This wasn’t my first time paddling the Virgo—I’ve actually reviewed it before—but this was my first time with the new Kevlar carbon layup version, which is a mere 36 lbs (16.5kg) of pure paddling beauty.

First Impressions: The Virgo Composite Kayak

The first thing you notice about the Virgo Composite Kayak is its weight—or rather, the lack of it. Weighing in at around 36 lbs (16.5kg), this kayak is not only easy to transport but is also stunning to look at. The Kevlar carbon layup is truly a work of art, combining aesthetics with high performance. However, the real test lay ahead: navigating the rapids of the Ottawa River.

Testing the P&H Virgo Composite Kayak

McCoy's Rapid is the first challenge on the Ottawa River and one of the biggest ones. This rapid is known for its massive hydraulics, with two particularly juicy holes named Satlers and Phils at the top. Dropping into either of these in a sea kayak would mean trouble.

Threading the needle between the two holes was a great test of the kayak’s agility and responsivenesss, and it passed with flying colors.

After the thrill of McCoy’s, the Middle Channel of the Ottawa River offers a slightly tamer, but still exhilarating, experience. The Middle Channel receives only a quarter of the river’s water, making the rapids slightly smaller, but no less fun. The Virgo continued to impress with its ability to handle the unpredictable conditions of the river.

Butterfly is one of the highlight rapids on the Middle Channel – short and sweet!

Surfing the wave at the top of Upper No Name rapid – one of the smoothest and sweetest waves on the Middle Channel.

While the Virgo Composite Kayak handled the whitewater admirably, it’s not something I would recommend others try. Running these kinds of rapids in a lightweight composite sea kayak is always a roll of the dice. In fact, I had to send the kayak for repairs as the stern of the boat hit rock forcefully as I worked my way through the challenging ‘Lower No Name' rapid. Can you tell where in the rapid it happened in this video: Cracking the Virgo

Testing the Aqua Bound Aerial Paddle and Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod Pro

Besides the Virgo, I also took the opportunity to test some other new gear. The Aqua Bound Aerial Whitewater Paddle has been a trusty companion over the past month, and it didn't disappoint on this trip. Powerful and confidence inspiring, it helped make each stroke count.

Another piece of gear that caught my attention was the Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod Pro. This deck bag, designed for recreational kayaks, touring kayaks, or sea kayaks, comes equipped with an integrated GoPro mount, making it easy to capture your paddling adventures.

In conclusion, the P&H Virgo Composite Kayak is a great kayak that blends performance and beauty. While it may not be designed for whitewater, its responsiveness in the rapids is a testament to its design. It's a versatile and playful kayak designed for day trip adventures, or short overnight trips on rivers, lakes or the ocean.

Watch the in depth review of the Virgo (plastic version) here

Watch the full video on YouTube:

The post P&H Virgo Composite Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

P&H Scorpio Sea Kayak Review: Specifications

The Scorpio is one of P&H’s original kayaks and has been one of the mainstays of the P&H line. In 2015 it was updated fully. The Scorpio was designed for open water conditions but is equally suited for use on day trips. The Scorpio is available in three sizes: Low Volume (LV), Mid Volume (MV), and High Volume (HV), which is the size I used.

Price: $2600 (USD)
Width: 24” 
Length: 17’ 7”
Weight: 68 LBS (31 Kg)
Capacity: 300 LBS (135 Kg)

The P&H Scorpio has:

• Full deck lines and bungees around the boat,
• It comes with a skeg or a skudder,
• It has four hatches: a bow hatch, a stern hatch, a mini hatch in front of the cockpit, and a day hatch behind the cockpit,
• It has grab loops at each end,
• It uses P&H outfitting, something they are well known for. In the Scorpio, this includes:
  A padded seat,
  Hip pads, 
  A fully adjustable backband,
  Foot braces that are quick and easy to adjust.

The kayak comes in two different types of construction. I have the Core Lite X construction which is a little lighter and stiffer. 

