Intex Challenger K1 Review & Test on the River Thames

Here I review the Intex Challenger K1 one man inflatable kayak. The video shows me setting it up, reviewing it's performance on the river Thames and getting it back in the bag! Enjoy!
Pay Only Amazon Prices with these links!
For UK Friends - Intex Challenger K1 Kayak - Amazon affiliate link amzn.to/2KwoFLw
For US Friends - Intext Challenger K1 Kayak - Amazon affiliate link amzn.to/2WFqlJL

[@miguelmunoz9989]

First time I used my K1 I was sitting with my knees too high and felt a bit unstable. I now use to sit with crossed legs and my back and neck upright and I can be rowing for hours without feeling any discomfort or tension in my back, and the kayak feels very stable. Great purchase and very satisfied ..... until I had a seam leak at the bottom last week, about 20 cms behind the skeg. It was probably my fault because I overinflated the bottom part to make it more rigid. The location of the seam leak is a weak point in the design of the bottom. After some investigation I came to the conclussion that even with the best 2 components pvc glues (very expensive, by the way) it is impossible to make a durable repair of a seam leak. However, when an adhesive solution does not work, sometimes it is possible a simple mechanical solution, and now the seam leak is completely solved I have been using the kayak intensively hereafter. My solution consisted in using just 2 metal rings 23 mm diameter and a short cilindrical screw. I covered the plate rings with a piece of rubber sheet (from an bike wheel inner tube). The two rings are compressing the 1 cm area around the leak and no air can escape. It is worthwhile trying this solution if you ever experience this seam leak. It does not have to mean the death of your kayak! In case of normal punctures or tears in flat areas far from seams, using some pvc glue and patch will work perfectly. Hope this helps to whoever has had the same problem. Again, as to this specific kayak model Intex K1 challanger, I recommend it. It is a good purchase. As a matter of fact, I am ordering this week a new one for using with the family. It is not necessary spending hundreds of euros in expensive kayaks specially if you just want to try and see if this sport is ok for you. In my case kayaking is doing wonders with my back problems. Through gradually increasing intensity and above all using the right technique (torso rotation) I have strenghthened my back muscles and all my pains disappeared. I am nearly 60 years old, by the way. The other sport I practise is inline skating, good for strengthening the lower part of the body. So, kayaking plus skating is a good combination for keeping fit. I am talking/writing too much. Sorry. I'm spanish ;)

[@miguelmunoz9989]

@Mark Osbourn Hi Mark! Thanks for yr kind msg. I studied engineering in the late 70's (but I have to confess that after 4 years I gave up ). In the 80's my company was exclusive distributor of a few british firms like Dunlop Ltd Oil Marine Div (Grimsby), Petroleum Seals and Systems Ltd (Oldham), and all this experience in the world of rubber hoses, seals for floating roof tanks, etc..was always in my mind. From P.S.S. I learned that by combining metal hardware with rubber seals you can have very reliable solutions. By the way, I had a colleague at Dunlop whose name was Andy Osbourne. The solution I mentioned (2 metal washers 23 mm outside diam + rubber disk in between + bolt screw) Is going perfectly. I have been using intensively the kayak here in Holland (where I live) in several channels and small rivers and the repair works perfectly. I just took some photos of the repair, but no videos. It is important that the thickness of the metal washer is 2 mm minimum to make sure that the washer is not deformed when tightening the bolt screw. The inside diameter of the metal washer I think was 6 mm and the size of the hexagonal head/nut was the corresponding to a 10 mm wrench. The rubber rings can be cut out with some scissors, to an approx diameter of 35 - 40 mm. The rubber rings provides grip, helps distribute the clamping pressure evenly, and avoids that the edges of the metal washer come in contact with the kayak PVC material. I payed just 80 euros for this kayak, and I would be satisfied if I can use it one more year at least. Here in Holland I have learned from my dutch family that it is important to be handy and repair your own things, trying to get the maximum lifespan of it, and therefore get the maximum joy/pleasure of things without wasting money. Enjoy your kayak in the beautiful rivers and streams and magnificent landscapes of your country. All the best

[@Yibambe.]

Wow! Thanks for this wonderfully detailed review. So happy to know that in addition to the kayak being fixable, it is good for your back. I bought two of them so friends could come along and it's been so much fun to use this kayak.

[@denisbertalesotundra1536]

Привет 🤝 Значит стоит купить этот корабль))) недорогой и лёгкий вес этого каяка очень привлекает. Хотя прочность материала очень слабая.

