I never really took this kayak seriously. When inflatable kayaks get compared to pool toys, the Intex Challenger is what comes to my mind.
However when a friend of mine showed up with her new Intex Challenger one day when we were going out paddling I was so surprised by just how much fun it was.
I decided this kayak needed to be given a fair chance so I bought one and put it through my full testing process.
Below are my thoughts and honest review.
To be clear this is not my favourite inflatable kayak, BUT…
Considering that I paid very little for it on Amazon.com I was very pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and ultra portable it was.
Tips for Canadians you can also find the Intex Challenger K1 on Amazon.ca.
For a crazy low price you get the kayak, a compact paddle, a pump and a fin, which all fits inside the included carry bag. Very cool!
Even though it is small in size there is ample room in the cockpit to get comfortable.
I haven’t tried paddling it with my dogs, there isn’t a lot of extra space for them. However I have seen pictures of those who have taken their dogs and made it work.
Best Suited For:
The Intex Challenger K1 is best suited for flat water paddling and total beginners.
It is not designed for anything too crazy and I wouldn’t want to get stuck in heavy winds with this little kayak.
However it is perfect for warm days at the lake, cruising along ocean bays and building up those paddling muscles.
It couldn’t be more ideal to take camping, bring along in the RV and for adults or kids to play around with.
I quite enjoyed propping my feet out of the cockpit onto the top of the kayak and soaking up the warm sun. 🙂
The Most Portable Kayak Ever
The Challenger may just be the most portable kayak ever. It folds up Into a very SMALL package that is easy to carry and store in a small space.
This is definitely one of the smallest kayak packages I have seen.
The size of the bag fully stocked with the kayak and all equipment shocked me.
It’s hard to believe there’s a full kayak, paddle and pump in there.
Dimensions:
The Bag dimensions when fully packed are: 23″ long x 14″ high x 8.5″ deep
Kayak Size: 9’ long x 30” wide
Kayak Weight when fully inflated: 27 lbs.
Max Load: 220 lbs.
Construction & Durability
The Challenger is made with welded vinyl construction. Most inflatable kayaks are made with more durable PVC material.
The vinyl won’t hold up as well and is more susceptible to punctures and scrapes.
So for that reason I would say to be extra careful around sharp objects and be conscious not to drag it over gravel or rocks.
I’ve had my Challenger out several times now and have had no issues but the construction is noticeably cheaper than what I am used to and I noticed that superficial scrapes do show up quickly.
The one-way valves work just fine and are easy to figure out.
I had not issues with air inflation or leakage.
Performance
This is where it got interesting for me because I did not expect to enjoy paddling this kayak.
I have tested a couple other ‘cheaper’ models that didn’t track well at all and were more frustrating than anything to paddle.
However I was pleasantly surprised with the Challenger and found I had no trouble keeping it paddling in a straight line.
You are not going to be breaking any speed records out there but for what it’s worth it is really easy to paddle, takes very little effort to propel forward and turns quickly and effortlessly.
With over 32,000 reviews on Amazon it seems a lot of people agree!
My Video
See the Challenger K1 solo kayak in action in the video below as I paddle it down the Alouette River.
Comfort
There is ample leg room in this little kayak. I am 5’8” tall and when sitting in the cockpit there is a good foot or more of space past my feet.
The inflatable seat is more comfortable than one would expect and the back support is decent.
The seat secures to a velcro strip on the floor of the kayak and then also attaches to the D-rings on the floor. The seat did not budge while I was paddling.
The 30” width of the K1 Challenger didn’t require a lot of reach when paddling and I think with the smaller size and light weight design even kids would really enjoy using this inflatable kayak.
Setup
My first time setting up the Challenger took me about ten minutes. It took me 7 minutes to inflate and then another 3 minutes to secure the seat, attach the paddle and slide in the fin.
However I am getting faster each time I go out and the last time it took me only 7 minutes to get everything done.
The package comes with a little hand pump. It is one of the smaller hand pumps I have ever seen and a bit awkward to use, I don’t love it.
That being said the small size fits neatly into the carry bag and worked just fine to get the kayak inflated.
There is no pressure gauge on the pump so you won’t know what air pressure you are at when inflating it.
I simply inflated the kayak until it got too hard to pump anymore then stopped, which seemed to be enough.
