Intex Challenger Kayak, Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum
Intex Challenger Kayak, Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air-Pump
| Weight: | 17.65 Kilograms |
| Size: | 30" by 15" by 138" |
| Dimensions: | 350.52 x 76.2 x 38.1 cm; 17.35 Kilograms |
| Brand: | Intex |
| Model: | 68306NP |
| Colour: | Green/Blue |
| Pack Quantity: | 4 |
| Batteries Included: | No |
| Manufacture: | Intex |
| Age: | 96 months to 1188 months |
| Department: | Men's |
| Dimensions: | 350.52 x 76.2 x 38.1 cm; 17.35 Kilograms |
| Quantity: | 4 |
| Size: | 30" by 15" by 138" |
Been out on sea, canals, rivers etc with one and two people. Great for all purposes!
Kayak is literally useless without the skeg. Will drift everywhere, attach that bad boy
The kayak is easy to inflate and is ideal for using in the river, the bag it comes with means you can carry short distances and pack away in the tail end of kayak and off you go on your venture
Well for a 2 seater for a 100, you won’t beat that! Easy to inflate, 2 Chambers. Then blow up the seats, attach and off you go. Pump is OK, it does the job, better than no pump! Paddles are fine, skeg is easy to fit and take off. If I had to give a negative – my wife loves it and now wants all the gear!
The kayak is made from thick plastic and fairly easy to inflate. It’s a decent size and has two seats for two people.
Unfortunately I’d misread the spec. and thought it could be used by 1 or 2 people. There isn’t a central seat position for 1 person so it’s reliant on 2 people using it, so I am returning the item. It was delivered on time and was securely packaged. If you want to return it, you do so at your own cost. It’s a nice two seater kayak ideal for people starting out, and is very well priced.
We have used this Kayak in Cornwall both on Sennan Cove and Hayle Gwithian and it handled brilliantly. If there is a swell then be prepared to bucket some water out once you make it out to calmer seas. We purchased a manual bilge pump that worked great for that when out on the water. Just pump and get that water overboard.
Paddles are of good length I didn’t find myself hitting the sides of the kayak and I’m by no means tall.
Seats are well.. seats, they function as intended not entirely comfortable after a while and I found myself adjusting my legs to a more A frame position. As the rear rower I had more back support.
Plenty of storage in this thing, we had a dry bag stashed under the cargo net. We kept the pump and bilge pump in the back compartment.
Very stable on the waves, bigger waves hitting you broadside with obviously test your balance so do make sure you hit that surf straight on until you get out of the cresting waves. You will get wet though.
Deflating it is easy but you will never get it back to its original size unless you happen to vaccuum the air out of it.
This is heavy to carry over a long distance. We are already looking to invest in a sack truck as we purchased two of these so be mindful if your parking away from the launch location.
Now for the respect part, do not use this in wind especially off or cross shore wind. This thing will keep going out to sea faster than you can paddle, we witnessed the RNLI make three rescues due to inflatables in windy conditions.
Download wind compass apps to check before you use this at sea and always check the lifeguard instructions, Respect that and you will have a great time when the conditions are right.
Planning to use this on the River Wye next week hopefully in a more natural setting but for all those sea farers out there go for it but be careful.
Remember those life jackets!
Despite being a budget option, so far I’m delighted with this kayak, having used it twice. Clearly it’s not doing to last for ever but it’s doing the job splendidly. An electric pump speeds inflating AND deflating and I’m grateful for all those who’ve given informative reviews that helped me make the choice and informed me how to use it.
One question of those who have it though (as there doesn’t seem to be an “ask a question” option here). If using it solo, is it best to position the seat at the rear or in the middle? I’ve tried both and I really can’t determine which is better.
I took my self and the kids to the local canal to try the boat out. Amazingly the air escapes from the seams. I guess its a new feature with the k2. Takes around 30 minutes to deflate its self! Amazing product would definitely not recommend
These are such good value for money and my kids love them this is my second purchase as last summer they used it so much and had to share .
Easy to store in winter by deflated and hardly takes any space
We bought one last summer and loved it so much we decided to buy a second one this summer for our teenagers to use too. Very simple to set up. Sturdy and great for beginners. We’ve had loads of fun with it on the local rivers. Good value for money.