Portability

The P&H Scorpio is a 17-foot and 7-inch-long sea kayak, so it would be an overstretch to say that it is easy to get around or highly portable. Any long boat is a bit of a pain to get around. Despite that, the Core Lite X construction of the Scorpio is 68 pounds, which is not heavy for a long, rotamolded kayak. However, that doesn’t change the fact that the Scorpio is not an easy boat to get around. 

It is a kayak that I can get around by carrying it on my shoulder. I would not want to do so for long distances, but I can at least move it around without help. I can load the Scorpio onto my truck by myself, however, for some people, lifting it onto a car might be a two-person job. The reality of owning a rotamolded and plastic sea kayak of any length is that it will not be very portable.

If weight is a real issue for you, then you probably should be looking into purchasing a kayak produced differently. For example, a thermoformed kayak (a plastic kayak that is lighter but less durable) or a composite kayak (such as a carbon kevlar kayak) might suit you better. The Scorpio does not come in a composite form. If you want a composite sea kayak kayak, P&H have many other composite kayaks available. An example of a P&H composite kayak is the P&H Volan 160. 

Performance

The Scorpio is a 24-inch wide and 17-foot 7-inch long sea kayak designed for speed. The narrower a kayak is, the faster it is. So, while narrower sea kayaks are available, the Scorpio does perform very well. 

The other factor that affects speed is the amount of rocker a kayak has. Rocker is the curvature of the kayak when you look at it from the side. The Scorpio looks quite straight but does have a decent amount of rocker. The rocker allows it to turn quite efficiently despite its length. In fact, the Scorpio turns surprisingly well. It gives the kayak more maneuverability, which is great for kayaking in rougher conditions. Increased maneuverability makes the Scorpio a great expedition kayak for all conditions. 

The P&H Scorpio does a great job at balancing speed and maneuverability. 

Stability 

At 24 inches wide, the P&H Scorpio is not a very wide kayak. It is, however, a very reasonable width to maintain good stability. It does not feel as rock-solid as a 30-inch recreational kayak would. However, as soon as you take the kayak on edge, it almost feels as if you are denied from tipping it over. 

The Scorpio has excellent secondary stability – the stability you have while sitting on an edge. Secondary stability is important for more experienced kayakers paddling in rougher waters. It allows you to hold the kayak on edge while dealing with the waves or turning. 

The Scorpio holds an edge beautifully but also gives a beginner kayak the feeling of confidence that the kayak doesn’t want to flip over. It has a wonderful combination of stability and performance. 

Comfort

I am six foot two and 195 pounds in peak paddling season, but the high-volume version of the kayak still gives me plenty of space in the cockpit. It is unreasonable to expect all paddlers to jump into the same kayak and feel comfortable in it, which is why I love that the P&H Scorpio sea kayak comes in three sizes. Having three different sizes is a great way to make the kayak more accessible to a range of people.

The high-volume kayak is the right size kayak for me. There is plenty of space in the cockpit but I do not feel like I am swimming around in it. I could spend a whole day in this touring kayak and would be fine. 

The Seat

Although not super padded, the padded seat adds a higher level of comfort that goes beyond the typical plastic seat found in a sea kayak. The hip pads give you great control for edging the kayak and are very easy to adjust. The back band is not too low. It does not impede you from putting the paddling skirt on the cockpit, but it is high enough to give your back real support. The thigh hooks are aggressive enough that the kayak is incredibly easy to control without making you feel confined. 

Foot Pegs

Of course, the Scorpio also has foot pegs that are easy to adjust from in the kayak, making them very convenient. I hate foot pegs that require you to get out and reach into the kayak to adjust them. Even though I am fairly tall, there was plenty of space for my feet. With my setup, the foot pegs were not even close to being set at the full length, meaning the boat could be comfortable for somebody up to about six foot six or seven. There is not just plenty of leg space, but there is also plenty of room for my feet. They did not feel squashed at all. 

Features

Thoughts about the features of a kayak always come down to personal preference, but here are my thoughts. 

Skegs

The Scorpio has a drop-down skeg on it. The main difference between a rudder and a skeg is that skegs drop right down to help the kayak track forward, while rudders turn right and left to help you steer. 

