Intex K2 Challenger | First Kayak trip of 2021 | Basingstoke Canal | Paddle and Coffee on the Canal

[@DayTripperAdventures]

Inflatable kayaks are brilliant. I once paddled from Thames source to Oxford centre then put kayak back in its carry case and walked and got the train. I think I’ll get another one after watching this. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@pjchosen]

Yes, I did something similar : parked at Ross on Wye, took a bus to Hereford with my inflatable kayak, then spent 10 hours paddling back!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

both sound great.. I'd never considered doing that sort of thing : )

[@TheKeyboardGuy-f3c]

I watched the entire video while laying down on the couch, and drinking coffee. Very relaxing. Great video!!!😊😊😊😊😊

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@ianmclaren1593]

I’ve just bought the k 2 challenger through watching your trips so want to travel to some of the places you’ve been

[@justvin7214]

Nice one Dan. One of the few nice things about Basingstoke was the canal - the added bonus that it was a fair bit away from the place lol.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

haha! yeah, you're probably right there : )

[@ewengillies9826]

" I'm just going to paddle slowly ... no great rush to go anywhere " .. is called conditioning after being holed up for so long Dan ... lol. Great vlog new scenery and as always very entertaining. Thanks for the paddle mate. Bushyboy Oz

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

that made total sense! after weeks of inactivity just mooching around was great. I went back to work this week.. was a bit of a shock!

[@Intotheoutdoors69]

Good to see you back out on the water nice and relaxing. I did think you was going to fall in when you jumped off rhe bunker and when you tried to get back in the Kayak😂😁👍

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks mate, it was great to get out again, feels like its been ages. I did nearly go in when I got back in. the bank is a bit slippery : )

[@DoogSmith]

Great video mate just bought one up here in Lanark so i`m right by the River Clyde .

[@outingwithme1581]

After watching the vlog, it reminds of the film I am legend

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

I can see where you’re coming from with that thought.. I do like to spend time away from other humans 😁 Thank you for watching, I hope you enjoyed it. ATB Dan

[@outingwithme1581]

@@CampLifeBushcraft same here. I want to stay alone too I will buy a kayak or SUP board. Best way to live completely alone , I think water activities are best

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

As I make my way through your vids I find you're a kayaker. Now Subbed.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@heatherstrong964]

Glad you were able to get for a paddle! Relaxing lunch thank you. :-)

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

me too, barely left my house in any meaningful way since before Christmas. felt good to be back. I've started back at work since then.. that was a shock to the system I can tell you : )

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Great Sharing! Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from Chitral Pakistan.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks : )

[@Linleys]

Another good one Mr CLB. A good trip down the water. I bet that was cold, but paddling away I guess you stayed warm enough - but no gloves on! Nobody else out on the water it seemed. A good time to relax and enjoy. Thanks for letting me ride along. Cheers, W :)

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

it was great to be out on the water again, the first paddle of a new year always feels pretty special. that stretch of water is lovely too.

[@rialobran]

Nice stretch of water for a paddle, loved the return late winter scenery with the reflections and pastel colours, plus you were right the wind did speed you along...

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

it was nice to be out the house, might even get to go camping soon.. looking forward to that!

[@BourneOutside]

You entered her in the beginning with such aplomb, Dan. I take my hat off to you! I am unfortunately off to bed now. So I will catch up in the morrow! ATB, Tim

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

cheers Tim : )

[@andrewforrest8938]

Great to see you on the river the bunker would make a good shelter it's a shame there's rubbish in there take care.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

it was a good shelter, I stayed in there over the summer : )

[@benhikescamps]

Thoroughly enjoyed that little jaunt on the canal there Dan. Looking forward to the next one. ATB - Ben

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it Ben, thank you for watching mate.

[@deanwilliams9398]

Love your vids on your own today watched two of you and your wife, she is really nice love it buddy . Dean

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@AshOutdoorsUK]

Nice to see you back on the river, a shame the bunker had some litter in there again... at least your side was clear 😅😉 really like the hoodie you were wearing, suits the colour of your eyes 😂😘 have a great weekend mr CLB xx

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

that hoodie is my favourite jumper at the moment! I wear it all the time : )

[@terrym1065]

Dan👍👍 Looked like a good workout after extended stay at home time. Nice you have waterways that are accessible to use, I'm envious. The weather looked decent and no issues to deal with, yeah I'd say it was a good little trip. Thanks for bringing us along. Stay safe. Enjoy!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Terry, it was a glorious day. nice to be getting out a little bit more : )

[@billyaitken1713]

