Over the last 15 years, I’ve had the chance to paddle more than 20 different sea kayaks. From classic touring kayaks to uncompromising expedition boats made of carbon or fibreglass, I’ve tried them all. Every boat has its own character. Some make an immediate impression, whilst others take a bit of time to grow on you. And then there are boats like the P&H Leo – a kayak that, in my opinion, receives far too little attention. For me, the Leo is arguably the most underrated secret weapon in the entire P&H range. It’s suitable as both a touring boat and a day or weekend boat. It’s playful, and you can use it to test your limits – without ever getting bored.
A boat that instantly inspires confidence!
Anyone sitting in the Leo for the first time immediately realises what sets this boat apart: impressive initial stability. Beginners in particular feel safe from the very first moment. The boat conveys a sense of calm and control without feeling sluggish. But the Leo can do much more than just sit stably on the water. As soon as you lean the kayak on its edge, its excellent secondary stability becomes apparent. The Leo builds up a tremendous amount of confidence and provides clear feedback at all times. This is worth its weight in gold, particularly in waves, wind or choppy water. That’s exactly where it really comes into its own.
For beginners as well as experienced paddlers
What particularly impresses me about the Leo is its versatility. Beginners benefit from the high stability and the secure feeling it provides. The boat takes a lot of the uncertainty out of those first trips and makes getting started in sea kayaking much easier. Advanced paddlers, on the other hand, appreciate its reserves. The Leo can be edged precisely, surfed in a controlled manner and conveys an exceptionally safe feeling even in challenging conditions. It’s one of those rare kayaks that grows with the skill of its paddler. And it never gets boring.
Rolling? As smooth as butter.
Another aspect that never fails to impress me is the rolling. Despite its high stability, the Leo is incredibly easy to roll. The boat almost rights itself automatically and provides excellent support for the movement. Anyone looking to learn how to roll, or who needs to roll reliably in rough water, will quickly realise just how pleasant the Leo is to handle in this regard. I can say from experience that, for me, it’s the best rolling kayak from P&H!!!
CoreLite X – plastic redefined
Many paddlers automatically associate plastic kayaks with a soft hull and significant compromises in handling. In my experience, this is hardly the case with the Leo in CoreLite X. The hull is exceptionally stiff and provides a paddling experience on the water that comes surprisingly close to that of a laminated kayak. Of course, plastic never quite matches the stiffness of high-quality composite boats, but the difference is significantly smaller than many would expect. In return, you get a kayak that is considerably more robust against contact with rocks, landing on the shore or day-to-day transport. Anyone who frequently paddles on rivers, rocky coasts or at difficult entry points knows exactly how reassuring that can be.
The best alternative to a laminated kayak?
If someone were to ask me today what the best alternative to a laminated sea kayak is, my answer would be surprisingly clear: P&H Leo CoreLite X. You get a boat that is astonishingly stiff, has excellent handling characteristics and, at the same time, offers the robustness of a high-quality plastic kayak. Especially for those who don’t want to be constantly careful with their kayak, this represents a near-ideal compromise.
Skeg or Skudder?
The choice is yours. Another plus point is the choice of steering system. The Leo is available both with a classic skeg for those who like to paddle using edge control, and with P&H’s innovative Skudder – a combination of rudder and skeg – which can then be steered simply using your feet. This allows every paddler to choose the system that best suits their own paddling style.
Is a Skudder necessary? Not at all, as far as I’m concerned. I hardly ever need the skeg either. But, particularly in rough conditions, it can certainly come into its own.
Key specifications
In size MV:
Length: 487 cm / Width: 56 cm / Weight: approx. 27.5 kg in CoreLite X
In the HV size:
Length: 489 cm / Width: 59 cm / Weight: approx. 28 kg in CoreLite X
(At 189 cm and 92 kg, I opted for the HV version, which suits me perfectly.)
My verdict
The P&H Leo isn’t a boat that stands out with spectacular marketing claims. Perhaps that’s precisely why it’s so often overlooked. Yet it combines features that few sea kayaks offer in this combination: outstanding initial stability, enormous secondary stability, a surprisingly rigid hull, excellent rolling characteristics and a sense of security that is unrivalled, particularly in rough water. After over 15 years of sea kayaking and having paddled more than 20 different boats, the Leo is one of the most pleasant surprises I’ve ever encountered. It’s a kayak that doesn’t overwhelm beginners and doesn’t bore experienced paddlers. A boat that inspires confidence without losing its sporting pedigree. For me, the P&H Leo is the underrated secret weapon among P&H Sea Kayaks – and probably the best alternative to a laminated sea kayak when robustness and performance are equally important. Still unsure? Visit a dealer and give it a go. You’ll love it, I promise!