This kayak is good value. You get the pump, 2 oars and a handy bag to carry it all. Quick to inflate, nice and stable in the sea, I am really pleased with it. We have been out for several trips. I can inflate it in about 10 mins and it deflates small enough to stuff into the boot (I usually wash it before packing fully away) before we’ve taken our wetsuits off. Not tested with 2 adults, but me and my son are combined weight of about 130kg. I’m 6′ and enough leg room for me at the back and room for the boys seat to come back. Might struggle with 2 6’ers. Longest kayak has been about 5km.
If you’re looking for a budget entry into kayaking I would recommend. My son loves it, he told me it’s his favourite hobby now!
Straight out of the box we took it on the shropshire Union canal and travelled nine miles in it.
First thing is that the kayak is super easy to inflate and set up, it took us 10 minutes take if from the bag and onto the water. The seats are fairly comfortable so long as you don’t over inflate them if you do they will feel a bit hard.
The velcro strips on the kayak and seats allow you to position them to suit your size and needs. I am 5f11 and my daughter is 5ft5 and we both fitted inside comfortable enough.
On still water the kayak preformed well but it did feel like it wanted to keep moving to the left. In a head wind as soon as you stop paddling you will pretty much come to a stop but once the wind died down we made up for lost time.
The kayak has a net on the front which was great for holding our 40l dry bag with our change of clothes in. There is also a small storage are at the back of the kayak behind the seat but don’t place anything you want to keep dry there, we just put the pump there.
The paddles are OK, they do the job but are fairly flexible and the poles fasten securely and hold out well, the fact they come free with the kayak you can’t really complain.
The only downside I have with this kayak is drainage. Over the course of the trip a fair bit of water dropped into the kayak which at the time was not a problem as the seats keep your bum out of the puddles but when we came to deflate the kayak trying to get the water out was a pain as the shape of the kayak just sends the water to another area when you are trying to tip it out.
It took us about 15 mins from opening up the air valves and folding up the kayak to get it back in the bag so long as you remember how it came out it will go in easy enough.
Overall this is a great kayak for anyone wanting to have a go and get into kayaking or for someone who does not have the space for a hard shell. We will definitely be getting some good use out of it this summer.
Came on time still boxed but looking good excellent value for the money
I have navigate cold lakes in Scotland with this kayak and even in the worst condition he did the job
Only had chance to use it once so far. It was easy enough to inflate with the pump provided although my friend with an electric pump was on the water a little quicker. Went on the lake for an hour and a half without issue. My friend who is considerably heavier found that his single seater wasn’t buoyant enough to support him. The two seater managed fine with myself and another person.
Easy to use and good value for money, one issue is that the width of the oars are not long enough and water can drip inside while paddling , specially the rear person.
Learnt the hard way not to take it into the sea. Waves go straight over the side. It will still float but you have a heavy kayak full of water to lift out of the sea and onto land. Also the fin at the back is a lil difficult to remove if sand gets into the plastic clip it fixes to. Just need to bring a bottle of water with you to wash that out. Other than that fun was had by all who used it. Quick to inflate and deflate as well.
This kayak is great, loads of room for 2. I keep my rucksack at the front under the netting, easy to pump up, pump I stuff in the back compartment with any extra bits. Have had lunch in it, can turn the seats to face each other . Its great. I love it. Its not for racing or speeding, it does the job, and is a great kayak to start out with. Its a pain to get it back in the bag, but just need to be patient and methodical. Get one. Its nice for a day out for 2. I’m happy I got this one instead of the explorer. Worth every penny, had it 2 months have been out almost every weekend.
Really quick and easy to inflate, can get it all inflated and ready to go on the water in less than 10 mins. Easy to get in to, really easy to paddle, fast and easy to manouvre. Supported our weights fine (son is 12yo, 5ft3″ and was fine in the front, I’m 14.5st, 5ft10″ and fine in the back. Tried it on calm(ish) sea and lakes and it’s been spot on. Only letting water in from the splashes from lifting the paddles up. Could do with a drain valve as it’s hard to get all the water out when you’re packing away due to the lip around the top (take a plastic cup and a jumbo car sponge with you!) Also, could do with deflate function on the pump as it’s hard to get the last bits of air out when packing away. Would definitely recommend though.