Very nice, gotta love canals. I paddled a big tidal river last weekend and had 4 hours hard slog because I had to return against the outgoing tide🙀. It looked really quiet along that stretch of the canal👍

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

yeah its hard on a river, I had to paddle up stream last year.. tough going

[@RJOutdoors]

Awesome paddle mate. This Inspires me to out in my kayak, but it's all work and no play at the moment. The old girl is going well for 4 years. Shame the bunker has been treated like a dumping ground. I love the chicken in lentils, I agree about the madras flavour. Stay safe Dan. Really enjoyed this episode. Rob

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Rob, yeah its lasted a long old time.. might upgrade soon, but all the while she keeps going I don't see the point : )

[@grahamecarter]

Nice trip out bud.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks mate, it was nice to leave the house for a while : )

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

Proper nice paddle 👍

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks 👍

[@WildCamper]

16:58 memories indeed was saying the same as I watched!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

yeah, it was good to be back there : )

[@philw8049]

I just picked up some uv protectant for my yak. Can’t wait to get it out! Beautiful area mate.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

I love that part of the Canal, very scenic : )

[@EvanOutdoors]

Thanks Dan! Cheers from oz mate!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Evan : )

[@outdoorjo6752]

Well it's all been said mate. A nice way to spend 25 minutes of my time, gentle relax after tea, just the job :o) Cheers Dan, on to the next ;o) Best regards to all as always. ... ODJ

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Jo. Glad you enjoyed it bud : )

[@GraysOutdoors]

Looks fab. I must bring the canoe up to this section sometime. ATB. Grays

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

its a great stretch of water, anywhere from the start of the Canal up to Fleet is lovely.

[@GraysOutdoors]

@@CampLifeBushcraft cheers. Can’t wait. I cannot use the canoe at the moment as I keep it at a club and it’s not classed as public.

[@ianmclaren1593]

Great trip where do you park your vehicle

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

For this one it was Crookham warf near the Exchequer pub in Crookham village I believe 👍

[@saxoncrow2500]

Hi. Lovely canal. I am looking at getting one of these kayaks to do some wold camping along a few rivers. Could I ask if you could give me some pros and cons of this kayak please? In short, is it reliable and what's it like with wake from passing boat? Many thanks :)

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

I've made 2 videos about the boat. have a look on my product review playlist : )

[@IronedEye]

I’m thinking of buying one soon but I’m still wondering if there’s a better one?

[@stevehayes-morgan5417]

Lovely video. This has definitely peaked my interest in canal kayaking. Where did you get the little kit barrel please? I'm struggling to find one. Thanks.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Steve. It was a eBay job, someone was selling a few off second hand. I grabbed one. I’m sure I’ve seen them on Amazon though.

[@1975supermike]

Have you stopped kayaking now ??

[@RequiemHD]

Hi mate! I’ve recently bought myself a K2, I’m yet to take it out (typical it arrives when it’s storming after a heatwave here in Essex!) but I had a question - do your oars make a clicking noise at all? The pair I received both make a click and ever so slightly rotate at the plastic centre bit. I haven’t heard anyone else mention this issue but maybe it’s expected with a budget kayak set? Great videos by the way!

[@simoncarrier8]

Odd question here but what size barrel did you use to rest the camera on? 🙏🏻👌🏼

[@j.r.newton2427]

Hello and Welcome?!!!!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Hello there!

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Haha, you wouldn't believe but I've got exactly the same canoe and flotation vest, cheap as chips , took mine in the sea 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😂

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Cant go too far wrong with it, I took mine out for a trip in Torbay a couple of years ago. it handled it quite well, except the wind, that made it hard work at times.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@CampLifeBushcraft yes I remember me and the missus (I bought two) trying to paddle from fistral beach to lusty glaze. We rounded the headland point and the headwind had us paddling backwards, not my best idea 🤦‍♂️ but a really affordable way to get on the water. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Yeah, it’s there biggest issue for me. I got worried paddling from my camp spot back into Torbay as the wind was heading out to sea. Had a quiet panic to myself for a while.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@CampLifeBushcraft I know that panic all too well... 🤦‍♂️ I remember thinking this emergency whistle isn't going to be much use if the wind blows the sound out to sea too 😂

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

😂😂😂

[@DABOXASH]

Have you thought about an open canoe, or upgrading to another inflatable?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

yes I have. I can't store or transport a solid boat right now. I've been looking lately at upgrading to more robust inflatable.

[@theo_konstantinou]

Can put the seat back ?

[@welshboyoo715]

A cigar case and a few beer cans.....Rob had been back before you then 😂😂😂

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

😂😂 it was all HIS side!