These are the steps to follow to quickly setup the Intex Challenger:
Step 1 – There are two air valves. Inflate the floor first, then the side.
Step 2 – Turn the kayak over and slide in the fin. It clips in easily.
Step 3 – Inflate the seat and secure seat to velcro strip on the kayak floor. Then attach the seat straps to the D-rings on the floor.
Step 4 – Attach the paddle together. It comes in 5 pieces.
Step 5 – Put on your PFD and hit the water.
Storage
There is a little storage room in the cockpit underneath the front spray skirt. You could fit a 10L or 15L dry bag under there.
There is also bungee nets on top of the nose of the kayak that can hold more.
I normally have my water bottle under the front netting. It is easy to reach and totally secure. You could easily place a dry bag or two under there as well.
There is rope on the back of the kayak that can also be used for securing extra gear or for tying to a dock or boat.
Safety
I didn’t feel any safety concerns when paddling the Challenger. It feels stable and I had no worry of tipping at all.
However there’s a million safety precautions printed on the back tail of the Challenger that you may want to take a quick look at. They definitely cover all their bases!
One thing to mention is that there are only two air valves on this kayak as opposed to three, which is the norm.
With three air valves inflatable kayaks tend to be extremely safe.
If there is ever a leak in one area there are two other fully inflated valves that will get you safely back to shore.
With only two air valves this one doesn’t rate as high in safety. For that reason it is recommended not to venture too far from shore and to always wear your lifejacket.
Where To Find The Best Deal
All things considered you really can’t go wrong for the price.
Live in the US? Hands down Amazon.com has the best price plus free shipping.
Live in Canada? Amazon.ca has the best deal by far and fast and free shipping.
I will update this review as time goes on to let you all know how well it holds up. So far so good!
I have heard some great reviews and feedback from other people who own the Intex Challenger as well.
The consensus seems to be don’t expect the world from it but it’s a great deal for the price and is sure to bring loads of summer fun!
Pro Tip: Be sure to dry it off completely after use and store it in a dry cool place to keep the material and seams strong.
The Challenger also comes in a tandem version if you would like to paddle with another person or your dog.
The best deal for the 2-Person Challenger can also be found at Amazon.com.
*Review Update
Two years in I passed this kayak off to a friend for her son to use. The kayak was still in perfect shape, nothing wrong with it, I just no longer had use for it.
Her son has been using it for a couple summers now and the kayak is still holding up well. With a little care the Intex Challenger seems do just fine and I still think it is well worth the cost.
Do you already own this inflatable kayak? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Hi Allison
I was so excited when I finally found the single inflatable kayak (K-1 Intex Challenger) few weeks ago. Because of busy schedule this month, Im finally free this weekend and the rest of the summer to use my new kayak. I bought two seated inflatable Kayak last year because there was no single ones. I didn’t like it. I asked the person who worked there if it would be fine for me to be in two seated kayak alone…he said of course. I find it very impossible…Sad I didnt like it. The front half of the kayak was up and blocking my view. Go ahead and laugh! Im laughing right now. So tomorrow I might use it but not sure because of possible strong winds tmw morning. I was advised not to kayak during strong winds. I ll see see and let you know. I wish the pump would be easy to do (last. year was hell) manual pump! pfft…Im 60! LOL!! Any suggestions for me to get the right kind of pump that I dont need to do it manuially for my kayak? Thanks…Vicki
I agree with you I am not a fan of the manual pump that comes with the Intex kayaks. Normally I would say go for an electric pump but I don’t think that’s the best idea with this kayak as it doesn’t take much air pressure. What I started using was a foot pump and I find that easier to use. Also I would agree, avoid strong winds! I’ve been caught a few times in strong wind and it’s not fun. 🙂
My daughter used hers for the first time today. Setup was easy, though the pump came apart. I was able to put it back together. It performed great on the choppy lake.
Only issue is deflating. I can’t get enough air out so it fits in the bag. Any tips? Thanks.
Hi Vernon, I actually had that same issue. I find the valves on this kayak hard for deflating. No real trick, I just basically kept working at it and pushing the air out. I’m not a big fan of the bag that comes with it. I might actually switch mine into a large duffle bag.