It is quick to inflate with only two compartments. Lots of leg room. The seats are easily adjusted and can be turned into a one person kayak if needed. Storage netting an added bonus.
We used it to transport pizza from the shore to our boat which the kids found hilarious!
Sides are lower than the intex explorer (we have both models) and more prone to get water in. This is fine as we expect to get wet when kayaking BUT it is missing a drainage hole unlike the explorer which has one so getting rid of excess water is more of a challenge.
The kayak is very stable in the water and feels quicker than the explorer (have no idea if it is, just my perception having used both). If you don’t mind the lack of drainage hole and you like to be closer to the water level, then I would get this kayak. Great for families and those new to kayaking.
Got this kayak a few weeks ago and really like it. Easy to transport, fun to use and quick to inflate, although a pressure gauge would be good to avoid over/under-inflation. The only drawback is the carry bag. It is absolute useless. Fell apart on the first use. Stitching ripped and the zip snapped off.
We were worried after reading some reviews that this would be punctured/not great but we’re over the moon with this kayak. It’s quick and easy to inflate, plenty of room & is great on the water! Would highly recommend.
Here’s some things I’d wondered about before buying that I couldn’t spot in other reviews or questions:
– we have the 2 seater but I can happily use it on my own. I’m 5’3″ and weigh 50kg and can lift it down to the water on my own inflated. I can fit our 2 children in as well aged 11 and 12, it’s a bit of a squeeze but fun for a short journey.
– I was worried about its stability. It’s fine! The kids go jumping out of it and we’ve all clambered in having swum from the kayak. Even I can haul myself in (with someone in the kayak).
– I’ve had a few outings along with my 6’2″ brother and he finds it comfortable enough and I’m sure without me he’d be really comfortable!
We’ve only used it on a river so can’t comment on what it would be like at sea.
Love this kayak its amazing. One warning is the repair kit is useless and doesn’t hold its like stickers that don’t even stretch as the kayak expands. I have recently had a leak come though the end of an inflatable panel on the inside near where feet go but ots on the seem and struggling to get anything to hold the air in……. so have to row and keep stopping to inflate. I don’t want to send it back as they are alot more pricey than when I got it 2 months ago and now in a dilemma what to do. Overall top kayak good size easy to setup and great fun.. but even with my ocd of cleaning it and looking after it the seems are starting to go on the seating area at the end and in-between inflatable ribs. I guarentee toy this is not due to over inflating it must be a weak point on the kayak…. Happy with it but not with longevity…
All in all the kayak is good for the price loads of space to put your belongings it sits nice on the water however it is a 2 Person Inflatable but I use it as a one person as I’m 6ft
Bad pints on 2 really there is no drainage plug underneath so getting any water out at the end of the day can me long and I had to buy towels and a shammy to dry it can take ages.. And the other bad bit is the bag it came in after two trips out we noticed a big rip in the bag (the bag is very thin material) and yesterday we went out and the zip on the bag broke the zipper snapped off sham it’s a good size bag but now got to get a new one
It is our first kayak, good price, comes with carry bag, easy to inflate and clip the oars together so we were ready to go in 15 minutes, used it in Poole bay and we got on really well, great fun but just one criticism, the 2 seats have to be inflated, Velcro strip on the bottom and in the kayak itself, the back seat stays sturdy as it rest against the body of the kayak but the front seat does not stay upright and sturdy which makes for very uncomfortable rowing, the 2 straps to aid support slip after a while so i was constantly having to re-tighten, i am a fairly big chap but not overweight, a lighter person might fare better, my partner was at the back as i wanted her to follow my rowing movements because she was in the front at first and started rowing faster than a demented octopus so i am looking online for a solution and open to ideas from anyone reading this, Fact is its great fun and we will find a solution.
We bought it to complement our Savylor Tahiti plus, to use on a family (2+2) 1 week long cayaking trip (self-contained) along a relatively easy river.
