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.

The media could not be loaded. What’s not to love about this Kayak. It’s cheap sure but that shouldn’t be its one defining quality. It will never be as professional looking or reach the high more stable pressures (psi) of other brands costing hundreds more but this is a capable Kayak if respected.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!