I own 3 hard kayaks, and 6 of these Intex Challenger1’s (for self, family and friends). It has been years since I used the hard kayaks. I use one of these Intex kayaks several times each week. I love them. For less than the price of a paddle you get the whole outfit.
The one bad thing is that it’s real hard to dry it out and fold it up. There is no scupper plug, so you kind of have to put it on like a hat and extend your arms in it with a towel. However, the better you get at using it the less water it takes on. At this point, it rarely get wet inside. Also, if you have a place to leave it inflated for a day or two, it dries out on it’s own and problem solved. I throw it in the back of the minivan and keep it there blown up, although you need to let some of the air out so it doesn’t expand in the heat of the car too much.
Great comment thanks B! I agree with you, they’re not perfect but for the price and convenience they’re pretty awesome.
It seems like the price on this varies greatly. I can’t find one anywhere but amazon and ebay or some unknown places (pyhany???!!) Where have you bought the Intex Challenger k1 and for what price? Thanks!
Brenda
I agree the price has been fluctuating like crazy lately on this kayak. I bought mine on Amazon in Canada last year and paid under $100. The price seems to be much higher right now.
You need to keep checking on Amazon, they go in and out of stock very quickly. But if you are diligent, you’ll get one for around $70. Good luck!
I just found this because I was looking for reviews of the K one. How did you fit your feet inside the compartment? I am 5’8 as well and couldn’t even come close.
Oh really? That’s weird, I don’t know my legs fit inside no problem. There wasn’t a ton of room in there but I wasn’t squished. I’m sure you’ve already tried this but possibly your seat could be moved back a little further? It’s definitely a smaller kayak but I hope it works out for you.
I cannot get seated properly.. always sliding downward, the seatback leans backwards, and always having to adjust to keep myself in the seat, which i tipped over in a slow motion type manner that i could not stop once started. Yes.. i am naming it POSEIDON
I actually deflate the bottom part of the seat and then push the back really far back in the arch and pull the straps tighter and it seems to really help.
I have one of these and I wondered if anyone has found our made some kind of spray cover to so your legs getting wet
Ive just brought one of these in Australia and it’s great but leans terribly to the right.
Your skeg might be bent. Warm it up with a hairdryer and bend it back to straight. If that dosen’t work, call Intex and get a new one. They’re only about 3 or 4 dollars.
Great tip!!
This was my favorite purchase of the summer, mine came with an inflatable triangle ‘pillow’ to insert in the front end for lift, which I did not see in your review. Because it’s so compact I keep it in my car for days I just want to stop at the lake and go for a paddle. I used it when I went on a kayak tour and had no problem keeping up with the other paddlers in “regular” kayaks. (Although it was a history of shark attacks tour and I couldn’t help but think ‘great I’m in an inflatable’ lol). I haven’t taken it out in the colder weather yet and am wondering how it will do in the colder water. There are a lot of reviews that said to not inflate the bottom of the seat so you don’t sit up too high and I find that works for me. I have stronger paddles but have been using the ones provided and haven’t had any issues with them. Like your review said I think it’s better to stick to flat water, lakes or rivers, I think any strong wakes while they may be fun to ride over would be too intense to paddle through. All around I think it’s a perfect kayak if you don’t have the space for a hard kayak and want get into the water when the urge hits you.