On the plus side:
Extras: While some reviews complained about paddles breaking v. easily, which I was weary of, ours worked fine. True, these paddles did not feel as comfy and light as ones sold separately (20 – 25 quid for really decent ones), and out of the box a section of one paddle needed replacing (DO check the kayak and other gear, there’s nothing more stupid than finding out your kayak has a hole, etc, when you’re just about to float it!), but replacement was relatively easy (UK distributor) and free of charge. PLUS these paddles can be stored in 4 sections, which makes them so much easier to carry around, especially public transport, than other collapsible paddles, which only “fold” in two.
nb, the paddles are 220 cm, and one was used for a full day by a 7-year-old too!
Also the pump is useful, more compact and with more volume than the Tribord one you can get off decathlon (mover volume, less pumping), but we preferred to take the Tribord pump with us, as it looked sturdier.
The kayak comes with a (smallish) skeg, to help it tracking (moving straight). It’s removable and comes with a sort of safety catch so that you don’t lose hitting underwater obstacles. It worked (we went over some submerged logs, as well as – when stuck on some – hopping in the kayak to get over them) and the skeg didn’t get dislodged. I can’t say how useful for tracking it really is, as we never tried the kayak without it. The wisdom of crowd says: use a skeg, because you’ll never be able to go straight without. So we do.
There’s also a conically shaped floatation bag which you can insert in the front or back, presumably helps in emergency if one of the main chambers gets a puncture. We used it, just because it was there. Takes up some, but not too much space, perhaps 10 l.
I THINK (although I’m not sure now) that the kayak kit also included a patch or two and a tube of glue. Absolutely essential to have at hand!
Build quality: the kayak looked fine, survived a week on a river (8+ hours a day). One seat did start to split (back and seat sections are joined by a piece of plastic), but that was due to my daugher taking a VERY reclining position, I suppose.
Features: the net around the front is useful, in principle, but very, very poorly designed. The sides are bungee cord, but very loose, and no way to make them stay close to the board, so – in theory – some smaller items tucked away there might slip overboard.
A drawback: the kayak has no bilge (limber) hole. This is VERY useful to drain extra water after a day’s trip, and this water can hardly be removed by tipping kayak upside down. LARGE sponge helps solve this problem.
Comfort: my wife and kids (took turns) didn’t complain. Definitely the seats were MUCH comfier than those on Savylor Tahiti (which are disastrous).
Safety / stability / control: it’s very stable, like any inflatable kayak. Apparently much stabler than any rigid one (I don’t know, haven’t been in rigids for 30 years! ;). There was never any danger of it capsizing – that said, we didn’t test it by standing up or trying to capsize it on purpose.
It’s definitely much easier to control and responds quicker, than our Tahiti 2+ (3 person, longer kayak though). It seems tough, we did hit some underwater rocks and tree logs and branches, with only minor scratches to the bottom.
There’s one thing that is – potentially – unsafe: there are only two chambers, i.e. bottom and top ones. With three chambers (left board, right board, and bottom), you stay afloat better if one of those three goes (puncture). Fewer chambers = more chance of a problem. That’s theory for us, as we never got either chamber punctured, even though the kayak took some abuse from submerged branches and rocks (relatively speaking, of course).
Storage: somebody complained it has little storage for longer trips. I would disagree. Even with the floatation chamber under the bow, we were able to fit a large (around 15 – 20 l) fabric cool-box with stove, cooking utensils and day’s food under the bow, PLUS 2 x 2 l water bottles, and then, you still have plenty of space under the netting to fit bulky, but lighter items, e.g. sleeping bags, etc. And then, there’s v. similar storage space behind 2nd seat. You can also fit some bungee cords or netting around the back, although in our case most of the gear went in our tahiti 2+.
While this is not an expedition kayak, with some planning I would be able to fit all gear and food for a 2-person, self-contained trip for a week or more.
Portability: this is a let-down, as the kayak is about 5 kg heavier than our Savylor Tahiti 2+, which is, after all, a three person kayak. I reckon the K2 is around 17 kg inc. seats and floatation bag, but ex. paddles and pump. Not much heavier than many other inflatables, but somewhat disappointing in comparison with Savylor. That said, the material felt stiffer and thicker than Savylor’s Tahiti – perhaps you get better durability for extra weight?
