Not to forget that the Intex Challenger K2 is supplied with all the necessary accessories (two double paddles and an air pump). If you have a number of kids you need to get afloat, then the Intex Challenger K1 is an affordable option - which is why we bought two! Challenger K1 One Person Kayak set is made from Intex "Super-Tough" vinyl which is a high molecular PVC that is unaffected by gasoline, oil and salt water. They require a lot of money, large amounts of storage space, a car with roof racks, and the ability to lift and tie the thing onto said roof racks without causing yourself (or other road users) harm. It certainly wasn’t the smooth, swift ride of a 17-foot fiberglass boat, and these inflatable models aren’t going to be winning any races, but who cares?

Nevertheless, a reasonable paddle is possible, although the footrest would be missing on longer tours in the long run. Get Out With The Kids is packed full of ideas and useful info for enjoying outdoor activities with your kids. To give some context, I am a 5’6″ female weighing around 9 stone, and I have never fallen out of this kayak, or even had any experiences where I felt like I was going to, even in slightly choppier waters. This means that your pump inflates both on the upwards and downwards strokes so you get maximum results for the least effort.It doesn't come with a spray deck (the bit that seals people into their kayaks) and so if it did tip over, your kids will easily slip out. If you want to transport the kayak longer distances and more comfortably to the water, we recommend the Itiwit transport backpack*, which is comfortable to carry and has enough space for the kayak and accessories. For an entry-level kayak with a relatively low operating pressure, the Challenger K2 can still be paddled relatively quickly on the water. Make sure you unscrew valves first and use the adapter nozzle if it’s a one way valve Boston type) when you are deflating!

However, it can’t compete with other inflatable ones in terms of performance, for example the Advanved Elements AdvancedFrame. These include two inflatable seats, an air pump, an inflatable “footrest” for the person in front, a skeg, two double paddles including drip rings, a measuring strip (for checking the air pressure) and repair patches.So I fold it and put it in my trunk so no worries about installing a kayak on top of my car like I would have to do with a non inflatable!

We timed ourselves the first two times we inflated our kayaks, both times right on shore next to a launch point.

Definitely recommend it to all who wish to have not only a bit of family fun in the water, but also last minute solo adventures down the river. I do launch off rocky coves all the time and regularly drag them through the sand, which is pretty stupid, but I’ve been lucky in not having any issues.

Compared to other inflatable kayaks, the Challenger K2 is somewhat sluggish and reacts slowly to a change of direction. Product 1: The kayaks feature inflatable seats with backrests, inflatable I-beam floors, grab lines on both ends, and a cargo net for extra storage.

As we both improvise, adapt and overcome by using a common sense approach to some of the pit falls you mentioned. Can fit nozzle to other side of pump and rapidly deflate too (like one of those vacuum clothes bags), waaaay easier than pump/waiting/rolling on it and small/light enough to carry with you! However, you may find yourself needing to purchase a new one each summer or cutting the season short after a close encounter with a sharp boulder or enthusiastic dog. For paddling from time to time a bit on a calm and small lake where you want to relax the Challenger K2 is great option. One thing for me that is an issue is that I have size 11 feet (uk), so these big plates of meat PF my struggle to be accommodated under the front compartment?