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Not the best price ever but handy during lockdown.
Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak K2 $194.65 ($190.07 with eBay Plus) Delivered @ KG Electronic eBay
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hahaer on 29/08/2021 - 13:09 ebay.com.au (6400 clicks)
Last edited 29/08/2021 - 13:28 by 2 other users
Last edited 29/08/2021 - 13:28 by 2 other users
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And probably a great idea even if not a legal requirement.
reminds me of bike helmets, Australia is unique at being one of I think like 3 countries in the world to be mandatory. It boggles my mind how anyone can accept that if they fall off their bike it's 'an acceptable risk' to smash your face in.
How small is it to store away? Not much room left in the shed
EDIT: Found dimensions of storage bag on Amazon, 45.7 x 68.5 x 28cm
Quite compact, but I was never able to get everything back in that bag! I keep the paddles semi assembled.
There is always air left in the chamber!
Also a lot heavier than it looks
Can confirm, this thing is damn heavy!
more like 45x70x45
I have this one
Can't even exercise outside my postcode in Canberra right now.
Maybe one day :(
Burley Griffin not within your postcode?
Been dead for a while. I don't think he spent much time in Canberra anyway.
Great kayak, very stable and easy to use. You can grab some cheap life jackets from BCF to go with it.
2 for $30: https://www.bcf.com.au/p/marlin-australia-adult-vip-standard…
Are these bearable? They're called "bricks" in the description. Looks like it might be uncomfortable to paddle while wearing it.
I bought them, they are very clunky, uncomfortable and look embarrassing.
movement-wise they are only a minor inconvenience for me though
but hey if you only kayak like once every 3-4 months, they are heaps cheaper than anything else, the next step up is 50-60 AUD each [maybe 40-50 if on sale on ebay]and it's cheaper in anaconda anyway
https://www.anacondastores.com/water-sports/life-jackets/fis…
if you want you can price match at bfc
Thanks. Didn't know I needed them.
For $10 each, I grabbed four to go with the new kayak I didn't know I needed either…
@particle: The price went up from $10 to 15. Bought 2 from BCF instead since that didnt require club membership.
@jalwa: Ah got it. They've come down in price a bit again now, 2 for $25, which also applies if you get one kids and one adult in the same transaction.
I had them on for a couple of hours a few times. They are ok. If you're a regular kayaker then I'd get the more comfortable ones. These actually have better safety ratings than most in the $40-70 range.
summer is comming
summer is comming
But freedom isn't…
What's the RRP on this badboy
considering inflation?
For similar or less money, you can buy a rigid kayak from Anaconda. Much rather something solid than an inflatable.
Depends if you have car and roofracks and garage to transport and store a solid kayak.
I would also prefer a rigid Kayak but for someone like me who doesnt have roof racks or a lot of storage space, this is ideal
Recommend spending a little more and get the K2 Excursion Pro. Tougher material and less drag.
Can you provide a link?
I have been waiting for Excursion K2 deal since last year. Cheapest available is over $600
It's $513 on Amazon with free (Prime) delivery https://www.amazon.com.au/Intex-Excursion-Professional-Infla…
This is shipped from the US. Postage would be huge should ever need any warranty…
I got one from Catch.com.au for $319 last year. Also bought the K2 Explorer for $160. The explorer and challenger material feels like the pool toys and isn't as rigid. You tend to sit deeper in the water and it is harder to paddle.
Thankyou.. how much experience do you have you have used both. I'm going to buy this literally just On your word.. on sale ATM at 575
I haven't used the challenger but have used the explorer which is very similar. The difference between the explorer and excursion pro is night and day to me. Have used it on many occassions in estuaries. Good fun. The excursion comes with fishing rod holder and a console bar tht you can attach more rod holders. The excursion is larger and more comfortable. Scraped against rocks many times, no problems.
Bought one, have been waiting for the deal since earlier this year, thanks heaps
Can this be used safety in open water, e.g. around Port Philip Bay beaches?
As long as it doesn't get attacked by shark?
Not really unless very calm, its better on rivers and lakes. Comes with a fin to help tracking straight.
Biggest issue with inflatables is wind - they are light and sit high in the water, so will be pushed around a bit. And bigger waves and they can twist or bend a bit, which is disconcerting perhaps but part of the fun
Will it deflate if you wash up on some rocks? Is it easy to patch any holes?