Lastly, a couple of tips:
1. You WILL get wet. When it’s warm or hot, it’s fine or great. In colder weather, getting wet means staying wet and the mood plunges. Do yourself a favour and pack EVERYTHING of clothing in _proper_ waterproof (roll) bags. These days you can buy cheap Chinese ones off ebay, or splash out on branded ones, e.g. Ortlieb (best in the world, probably the priciest too)
2. Sandals (webbing, not leather-strapped) are essential footwear (see: above – you WILL get wet). Flip-flops are fine until the stream takes them. Shoes are fine until they get wet (and stay wet) Sandals will chafe your feet when wet, but there’s nothing better I know. Proven waterproof plasters help.
3. This kayak is v. quick to inflate (around 1 – 2 min) but a pain to clean of sand, grit, leaves and dead spiders, also a bit hard to deflate and fold, as the fabric/plastic is very stiff. HOWEVER, if you have a chance to expose it to hot sun for several minutes, it becomes very pliable and folding is VERY easy (and in the sun it should dry – best still semi-inflated – in several minutes too). Btw, we store both kayaks “jointly”, in an oversized Ortlieb canoe bag (130), both fit with paddles and seats, just. And you can carry the bag as it comes with shoulder straps. If you enjoy carrying 80 lb on your back, that is.
The kayak comes with a double handled pump (in the bag…) and one way valves which makes for easy and quick inflation. You pump up the base first and then the main body followed by the separate seats and a further separate piece that is inserted into the bow to stiffen it. Once inflated to the correct pressure (which you can tell by monitoring the distance between two lines printed on the body) the whole thing is good and rigid; it won’t flop around in the water or when you’re carrying it to the water. Talking of carrying it to the water, it’s do-able by yourself if you have the strength but again two people is the way to go.
The oars simply clip together using a series of sprung buttons and holes. When actually rowing, to avoid blisters make sure you only grip the black plastic handholds of the oar and avoid gripping the joint where the plastic handle of the oar meets the aluminium tubing.
The single fin simply slots into a runner at the rear. You obviously need to be careful of this if launching from a ramp.
As mentioned above, the kayak is very rigid so is easy to board from a jetty. I tend to let my daughter jump in the front first then I hop in the rear seat afterwards – as I’m the primary source of power and steering once we get going. That said, when the wind is blowing in your face and the water gets a bit choppy then the added power of a 10 year old is gratefully received. As a means of exercise its great because, if you ever want to get home, then you HAVE to keep going whatever the weather and river throws at you.
We’ve used it a number of times now on the Thames and it always seems to draw the attention of a good number of people – for the right reasons. When I’ve used it alone and gone hell for leather then it can power along at a surprising rate of knots.
We’ve also used it on the ocean in Cornwall, where it traversed along the beach in Marazion to past Saint Michaels Mounts, in fairly choppy conditions.
Heartily recommended.
Once on the water it is relatively easy to get into and with consistent paddling it gets you through the water in a straight line. The included oars are pretty good although a friend of mine who also has this kayak uses a single piece oar and says it is a lot better. I did my research and found that this kayak included a Skeg which other reviewers had said was a key feature of this kayak and reviewers of similar kayaks in this price range had said they had bought skegs as a 10-15 optional extra. So I thought why not just buy the kayak that has it in the first place.
I paddled alone so cannot comment on how suitable it is at carrying two adults. I intend on taking my four year old son out in it eventually and it will be more than capable.
I did find it got carried by the wind but that is something that will happen with every inflatable as they just don’t have the mass to handle the effects of the wind. This lightness does also make getting out of kayak quite difficult without getting wet. Again this isn’t going to be unique to this kayak but because it is very stable there is little chance of it capsizing. I imagine you probably could if you tried hard enough but it would take some effort. I found myself sitting up whilst paddling rather than leaning back into the seat. Perhaps I need to adjust the strap that goes around the back of the seat for better comfort but I did find that this was the only thing stopping me from giving this kayak five stars. I was slightly uncomfortable after about an hour or so.
