I Almost Broke a $6000 Kayak! | P&H Virgo Composite Test and Review

When you ask me to test a kayak, you have to expect that I'll push that kayak to its limits. That's what I do in this video, as I take the P&H Virgo Composite kayak on a whitewater adventure down the Ottawa River.
Watch the original P&H Virgo review: • The Best Touring Kayak...
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Other gear used in this video:
PaddleWays: smart.link/57u...
Paddle: in4adventure.c...
PFD: in4adventure.c...
NRS WRSI Current Helmet - in4adventure.c...
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt - in4adventure.c...
Gearlab Deckpod Pro: gearlaboutdoor...
Gear I use and suggest:
Paddles:
Aqua Bound Recreational Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.c...
Aqua Bound Durable Touring Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.c...
Aqua Bound Performance Touring Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.c...
Aqua Bound Whitewater Kayak Paddle - in4adventure.c...
Gearlab Outdoors IPIK Greenland Paddle: gearlaboutdoor...
PFDs:
Recreational Kayak PFD - in4adventure.c...
Touring Kayak PFD - in4adventure.c...
Fishing Kayak PFD - in4adventure.c...
River Kayaking PFD - in4adventure.c...
Dry Wear:
Dry Suit - in4adventure.c...
Dry Top - in4adventure.c...
Semi Dry Top - in4adventure.c...
Paddling Jacket - in4adventure.c...
Shorty Jacket - in4adventure.c...
Paddling Pant - in4adventure.c...
Base Layers:
Lightweight Shirt - in4adventure.c...
Expedition Weight Shirt - in4adventure.c...
Lightweight Pant - in4adventure.c...
Expedition Weight Pant - in4adventure.c...
HydroSkin Shorts - in4adventure.c...
HydroSkin Pants - in4adventure.c...
Warm Weather:
Long Sleeve Paddling Shirt - in4adventure.c...
Short Sleeve Paddling Shirt - in4adventure.c...
Short Sleeve Paddling T-Shirt - in4adventure.c...
Surf Shorts - in4adventure.c...
Footwear:
Expedition Boots - in4adventure.c...
Wetsuit Bootie - in4adventure.c...
Wetsuit Shoe - in4adventure.c...
Water Shoe - in4adventure.c...
Other Paddling Gear
Gearlab Deckpod 2 (Deck Bag): gearlaboutdoor...
NRS WRSI Current Helmet - in4adventure.c...
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt - in4adventure.c...
Surf Ears Ear Plugs - in4adventure.c...
GoPro Hero 11 Black - in4adventure.c...
Zoleo Satellite Communicator - in4adventure.c...
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[@jaysway2346]

Doesn't have to be a sea kayak but I hope you keep doing these video's where you explain the route and hazards to look for.

[@williamc3018]

Love the breakdown of the rapid your doing and explaining your choice of line. Good stuff looks like a ton of fun!

[@timwonser7246]

Very much liked that You did a review and trip together.Keeps the length manageable.Sure it was easier for editing purposes too! More content like this is ALWAYS appreciated.Your insight on the river and different lines is so helpful.Great job and MORE,MORE, MORE!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Tim! Glad you enjoyed it. More coming :)

[@KZ-yu4jz]

Great video - entertaining, educational (running rapids) nice review of multiple items, and action packed! More whitewater videos and educational content would be great when you are reviewing different pieces of gear.

[@PaddleTV]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@dehcaptain]

I like how almost everything you had on and even the paddle matched the kayak. 👌🏼 looking cool is the second most important thing 😂. Fit was on point.

[@LanceTheImpaler]

Ken Whiting has paddle drip.

[@shanefanon]

I never think of a sea boat as a white water boat BUT I camp a lot. The hatch and net for gear is what makes this my newest kayak camping boat,

[@oldcreel]

Great video! Enjoyed seeing you put the Virgo sea kayak through its paces, and also learn about some of the rapids on the Ottawa River! Cool AB Aerial paddle too!

[@PansRocks]

I like the little piece of cord on the skeg, will help to free it up if clogged

[@jakebrown3822]

Really interesting to hear you talk about moves in rapids. Would love to see more of that!

