Aqua Marina AETHER Touring Inflatable Kayak

The Aqua Marina AETHER Touring Inflatable Kayak is a lightweight open-cockpit touring kayak available in solo 335cm and tandem 445cm configurations. Its streamlined, low-rocker hull, narrow side tubes, splash-reducing Deck Shield and EVA-padded floor are designed for efficient tracking, responsive handling and comfortable recreational touring.

Choose the AETHER 335 for one paddler, an 8.2kg hull and a maximum payload of 120kg, or the AETHER 445 for two paddlers, an 11.3kg hull and a 200kg payload. Both versions pack into a backpack and include a hand pump, seat package and removable fins; paddles must be purchased separately.

Product Identification

• Brand: Aqua Marina
• Product range: AETHER
• Product category: Open-cockpit inflatable touring kayak
• Model codes: 27AE-335 and 27AE-445
• Available configurations: One person or two person
• Solo length: 335cm / 11ft
• Tandem length: 445cm / 14ft 7in
• Maximum payloads: 120kg or 200kg
• Hull weights: 8.2kg or 11.3kg
• Primary use: Recreational and touring paddling
• Floor: Lightweight PVC floor with EVA padding
• Cargo storage: Adjustable bungee system
• Splash protection: Deck Shield
• Drain valves: One
• Paddles included: No
• Quantity supplied: One complete kayak package in the selected configuration

What Is the Aqua Marina AETHER Used For?

The AETHER is designed for paddlers who want the transport and storage advantages of an inflatable kayak without using a broad, leisure-only hull profile.

• Solo recreational paddling
• Tandem day trips
• Touring on appropriate sheltered waterways
• Calm lakes and reservoirs
• Canals and inland waterways
• Calm or gently flowing rivers
• Longer paddling trips within the users' experience
• Carrying day-trip equipment within the stated payload
• Multi-day touring where the route, weather and carried safety equipment are appropriate

The kayak should only be used in water and weather conditions suited to the ability of the paddler or paddlers.

Which AETHER Model Should I Choose?

Choose the model according to passenger capacity, carried equipment, required storage space and transport weight.

Choose the AETHER 335 when:

• The kayak will normally be used by one person.
• A lighter 8.2kg hull is preferred.
• Compact transport and storage are priorities.
• A maximum payload of 120kg is sufficient.
• The paddler wants the narrower 84cm solo configuration.
• Day trips and solo touring are the main uses.

Choose the AETHER 445 when:

• The kayak must carry two paddlers.
• Additional cockpit and cargo space is required.
• A maximum payload of 200kg is needed.
• The wider 92cm tandem configuration is preferred.
• The kayak will be used for shared day trips or longer touring.
• The additional length and second seat justify the 11.3kg hull weight.

Maximum payload includes paddlers, clothing, drinking water, dry bags and all other equipment carried on the kayak.

What Is Included?

AETHER 335 – 1 Person:

• One Aqua Marina AETHER 335 inflatable kayak
• One kayak seat
• Two removable kayak fins
• One 16-inch hand pump
• One kayak transport backpack
• Factory-fitted cargo bungee and Deck Shield

AETHER 445 – 2 Person:

• One Aqua Marina AETHER 445 inflatable kayak
• Two kayak seats
• Two removable kayak fins
• One 16-inch hand pump
• One kayak transport backpack
• Factory-fitted cargo bungee and Deck Shield

What Is Not Included?

• Kayak paddle or paddles
• Buoyancy aids or personal flotation devices
• Dry bags
• Waterproof phone case
• Additional seat
• Additional fins
• Electric inflation pump
• Repair or maintenance equipment unless listed with the packaged product
• Roof rack or vehicle tie-down equipment
• Personal rescue and signalling equipment

The AETHER packages do not include paddles, so the correct number and type of kayak paddles must be ordered separately.

How Does the Streamlined Design Affect Performance?

The AETHER uses a curved, streamlined profile with narrow side tubes and a low-rocker hull.

• Increases the effective waterline
• Reduces unnecessary drag
• Improves straight-line tracking
• Supports efficient cruising speed
• Makes longer paddling distances less demanding
• Provides a more responsive feel than a wide leisure inflatable
• Reduces the corrective steering required between paddle strokes

A low-rocker profile means less of the bow and stern curve upwards away from the water. This creates a longer water-contact area, which generally supports tracking and efficient forward movement.

What Is the Deck Shield?

The Deck Shield is a raised splash-control section positioned around the open cockpit area.

• Deflects water away from the cockpit
• Reduces splash flowing backwards towards the paddler
• Improves comfort during longer trips
• Helps protect equipment carried inside the kayak
• Retains the accessibility of an open-cockpit layout

The Deck Shield reduces splash but does not create a fully enclosed or watertight cockpit.

What Is the Lightweight EVA Floor?

The AETHER uses a durable PVC floor with EVA padding.

• Provides a comfortable contact surface
• Reduces hull weight
• Supports faster setup and packing
• Makes the kayak easier to carry away from the water
• Provides a less slippery cockpit floor
• Adds protection between the paddler and the PVC floor surface

How Does the Cargo Bungee Work?

