When it comes to testing gear, there's nothing like putting it through the wringer in real-world conditions. And that’s exactly what I did with the P&H Virgo Composite Kayak on the Ottawa River, which is known for its big rapids and breathtaking scenery.
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:
