Intex Challenger Kayak, Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air-Pump

Where do I start? A massive thumbs up from me and if I could give more than 5 stars I would. It's the best £91 I think I've ever spent. It was the reviews that made my final decision in purchasing this kayak and I'm not disappointed.I've been kayaking a few times but only on the local lake where not only is it quite expensive for the hire but you have a limited space and limited time. This allows you as much freedom as you like and although I've only been out on it twice It's pretty much paid for itself.The inflation is super easy and in 15 minutes it was on the water. Just make sure you inflate the bottom first before the sides. The first time I went out with it I took my friend and large cool box plus additional bits and there were no issues regards the weight. Decent amount of space for two and plenty for one so that was a massive plus if you needed to put your camping gear in with you.I brought a dry bag which came with a waterproof phone case and some aqua trainers. I put all the bits I needed ie; towel change of clothes etc into the dry bag which fitted nicely at the front underneath the netting.Paddling along the river with a bit of music on and the sun beaming down on you whilst watching the wildlife is serene. Great for my mental and physical health I just wish I'd thought about buying one years ago.The ball ache is the packing down but then I guess it always is. I found that slightly deflating it and tipping one end up and soaking up the excess water before doing the same with the other end a lot easier. Then deflate the whole thing before packing it away. When you get home half inflate it and give it a good wipe out before leaving it to air dry then fold away for next time. Yea it may be a faff but if you take the time and effort it should and I'm hoping last me and you a very long time.The only negative things I could say is that there were no ropes/strings to be able to secure it if you wanted to pull up alongside the river and take a break. Not a problem though because I improvised and put the end of the paddle through the netting at the front and the other end on the bank and stuck my rucksack on it. The second thing was not being able to know what PSI you was at when inflating the kayak. You just have to guess, I watched a video on you tube first which helped. For the price it's well worth it I genuinely love it and the freedom and the smile it puts on your face is priceless. Highly recommended.

What's not to like. I bought this to see if I like kayaking for this amount it comes with everything to get you straight on the water (except life jacket). Is the bag awkward heavy to carry? Yes, but this small negative outweighs the positives. It's not really stable but again it's and entry level Kayak. Tracks ok not the best even with skeg in but it's a low budget kayak not a massive issue. I've used it about 10 times so far each time at least 4hrs at a time mostly a lot longer and perfect for me and my 5 year old. I find the seats comfortable some may say different the paddles are not that great but again it's practically a pool toy. I mainly use it for cannals just master/practice/watch videos how to get in and out of a kayak first. I can carry it on my own for portaging yes it's heavy but not impossible, i start carrying it with my arms then use my head for extra support. I've just upgraded my kayak to a lighter quality better floor kayak just for my own preference so I can take my dog I wouldn't want to risk my dog in this kayak. Overall for a newbie you will be extremely happy and helps you find what you like and don't like about a kayak without the huge expense so next kayak you know what to look for. Quick setup be on the water in 10mins I would advise buying ropes tie either end especially if using it on a cannal so it don't get away.

I have an intex challenget Mk1 K1 and it has held up to a good beating for the last three years. I decided to purchase the Mk2 K2 because i will be using it for a week long excursion around the Norfolk broads and will be taking both the dogs(useless navigators but EXCELLENT ballast). The MK2 is an improvement over what was already an incredibly good kayak for the money. The MK1 didn't track very well and had no fin. The MK2 benefits from having a fin and it tracks quite well. The seats are improved and I prefer the colour. The material that the intex challenger uses is very,very tough. I have scraped along stony bottoms in shallow water,hit a jagged log that was submersed around 3" below the surface and i really thought that was it for the kayak. Nope. A long scratch but no breach. There is loads of storage space both aft and bow,the seats gives reasonably good back support but i would recommend that you fully inflate the back rest and only semi inflate the seat.This is simply because the seat sits a little high if fully inflated and the sides of the backrest tend to ride up against the inside of the craft. Or maybe I just need to lose weight...A few does and dont's; DO NOT overtighten the Boston valves that inflate floor and sides. If you cross thread them they will leak and that is about it for the kayak unless you want to be pumping it up every 15 minute or so. Turn the male part until it is finger tight and then maybe another quarter of a turn. They don't need to be tight for a seal to be created. DO NOT take this kayak out on the ocean unless you are absolutely certain of calm sea conditions,it is a low profile kayak and has no drainage. A few good waves and your going to fill up.DO NOT over inflate.You risk splitting the seams or stretching the body out of shape,causing it to list to one side. Use the 10cm calibration strip(you'll find it inside the manual package) and if you lose it,inflate the kayak up to the point that you can press your thumb into it about an inch.A little on the soft side will still float you 100% fine. DO use a lifejacket and invest a few pounds in a paddle leash. The paddles. I've read a few negative reviews on the paddles that are supplied with this kayak and i think that the users were either;A) clubbing other kayakers with them;B) unlucky to have got part of a dodgy batch. I like them. They can be feathered, the blades are a nice shape,they are quite light and as long as you use them sensibly,they will do the job..To conclude;This isn't a rubber duck. It is strong,portable(not too heavy,around 20lb or so)and incredibly good value for money when compared to kayaks three times the price(i have a gumotex Helios K1 that cost me around £350.Superb, but the Intex gives it a run for its money in the strenght department at LEAST),has a gaurantee and if used within the manufacturers stipulations,should last you for a good long while. Oh and the pump is pretty good.Inflation time of around 5-10 minutes.No hesitation recommending this kayak, based upon experience and not just what it looks like.Have fun and be safe!!