[@bobbysausagefingers4405]

I took the k2 fully loaded 2 people and bags in the sea at Southend , even in the choppy waves it’s was fine

[@jamie123b]

Nice to know as I want to get one for Cornwall

[@wendysalter]

I had the earlier version (£72 in 2013) for 10 years until a seam under the bow split - difficult to repair. If a leak happens while you're out, because there are two separate sections, the other half will hold you up. Don't drag it along the ground. Couldn't live without it so I have just bought the latest version, same as yours in the video, which is slightly better made, for £78. I know from experience, but the 2-part valve system isn't clearly shown in the video, for new users. And the thing all users want to know - how to get in and out - is not shown. There is a small nozzle attached to the pump hose for inflating the seat (and the green bow cushion which seems superfluous). Also good for pumping up beach toys, it's a really good pump. Also not mentioned is canal and river licences.

[@maverickdallas1004]

I only inflate the seat bottom about one-fourth of the way full, almost flat. I find it more comfortable and roomy that way. The K1 is a great little boat and I found that it will handle more than the 220 lb. load rating quite well. Can't wait till spring to start using it again!

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Yes... I agree. I've now had a chance to try it out in different environments whilst exploring a small river here. You're right... slightly deflating the seat seems to help a lot. I've been really impressed with this little boat enough to actually clean it, dry it and put it away for winter.... that good. Having said that, this warm November is making me think maybe I can squeeze in "one more" explore...

[@outdoorsboy6537]

@Ian Mangham thanks mate

[@rahowherox1177]

How much weight have you tried?

[@jennykelly4111]

Yeah, I didn't feel like it was very stable when the seat was blown up all of the way.

[@STEAM-STREAMS]

If you fold the bottom of the seat behind and under the back rest ( in the rear crevasse” you get a lot closer to the water making it feel a lot more stable

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Mark, I totally agree. I used to under inflate the seat but that made it squishy and weird so now I do exactly what you suggest - much better ride

[@firequeen2194]

That’s a great idea!

[@pbarratt73]

Just ordered one after watching this review. Currently £70 On Amazon (27th May 2019) thank you - I'm a bit scared getting in and out of it hopefully will be ok. Going to try it on a canal first while no one about in case I fall in 😉

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Phil, thanks for the subscription. The K1 can feel a little "top heavy" when you first use it so you can try inflating the seat backrest but leave the seat itself soft or un-inflated. This allows you to sit lower and feel a little more stable. A far as getting in and out you just have to cross everything and commit. Don't half do it otherwise you're going in. It's great fun so enjoy it

[@pbarratt73]

@@outdoorsboy6537 thanks mate. It's just arrived. Will be having a go on it next weekend forgot I've got too much on this one but looking forward to it. Going to try the canal first in a quiet spot 😉

[@pbarratt73]

@@outdoorsboy6537 just to let you know went out on it today for a couple of hours. Find it quite scary getting in and out but imagine comes with experience really - above all had a great time with it. Looking forward to using it again already.

[@outdoorsboy6537]

@@pbarratt73 Brilliant. It does get easier but you do need to stay a little bendy if you don't want to get in tbe water. I went out for 3 hrs yesterday. Great fun

[@stevem9754]

Useful review. Came aross this just after I've ordered one, so glad you report it so favorably. It's a pity the sound did not record when you are actually on the water as it would have been good to hear your comments re how it handles on the water. Very useful tip below too in the comments from the dutch guy about how to repair air leaks in the seams. Thanks for the review.

[@stevenhumphries110]

Great honest review...

[@MrMann703]

I bought the Intex excursion pro k2 here in Canada for fishing and camping, it has a 400lb capacity, 3 layer construction with 3 air chambers at a cost of $452 after tax. Thinking of buying this excursion k2 for day outings, seen it at a local store on sale after tax it'll be $135 roughly. Seems like a good inflatable. Thanks for the video

[@harmansofearley]

Actually the most useful part of this is showing how a novice needs to get in to the water :-) All the videos I've seen show launching from "ideal" locations but near me I have loads of canals that look like where you launched and from the side I assumed I would just tip out trying to get in as at least a good ft or so drop to the water edge. Thanks very much :-)

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Matthew - I have also launched from Bray Mariner that has 3 foot drops. You just have to grit your teeth and commit :-)

[@harmansofearley]

@@outdoorsboy6537 ah that's interesting I might have to stop being a woose and go for it. Mind you suspect that was interesting to get back out of :-) . I'm not far from Bray so have the Kennet & Avon on my doorstep, as well as a few of the mariners on the Thames heading up stream from Bray. I also wanted to paddle up to Camden Lock from Perivale but thought I'd need to find a proper canoe launching site.