P&H makes something called a skudder. The skudder works like both a rudder and skeg. It drops down and can be used to steer. The skudder, however, is not an option on the P&H Scorpio. I am not a big fan of a rudder, so I have not yet found a skudder to test. 

What I can say about the P&H skeg is that it is a very slick and easy system to use. The skeg is very easy to deploy and lift back up. Of course, like with any skeg, it can get rocks jammed inside the skeg and skeg box. However, the P&H skeg system is much better than the rope and cleat system that several other kayaks use. 

Hatches

The Scorpio has rubber hatch covers. Some people hate these covers, while others love them. I find that it takes a bit more effort to use them compared to using a more traditional latched system. The covers are a little more finicky to put back on. 

That said, you quickly learn how to put them on, and, more importantly, they provide a tight seal on the hatch. In fact, they are very comparable to paddling skirts. Some people complain that some skirts are too hard to put on, but typically, the harder the skirt is to put on, the better the seal it provides. If you are going into rougher waters or on a long expedition, a tighter seal provides extra security, which can be essential. I will say that this type of hatch cover has grown on me. 

The Mini Hatch

The P&H Scorpio has four hatches, including a mini hatch in front of the seat. I like the mini hatch because it is the right size to fit snacks, phones, and even suncream. It is a good place to store things if you don’t like it when all the pockets in your life jacket are full. 

The Day Hatch

The hatch that I have never been a fan of but is an option on many different kayaks is the day hatch right behind the seat. For me, it is a small hole that takes a good chunk of space but has limited things that can go into it. I prefer having one big hatch that takes up all the space at the back of the kayak. A bigger stern hatch gives me more space for the big items necessary on multi-day trips. I am not typically a minimalist on multi-day kayak trips and I like to have plenty of extra pieces of gear. A bigger stern hatch helps me fit more gear into the kayak. 

The Bow Hatch

Many sea kayaks feature a bow hatch that is not as big as the stern hatch. I am sure there is some reason why the hatch is smaller, perhaps because the bow is narrower, however, this small hatch means that you have to pack smaller dry bags. Some items simply won’t fit in the bow hatch. In an ideal world, I would love to have a slightly bigger bow hatch just to make it easier to get my bigger camping gear in the bow. 

Who is the P&H Scorpio sea kayak for?

I agree with P&H Kayaks that the Scorpio is an expedition machine. The Scorpio has so many plus points; it is 17 feet 7 inches long with lots of space for camping gear (even if the gear needs to be packed strategically) and sitting comfortably in the kayak. It also has a brilliant combination of speed and maneuverability, perfect to tackle any conditions. In general, a plastic boat such as the Scorpio is durable, so you do not need to worry about it banging on rocks. It can really take a kicking. 

The P&H Scorpio is a great kayak to have, especially if you are limited to having only one kayak. It can do it all. 

The price tag of $2600 (USD) is not cheap. However, this is the amount you would expect to pay for a high-quality sea kayak. Is it the cheapest sea kayak of this nature that you can find on the market? No, it is not. You might even pay a small premium for the little features, such as the Core Lite X editions and the skeg system. But this is because the Scorpio is a well-built boat. 

I have been a fan of P&H kayaks since I first tested the Virgo three years ago because I realized that P&H kayaks are well-built. They are top-of-the-class sea kayaks. So you might pay a little premium. However, given that $2600 (USD) is about the ballpark figure for a top-quality sea kayak, it is not much of a premium. The only thing I can say about value is that although you can find cheaper sea kayaks if the P&H Scorpio is in your budget, you should certainly choose this kayak. 

Kayak: P&H Scorpio
Paddles: Aqua Bound Manta Ray
PFD:  NRS Zen PFD
Clothing: NRS Axiom Dry Suit

The post P&H Scorpio Sea Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Confluence of the French Broad River and Holsten River

The section of the Tennessee that we were to paddle is in fact it's very first section. The French Broad River and the Holston River converge about 7 miles upstream of the City.  This also marks the beginning of the Tennessee RiverLine. This is an initiative with the vision for a continuous system of hiking, biking, and on-water experiences. It runs along the 652-mile reach of the Tennessee River from Knoxville, TN, to Paducah, KY. 

The ambitious but exciting project involves a partnership with the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority, along with a growing list of towns, counties and communities found along the length of the River.

Holsten River Park

Our starting point was to be Holsten River Park and our takeout was to be Calhoun’s on the River. Calhoun's is a popular restaurant found on the banks of the Tennessee River only steps from the downtown core. While the Tennessee River is an extremely big volume river, it has relatively mild current. If it’s not a windy day, almost any paddle craft will do the trick to get out. That’s why it wasn’t surprising that we saw a huge variety of boats on the water. Canoes, stand up paddle boards, and kayaks of all shapes and sizes. 

The P&K Volan 160 Touring Kayak

As for myself, when I travel on large bodies of water, I prefer touring kayaks or sea kayaks, which allow me to cover water quickly and efficiently. For that reason, I decided this was a great opportunity to test one of the most beautiful kayaks that I’ve ever laid my hands on – the P&K Volan 160 composite kayak.

Made with P&H’s carbon and Kevlar infusion process, and crafted with the attention to detail that P&H Sea Kayaks are known for, the 16-foot-long kayak weighs only 42 pounds and looks like something you’d want to showcase on your wall. It’s the kind of kayak that makes you cringe to think of putting a scratch in.

Kayaking Tennessee RiverLine: Wild Meets City

Our trip into Knoxville was exactly as I expected and hoped it would be. It was a beautiful mixture of wilderness and urban development. We passed a local small-plane airport, a number of dramatic bridges, and downtown Knoxville itself. I can tell you is that it’s something worth experiencing. The perspective you get from the water is truly unique.

As for the P&H Volan 160 – Yes, I did put a couple of scratches in it, and yes, I did receive a couple of comments about it from admirers. As for how it performed, check out my full review on the P&H Volan 160 here!

Check out my last article on the Okefenokee: Kayak Fishing with Alligators.

Kayak: P&H Volan 160
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Kayaking Tennessee RiverLine appeared first on Hazeadventure.

This model is 2-feet longer than the P&H Virgo, which I got to test out last year, and absolutely loved. When I first got my hands on the Leo, I was curious how it would compare/contrast because of the extra length and compensating rocker. So who is this kayak for, and is it worth the hefty price tag? Let's get into it.

ABOUT THE P&H SEA KAYAKS LEO

Here's what P&H has to say about the Leo (slightly paraphrased):

This is a versatile, cruising sea kayak with superb stability, ample gear storage, and an extremely comfortable cockpit with plenty of room to stretch your legs as you take on longer journeys or travel between play spots along a coastline. 

The P&H Leo comes in two sizes: the Leo HV (High-Volume), for larger paddlers, and the Leo MV (Mid-Volume), for average-sized paddlers. Given that I'm 6′ 2″/195 pounds, I opted for the HV. Here are the specs: 

Retail Price: $2,599 (USD)

Length: 16′

Width: 23″  

Volume: 87 GAL (333 L)         

Weight: 60 LBS (27 KG)

Max Capacity: 245 LBS (124 KG)

The Leo has grab handles at each end, and full deck-bungees on both the bow and stern. It comes standard with three hatches (one at the bow and two in the stern), with the option for a fourth (a day-hatch), just in front of the cockpit. It also comes with a drop-skeg, or with an optional “skudder,” which is a skeg that actually works like a rudder. In the cockpit, there are adjustable footpegs, thigh-hooks, hip-pads, a contour/padded seat, and a back-band. 

Is the P&H Leo kayak heavy?

The Leo is 16-feet-long and 60 pounds. This means that portability is not its primary selling-feature. A strong person will be able to lug this boat around on their own, but I think most people should consider bribing a friend to help get it to your vehicle/the water. Those set on their independence could also invest in a kayak cart to help save their strength for the paddling. 

Is the P&H Leo kayak stable?

P&H says that the Leo has excellent primary and secondary stability (i.e. how the kayak feels when sitting flat versus on edge). I completely agree! I was able to relax when simply cruising along, and when I was carving, dealing with tougher waves, and otherwise digging into high-performance paddling, I felt very secure on those edges. 

