Best for Advanced Kayakers

P&H Valkyrie 17’8” - Review 2023

By: Rozanne Pilbeam

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Rozanne Pilbeam

Contributor at DIVEIN.com

Rozanne is most at home in the mountains or on the water in her sea kayak. She is an event manager by trade, a writer and performer by passion, and an adventurer at heart.

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The P&H Valkyrie is a high-performance sea touring kayak. Despite its polyethylene construction, this boat is built for speed and maintains the added durability of a boat that can handle being bounced around in rough seas and rubbed up against sharp beach debris.

The narrow, high-volume vertical bow allows this boat to surf waves like no other, while maintaining maximum waterline length for tracking and speed. Like the Scorpio, the low-profile back deck provides ease for re-entry, and the soft chine design of the hull makes this boat easy to roll.

There is ample storage in this boat, although the hatches are a lot longer and narrower than the Scorpio. The Valkyrie will move through the water much faster than the Scorpio, which means it can achieve greater distance on longer multi-day trips. However, this boat is designed for a more experienced paddler and it’s 21” beam can feel tippy for those new to sea kayak touring.

The paddle entry cutaways in this boat are a favorite feature, as they allow for a more vertical blade entry and efficient paddle stroke closer to the kayak. Like the Scorpio, the Valkyrie also has molded inserts for a compass and sail, and in addition, comes with a SmartTrack External Rudder system for superior handling and maneuverability.

The P&H Valkyrie is an excellent sea touring kayak for intermediate to expert paddlers. It’s ideal for those looking to paddle long distances, who are focussed on speed, and who enjoy a downwinder or two while riding the waves.