Challenger K1 Kayak

 I never planned to review any product on my blog. But purchasing an inflatable kayak a few years ago became a pivotal moment in my travels. So this post is a tribute to the item that became my friend. And I offer some advice based on my experience for those considering buying a watercraft.

Even though I've been traveling around the United States for a long time, I'd never considered buying kayaks before. The stereotype that transporting and storing them required special transport equipment and large storage spaces was firmly ingrained in my mind.

I can't even remember why I decided to buy an inflatable kayak in early 2021. I had no experience using one, so the main criterion when choosing was price. After all, if the product didn't suit me, losing $100 wouldn't be such a shame. So, I chose the Challenger K1 kayak, manufactured by the popular company Intex.

The first test of the kayak took place in June 2021 on a lake where water lilies were in full bloom.

It was undoubtedly a revolution in my thinking. If previously such beauty could only be enjoyed from the shore, it turned out that it was entirely possible to immerse oneself in it. I didn't swim into the lily pads themselves, so as not to damage the plants with my oars. But the contact can be very close.

Getting the kayak ready for sailing turned out to be very easy. A few minutes of using the hand pump and a little physical effort – and the kayak is ready to go.

Packing a kayak into its bag after use isn't physically difficult, but it is more labor-intensive. This is because the kayak consists of two air chambers equipped with Boston valves. These valves don't allow air to be pumped out with a pump. I had to find another way. I used my body to push the kayak down, forcing the air out of the chambers. After that, the kayak can be placed in the bag, along with the paddles, pump, and life jacket.

It's important to understand that we're dealing with one of the most affordable inflatable kayak models on the market. Therefore, it's no surprise that the kayak is equipped with the most basic components. The pump, for example, doesn't even have a reverse deflation function.

Having started kayaking on lakes, you gradually become interested in trying the kayak on rivers. There are no restrictions on full-flowing, deep rivers. Rafting on such rivers is a joy. However, if the river has shallows or protruding rocks, you need to carefully consider whether it's worth it. The Challenger K1 kayak is made of single-layer vinyl. Any snag in the water or sharp rock is guaranteed to puncture it. So, always keep this in mind. This kayak is for lakes, canals, and calm rivers. If you want to take a chance, no problem. I've taken risks many times. And the only thing that killed this kayak was not rocks.

I don't recommend paddling in windy weather or against the current. At least on this kayak, it becomes a struggle and isn't much fun.

But the main advantage of an inflatable kayak is its portability. Very soon, the bag with the kayak became a permanent fixture in the trunk of my car. No matter where I travel, I can always stop near a body of water, quickly inflate the boat, find a suitable launching spot, and relax physically and mentally by paddling around the body of water.

You can kayak in all permitted areas. Kayak registration is optional. However, it's important to know that this only applies to launching in unequipped, wild areas. If you visit a designated park or use a DCNR or PFBC-affiliated dock, you must have a launch permit or unpowered boat registration. Without such permits, you risk a fine. Personally, I get a launch permit every year. It's inexpensive, and I can park and launch anywhere without any hassle. This is my small financial contribution to the development of kayaking in the state.

After paddling freshwater lakes and rivers, I arrived at the saltwater Atlantic Ocean. The photo below shows my kayak on the shore of Chesapeake Bay. I spent five days inspecting the concrete flotilla in my kayak. I didn't rinse the kayak with fresh water.

When I inflated the kayak for sailing a week later, I noticed that the chambers weren't holding any air. Both of them, in fact.

I've been using this kayak for two years. Why are holes starting to form in it? It could be due to natural wear and tear of the material. I've already mentioned that the Challenger K1 is made, like mattresses, from a single-layer vinyl material. This material clearly isn't durable. But since the problems started after using the kayak in saltwater, this seems more likely to be the case.

The manufacturer's website specifications state that the Challenger K1 is recommended for use on lakes and calm rivers. However, the specifications for the three-layer Excursion Pro K1 specify use on lakes, rivers, and in saltwater. In other words, the Challenger K1 seems to have deliberately omitted the saltwater option.

My conclusions are as follows. If you're a beginner kayaker, want to try your hand at water sports, plan to paddle calm freshwater lakes, and don't want to spend extra money, choose the Challenger K1. There's no point in overpaying.

But if your goals are more advanced, then you need to choose something more reliable.

The Challenger K1 was my good friend for two years. I realized that it's more of an inflatable mattress in the form of a kayak when I started using truly reliable inflatable kayaks. But the Challenger K1 gave me a  start, and for that, I'm very grateful.