So awesome, thanks for the comment Joan! It’s great to hear you are loving it. I just ordered the two-person version so I’m looking forward to trying that one out to! Happy paddling. 🙂
Hello Allison,
I want to say I was really stoked to find your website first of all. There are a lot of random places to get info but yours is the first site I have found dedicated to IKs exclusively, so good on you and thank you ! I grew up paddling canoes and going boating and fishing with my grandfather in small wood, aluminum or fiberglass hull boats. He was quite an outdoorsman and fisherman…and kind of an icon in the maritime field so I learned from the best. I did a fair amount of riverine exploration with a bunch of college guys scouting for underwater archaeological sites in Florida in my twenties so I got used to doing a bit of kayaking and canoeing so we did not disturb the water, riverbed or wildlife in delicate areas. I have gone out in recent years several times in rigid hull sport kayaks with a group of military veterans called Team River Runner and loved it. It is like meditation for me. I first got interested in IKs when my brother in law took my sons out fishing in one a couple of years ago. I was blown away. It was such a cool thing to watch the process of inflating and deflating and packing it away in a box that fits in the back of their SUV. I have been out in RHIB boats when I was in the service but they are pretty rugged and bulky and heavy. I saw this and I was sold on the idea. So I did some research and wanted to get either a Sevylor or Sea Eagle but as fate would have it my wife found an Intex Explorer K2 really cheap online so I ended up getting it instead, to start me out on a lower budget to see how I liked it. Our two sons already had an Explorer K2 that they got for Christmas and shared and they really love it so I was itching to try mine out. We go paddling mainly in a lake not far away on the North Carolina / South Carolina border mostly in summer but also in fair weather for three seasons. I have taken my Explorer up the Catawba River also and have gone over Class I and II rapids in it with no problems. It is really stable and I have to really try to tip it over when showing the kids how to recover from capsizing. It is stable and floats smoothly enough that I can take my camera with me and get some good shots of wildlife from the cockpit. I have read some of the other comments about this kayak and have made a few custom changes to mine (added extra d rings for lashing gear, velcro strips to secure the seats better, and PVC strips to the belly to help abrasion resistance and boost its performance and comfort but its a great little inflatable for the money. I paid $40 cash for mine. I will be passing this on on to my other son so they both have their own, and I will be getting a Sea Eagle next year. Until then, I am really looking forward to your review of the K2 Explorer.
Hi Chris, What a nice comment! I totally agree with you, it’s like meditation for me as well. Sounds like you have had some great experiences. And yes I also agree that the Intex Explorer can’t be beat for the price. It’s a cheaper inflatable kayak for sure, you’ll notice a big difference once you get your Sea Eagle but all things considered how can you go wrong for $40 right?! I am really glad you are enjoying it. I plan to review the K2 this coming Spring. Just have to get through this cold rainy season here in Vancouver. All the best! 🙂
I need to stand up in the kayak so that I can get on and off my 22’ Santana sail boat moored in a quiet bay. Can I attach a semi rigid plastic removable floor to enable me to stand up while holding on to the boat. I need to transport the deflated kayak on my motorbike. Would a 2 man kayak without the forward seat be better and more stable? Your response would be much appreciated. Argy
Hmm I think you probably could install a semi rigid plastic removable floor. The material on the Intex Challenger isn’t super tough so I would be a little concerned about the edges of the floor puncturing the sides. Maybe if you could add a little cushioning or protective cover around the sides of the board so there are no sharp edges. I think it would just be a little bit of trial and error and hope for the best if you were willing to give that a go.
Yes a two man kayak would be a little larger and more stable for sure. Although I don’t think you would be able to stand in the 2-man Challenger either. You would need a kayak such as the Sea Eagle FastTrack or Explorer that has a rigid drop stitch floor, which allows for standing.
You might be able to use a boogie board in the bottom for stability. It would be firm and have smooth edges. One guy put a plywood board floor in his Intex Seahawk boat so he could stand, walk around etc and it worked great.
That’s an awesome idea!
Actually, someone else did a review on this and they said it actually held up pretty good while they stood and paddled. I haven’t tried it yet, but I plan on trying this weekend at the lake.
About that “odd triangle thingy” – ha ha! Yes, on the Intex replacement parts, it refers to it as a foot rest.
I get more use out of it due to an Amazon review:
” 1. it lifts the front-top portion of the kayak a little bit so it kind of helps with keeping water out of front of the kayak, 2. it helps with lifting the front top so your legs don’t get squished or feels too restricted in the kayak, and 3. it actually helped a whole bunch with using it to reach the ends with my towel when I needed to completely dry the inside.”
FWIW. 🙂
Maiden voyage planned in 2 weeks.
Haha love this, thanks for sharing!
Oh interesting!! Thanks for that insight. Yeah I’d been wondering what the triangle “leaf” inflatable was, and as a foot rest and to prop up the front end were the consensuses that I’d come to also.
My daughter bought me two of these for my birthday this week (one is for her of course).
We have been out twice already, paddling for about three hours on the river Chelmer in Essex.
Paddling one way that is – out against the flow then lie back and drift slowly back.
Neither of us have tried this before but we are both ‘addicts’ already.
Such a ‘chill out’ experience. Wish I had started years ago.
Bit dearer to buy here in the UK at £66, but worth every penny.
Have no problems with quality or fears of safety.