P&H Leo kayak performance

The long, narrow design of the Leo makes it quite speedy. It's not the fastest kayak in town, but that's because they put a rocker in it to make it more maneuverable. This plays into the advertised versatility of this boat. The well-rounded approach makes it appropriate for almost any adventure, rather than just covering long distances in the most efficient way possible. On top of its speed and ability to turn, the Leo also has high-quality outfitting that further enhances its performance. For example, the foot braces and reinforced thigh-hooks give excellent purchase, which helps improve power output. The contoured seat, and cockpit in general, also gave me a great sense of control while I was navigating the rougher spots. 

P&H Leo kayak features

The feature I'll boast loudest about is the skeg system. This also stood out to me when I tested the P&H Virgo. I love that there's a simple dial, right in front of the cockpit, to both raise and lower the skeg. I haven't tried their “skudder” option yet, but I appreciate that they have the different customizable designs. 

There's a bit of a trade-off when it comes to the hatches. On the one hand, the rubber seals are excellent for waterproofing (something I thoroughly tested in the white water). On the other hand, they can be difficult to put back on. So just make sure you take the time to do it right. I thought the day-hatch was a fabulous addition, clutch for those little, moment-to-moment items like sunscreen, bug spray, water/snacks, first-aid, etc. That being said, I also felt like the two back hatches were a little redundant. Rather than have two smaller chambers, I would have liked it if they ditched a bulk-head and just made a single large one. But that's just my preference. Some may like the organization that comes from extra compartmentalization. 

Is the P&H Leo kayak comfortable?

These days I tend to prioritize comfort, even if that means sacrificing a smidge of performance. In this case, the Leo gave me what I wanted in both departments. Much of my comfort was owed to the high-volume offering that gave me the space I needed as a larger paddler. The footpegs were so generous, that even at 6′ 2″, I still had enough room in front of them to store a dry bag. The height of the deck was also in that goldilocks zone. I had plenty of room for my knees, and it wasn't so high that I felt like I was sitting in a bathtub, awkwardly trying to navigate (as can sometimes be the case in high-volume models). The thigh-hooks, seat, hip-pads, and back-band were nothing to write home about, individually, but collectively, they made for a smooth ride. 

Is the P&H Leo kayak worth it?

At $2,599 (USD), the Leo is not a cheap kayak. But that's what you should expect to pay for a high-performance model that you'll likely have for the rest of your life (if you want to). Plus, this boat's versatility means you can take it in all sorts of conditions. For example, this is pegged as a sea kayak, and yet I had a blast on my 2-day river trip. I'd be excited to take this along the ocean shore, pop it in a lake, revisit the rapids, you name it. The P&H Leo is well-suited to advanced paddlers, but also stable enough for confident beginners, and anyone in between. Yes, it is priced on the higher-end of the performance class, but this is well-justified, and still within reasonable expectations. 

One Final Note:

I wanted to give a quick mention to the American Canoe Association's free online paddling course. I know these things can be tempting to bypass, but I highly recommend you take the time to check it out. Paddling is generally safe and enjoyable, but when things do go wrong, they can escalate quickly. Often, a bit of key information can make the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. And did I mention it was free? If you're reading this blog then that means you're probably already at your computer, so go ahead and click this link to find out more. 

That's all I've got for you today. If you want to follow along with my North Carolina road/paddling trip, or for more tips, reviews, and adventures, check out PaddleTV. 

Other paddling gear I use and recommend

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!     

FOOTWEAR  

NRS Kicker Remix Shoe  

NRS Boundary Boot  

PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS  

NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt

NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt  

NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt    

NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt  

NRS Riptide Splash Jacket    

NRS Flux Dry Top      

PFD’S – LIFE JACKETS

NRS Odyssey PFD   

NRS Zen PFD    

NRS Chinook PFD      

OTHER PADDLING GEAR  

Zoleo Communicator  

NRS Drylander Sprayskirt    

WRSI Current Helmet      

PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS  

NRS Benny Board Short   

NRS Hydroskin Shorts      

SUNGLASSES

WileyX

The post P&H Leo Sea Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.