The adjustable cargo bungee provides an external retention point for suitable lightweight equipment.

• Dry bags
• Spare clothing
• Drinking water
• Lightweight footwear
• Small touring equipment
• Compact safety equipment

Equipment should be packed in waterproof bags and secured so that it cannot move, fall overboard or obstruct the paddlers. The weight of all cargo counts towards the kayak's maximum payload.

What Is the Difference Between the Air-Chamber Layouts?

The AETHER 335 has a published 2 + 1 chamber arrangement, while the longer AETHER 445 uses 2 + 1 + 1 chambers.

• Check every chamber for correct inflation.
• Confirm that all valve caps are secured.
• Inspect the chambers for leakage or damage.
• Follow the pressure markings and instructions supplied with the kayak.
• Never exceed the stated inflation pressure.

How Should the AETHER Be Set Up?

• Unroll the kayak on a clean surface free from stones, glass and sharp objects.
• Inspect the hull, seams, valves and floor before inflation.
• Inflate each chamber in the sequence stated in the Aqua Marina instructions.
• Use the supplied hand pump and observe the pressure markings on the kayak.
• Do not use an unregulated high-pressure air compressor.
• Attach the seat or seats to their designated mounting points.
• Adjust the backrest straps for an upright paddling position.
• Fit the removable fins in accordance with the supplied instructions.
• Secure luggage beneath the cargo bungee.
• Check that the drain valve is correctly set before launching.
• Confirm that all accessories are secure.
• Obtain the correct paddle or paddles separately.

Safety and Use

• Wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid or personal flotation device.
• Check the weather, wind, current, tide and water conditions.
• Remain within the stated passenger and payload limits.
• Include all carried equipment when calculating total load.
• Distribute passengers and equipment evenly.
• Do not use the kayak in conditions beyond the paddlers' experience.
• Keep children and inexperienced paddlers under appropriate supervision.
• Tell someone the planned route and expected return time.
• Carry appropriate communication and rescue equipment.
• Keep clear of powered vessels and marked navigation channels.
• Follow local access and navigation rules.
• Do not rely on the kayak as a life-saving device.
• Do not paddle while affected by alcohol or drugs.

Care and Maintenance

• Rinse the kayak with fresh water after use in salt or dirty water.
• Remove sand, weed and debris from the cockpit and floor.
• Rinse the fins, valves, seats and pump fittings.
• Allow the kayak and accessories to dry completely before packing.
• Inspect the PVC, seams and valves for damage.
• Check the EVA floor for lifting or abrasion.
• Remove the fins before folding where required by the instructions.
• Release air fully before packing.
• Avoid repeatedly forming sharp folds in the same area.
• Store the kayak in its backpack in a cool, dry location.
• Protect it from prolonged sunlight, freezing temperatures and excessive heat.
• Do not store heavy equipment on top of the packed kayak.

Key Features

• Solo and tandem variants in one AETHER range
• 335cm one-person model
• 445cm two-person model
• Lightweight 8.2kg or 11.3kg hull
• 120kg or 200kg maximum payload
• Streamlined open-cockpit design
• Specialised low-rocker hull profile
• Narrow side tubes for touring efficiency
• Deck Shield splash-control design
• Adjustable cargo-bungee system
• PVC floor with EVA padding
• Separate inflatable chambers
• One drain valve
• Adjustable seat package
• Removable kayak fins
• 16-inch hand pump included
• Transport backpack included
• Paddles available separately

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the AETHER 335 and AETHER 445?
The 335 is a 335cm one-person kayak with an 8.2kg hull and 120kg payload. The 445 is a 445cm two-person kayak with an 11.3kg hull and 200kg payload.

Are paddles included?
No. The packages include the kayak, seat or seats, pump, fins and backpack, but paddles must be purchased separately.

How many seats are included?
The AETHER 335 includes one seat. The AETHER 445 includes two seats.

Are the fins included?
Yes. The package includes two removable kayak fins with each model.

What does low rocker mean?
Rocker is the upward curve from the middle of the hull towards the bow and stern. A lower-rocker profile keeps more of the kayak in contact with the water, supporting straighter tracking and touring efficiency.

Is the cockpit enclosed?
No. The AETHER uses an open-cockpit design with a Deck Shield to reduce splash entering the seating area.

Does the payload include luggage?
Yes. The maximum payload includes every paddler and all clothing, food, water and equipment carried aboard.

Is the AETHER suitable for beginners?
The design is intended to make touring accessible to recreational paddlers, but users must choose sheltered conditions appropriate to their ability and obtain instruction where required.

Can the tandem version carry touring equipment?
Its 200kg payload and cargo system can accommodate suitable touring equipment, provided the complete load remains within the limit.

Does the kayak include a transport bag?
Yes. Both configurations include a kayak backpack.

Specifications

Select the kayak according to passenger count, complete carried load, hull dimensions and transport weight. The maximum payload includes paddlers and all carried equipment. Paddles and buoyancy aids are not included.

Select the kayak according to passenger count, complete carried load, hull dimensions and transport weight. The maximum payload includes paddlers and all carried equipment. Paddles and buoyancy aids are not included.