That’s so awesome Michael. Glad you are both enjoying them so much. Nature therapy at its best! 🙂
Hey Allison! I just bought one on Amazon prime day for forty bucks!!! It’s great fun. I purchased it because it is so portable. There is a small lake, 5 miles into the wilderness, that is only accessable by foot. The trail is steep, often rocky and sometimes muddy. I put the kayak in my day pack. The accessories in a duffle bag, strapped it on the pack and headed out. Had a great day hiking and kayaking. I figure I might be the only person to have kayaked on that lake! The day was worth the $40 price tag and more!
So worth it!! That is awesome! 🙂
So glad you decided to give this one a review! I bought it as a gateway into the nicer/more expensive inflatables (ie will I actually use one if I buy it). One question regarding the materials: is there anything you can think of that might help reinforce or otherwise improve the materials used to make the kayak? Some sort of spray on coating maybe?
Thank you!
Hey Andrew, The only thing I know of that might help keep the material strong is 303 protectant. It will protect against UV rays and wear and tear. I use it once or twice a year on my kayaks and it seems to work great. You can find it at Amazon.
I’ve just bought a K1 and took it out on the local canal last Sunday. First time in a kayak of any description in 30 years (my teens) and absolutely love it. One thing I found that was a little uncomfortable was I felt slightly too high and unstable with the bottom part of the seat inflated so I’m going to try that deflated next time. I’ve seen a lot of people say the same. It might be because I’m pushing the boundaries on the weight limit rather than the design but that’s actually part of the reason I’ve taken up kayaking at 50! It beats spending time in a gym hands down!
Couldn’t agree more, so much better than being at the gym! Appreciate the comment, it’s great to hear that you are enjoying the K1. Happy paddling!!
I actually keep the bottom of my seat deflated, it seems to keep the kayak more stable and it’s more comfortable in my opinion.
You didn’t mention the triangular piece you inflate and put in the bow. Also it comes with plastic measuring strips so you can see that it is inflated properly. They are 10 cm long and the air chambers are marked the same length. When it is stretched through inflation you know you have it right. I’m on my second season with it and am happy with my purchase. A couple of outings pays for it vs renting one.
Hi Sarah-Anne, You’re right I did forget to mention that triangle piece. I thought it was kind of a weird little piece actually and don’t find that I use it. However I’ll add it to the review. Glad to hear you are liking it. Totally agree, it pays for itself when you consider the renting cost!
What’s the purpose of the odd triangle thingy?
I tried my double last weekend without seemed fine?
Cheers
Paul
I believe it’s supposed to be some kind of a foot rest. I don’t use mine either, seems fine without. 🙂
Keeps the kayak’s nose firm. I prefer using it since you can’t inflate at high pressure and I use every bit that stabilizes the structure
Just bought two. One leans to one side on the water, the other is fine. Loved your review.
Hey thanks John! That’s interesting… I wonder what causes one to lean to the side? Maybe they can exchange that one for you hopefully.
You may not have the same amount of air on one side as the other.
First time to buy my own kayak and bought an inflatable one for its ease of storage.
Own the 2-person K2 and it’s the first time I played an inflatable one.
So as a newbie, I don’t have much comparison done. But it was surprisingly quick. I was paddling on the sea (not too far) and one time I almost tipped. So I think I’d get a PFD quite soon. Possibly an outrigger.
I used the K2 twice and both times I played it alone. The back support of the K2 is not that great especially when there is no leg rest. So I can’t place my feet on the leg rest while paddling. That was a lot of core muscle exercise with balancing – which is what I need, so is fairly good.
Thank you so much for your comments on the K2, always great to hear others options. Happy paddling!
K2 Challenger review please! The 2 person model you mention at the end is the wrong product. The image and link is for the yellow Explorer model.
Dan thank you! Embarrassed that I messed up that link. I have now changed it to the right one. I’ll be reviewing the K2 this summer, stay tuned!! 🙂
Yay can’t wait for a K2 review as a newbie and Ive just purchased one!!!
Awesome! I’ll get on it soon. I’d love to hear your thoughts too once you have tried it!
Just bought two of these kayaks earlier this year. Can’t wait to take them out this summer. We plan to take them camping at the lake. I’ll let ya know what we think!
Yes please do! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hope you enjoy, happy camping/paddling!!