[@CareyCarolinaCamper]

Ken, GREAT VIDDY! So many tips nestled throughout this one! I enjoyed the Ottawa rapid breakdown… and despite any of the detractors the editing was top shelf on all accounts! 🤙🏼🤩🤙🏼

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Carey!

[@davidpoots8362]

More of that please, I'm a sea kayaker and need more tips on moving water for the tide races.

[@PaddleTV]

Twist my arm! :). Cheers.

[@kellym3531]

Looks like a blast. NO WAY would I take my glass boat there! Thanks Ken.

[@GTN355]

Eric Jackson and his APEX Whitewater Kayaks disagree with you I am guessing! ;)

[@matthewpieroway4577]

I have to start with your videos are great, but this was one of the most fun to watch. Plus this season I am recovering from shoulder surgery and have to live vicariously through other paddlers. I would love to see more runs in white water with the longer boats. Have you done the race that runs annually on the Ottawa with sea kayaks?

[@bassdeere]

Nice review and kayak

[@geschichteundreisen1154]

Wildwater is always so cool, did only one time on the orange river in southafrica, was awsome. Like riding a bull :)

[@petertamasboda511]

It’s nice! Thank’s a lot!

[@benoitbourque344]

Hello Ken, I really love your videos man. So after watching most of your trainings and instructions and other paddling related content, I went to Sail and acquired a Old Town Castine 135 for almost half the price in sale. I practice near Deschenes Rapids in the Ottawa River everyday since I live 5 minutes away. I am skilling up in flat water for now and wonder if my boat is adequate to endeavor into a level 1-2-3 waters once I feel ready. I know my kayak is made for speed and it's not a white water Kayak but it is the one I have and I intend to use it and eventually do further acquisitions. Your input would mean the world to me. Thank you very much.

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Awesome run Ken but I bet you wouldn't have taken that boat down there if you'd had paid for it yourself lol I know I wouldn't, I'd be panicking thinking I don't want to put a scratch on it. Also Loved the backing music

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@jamesiversen]

Hey Ken, great video! Fun to watch someone rapid run a sea kayak down a river. A question for you (or anyone who might know) about the Deck Pod 2/Pro: I have a GearLab Kalleq that I switch up with my Euro blade. I love it, but it is usually my spare and lives on the front deck with the blades under the bungies, and the shafts in a GearLab Paddle Clutch. It can be a bit awkward accessing it from the bungies when needed. Would the side "pockets" hold the blades of a Kalleq? GearLab shows those locations to store a pump and float, but I don't use a float and my pump stores in my cockpit between the hull and hip brace. I'm just wondering if those side "pockets" would hold the blades securely enough, but not so tight as to be difficult to access if needed.

[@PaddleTV]

Good question... I'll try to think of testing that next time I'm out there with both. My feeling is 'yes', it would work, because you can adjust how tight the side pockets are... but not sure.

[@jamesiversen]

@@PaddleTV Awesome, thanks! 😎

[@jackpittens796]

That looked awesome! What level of instruction should you have to tackle something like this (skipping the worst stuff)? Is there stuff in Ontario that you could recommend that would be good to work up to something like this?

[@PaddleTV]

I would HIGHLY recommend taking a 'learn to whitewater kayak' course - at least 2-days, but ideally 3-5 days. This will give you such a great base of knowledge for handing whitewater, which applies regardless of the craft that you're in (whitewater kayak, canoe, sea kayak, SUP).

[@timjackson4927]

I’ve been considering an Aries 155, I haven’t seen a video from you on this boat. Do you have any input on pros and cons of the Aries? Would like to see a review from you on that model if the opportunity presents itself to you!!!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Haven't tried the Aries or the Delphin (it's rotomolded sibling) Looks very fun to me... like a Virgo that is a little more versatile perhaps?