Overall though I am very pleased with its performance and it isn’t too difficult to pack away. I gave it a quick hose down when I got home and left it out to dry in the sun for a day or so. You will need to towel down the inner bits to get it completely dry. It packs back down nicely and isn’t too heavy once all back in its bag although you wouldn’t want to carry it too far.
I would highly recommend it.
We had many hours out 6 hrs plus most times, and never had any problem, it was easy to paddle with one or two people. We tried swapping places and the kayak was a lot more unstable this way so would reccomend the heaviest at the back. I went out as a single rower and the boat was ok but I had to sit more centrally and the seat just didn’t have the back support needed. The kayak comes with a bag that split on the first time we tried to put it back, that wasn’t a problem though as we had bought a kayak rucksack. I would recommend a rucksack as it is easier to carry it deflated and folded and can be done near the bank. Folding it was mastered by the 3rd time
Overall we are very happy with this as a ‘learner’ or something to throw in the boot of your car and go kayak. It has given hours of fun and helped to see the view from a different perspective.
26/8 today got the kayak out and pumped it up and it split down the seam between the inner and outer chambers. Unrepairable and out of warranty lol. Have had many hours of use so am tempted to buy another one.
Hope this has been use full, from my year of use
It is very very stable, solidly constructed and easy – so so easy – to get in and out of. Paddles are more than solid enough (I literally have no idea what some reviewers are on about – they are very good indeed) and the seats and backrests are more than adequate for an hour at a time.
Inflates in 3 mins – again, unbelievably easy. Literally you pump the sections up in order (they’re numbered on the boat), attach the seat back and shove it in the water.
Daughter had first paddle today with me in the front – she loved it. Went on local watersports lake and even the senior sailing and kayak instructors loved it.
Could possibly need a rudder for sea use but I think the new version (130 quid not 65) fixes the steering. It does zigzag a bit under power but then again so do slalom canoes. Obviously a top of the range fibreglass sea kayak with a rudder bar would be more directionally stable but they capsize very easily – this boat really doesn’t want to go over and in fact I couldn’t make it capsize even if I leant quite suddenly – great for children.
I intend to use this on the sea (not in winds above 5 knots and even then only in on-shore winds) and I would recommend it to anyone. Spend the money you save on top-of-the-range buoyancy aids (like I did) and you and your kids will have a whale of a time.
Bear in mind – plastic ‘proper’ kayaks are heavy, need a trailer, can fill up with water, love to capsize every 5mins and will bash you on the head if you fall out in sea surf. They are good at expeditions however.
This is as cheap as a toy, sets up like a toy, is as easy and fun to use as a toy but is as safe if not safer than a ‘proper’ canoe and can be used by two strong adults or children. Just watch winds – which you should anyway.
Maybe the lower profile of the new (green and black coloured) version is less susceptible to surface winds – I don’t know or care really. This product is a winner and I know what makes a good canoe.
Reminds me of a bit of advice about which telescope is the best to stargaze with: it’s the one you actually use the most.
The only issue for you is: what are you waiting for? Get this boat now and get out on the water. You’ll have a ball.
Was a bit dubious of this product mainly due to the cost, however it arrived within 2-3 days which was amazing as i ordered it on the friday. The material used in it’s construction is reasonably thick and tough as we have had it on a stony beach and bump it against rocks. The canoe has two chambers to blow up and comes with its own pump which is a great addition, it goes up quickly but would possibly prefer a third sepparate chamber to feel a little more secure. the front seat is great and give you great support, the rear seating area is a little disappointing, so fight harder to get in the front. It rides well in the water and is pretty stable, as we did come close to turning over, which would have been very amusing for those looking on. The oars are reasonable and you get two of them to boot, which was a surprise. They are sectional so ensure that they are tight and secure before you use them, and dont put to much into your strokes or you will break them. We have had it on the beach and harbour and found it to be reasonable to paddle in although it can be hard to go in a straight line. Not sure if that is due to the design or poor seamanship. Overall very pleased with the product and the accessories that it came with. Would consider purchasing another so that the whole family can go out.