Intex Challenger K1 Review

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Intex Challenger K1 - complete package inflatable kayak

Intex Challenger K1

7.6

Construction

7.0/10

Stability

8.0/10

Tracking

7.0/10

Accessories

7.0/10

Versatility

9.0/10

Pros

  • Lightweight compact design
  • Fantastic price point
  • Stylish and exciting
  • Easy to ship

Cons

  • Only one color option available
  • Not good in windy conditions
  • Not as rigid as the high-end inflatable kayaks

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If you want a new activity for the summer but really working on a budget, we may have just the option to get you and your family out of the house and into the sunshine.

Intex has created the Challenger K1 inflatable kayak, a simple, user-friendly inflatable kayak sold at a budget price to make it even more attractive.

Manufactured by a company with over 40 years working in the inflatable market it is a brand you can trust for quality and attention to detail. This complete package ships easily with everything you need to hit the water and once finished roll it up for another day.

Read on to see what we love about the Challenger K1.

Specifications

Length 108″
Width 30”
Thickness 15”
Weight 27 lbs
Weight Capacity 220 lbs

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Features

Materials

Intex Challenger K1 - great beginner kayak with paddle and pumpThe Intex Challenger K1 has been built with a super rugged laminated vinyl, this on its own is really durable and holds its air well with the help of its welded seams.

Intex has been building inflatables for over 40 years and truly understand the materials they are using, they work hard with the panel shapes and placements to allow for maximum rigidity throughout the boat.

By using a laminated vinyl means that Intex can keep the weight of the boat to a minimum making it easier to carry and transport. The blue, green and black styling certainly sets this inflatable kayak apart as a great looking piece.

Seats

Intex Challenger K1 - inflatable kayak seatIntex has proven time and time again that inflatables can be super comfortable whether it’s a mattress or in our case an inflatable kayak seat.

The seat can be inflated as much or as little as you prefer for maximum comfort and the pitch of the backrest is simply adjusted whilst seated to offer maximum support.

What you get is one of the most comfortable seats that wrap around you to offer maximum support, you will be hard done by not to just curl up and fall asleep.

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Deck lines + Bungee

Intex Challenger K1 - cargo netIt’s great to have an amazing boat but without anywhere to store your essentials it can be difficult to fall in love with. The Challenger K1 from Intex is fitted with a strong sturdy rear deck line. This can be used for either clipping on accessories or for attaching a cord to keep young paddlers close to shore.

Up front the large cargo area is covered by a net, this means any of your prized possessions can be stored safely and within reach of the cockpit. So you can take lunch or a towel with you without fear of losing them overboard.

Fins

Intex Challenger K1 - single fin / skeg for trackingThe Intex Challenger is fitted with a simply removable skeg, this helps the kayak travel in a straight line. It is really helpful for beginners or if using the kayak in light winds.

The skeg is removable so if using in shallow conditions you can, of course, remove it to stop it getting caught on the sand or weeds.

Inflate/Deflate

Intex is well known in the industry for all of their inflatable equipment and have used the same technologies and easy inflation on their kayaks.

Only needing about 1-3 PSI of pressure the Challenger K1 is really easy to inflate. Taking about 5 minutes from bag to fully assembled it is really easy to unpack and get going.

Overall Performance

Straight out of the carton the Challenger K1 from Intex was ready to paddle. Using the supplied pump it only took a few minutes to inflate, with each pump it slowly took its form and our excitement levels grew. Once we had reached the right pressure we were ready to hit the water.

The first thing you will notice about the inflatable kayak is how high it floats, I guess this may sound obvious but be careful in the event it’s windy as your new kayak can quickly transform into a kite. As we climbed aboard the kayak it did drop down into the water and became less prone to flying.

The included paddle is quickly assembled with a couple of clicks we were away. As we paddled away from the jetty the boat immediately felt stable, the large padded seat feeling like a large armchair, comfortable and familiar. With each stroke, the boat bobbed a little from left to right but the included skeg gripped the water and allowed us to track forwards.

We knew from the offset we wouldn’t be breaking any speed records but we were having an absolute blast. Making our way around the shore exploring and splashing we all had a smile on our face. This inflatable kayak was built with family fun in mind and for the price, it has bags full of it.

On our return to our car, packing the boat away was just as easy as the assembly. By simply opening the valves and rolling up the Challenger it was packed down well to store in the boot for another day of fun.

The only thing which wasn’t included is a life jacket so be sure to buy one when ordering for a super safe day out on the water.

More information and price - Paddle Pursuits

Accessories

Paddle

Intex Challenger K1 - inflatable kayak with paddleTo make sure you can hit the water without delays the kind team at Intex have included a basic break down paddle with each kayak. Small enough to fit into the carton, once assembled the simple paddle is the perfect motor to lead you onto the water. Assembled the paddle has a length of 84″.

Pump

Being an industry leader in inflatables, Intex certainly knows a thing or two about pumps. That’s why they have chosen to include their own high output, dual action pump. Allowing your kayak to inflate twice as fast as others. The compact pump might look small but it delivers air quickly and efficiently.

Repair Kit

In the event that disaster strikes all of the kayaks from Intex are equipped with a simple repair kit, this allows the kayak to be repaired and back on the water as soon as possible. Included are a selection of patches and a valve tool. For any larger problems, it is possible to get in touch with Intex for repairs and spares.

Conclusion

If you scan through Intex’s products you will spot beach toys, swimming pools, spas, inflatable mattresses, the list goes on! Right from the get-go, their very first product was a beach ball. Intex fun and recreation engrained in their company and the Challenger K1 is no different.

If you want fun on the water in an easy use package then this is it. The only record the Challenger K1 wants to break is for most fun on the water, proving that comfort and experience can outweigh speed and performance.

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If you want another option for all the family then certainly check out the Challenger K2 a two-seat version for double the fun. Share the experience with friends or family.

The Challenger K1 is a great buy for anyone looking to get out on the water quickly and easily, a great package set at an amazing price, you won’t find a better value package on the market.

Get out and enjoy!

1 COMMENT

  1. Hi! I’m looking to kayak with my 5 year old. Is this kayak suitable for having him sit between my legs as I have with other, hard shell, 1 person kayaks in the past? Thanks for all your helpful information! Have a great night!

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