Will deflate if you get a puncture but won't sink as you have multiple chambers. Puncture patch is supplied by I don't recall the glue being supplied
I think the material will be able to deal with some harsh contact. Obviously if you wash up onto some sharp rocks theres not much you can do in an inflatable.
Comes with two chambers, one on the top, one on the bottom. I'm not sure if it can float with one chamber busted but it should buy some time to get to shore.
Thanks OP, I've just ordered a Toyota RAV4. I'm a pensioner and this kayak will fit in top of the new car that I've exclusively purchased to carry the kayak.
Haha good one.
Will this fit in my bath while in lockdown?? Asking for a mate.
How big is your bathtub?
how big is ya mate
What's the difference between this and the Explorer K2 which is $199.16?
Why would you choose one or the other?
Explorer is shaped more like a canoe and has a bit more leg room.
I've been wondering the same thing and found the following comparisons online.
https://www.paddleventure.com/intex-challenger-vs-explorer/
https://outventurist.com/kayaks/intex-explorer-k2-vs-challen…
https://boatinggeeks.com/intex-explorer-vs-challenger/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZnl6DeIof8&t=0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFaVET_k1w4Consensus seems to be that the challenger wins in a points decision, fundamentally due to 3 air chambers vs 2, and a shorter, but wider design that makes fore more stability for the uninitiated. The challenger sits flatter in the water, whilst the explorer has a more canoe-like design with bow and stern curved and sits a little higher in the water. Again, aids stability but does make it susceptible to wind and wake disturbance.
Would love to hear from anyone who knows a bit more than I do about whether a leaning towards the Explorer is wise or not…
Oops. Just realised that I mistaken wrote that the Challenger wins in a points decision. That is incorrect. Most review sites say the Explorer is the better of the two - I just reversed the names of the explorer and challenger in the description above.
Not sure if anyone is still tracking this thread. Apologies for the confusion.
For the record, I've order the broader, less sleek Explorer and will see how it fares once received…
Thanks for clarifying! Your research was very helpful (thanks for sharing with us) but I was a bit confused for a moment! The names Challenger and Explorer sound so interchangeable, so very easy to confuse them.
I was close to getting the Challenger but decided to get the Explorer too. Can't wait to get it out on the Yarra/Albert Park (and eventually the beach if I feel brave enough!).
@Shirr0: Cheers Shirr0.
Hopefully my interchanging of the names didn't cause anyone else to mistakenly go with the wrong model. I must admit to being surprised at how many more units of the Challenger sold during this promo compared to the Explorer with it's generally higher retail price and reviews. They are obviously designed with slightly different use cases in mind and hopefully the Explorer will be well suited to intrepid first timers like myself. Mine is due by Friday, so I should know soon enough…
@UncleRico: I'm sure they're both fun. I've previously had a single-person one (another good brand) and it's super convenient.
I impulse-purchased the Challenger on the day this was posted, and didn't even look at the Explorer unfortunately.
I think the banana-looking Explorer is a bit more stable, while the green Challenger is a tad longer, faster in still conditions, and also let you stretch your legs out if you're sitting in the back. If you're taller you might like Challenger, but if you're more regularly going to be in choppier water the Explorer is likely better for your needs.
Really, you should never do anything too tricky in either of these as they're not really designed for anything other than calm waters - certainly not ideal for open water (ocean) unless a still.
I'll look out for you all on the water!
How’d you get $199.16 for the Explorer? Coming down to $206.67 after my plus code is applied.
From UncleRico's links, the Explorer seems more stable while the Challenger seems more spacious. Quotes:
"Legroom
The Explorer is about a foot shorter than the Challenger, so it naturally has a bit less legroom. On top of that, though, the Challenger is designed so the rear passenger can slide their legs on either side of the front passenger’s seat. While it’s not perfect, it’s better than the Explorer and allows the rear passenger to stretch their legs out."Stability
Like most inflatable kayaks, both the Explorer and Challenger have good stability on the water, but the Explorer definitely has an edge. The Explorer has a wide, 36-inch hull and larger air chambers, which both act to increase its stability. The Challenger, on the other hand, has a relatively narrow 30-inch hull which lowers its overall stability."Space: The Intex Challenger K2 offers more space for legs and luggage
The Challenger K2 offers more legroom due to its length. The Intex Explorer K2 has thicker side tubes, so the interior is narrower. For paddlers there is more space in the Challenger K2. Also the Challenger K2 offers a luggage net on the bow, which is very useful and which Explorer K2 does not have. All in all the Challenger offers more space for paddlers and luggage""Also for tall people the Challenger K2 is more suitable."
