with excessive rocker or softer hulls can get blown around easily, making longer paddles tiring. The Akamai’s design helps it stay on course with less correction needed from the paddler.
The overall experience feels closer to a recreational hard-shell kayak than many people expect from an inflatable. You can comfortably cover distance while still benefiting from the portability and convenience of an inflatable platform.
TPU Construction and Durability
The use of TPU construction is another big highlight of the Akamai
TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane, is known for being lightweight while still offering excellent abrasion resistance and durability. Compared to heavier PVC-based inflatable kayaks, TPU helps keep the overall weight down without sacrificing toughness.
For paddlers who regularly travel, hike gear into remote launch spots, or simply want a lighter setup to manage, TPU construction offers a noticeable advantage.
Combined with the rigid drop stitch floor, the result is a kayak that feels refined and purpose-built rather than oversized or cumbersome.
Standup Paddleboard Capability
One unique feature of the NRS Akamai 125 is the versatility provided by the high-pressure floor. Because the floor becomes so rigid when inflated properly, the Akamai family of kayaks can also double as an impromptu stand-up paddleboard.
That flexibility can be surprisingly useful during relaxed lake days or when introducing friends and family to paddling. While it’s primarily designed as a kayak, having the option to stand up and paddle adds another layer of fun and functionality to the overall package.
What Comes With the NRS Akamai 125?
The NRS Akamai 125 package includes everything you need to get started on the water:
- The kayak
- Adjustable seat
- Adjustable foot block
- Drink bottle holder
- Removable tracking fin
- Compression carry strap
- Repair kit
- Pump
For 2026, the Akamai 125 is priced at $1,795 CAD plus tax, positioning it as a premium inflatable kayak designed for paddlers who prioritize lightweight construction and efficient paddling performance.
Other NRS Akamai Sizes Available
The NRS Akamai family comes in three sizes: the 110, 125, and 145. The main differences are length, speed, carrying capacity, and intended use. As the boats get longer, they glide better, track straighter, and carry more gear, though they also become slightly heavier and less maneuverable.
The 110 is the lightest and easiest to carry, making it ideal for casual paddling, travel, and quick outings. The tradeoff is less glide over longer distances.
The 125 is the best all-around option for most paddlers, balancing portability with improved speed and tracking for lakes, wind, and longer paddles.
The 145 is built for touring, with the best glide, highest gear capacity, and included tandem seating. It’s great for day trips and overnight adventures, though it packs slightly larger.
If you’re unsure which Akamai model best fits your paddling style, we can help. Just pop into the store or reach out to us online, and we'll do our best to match you with your new best friend.