[@outdoorsboy6537]

@@harmansofearley Matthew... if you've seen any of my exploring videos you'll see that you can, with a little luck, get in and out of the K1 anywhere. With that in mind I wear a 3mm wetsuit because I'm usually upto my waist in small rivers exploring whilst dragging the kayak behind me.. Don't be a woose, commit man...commit! Good luck

[@AJratcliffe]

You mentioned the leg room, may I ask how tall you are? Trying to pick my 1st kayak but I'm very tall and worried about legs/knees

[@xts_eddy9527]

Shouldve used the pump with the adapter thing to blow up the seat and stuff, but you are still good at blowing it up. Nice review btw. But when u talked about the cargo net and said (Put your cat or dog underneath) made me laugh

[@andreaschiavino5444]

You can use the attachment on the pump to fill up the foot rest and the seat

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Andrea... you're absolutely right, I just find it quicker to blow it up rather than change attachments. Also, I lost them all fiddling about on my first river explore :-)

[@andreaschiavino5444]

Ahhh. I just bought mine last week and mine are connected to the pump but I will keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t come loose. 😃

[@rossholden1265]

Best review I’ve seen on this product keep it up!

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Thanks Ross

[@h6425]

The foot rest pumps up with the pump it has adapter for seat as well who blows up stuff when you have a pump lol

[@filtafacta]

Got the fishing rod on board. Nice! :D

[@outdoorsboy6537]

You've got to try these things! - The K1 has platforms front and back so I'm going to try and set up a more robust rig at some point - should be fun

[@blankblank2345]

about how many mph can you reach at a comfortable intensity of paddling?

[@MrNipper001]

I have the intex k1 first ever kayak and use it in my local estuary I have subscribed to your channel

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Nipper... I've now had a chance to use this exploring a small river near me... It's put up a fair fight so far so pretty impressed with it. I've also taken a bigger Sevylor out on the waves which was a blast. There's a quick vid on that as well Enjoy

[@bhris275]

just my k1 kayak today & i was afraid i'd be too tall im 6'3 and it's a tight squeeze. I'm wondering if u can order the k2 kayak & just remove one of the seats making it back to a one man

[@sonareclipse9810]

I’m interested to know this too … did you ever find out?

[@bhris275]

@@sonareclipse9810 never got a chance to try it out but im sure it would work

[@dlt215]

I bought a two seater and never installed the front seat and it works just fine,k2 explorer.

[@pbarratt73]

Well after so much fun (5 hours yesterday) I am now getting the K2 for 2 people... BUT I am unsure what to get. The explorer or the challenger? Cant seem to find which is best to get?

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi.. just had a quick look and I see the challenger weighs another 3 Kg more at 17Kg vs 14Kg and the explorer has 534 reviews with 4.5 stars whereas the challenger has 4 with 244 reviews. My criteria was weight and price as I would need to carry it. Other than that the Explorer has hand straps but the Challenger has cargo net storage. That's all I got, weight vs storage

[@pbarratt73]

@@outdoorsboy6537 gone for the Explorer only on the basis it's more stable in the water - going by reading best kayak 2019 reviews - (taking my Son out in it you see only 10 years old) I will miss the cargo net though so it was a very close call. Will let you know how I get on mate taking it out Saturday just waiting for life jacket to arrive for him. Thanks for replying, Speak soon.

[@gavlar111]

@@pbarratt73 how is the explorer? Thinking of getting the bigger one so I can take my son out too

[@pbarratt73]

@@gavlar111 Hi there. The K2 explorer (Yellow) is very stable and handles brilliant even on the sea too. Went to Goodringron beach and it was perfect not once did I feel like it would capsize I highly recommend it for safe experience with your young lad he'll have a fab day.. At time of writing this it's £99.99 on Amazon (18th June 2020) and can get good life jackets off there too. Worth every penny. Plenty of leg room too as it can accommodate 2 adults easily. I have just upgraded to the k2 Excursion pro.. it's got thicker material and foot rests so looking forward to trying that out next week 😊

[@romanrm1]

At 9:50 it looks like you should try to straitghten your legs more into inside the front part, or was there no room? Maybe try not putting that green triangle pillow inside there?

[@Zubareffstream111]

Can you take this out on the sea and how does it perform? I've just bought one for £72 and am itching to take it out but not sure about lockdown right now. Glad I saw this review despite already having bought it.

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Steve - taking it out on the sea? Hmmm... I've taken it out in an estuary which was fun but not full on waves. I've only done that in a bigger Sevylor kayak which basically folded in two with me in it... but what a scream.. There's a video of that as well. I'd do it for a laugh but don't expect real performance.. you'll probably drown so wear proper safety kit. Have fun

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Oh... and use a short bit of rope to tie the paddle to the kayak or you will lose it!

[@Zubareffstream111]

@@outdoorsboy6537 Good advice on the tying the paddle. I would only paddle very close to the shore and probably only when it's very calm. I've only ever kayaked once before and that was along the Cornish coast and I'd like to go again some day.

[@bangcrashtinkle6718]

@@Zubareffstream111 Good luck mate...If I get "into the waves" I'll let you know

[@rahowherox1177]

I live in nz, bought 1 for nephew and used it to paddle 3 mile across sea during storm to check yacht... handled no probs, never felt like tipping in 2m swell ... just as well, forgot lifejacket. Wind was biggest issue - staying on track.