[@timjackson4927]

@@PaddleTV if you do get the opportunity to try one I’d appreciate your viewpoint. I’ve been paddling a wilderness systems tempest. I’ve found I don’t need that much volume as well as I’d like to upgrade to a composite boat. I’ve considered the new Virgo as well as the Volan but since I live nowhere near a dealer ( about 400 miles to closest) I listen to different perspectives on each. Your videos tend to be more to the point than most I watch as they tend to sell branding regardless of actual opinion!! Thanks for the reply, hopefully you’ll get a shot at an Aries sometime before I pull the trigger!!

[@SubParPaddler]

Hi, is the mic setup waterproof?

[@PaddleTV]

Not for this video... I have a waterproof setup now though :)

[@n-da-bunka2650]

I like the gearlabs Pro but not the $150 price. Would buy it if I could get it under $80. I have been interested in one of the Stellar Multi-sport composite kayaks. Had heard that you should not take them in rapids and while we don't have anything like what you showed on here, I am thinking it might be more viable than I had been concerned about. What level rapids would you have called those?

[@n-da-bunka2650]

FOUND IT: Class III www.google.com/search?q=what+is+ottowa+river+mckoys+rapid+classification&sca_esv=dc08701f44d53b0e&sca_upv=1&ei=RDl3ZtuyMLO2wN4P-OSw6A4&ved=0ahUKEwjb5Oesi_CGAxUzG9AFHXgyDO0Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=what+is+ottowa+river+mckoys+rapid+classification&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiMHdoYXQgaXMgb3R0b3dhIHJpdmVyIG1ja295cyByYXBpZCBjbGFzc2lmaWNhdGlvbjIEECEYCkjHiQFQ9QdY9oMBcAF4AZABAJgBfKABgxaqAQQ0LjIyuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIWoAKSEsICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIEAAYgAQYogSYAwDiAwUSATEgQIgGAZAGCJIHBDQuMTigB5do&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#:~:text=After%20putting%20in%20at%20the%20complimentary%20OWL%20Rafting%20put%2Din%2C%20a%20short%20stretch%20of%20flatwater%20allows%20paddlers%20to%20get%20the%20shoulders%20warmed%20up%20before%20the%20longest%20single%20rapid%2C%20McCoy%27s%2C%20a%20Class%20III%2B.%20Two%20major%20holes%20form%20the%20first%20of%20three%20%22sections%22%20in%20McCoy%27s%2C%20and%20they%27re%20known%20to%20hand%20out%20beatings.

[@PaddleTV]

These rapids were class 3-4. Seriously though... I wouldn't recommend taking a composite kayak into whitewater. This kayak is in the shop getting some repair work from the 'hit' it took on a rock at 20:10. If you want to paddle whitewater in a sea kayak - go with a rotomolded boat!

[@GTN355]

Nice video! Could have been longer! Follow the @RiverKingsKayak way Ken! 😬 Couple of questions : - I have seen people talk about the design of the Virgo and Composite Virgo being slightly different : Did you notice anything during this test ? - Could you say this is the spiritual successor of the P&H Hammer ? - Will you be testing any of Eric Jackson's APEX Kayaks in the future ? - Is it just me or does your skirt seem a bit too big for the cockpit of this kayak ? It goes on soo easily compared to mine on my kayak... LOL! :) - Speaking of Safety : For us big headed fellas it's really hard to find a helmet for whitewater that fits comfortably! :( I have e-mailed with all the major brands out there and none of them seem to have or are planning to support sizes bigger than 62/63 while some of them do have helmets for other sports that go up to size 67 or even 70 like snowboarding for example! Do you have any idea why this is ? What can be done about this ? Maybe with your help and some other famous kayak names out there ? Having to resort to helmets that are not made for the sport could IMHO hurt the image of whitewater kayaking in the future... :(

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Some quick answers - Didn't notice a difference, but it's been over 2 years since I tried the original Virgo. - I wouldn't put the Virgo and the Hammer in the same category. Virgo is much more of traditional sea kayak. - Skirt is a little big for most sea kayaks (including this one). It's the NRS Drylander with Large deck. That said, I wasn't worried about it blowing at all. It's loose in the middle, but tight enough on the cockpit rim. I love the skirt because it still seems to work great on almost any kayak - those with bigger cockpits or those with smaller cockpits. - No idea about helmets unfortunately. I've fallen out of touch with helmets a little, as I don't use them as often because of all the flatwater trips I do. I do know that the WRSI Trident helmet L/XL is very big. It's way too big for me. Cheers!

