Inflatable kayak for one person
 

I have kayaked over the years on the Crystal River, Rainbow River and Withalacoochee River. I am a casual kayaker out to enjoy the rivers and scenery. We always rent from various outfitters.

I am considering purchasing an inflatable kayak for one person. I am looking at the CHALLENGER kayak...

Has anyone had experience with one person inflatables? It looks stable, has good reviews. But I fear it may not be as maneuverable in high winds. Also wondering how good it is to get in and out of.

Thank you for your time and thoughts.

We purchased two Challangers last year identical to your picture. We had friends borrow them and they liked them so much they bought two also this year. I store them in our closet because of the heat in the garage. They both look like new. We just throw them in the car and go. We have used them here and have taken them to West Virginia and the Skokie Lagoon area. Trust the reviews, you won't be sorry.

Thank you

We use the same inflatable. We use it at our lake house, then transport back so the grands can use on the lakes at their houses. We no longer love to climb up to put a kayak on the roof rack.

I bought this exact inflatable. It's great, you can put it in the trunk of your car and kayak anywhere. Get an electric inflator that works off your cigarette lighter and you can get up and running quickly (and you use it to deflate the kayak when you're done). The demise of my first inflatable kayak happened when I thought I was going to kayak the next day in October (in Wisconsin) so I didn't deflate it. Winter hit, I didn't kayak, and left it inflated all winter. That didn't end well, it got a "bulge" and was very tipsy, but treat it right, it works well.

Thank you

I'm so impressed with you fearless kayakers. Am I wrong to fear alligators doing damage to it or tipping me over?

I personally don't like the inflatable seat included with the Challenger. It's uncomfortable for all but the shortest of trips. We moved on to an AquaGlide Chinook 120. The 120 is a tandem kayak. AquaGlide also offers the Chinook 90, a single person kayak.

The AquaGlides are far superior to the Challenger kayaks in every way. They are much more comfortable with the seats providing solid back support, and the construction is on a whole new level.

Advanced Elements also makes a great kayak on par with the AquaGlides. I would look at both of these companies, and read some comparison reviews.

Thank you

We purchased two Bote Deus's and couldn't be happier. Extremely comfortable to sit in, quick to set up and can be used as a kayak or stand up paddleboard. You can get 10% off by signing up for their newsletter.
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