REVIEWS
exercises , even with the Coast Guard involved on two occasions . We also used the Volan as a coaching platform .
I paddled the Volan for more than 500 km ( GPS tracked ) in different conditions , but always in coastal areas or open water affected by the tide . Conditions were starting from force 0 up to force 6 ( so between flat calm and wave height up to two metres ). I paddled solo or with my team ( using P & H Valkyrie , Delphin , Cetus , Scorpio , Rockpool Taran and NDK-SKUK Explorer ) to compare speed and agility .
THE LOOK ! At first sight , the Volan looks like a short version of a modern sea kayak . But there is more ! None of the other P & H models have the distinctive chines that start on the bow and make their way to the back , disappearing under the water line . The hull in the cockpit area is boxy ( where the sidewall meets the hull under the surface ), those hard chines are not only nice when seen off the water , but they serve a purpose . The bow and stern are more like the Cetus , so there is no sawed-off stern as with the Aries and no extra volume in the tip of the bow .
However , the hull has plenty of rocker and seems inviting for surf ! When looking at the deck , we see that this boat has all the bells and whistles you should expect from an expedition sea kayak . Four hatches , where the day and mini compartments are easily accessible when seated in the cockpit . A compass recess – there was a compass installed in my Volan . On such a high-end boat , you don ’ t want to see a compass dangling on bungies . There is a recess on both sides of the compass to put the paddle shafts .
Lines run from that paddle recess to the cockpit , giving the front deck a distinguished look . The skeg button is neatly placed on top in the cockpit and mini hatch area . This gives visibility on how much the skeg is deployed without looking at the side , and wire operated . There is enough free space behind the grey Performance seat to put a pump and inflatable paddle float . The foot pegs are easily adjustable and comfortable , and sturdy when seated . The boat has two adhesive knee pads that you can install inside the cockpit depending on your posture and leg positioning . That is a convenient extra as our knees frequently touch the side of the boat , making the cockpit extra comfortable .
This Volan was produced in the Infusion Expedition Kevlar-Carbon layup with keel strip . The boat has a very stealthy look with its black hull , dark grey deck , light green cockpit coaming , seam , keel strip and P & H logo . No sharp edges or imperfections ; this is a finish that we can expect from P & H !
GENERAL PERFORMANCE During the first trials , I was focused on speed . I must say that I have a liking for fast boats , and I didn ’ t want to fall behind when paddling together with others . The Volan 158 is relatively short ( 479cm ) for a sea kayak . How weird it may sound , I could keep up with everyone ( in longer , faster boats ) without getting my heart rate up on regular trips . The
difference in speed becomes slightly noticeable on longer trips or when sprinting . It won ’ t keep up against a fast sea kayak , but that is like comparing apples and oranges . I like the boat to paddle from the back to the front of the group during coaching .
THE PERFORMANCE SEAT I use my upper body more freely during forward paddling than in the Connect seat . Don ’ t get me wrong ; I still love the Connect seat . But two completely different seats and outfitting . One thing that should be noted : the Connect seat is adjustable ( certainly the hip pads ). The Performance seat is not ( apart from the back rest , of course ), so , it would be best if you tried it out before choosing . The Performance seat felt tailored to me , with enough connectivity to the side , preventing me from shifting sideways yet still loose enough to allow maximum body rotation .
The Volan tracks very well ! During the 500 kms , I almost didn ’ t use the skeg ( unless for checking if it worked for this review ). The wind can come from any side it wants , the boat reacts perfectly to any steering or sweep strokes and edging . It ’ s a different feel compared to the Aries / Delphin ; I used my skeg more often in those boats .
When lying still during a break , even when the sea isn ’ t flat calm anymore , the Volan gives confidence when grabbing for your snacks or camera . The stability is comparable with that of the Cetus . Talking about stability , we did a load of balance exercises to field test this to the limit . Standing upright , in the seat or even on the back deck , is possible !
Applying different steering strokes , leaning , and edging on calm water was also tested extensively . The boat doesn ’ t have unpleasant surprises waiting for you when putting it on lean / edge . The secondary stability is good , and you can clearly feel the tipping point . Looks promising for rougher conditions ! The bow and stern are unlocking the boat nicely when turning on edge , and the turning radius is close to the Delphin / Aries .
ThePADDLER 5