[@GTN355]

@@PaddleTV Thanks for the quick answers! :) Now... How are we standing on that super big extreme long extended kayak surfing in the sea waves movie that I suggested a while back ?? I would really like to see that become reality! ;)

[@777PLove]

nice vid breaking stuff is fun paying for it not so much

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! true.

[@Uhmm485]

Though I really like your channel and content, the music does not add anything to this video. Way too loud, rather just have the sounds of water and you moving through it. Strangely enough, it seems to be a pattern with kayak videos..

[@jamesstemmler7620]

Not strange at all... also I actually like the music. But then again I'm a musician lol so I like the energy music brings to things. To each their own. Just your preference. I happen to like it.

[@kellym3531]

Disagree.

[@intrnst]

I agree. Better listen to what's going on. If you like music, you can always add one of your choice. The opposite is not true. My two cents.

[@kribble]

You won't hear much without it because the camera/mic gets waterlogged. You can hear it in the audio right after the music cuts. The music gives you something while you watch.

[@GTN355]

There are other Kayak/Watersports related Channels where that lesson has been learned already and very loud music no longer has a place in the videos when there can be beautiful sounds of the water and nature heard instead! :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

that is a gorgeous kayak!!

[@chosenone8657]

The channel that got me into kayaking years ago is still one of my favorites to this day. Thanks for doing what you do Ken.

[@PaddleTV]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@escapewithed3995]

Great video, though part of me was waiting for the loud "CHONK!" of regret to echo against the hull. I'm glad it didn't happen but.... I gotta admit that boat is beautiful and I'm sad I'd have to pass on it with my size. That looked like fun. Out of curiosity, have you considered perhaps a video doing a comparison of white water kayaks through those rapids, tho I bet that would take a few days to film and edit... Maybe pointing out the differences between the nuances of WW kayaks? I mean, I can see the size difference between those little play boats and a creekboat, but is there any different types of boats in the middle? Are there different skill levels needed to pilot them? I see some people showing off WW boats they do 2-3 days with and others with boats they just use for day trips to run the same rapids over and over.

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. It's a good idea for a video. I appreciate the thought.

[@tehbieber]

I'm curious what mic/audio recorder you're using there, and can it take submersion?

[@PaddleTV]

I'm using the Hollyland Lark Max. Great system. It's not waterproof in anyway, but I recently started using a trick for waterproofing it. Stay tuned... I'm coming out with a video about filming your paddling trips where I give away that secret! :)

[@RayFreemanleftcoastinsights]

Another great video, Ken! How would you compare the composite Virgo to the Volan?

[@PaddleTV]

The Virgo feels much smaller - because it is. Not only a foot shorter, but lower in volume, and a little more rocker too. The Volan is a better all-around sea kayak, while the Virgo is more playful.

[@yru435]

This is a great primer for those who get talked into river travel in their big kayaks. OMG your first rapids took me back to my WW kayaking years. I forgot how intense and nerve-racking it can be. Flashbacks!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! McCoys is a heck of a way to start the day, isn't it?

[@shearenergy8203]

Almost doesn’t count count only in horse shoes and hangernades

[@n-da-bunka2650]

atom bombs, marbles and tidlywinks (like anyone these days would even know what those are, right?)

[@shearenergy8203]

@@n-da-bunka2650 use your marbles

[@matthewreynolds1096]

Does Werner paddles also use a similar laminate reinforcement on their edges?

[@keithirtenkauf5563]

Ken, amazing videography! Wow! What a hoot! Great work and I loved the soundtrack too.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Keith!

