Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review

If you’re an avid kayaker or fisherman then you’ll know there are two types of kayak construction, a hard shell, and an inflatable. The seating in kayaks can also vary, as can the capacity to hold a single person or more. The Intex Explorer K2 is an inflatable fishing kayak and we want to show you all the advantages of this type of kayak.

The most vital point about inflatable kayaks is that they are just as safe as hard shells, if not safer. They also tend to be wider, which makes them ideal for beginners. 

If you enjoy fast rapids and rough waters, you’ll find that high-end inflatable kayaks are around the same price as hard-shelled ones. The difference is more prominent if you’re a beginner. These types of inflatable kayaks are usually cheaper than their equivalent hard built models.

The Intex Explorer K2 is perfect for beginners. That’s why we’ve decided to review the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. You can see for yourself all the advantages of an inflatable boat. 

Intex Explorer Ks Inflatable Kayak Features

Size	L10.3 x W3 feet / Weight 30.6 pounds
Capacity	Up to 2 people / will take up 40 pounds (180kg) weight
Environment	Lakes, canals and mild rivers

The whole package includes:

• Heavy-duty vinyl kayak, which is puncture resistant
• 2 removable inflatable seats, with backrests
• 2 x 86 inch aluminum paddles
• Hi-output pump
• Carry Bag
• Repair patch kit 

When it comes to inflating the Intex Explorer kayak it’s a quick and easy task. Set the hi-output pump into the Boston valves in each of the three chambers. This includes the two sides and the 1-beam chamber that makes the rigid floor.

You can use the Intex Explorer with or without the inflatable seats. Though note that the seats do have backrests for added comfort and provide a space to mount something like a fishfinder. Either way, there’s plenty of legroom for 2-people.

Once your Intex Explorer kayak is inflated, there are grab handles to help with carrying it around. Although it’s light enough for an adult to carry on their back.

When you’re in the water, you have 2-aluminum paddles for steering and the detachable skeg helps too. 

One advantage of an inflatable kayak, over a hard-shelled one, is it doesn’t need to be carried on a car roof or trailer. It comes neatly folded in a storage bag, where every piece is kept compact. 

The Intex Explorer K2 inflatable kayak is ideal for beginners. It’s an easy craft to handle and boasts a high level of safety, being puncture resistant too. With a good width and comfortable seating, beginners won’t feel so close to the water. Though many seasoned kayakers are enjoying the Intex Explorer K2 as well because it’s so lightweight to carry around. 

Popular Intex Explorer K2 FAQs

Intex Explorer K2 – When to use the skeg?

You can position the removable skeg on the underneath of your kayak. It stops your boat from moving in the direction of the wind and waves, known as “weathercocking.”

A skeg is a kind of rudder, but only any good if the wind or waves are pushing against you, and you want to go in a straight line. The deeper you put your skeg, the more control you’ll have over your kayak. 

We’ve found a great article on using a skeg in an inflatable kayak, so it’s worth having a read before you set out.

How many PSI for Intex K2 Explorer?

Pounds per square inch is 0.069.

How to use the Intex Explorer K2?

Once you’re ready to go with your Intex Explorer inflatable kayak, there are a few important rules to remember. 

Plan your route and know your waters ie avoid any fallen trees and debris. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast to make sure it’s safe.

Set your skeg in place so you can steer in straighter lines upriver. Use your oars to navigate and remove the skeg when only you want to paddle around.

Distribute the weight evenly, though you can put more weight at the rear end, not at the front.

We’ve provided the instructions on how to inflate your Intex Explorer. Make sure you use the measurement chart so it’s not over or under-inflated.

Take your pump and repair kit with you. Take a whistle too in case you need to draw attention if you get in any trouble. 

If you thought you couldn’t have fun in the Intex K2 Kayak, watch this guy taking a few smaller rapids, though this not for the inexperienced.

How to set up the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Step 1

Once you’ve unfolded the Intex Explorer Kayak from out of its bag, set up the pump on any one of the three air chambers. This should take around 10-minutes to fully inflate the kayak. There’s a great way to know when there’s enough air inside. Use the provided measuring strip against the imprinted measuring chart. The side chambers may feel a little soft but that’s normal.

Step 2

Blow up the seats and fix them to the kayak bottom using the provided Velcro’s strips. There are safety belts buckled into the sides of the kayak, these are adjustable. 

Step 3

You can then blow up the smaller stern and smaller deck-spray platforms. 

Step 4

Turn the boat over to attach the skeg underneath. 

Step 5

Make up the two paddles by clicking them into place. 

Step 6

Using the handles, you can now carry the boat to the water. Place your baggage in the space behind the back seat.

If you want to print out the manual instructions, here’s the PDF doc:

Conclusion

When comparing Intex’s inflatable kayaks, the Explorer is less expensive than both the Challenger or the Sea Eagle. For weight comparison, the Explorer is in the middle of the other two.

The Explorer has the best width, whereas the streamlined shape of the Challenger allows for more speed. Pumps are different too such as one is by hand and the other by foot. The more expensive the model you buy, the better the quality of the material.

Take along a day bag and fishing backpack with you, so you can carry all the essentials to enhance your kayaking experience. You must remember to carry a bottle of water so you don’t dehydrate whilst out on your kayaking expedition.

Keep safe by telling someone where you’re going and what time you’ll return. Even better, take someone along with you and enjoy your boating trip together.

This article was last updated on November 28, 2022 .