I bought this earlier in the year from Groupon as I always had an interest in Kayaking. It's quite good quality and good to use for lakes and rivers. Takes about 2-3 minutes to pump with the provided pump.
I weigh about 105kg, so it does sink in quite a bit and therefore becomes bottom heavy. If you're in the heavier side like me, I don't recommend using an inflattable kayak. I recently replaced it with rigid Kayak as I was going to do Kayaking on a regular basis.
My partner weighs about 60kg and it was perfect for her. It's perfect for beginners who don't weigh over 100kg
Does anyone make a 3 person entry level kayak, specifically for an adult and two children? Inflatable or rigid? Or does that lead to more recreational craft?
Young one has been inspired by Jess Fox and wants to learn with a friend, but I'm envisaging a slight learning curve…
I would imagine a person with puzzle solving skills would have already assembled one
from a sofa, piano, and poured concrete
Good lord, I am only a man and an ordinary one at that.
And any expectations of MacGyver-esque levels of ingenuity are destined for disappointment…
Not sure what you mean by entry level (price? Style?) but if you look up Viking Kayaks they have a 2+1 - I have one and it's great not just for kids but also as a large raft for taking along lots of supplies for multi day trips.
@afoveht: "price? Style?"
Yes, both I suppose. We live within a kilometer of a river but have never been on it. Looking for something cost effective that could accommodate an adult and a couple of pre-teens. Of this deal for the Challenger K2 www.ebay.com.au/itm/114192898541 vs the Explorer K2 www.ebay.com.au/itm/114802415245 I suspect that the Explorer may be a better style for novices due to the shorter, wider and hence more stable shape. But then, I really don't know a thing about kayaking, inflated or otherwise…
Appreciate the referral for Viking, but looking at their website @ www.vikingkayak.com.au/shop/kayaks/viking+2+%2B+1+-+double%2… , the 2+1 retails for $1,200 putting it a fair way out of the entry level impulse buy to literally test the waters market.
Buy something second hand. You won't regret the first scratch you put on it and there will be many. If you don't like it you can sell it for pretty much what you got it for. A hard kayak is a world apart from an inflatable in so many ways - sure inflatables have their place but if you don't have accessibility or storage issues I can't think of any other advantage.
I bought my 2+1 second hand for $500 around ten years ago as an extra to take my kids out on but it's become my favourite (solo) and the one I take out most often.
Good luck. Hope you enjoy whatever you get.
This is a cheap way to get into kayaking, but if you like it you'll be buying a solid kayak.
Go to any popular kayaking spot and look what people actually use. Maybe 1 in 20 use an inflatable. There's the risk of puncture, they never fold back up as neatly as they came in the box, they have more drag in the water, and most importantly the kayak flexes as you paddle. That means you'll be putting in more effort compared to a solid kayak.
The benefit here is storage size - not everyone will have room for a double kayak or the means to transport it. But, yes, everything you say is correct.
would it be stupid to use this kayak in sydney harbour? i literally saw a seal in barangaroo reserve today, and wondering if some animal can potentially drown this kayak in the harbour area.
I wouldn't recommend it with all the boat traffic. Also it's not particularly fast so if you're going against the tide or a strong wind, will be a struggle.
A friend and I have done, not around circular quay, but for Rose Bay to Milk Beach and Shark beach it's perfect.
On an inflatable?
At this time of year?
This is a handy deal for climate change
400lbs or 180kg
Sporty graphics for high visibility
Low-profile for lakes and mild rivers
Streamlined design for easy paddling
Cockpit designed for comfort and space
Rugged vinyl construction
Grab line on both ends
Cargo net for extra storage
Adjustable inflatable seat with backrest
Inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity
Removable skeg for directional stability
Includes repair patch
Inflated size: 11 ft 6in X 2ft 6in X 1ft 3in (351 x 76 x 38cm)
Persons capacity: 2
Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
U.S. Coast Guard I.D. - NMMA Certified
TUV approvedAbsolutely. You've got to bring your owners along!
And a fire pit!
If I have my own kayak, am I allowed to just go into any lake and kayak there? Do I need some sort of license?
I love kayaking, but have only ever tried rentals in areas where it's allowed so I'm not really sure how this works.
Yep, unless it specifically has signs up saying you can't. In Sydney, just need approved life jackets, not any licenses like you do for fishing or larger boating.
https://maritimemanagement.transport.nsw.gov.au/lifejackets/…
Cool, thanks!
