Submitted: 05-05-2011 by h2oratt
Bought a used Challenger in preparation for a solo paddle down the lower canyons of the Rio Grande, this boat performed well even when heavily loaded with 9 days of food and water. Hull is a good balance of turn to glide ratio.
We logged about 11 miles a day on mostly flat river with occasional "texas fences" that required precise boathandlig to avoid. The occasional class 2 whitewater sections were not a problem for this boat even when partially loaded, but the boat is much more responsive without a load of gear as expected.
They don't make these anymore but have a model called the Odessey which has more freeboard but a similar hull below waterline. If you can find one, buy it! Great "only one" boat. |