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Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review: All That You Need To Know Before You Purchase!

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review

Updated on 3/26/2024
Abigail ScottBy Abigail Scott
Hi, I'm Abigail 👋 Since embarking on my kayaking and boarding adventures in 2010, I've navigated rivers and lakes across North America and beyond. With over a decade of experience and countless waterways explored, I'm here to help enthusiasts like you embark on unforgettable water adventures!
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Have you ever considered kayaking as a hobby? The great thing about kayaking is that it helps you keep fit and have fun outdoors. I won't deny that there is often a hesitation to spend a lot of money on a hobby. The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is a good kayak for beginners and won't cause significant damage to your pocket.

The Intex Explorer K2 best suits short recreational paddles on flat water. The compact size, lightweight design, and low price make it the perfect first kayak and budget-friendly, too. Our complete review of the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak sheds light on its pros, cons, and what makes it an excellent option for beginners.

Specifications And Information About The Intex Explorer K2

Intex K2 Explorer

Intex K2 Explorer

    Intex Explorer K2 Kayaks are best-selling inflatable kayaks certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The kayak's inflated dimensions are 10 feet 3 x 3 feet x 1 foot 8 inches.Unlike many inflatable kayaks on the market, Intex Explorer K2 Kayak can hold 400 pounds of weight.The best feature of this inflatable kayak is its ease of storage and transport. When deflated, the kayak weighs 35 pounds and is lightweight and compact.The Intex Explorer K2 kayaks always come with a fantastic carry bag, although many indicate that it is not very durable. However, it is sufficient for short walks and carrying a kayak from and to the car. For storing a kayak, it is also convenient. Polypropylene, a heavy-duty vinyl that resists punctures, is used in making the kayak. It is not quite as puncture-proof as some other inflatable kayaks s despite its durability.

How To Set Up Your Intex K2 Explorer

The high-output air pump takes less than 10 minutes to inflate the kayak. Increasing the seats is a bit wonky until you get the hang of it. Once the hearts inflate, you attach the seats to the kayak with secure buckles. By adjusting the length of the Velcro straps, you can adjust the heart's position. Back seat straps are more extended than front seat straps, so there is more flexibility, and you can regulate the amount of leg room. It's important to remember that the more legroom you have, the less space behind you for your gear.

The kayak has three separate air chambers, so if one of them is punctured, your kayak will stay afloat for as long as you need to reach safety. The kayak has a stable floor made of inflatable I-beams, and it is held together by I-beams, which appear like long tubes. Unlike drop stitch floors, they are softer and are not suitable for standing on, but they are more comfortable for sitting for extended periods.

How To Set Up Your Intex K2 Explorer

How To Set Up Your Intex K2 Explorer

Make sure to unfold the kayak before inflating it, as the overinflated kayak is more prone to punctures, while a kayak with low air pressure is less maneuverable. There is a printed measuring scale on the side of the kayak that lets you make sure each chamber is inflated equally and at the correct air pressure. You can also extend a spray deck.

You can quickly re-enter the kayak from the water, which allows you to swim in the middle of a lake with this kayak. To prevent your kayak from floating away while you swim, you might want to get an anchor for it. In addition to protecting you from the wind, the side chambers of the kayak are high, which helps prevent water from entering the kayak. In addition to providing extra protection from splashing water, the kayak has an upturned nose. 

Intex K2 Explorer's Comfort And Performance

The cockpit is designed to be spacious and comfortable. Unlike many other inflatable kayaks, it can fit two adults comfortably. There isn't much space for bags and personal items in the kayak with two people on board. Long outings can be challenging, but this kayak is not designed for them. Additionally, there are no nets on the deck to store personal items.

A kayak feels very safe when out on the water since it is very stable, especially with two people paddling; you can build up some speed. Despite its slow response to directional changes, the kayak retains its direction quite well, thanks to the removable skeg.

As a result of the low air pressure, the kayak is comfortable for casual use but not robust enough for sportier or longer trips. Intex K2 Explorer Kayaks do not perform well in choppy water, but they are perfect for flat water, lakes, and mild rivers. When the weather is terrible, you should not use this kayak. It is pretty easy to take the kayak into and out of the water as it is equipped with grab handles and grab lines on both ends. With Boston valves, you can deflate your kayak quickly and easily after you have finished using it.

Explorer K2 Kayak
Our Overall Review
4.5
Read full review

As a result, any collected water can be quickly drained, and the kayak deflates easily and quickly. Additionally, when it is folded up, it fits neatly into the bag that comes with it. 

Intex K2 explorer kayak comes with a carry bag and a high-output pump, with two 86-inch aluminum paddles, but you might want to replace them with better ones if you plan on paddling short distances. 

Usually, a repair patch kit is included with the kayak, and when you consider the low price of the kayak, it is impressive that it comes with so many accessories. There is no doubt that families will love The Intex K2 kayak. Apart from being friendly and stable for children, it also has a good weight capacity for adults, making it safe to use for them. With this kayak, you'll have a great time on the lake during those hot summer days, and it comes at a very affordable price. 

Pros And Cons Of The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Pros

    The Intex K2 Kayaks have adjustable seats with backrests.A removable skeg in The Intex K2 Kayak provides directional stability. It comes with high-visibility colors to improve safety.Accessories come with a kayak which makes it very cool for kids. Intex kayak easily gets in and out of the water because it has grab handles.Transportable and easy to store, one of the main pros of the Intex Kayak.Cost-effectiveness is its main characteristic.

Cons

    A kayak's response time to a change of direction is slow.There is a possibility of low air pressure.The paddles are not of the best quality.Intex K2 Kayak lacks storage space.

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Overview

After learning more about the Intex K2 Kayak, should you buy it? The Intex K2 kayak is an excellent choice for beginners and families. It has a perfect structure, is easy to use, and is stable on water. Accessories are abundant, and the price is very reasonable.

Even if the paddles aren't the best quality, they're adequate for gentle leisure paddling and are great for beginners. If you don't bring too much gear, two adults can sit in the cockpit comfortably with enough space in the Intex K2 Kayak.

Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak Review

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy the Explorer K2 Kayak?

You can buy Intex Explorer K2 kayaks from online stores, including Amazon and eBay, and directly from Intex. You can also find them at several brick-and-mortar stores, including Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and Academy. Many of them offer free shipping. Intex Explorer K2 stores are plentiful in most major cities; finding one shouldn't be hard.

Is it possible to use the Intex Explorer K2 kayak by one person?

K2 kayaks can be used either as tandems or solos. I found it a little cramped with two people, but it was still doable. Legroom is limited, and taller adults might not be comfortable. However, when used alone, there is plenty of legroom. It's nice to have the option of using it as a solo kayak. As paddling is easy, it's also great for taking the kids out.

Do I Need Any Other Equipment?

You will also need other items to set yourself up for kayaking, even though The Intex K2 kayak has some suitable accessories. Safety gear is essential, and we recommend getting a life jacket to keep yourself safe on the water. The kayak should have high-visibility material, especially if you plan to go out in low-light conditions. You won't need a helmet since this kayak will likely not perform well in choppy weather conditions. Make sure you have a dry bag handy. Your belongings remain dry when you drop a dry bag into the water. Dry bags on floats are great; you can easily retrieve them if your bag goes overboard. Cost-effectiveness is its main characteristic.

Does Intex Make Any Other Inflatable Kayaks?

This Intex Excursion Pro inflatable kayak can accommodate two people and is more streamlined than the Explorer. The Intex Challenger has a large front deck with bungee rigging for storing personal items and a one-person inflatable kayak. Sea Eagle makes some good models, so look there if you want an alternative brand.