[@Dave-un7fh]

Only thing missing with these kayaks is a drain hole and plug, making it very difficult to clean out (sand, water etc). Otherwise, they're great.

[@dralec12]

Nice review! Do you need a license to kayak in London canals?

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Dralec12 As I understand it, you need a license for all craft on UK waters. This is from the Canal & River Trust "Yes, it's not just narrowboats and barges that need a licence on our waterways. All portable, unpowered craft such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft do too solid craft including canoes and kayaks which gives you insurance and helps pay for river maintenance". Here is the website link for more info canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canoeing-and-kayaking/licensing-your-canoe If you are a member of the British Canoeing its included www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership Having said that I was on my inflatable kayak and was invited to go through a lock rather than portage around by a kind lock keeper who never asked and we have camped at a lock without being asked. If it helps maintain our rivers the £45 for a year is worth it

[@AGale2110]

@@outdoorsboy6537 you can join www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/ for £45 per year membership includes CRT license and insurance

[@wendynorman6965]

Hi OB! Thanks for the review and especially the take down and putting it back in the bag. I was wondering about your inflation pressure. When I inflate mine using the 10 cm vinyl guide, it is still rather saggy and bows a bit under my weight. Just wondering, did you overinflated it a bit? Yours looks really well filled and I think I’m smaller than you.

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Wendy - yes I now do a finger press test rather than using the guide. Not rock hard obviously but if it feels firm and pushes back that's enough for me. Go try and experiment until you are comfortable

[@moname56]

My husband is 6’4” and 180 lbs. Would he be too tall for it?

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Gina... I'm 6' and weigh around 87KG (181lbs) and I'm ok in it. I would suggest he deflate the seat a little but keep the back support fully pumped. That will lower his centre of gravity for stability. Having said that the wobbliness goes with practice and confidence. Good luck and thanks for the question

[@rahowherox1177]

Toe squash will be the issue- comfort, I'm 6'2 and jam a rolled blanket in front (or similar) to open up gap.

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Is this still worth it in your experience

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Absolutely - its just fun

[@GideonShevarim]

do you reckon i could use it without the seat?

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Flowing River - Yes you can but the back support is really good for long kayaks so I have used it with that part inflated and the seat part deflated. This makes it more stable but does put a strain on me getting in and out

[@GideonShevarim]

@@outdoorsboy6537 thanks mate

[@romanrm1]

If you want to sit lower, I saw people suggest to just not inflate the lower part of the seat.

[@GideonShevarim]

@@romanrm1 yep, i did that as well

[@mkorpal1]

Ohh I'm thinking to buy it and use it in West London River Theme's , how does it perform when the tide is strong?

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi mkorpal1: We don't really have tides this far up the Thames. I use mine with the cushion deflated but the back rest inflated to provide support and lower my centre of gravity. I also use an HH buoyancy aid or wetsuit on the Thames. I also tie a short cord onto the paddle and the kayak so when it all goes wrong and should mostly be ok. It will honestly come down to your confidence and competence. Both of which I generally lack. Good luck and be careful. It's not a £400 bit of kit

[@mkorpal1]

@@outdoorsboy6537 thank you, I've ordered the kayak and a life jacket, I hope it will all go well 🙏

[@EnglishWizards]

mkorpal1 hi mate, I’m thinking of doing the same, did you get any licenses?

[@mkorpal1]

@@EnglishWizards hey no I didn't but I don't go far atm 😂

[@outdoorsboy6537]

I have the standard British Canoeing Membership its included www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership. About £40 per year I think and helps towards river upkeep

[@ron4775]

Is this te smallest one there is :)

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Hi Ragna L. Yes it is. I had to be specific and get the slimist one out there at the time as I have to squeeze between trees. I believe Sevylor do a shorter one but its wider

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

How tall are you?

[@outdoorsboy6537]

About 6 feet. I lower the pressure in the seat to make my centre of gravity as low as I can

[@pardonmedoug886]

Audio drops to almost nothing at the end. Something to correct if you are going to make videos like this. Thanks for the effort though.

[@outdoorsboy6537]

Thanks for the feedback... I think at that time I was getting use to Lightworks for editing. I try to correct now on audio. Your right, it makes a huge difference for the viewer

[@MsTilda2]

Maby a bigger kayak, this model are for kids,...

[@harrychalcraft6371]

£100!? Bugger off, don't pay more than £70 for it.

[@harrychalcraft6371]

Don't pump up the seat if you're a big man, do it at a quarter or half way and buy a £12 USB pump, you won't be out of breath then when you want to hit the water.

[@h6425]

Your oar is the wrong way round too

[@shermk3156]

Audio is terrible

[@sandmancat294]

Look dirty