No one has mentioned that the smaller K1 comes down to around $130.
I've been looking at these for a couple of weeks and it seems that the K1 is faster and easier, but only fits one person. I'm curious to hear direct comparisons because it seems like it'd almost be better for a second person to have their own little kayak. Or even just experiences with the K1.I just happened to buy a k1 off Amazon USA a few days ago for $120, but cancelled to get it here. The $10 extra is worth the weeks of shipping time saved
Bought a Kayak 10 years ago, used it about 3 times, the last time was 7 years ago..
For my work I drive over the the Yarra river, I see there is a place called Fairview Park between Riversdale rd and Swan St behind Leona and also Richmond park near bridge road. Is it legal to just go down there and plop this thing in the yarra river (if you have a vest on)? Can't go to gym/yoga and wanna try something new.
Can't see why it would be illegal.
I have the K1 and I found it difficult to clean the water inside as there are closures on the front and back and no bung hole. Additionally, the seats are uncomfortable and don't offer much support. That being said, I like it for farting around during camping cause you can throw it around, but not for anything serious.
We bought this model 2 years ago. I found it on groupon for $150, then we went to BCF and they matched the price. We love this kayak, as it doesn't take much space it is more stable and comfortable than cheap plastic ones. For those who are thinking about Single or Double, I would go for a double as it is a good experience.
Loving the kayak so far. Was surprisingly quick and easy to pump and set up and pack away into the boot by yourself, without trying to put it back into the original bag. You can straighten your legs whether you're in the front or back seat - in the back seat your legs fit past the sides of the front seat. Time will tell on its durability - i've been dragging it on the ground when pulling it out of the water and am not sure if i should!
Yeah, I went for the Explorer K2 model after reading this deal and have taken it out on the river on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Have been very happy with it - not least the sub ten minute inflation and deflation times. Was wary of using an inflatable vs a rigid kayak, but have been happy enough to see that I'm loading and unloading it considerably faster that those with towed or racked craft. Naturally, we got blown around a bit more than they would have on Sunday afternoon when there was some wind blowing, but it was still quite easy to control and the kids loved it. Biggest complaint is that the paddles are just too short as many reviews indicated they would be for both the Challenger and Explorer, so plenty of water drips back into the kayak with inexperienced paddlers.
That said, it comfortably enough fits an adult and a couple of pre-teens, albeit with one sat on the floor at the bow facing backwards. No issues with stability although I'll have to build up some better core strength to deal with the inflatable seats which don't offer much support, as well as stronger shoulders if I'm doing to do the majority of the paddling with the kids.
Has now got me contemplating buying a Decathlon Iniwit X100+ @ https://decathlon.com.au/products/x100-inflatable-high-press… for a little more speed, comfort and robustness. Based on reviews, it seems like the best genuine 3 seater inflatable, but it's nearly 5 times the price of the Challenger or Explorer K2.
Thanks again, OP - a new hobby has begun…
with one sat on the floor at the bow facing backwards
That's a good idea, i'll have to try it with two kids in next time too!
Decathlon Iniwit X100+
That one looks awesome, but yeah a huge step up in price. I see that it's got 3 fins - do you use the fin in your Explorer? Does it help much?
I couldn't say how much it helps, since I've only ever used it with the skeg/fin in. Since tracking in inflatables is one of the main criticisms due to wind and paddling creating more deviation than a rigid craft, I don't think I'll ever be using it without the skeg.
According to a youtube review I found comparing the Explorer to the Iniwit X100 - the cheaper forerunner to the X100+ - they claim that the 3 shorter skegs (and high pressure air chambers with dropstitch flooring) on the Iniwit provide much greater stability than just the one longer skeg on the Challenger and Explorer. Decathlon had it onsale last week with a paddle and pump included for nix at $899 - which was just out of reach. If I could have got it with their usual 20% BIRTHDAY20 discount code, I'd have jumped on it and may well if I can achieve a similar price in future. Kids have really loved it so far and any excuse to get off Ipads and into the outdoors should be a sound investment.
Even when it inevitably springs a leak or ends up gathering dust in the garage…
Great fun. I bought one a couple of years ago albeit around $140. Surprisingly durable. Given most on-site kayak/canoe rentals run about $40/hour, this is very cheap entertainment.
Rember life jackets may be required by law depending on your state and the waters you paddle in.