[@scabace]

Hey Dan, love videos like this. So relaxing! My wife and I have been going back and forth between the different kayaks, but just tonight we settled for the Explorer K2 and realised you need a British Canoeing Membership to go on our rivers! Does this cover the person or the boat? So if we went out together, do we both need the membership? I tried to see if you had a video about the rules on river licences and the ones that are free to explore? Thanks very much! Can't wait to get out in it. Steve

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

I'm not sure, I think it covers a person

[@BourneOutside]

How long were you actually in for, Dan? You were making it look easy! That bridge 1792 is 73 years older than my house. Built to last mate, built to last! Blimmin junkies in Pillboxes 🤣 What a spiffing hoodie you adorned whilst eating lunch. Looks familiar 😉 Sounds like you had Chinooks tailing you pal 😮

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

I probably paddled 2 hours there, but with lots of stopping and starting and messing about filming. I think it took just over an hour to paddle back again without stopping. I don’t really go at a rate of knots, I just keep a steady rhythm going. Yeah love my hoodie! He’s a good lad 😁

[@justvin7214]

The Chinooks would be from RAF Odiham, I worked there a couple of times and used to go clay shooting nearby. I used to play along and around the canal when I was younger and a walk along this canal was my daughter's second ever trip out - I have very fond memories of the place.

[@BourneOutside]

@@CampLifeBushcraft That’s good going, Dan. Slow and steady wins the race... and saves the shoulders. It’s not messing about. It’s creating a good vid 😉👍🏼

[@BourneOutside]

@@justvin7214 Aha, I wasn’t hearing things then, Vin 😁👍🏼 So it was a good area for you too. Can’t beat good memories! ATB pal

[@tewrgh]

Fantastic! I must patch the small hole I got in my K2 last year - can anyone recommend the best product to use? The Intex supplied self-adhesive patch looks a bit flimsy.

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

maybe look at paddling pool repair kits?

[@NickLewis]

Fabulous video. I know the canal really well from a walkers perspective but have never kayaked it and having recently discovered the sport, I’m itching to give it a go! What camera kit did you use for your video? Take care!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Nick, it’s a lovely stretch of water. I filmed this on a GoPro hero 7 .. it’s the safe option over water. I recently did a video running through my filming gear, if you’re interested have a look through my videos, it’ll be a couple of months back. ATB Dan

[@pjchosen]

Do you need a permit for specific canals do you know?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

most are covered by a waterways license, a bit like a fishing license. renewed each year. it doesn't cost too much, around the £50 mark.

[@RantAboutTime]

Do you need licence to kayak in the UK waterways?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

@RantAboutTime yes. It's called a waterways licence. It's about £40.00 a year.

[@RantAboutTime]

@@CampLifeBushcraft are there any rivers or ponds near London that we could try?

[@stnslv_mkhn]

How many times did you fix challenger?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

None so far.

[@stnslv_mkhn]

@@CampLifeBushcraft i’m considering to buy this one. It would be my first kayak. I’ve kayaked a few times recently. Would it be risky to kayaking on it in the narrow rivers ( where is a lot of branches floating and etc )? Mostly planing to use it on lakes or wide rivers, but river in my town are quite narrow.

[@ScoutManSteve]

Nice one Dan! I'm currently torn between a K2 I've seen on Amazon for £199, which comes with 2 oars and a pump and the 2 seater itiwit decathlon model, which is £269 for just the boat and a rucksack style bag, doesn't include oars or a pump though. They have shot right up in price since you got your one 😡 I've been looking up this waterways thing, do you need them for all rivers?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

yes, if you don't have the waterways licence then you are supposed to pay for individual river licences, which can be daily or yearly.. but it works out cheaper to have the waterways one. ps, I've only ever been asked to show it once.

[@ScoutManSteve]

@@CampLifeBushcraft thanks mate, the K2 turned up today, it's a big bugger for sure, but I'm now a member of the Kayak club 😀 Have a great weekend 👍

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

@@ScoutManSteve awesome, hope you enjoy it : )

[@Gaz1975-h6e]

Do you need a license for kayaking?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

You need a yearly waterways license.. about £40. a year.

[@Gaz1975-h6e]

@@CampLifeBushcraft thanks 👍

[@barrystevens2699]

Great video. You are at where I kayak from. I live there. If you are ever in the area give us a shout. You have my email address from about a year ago when we were chatting about camping with my son Keep up the good work

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Thanks Barry, its a lovely stretch of water!

[@peesua]

Do you need a licence of any kind to kayak on rivers or canals in the UK?

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

some places require a specific licence. but most are covered by a waterways license which is a yearly renewal of around £50