Challenger

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.

I'm 13 yrs old & have been paddling for about 8 yrs. I've paddled this boat on local Rivers & streams, Shanandoa, Robinson,Rappahannock. I've also paddled solo on a 120 mile,10 day, trip on the Rio Grande(Boquillas canyon & down through the "Lower Canyons")some days we had strong head winds & alot of technical maneavering. But handled well under the curcumstances. Light gear in the front helped it track better. For my size (115 lbs), I think this a very good boat. My Father added a bow seat & I think it makes a pretty good tandem boat too.