[@cpfpv6410]

@16:45 why though? was the first drop too high? ...was the second drop shortly after the first that made you go around? Also, the tittle was a little bit of click bait!! ..not a fan of that. Should have been tittled "should have" broke a $6k kayak

[@PaddleTV]

I guess it’s hard to tell from above,but it’s a shallow waterfall. As for the title… I did break the kayak. You can see me cringe at 20:10 as the stern hit a rock hard and the keel got crushed. It’s at the shop right now!

[@peteholder2805]

Post video topic- Can rocks be sexy? Discuss.. Great video as always, especially with the rapid info.

[@user-fp2nt2pf3w]

All depends how bigger hole in your composite kayak you're willing to except. My holes were from logs. Both the size of a football. Thankfully duct tape held it together

[@user-fp2nt2pf3w]

Great vid, thank you

[@chrislavigne1212]

That is a pretty sleek kayak. P&h really stepped up there game in making the fleet lighter (then previous) better color scheme with added comfort and support. Awesome review! Also fantastic river footage that looks like a fun day. Thanks Ken

[@joshinfwtx4506]

Really enjoyed seeing you take that boat through the rapids. The video angle from bow facing you was great for observing good bracing technique. Really appreciate your videos

[@jayburne6825]

Looking good ken thanks for sharing ...

[@markjones8846]

One of your best videos, thanks!

[@Andrewsky347]

Wow, excellent video.

[@intrnst]

22:34 - So true! Good point.

[@ric355]

Looks like a beautiful boat. I have a 16 footer but it's plastic and it weighs a ton relatively speaking. It's difficult to portage with it unless you're in a situation where you can use a trolley (which is not very often tbh). Would love a lighter boat but they come at such a cost. I'm looking at a used skin on frame one next week but I won't know how well it's been built until I see it. Enjoyed the whitewater explanations. Not my thing at all but interesting to watch / hear.

[@GTN355]

There are kayakcarts with large wheels out there : Ever considered one of those ?

[@ric355]

@@GTN355 some of my portages involve steps, and crossing the top of lock gates. It's not a wheel size issue it's that sometimes it really has to be carried.

[@nodescriptionavailable3842]

Also inflatable’s are so good now, I wish he’d torture test a few but, some of them can be carried one armed while you carry dry bags in the other hand of course the ones made for rapids might not be great idk personally, I have my eye on the aquaglide McKenzie but…

[@ric355]

@@nodescriptionavailable3842 I upgraded from a drop stitch inflatable to a hard shell. Much prefer the proper boat it just paddles like it should. Inflatables are good to a point but they are a performance compromise and are no good if the wind gets up a bit.

[@GTN355]

@@ric355 I did the same for the same reason and not having to drain the kayak/canoe after a long paddle is another plus too! :)

[@nunyabidness3075]

I don’t get it, where did the boat almost break? Is it not a strong lay up?

[@GTN355]

Clickbait bro... it's KZbin after all... -_-

[@n-da-bunka2650]

It did not "almost break". His comments about 60% of the way through is "don't try this at home because it would be super easy to break one of these". It seems that he did it for P&H at their request to show just how durable this type of layup can ACTUALLY be in the right hands (exceptional control to avoid rocks) and the right conditions (no low water conditions so less likely to hit hard). Good demo and well worth the risk that P&H took on this one IMHO. YES! Would LOVE to see more of these

[@nunyabidness3075]

@@n-da-bunka2650 Is it because it’s a sea kayak, or (as I asked above) it’s not a particularly strong lay up? Maybe we need him to go back with a composite canoe or kayak made for rapids and review it and hit some rocks and stop the outlandish levels of fear?

[@PaddleTV]

Actually... the boat is in the repair shop right now, because I did 'break' it a little at 20:10. The stern hit a rock as I came through the drop and crushed the keel a little. This is to be expected, because this was an Ultralight version of the kayak, and so I knew if I hit any rock in a significant way, that it would likely be damaging. I didn't actually do this trip to show how durable the kayak was, but to see how well it performed in very rough conditions. My hope was not to touch any rock. Ooppps! :)

[@nunyabidness3075]

@@PaddleTV Aha! So it was a lightweight lay up! Please tell us how much the repair is when you can. I think people don’t get how strong modern composites can be, nor how reasonable the repairs can be.