Our Akas are the crossbars of the Nomadic Express system — the structural connection between your kayak and the inflatable outriggers. This paired set includes the forward Aka with stainless eyebolts for stay attachment, and the aft Aka without, ready for both sailing and outrigger paddling configurations.

Construction: Each Aka assembles to 9ft 8in end to end from three sections of quality ovalized aluminum. The center section is 48in and clamps to the carbon deck plates. Each outer section is 42in and inserts 8in into the center section, indexed by stainless snap pins at matched hole locations 4in from each tube end.

The oval cross-section is oriented vertically — strong in the load-bearing dimension, lighter where strength is less critical. Because the oval shape self-aligns on insertion, finding the snap pin holes is nearly automatic — a significant advantage over round tube systems where blind alignment is a constant frustration.

Attachment: Each outer Aka end includes plastic footman loops that position and secure the Ama attachment straps, making Ama installation straightforward and consistent.

Forward Aka eyebolts: The forward Aka includes two stainless eyebolts at the one-third positions on each side of center. These anchor the Dyneema shrouds in the sailing configuration and provide compatibility with a range of other sail stay systems including Pacific Action lateen rigs.