Given my experience with them so far this summer, I’m looking forward to thousands of adventures wherever there’s a body of water. We’re also adding “versatility” to our toolbelt – the Haven easily converts to a single-seater high performance kayak with the switch of a few buckles, for those times when you just want to … The kayak does come with a set of instructions, but watching someone build something first is always a better visual. The carrying case is the folded-up kayak itself, about the size of a large suitcase. Not only were the folds easy to follow, but there are two colored bullseyes to indicate where to tuck the sides into. Because of its lightweight, the Oru glided smoothly on the water. To properly travel with the kayak, you’ll want to get the Oru Kayak Pack, a nylon backpack that fits the folded-up Oru snugly. Oru Kayak Review: The verdict From a practical point of view, the low weight of portability of the Beach LT is a dream for people with small cars and limited storage facilities. To bring the roughly 25-pound Oru Kayak to the water, I carried it (with the carrying strap) to my golf cart and took the 10-minute ride to the marsh dock. We help you find the best stuff and make the most of the stuff you already own. As one of the industry leaders in recreational use kayaks, Oru is breaking new ground with the release of their latest design. I felt myself traveling a bit faster than usual, even when I was fighting the slight current of the marsh. I love them both! For the solo traveler, this kayak’s convenient handling and versatile capabilities make it … Oru Kayak is the inventor of the “origami kayak.” The Inlet Foldable Kayak combines the stability and balance of a traditional hardbody kayak with the small storage footprint of an inflatable kayak. I've scrapped it on shallow creeks and it is one tough boat. It’s easy to use, fast and strong. All rights reserved. As for the carrying part, I’ll be honest: it’s not terribly heavy, but I couldn’t imagine having it on my shoulder for more than five minutes before experiencing some serious discomfort. The base model of the Oru Kayak, called the Inlet, retails for $900, which is a bit pricier than plastic kayaks. Although these vessels are not the most budget-friendly, the quality can surely last for many years. I have used and used and used my Oru kayak to death. Caught more big fish off it and gone more places than just about anyone I know. The Oru kayak is pretty innovative. I love kayaking. I was nervous about getting into the Oru Kayak at first. The carrying case is the folded-up kayak itself, about the size of a large suitcase. This a whole package of folding kayak with lots of side accessories. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Easy to put together and put away. While I enjoy kayaking in this kayak immensely, Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2015. The hard exterior of this craft also helps it to glide through the water with minimal drag, though the gaping slot o… On the plus side, the Oru Beach is one of the lightest kayaks we reviewed, weighing barely over 26lbs. | Length: 9 ft. 6 in. Great product, not sure if it fits me however. So you can now kayak anywhere --- even check it on a plane or backpack it to a remote spot (It's 26lbs) . Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2014 The Oru kayak is pretty innovative. It is the perfect choice for kayakers who like paddling on lakes, rivers, and oceans. It’s small enough to fit into a closet or car trunk, making it ideal for anyone without a ton of storage space. Stable enough for beginners, while fast and sporty for expert kayakers. Honestly, assembling the Oru was not as difficult as I expected, as I was fully prepared to scream out in frustration on my first try. After kayaking on the Gulf of Mexico, I forgot where I parked my car. Methodically paddling down rivers, marshes, and ponds during the summer months gives me a feeling of serenity and a moment of escapism from what’s going on in the world. The Oru site claims these kayaks can be assembled in a few minutes, but I assume that’s after a bit of practice because it took me about seven minutes with some helping hands to get mine assembled the first time—and this is coming from someone who built several standing desks on her own. So easy to use and so tough. Influencers are obsessed with Bala Bangles—but are the wearable weights worth it? Before attempting to assemble, I watched the 10 minute long how-to video on the Oru Kayak site, which I found extremely helpful because once the kayak is unfolded, it’s somewhat tricky to figure out how to put it together without directions. Kayak Type – Inflatable. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. The hull has a 10-year UV treatment and is rated for 20,000 folds—theoretically, … It’s pretty thin, and I was worried that it would flip over the second I stepped into the little boat. Oru Coast XT Kayak is designed for advanced level paddlers who don’t mind loosening their purse string a little bit more. Additionally, the backrest is breaking apart where it rests back against the two screws which hold the backrest/frame together. You become an object of complete interest when you're putting it together. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. Oru Kayak Beach LT Review. After a few hours of kayaking, I’m pretty tired. Less weight means less work, right? Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. The setup is a little difficult at first (you should have a friend help unfold it), but this kayak is amazing! While the concept of the Oru Kayak is nice, it does not fully replace the ease of using or the performance of a normal kayak. They’re small enough to fit in a small apartment and are ideal for traveling, as they can fit on planes, trains, and boats for cross-country or even international kayaking. | Boat Capacity: 275 lbs. But kayaking doesn’t come without its own set of stressors: namely, getting the kayak to a body of water. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. These new products may help. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. On earlier Oru Kayak models, boat assembly came with a shortlist of frustrations for those itching to get on the water ASAP. Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2015. And the ease of use, set up and transportation makes it a highly appealing option for solo paddlers. It was a relief considering how exhausted you can be after a long kayaking session. Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2015. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Credit: Reviewed / Courtney Campbell, Credit: My parents recently purchased the Beach LT model and when I got to try it out, I was nothing short of impressed. When you have it over your shoulder, it feels like an overgrown laptop instead of a 12 foot long, fully functioning vessel. After getting their start on Kickstarter, the innovative Oru has won tons of awards from respected outdoor organizations like Gear Junkie and Outdoor Retailer. It has excellent stability and tracking, making it a great choice for beginners. Launched on Kickstarter, sold by retailers around the world, and in the permanent collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. First it took us at least 15 mins to set it up every time (me and my husband) given I am a small size person. 6 Oru Beach Kayak Review; 7 Oru Kayak FAQs; 8 Other Oru Kayak models. | Tracking … This portable kayak is expensive but built with the highest quality materials and can withstand a variety of water conditions. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2017, [Note: This is for the 2015 Bay model, not the new 2017 ST version], Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017. I have contacted Oru about this and will follow up on this review based on how they handle these issues. Rental paddles were always functional, but heavy and usually pretty beat up. However, larger models of these corrugated plastic kayaks that hold more weight and people can cost upwards of $3,000. It is now my primary kayak and I live on a lake, so, I use it almost every day. Considering you don't also have to cart along a pump, we thought this weight is pretty reasonable! Oru Kayak is a San Francisco based company that manufactures high-performance, folding kayaks. Oru is shaking up the boating world with the release of the lightest, most packable, least expensive folding kayak. The plastic component was broken when I used it the second time. Oru Kayak is a relatively new kayak brand that specializes in foldable kayaks. The kayak fit easily in the golf cart, which is smaller than most car trunks. The Oru kayak is actually a folding kayak, origami kayak, or can also be called a “collapsible boat”. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more. Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. It easily fits in your trunk and sets up in just 3 minutes. Stable enough for beginners, the Oru kayak features a 12 ft. length and smooth contours that also make it sporty enough for experts ; Unfolding the kayak into a fixed, rigid form takes just a few minutes, giving you more time on the water; straps with buckles offer easy, intuitive closures ; 26 lb. Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2014. Oru Inlet. It weighs around 36 lbs and it has got a maximum weight capacity of around 400 lbs. It … Folding Size – 15 x 15 x 20 inches. I just grabbed the edge of the dock and pulled myself out without a wobble. The 12-foot-long kayak comes nicely folded into a rectangular cube about the size of a large suitcase, which still isn't that big compared to the space you’ll need to store a regular kayak. To use the kayak, you’ll have to purchase the Oru paddle separately, which breaks down into four pieces and can be stored in the kayak in box form. Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2015. Not only do you have to lug these 12-foot-long vessels in and out of your car or attach them to a rack, but you also need to drag them to the water. I've kayaked down the nantahala in NC on whitewater with it in march and flipped it going over Upper Wesser Falls. I am currently on an island where golf carts are the main means of transportation, other than bikes and a few service vehicles. Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2017, Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2014. It literally unfolds and folds like origami. The kayak is very easy to tip over when you get in and out of it even I am a small person, don't even mention if it happens in the middle of the water, so I am very very careful while I am out in the water. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. They come folded up in a convenient carrying case and ready to ride, and they are assembled “origami-style” by bending and clipping folds together. I've only ever rented kayaks before I decided to purchase my own Oru kayak and paddle. It made for a very enjoyable 30-minute ride. The Oru was light enough to carry for a few minutes. Oru Kayak On Water Offshore, the Oru has the feel of a “real boat” — because it is one. Once I got paddling, I was impressed with how smoothly the Oru gilded on the water. Courtney Campbell / Reviewed, Feeling at-home exercise burnout? They are made of a single sheet of hard, corrugated plastic (specifically 5mm double-layered polypropylene) that makes it both lightweight, bendable, and buoyant. If needed, field repairs are easy with duct tape or epoxy. The company says the kayaks can be unfolded 20,000 times. Weight – 27 … Oru Kayak designs high-performance, folding kayaks for all types of paddlers. One of just a few kayaks we tested with a tracking fin, the Tucktec'sfin is impressively long, can be raised out of the water from your seat, and does a good job keeping you moving in the right direction. The original Oru Kayak that's withstood the test of time. The Oru Beach LT is a recreational kayak designed for use in smooth, calm water like lakes, rivers, and streams. Plus, lifting the 25-pound kayak out of the water was pretty effortless, even with tired arms. The messenger style carry is a step up from the awkward duffle carry of many of the inflatable boats. Easy urban kayak storage. A follow-up call was made, but again, part never arrived. Oru responds to durability concerns with videos of their kayaks being dragged across rocks and paddled in surf. 5 winter hair care concerns—and how to prevent them. Love it love it love it. This page works best with JavaScript. A new one was ordered under warranty , but never arrived. But my fossil hunting partner and I had long felt the need for some sort of water transportation to explore various river banks. After crouching low and placing one foot from the dock onto the kayak, I felt how sturdy it was. The first time my ORU Kayak was put together, one of the 32" connectors broke. The last thing I want to do is exert more energy to fold up the kayak, making the somewhat complicated assembly process even more frustrating. The Beach LT model is specifically designed for flatwater recreation—a.k.a. some casual 'yakking' in lakes and streams—but there are four other models in varying sizes and functions that would work better in rough waters or in the ocean. Alternatively, you can just bring another paddle along, though it makes the experience less portable. 4. I read lots of good things about this Kayak before I bought, but it is completely different when I really use it. Enter, the Oru Kayak. Let’s break down the options with a broad stroke and then dive into the review of what we feel is the best kayak for the RV Community. If you’re willing to shell out the cash, the Oru Kayak ideal for any adventurer with a small space. When I saw the Kickstarter for the Oru I felt it was the perfect solution, so I ordered two - one for each of us. Haven Walkthrough The Haven is a folding tandem with impeccable performance and unmatched portability. weight is easy to lift and quick on the water These are the hard and heavy kayaks you’ve used and seen for years. It's possibly the most portable kayak on the water. But the pakayak is made of the same material as a one piece rotomolded kayak, has a better seat and again bulkheads and hatches that the Oru lacks. The following are my favorite folding kayak brands that have been picked based on the trustworthiness of the brand, what customers think of the kayak, and how well the kayak is made. Paddling.com has consumer reviews from people who bought and used the Bay ST and the Bay+ models (the Bay+ model is no longer available). It’s an activity that makes me feel active and gives me a chance to connect with nature. The pakayak is priced comparable to the Oru Bay kayak and less than the Oru Coast Kayak. Oru kayaks are easy to transport and store, letting you explore like never before. It’s not necessary for short distances, but if you plan on flying with it or hiking a distance to water, it’s a must. Many Folding kayaks that are on the market are very expensive and can range anywhere within the $3,000-$5,000 price range. The Oru Kayak took around 10 minutes to build. Made of a single sheet of correlated plastic, the Oru Kayak folds like origami. Get the Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding Kayak at REI for $1,199, This smart trainer could change the way you exercise at home. Value. Inroduction: Oru Kayak Bay ST Review. We don't have storage, or a boat trailer, and were concerned about an inflatable's durability along brushy banks. Unfortunately, its design comes so close to perfect but falls short in … As seen below the Oru is much more affordable and actually outperforms many other “compact” kayaks including inflatables in a wide variety of tasks. Overall, the Oru Beach kayak is a product I would highly recommend to anyone willing to splurge on a quality piece of gear that will elevate adventuring to the next level. The single seat setup allows for lots of gear and snacks for a solo fishing trip or plenty of room to bring our dog along. Oru Kayaks started as a Kickstarter project in 2013 that was funded the first day. Oru Kayak Durability. The entire process took less than ten minutes and was comparable to the energy it would take me to drag a heavy, plastic kayak to the water. Then it sets up in like 2 minutes. These devices allow you to take detailed heart readings at home—but should you? The origami design creates a hybrid between the features of a rigid kayak, and a skin-on-frame kayak. Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. ORU Kayak Warranty parts not sent until I paid for the pieces. Traditional Kayaks. I could picture myself bringing the Oru with me on the train from my small apartment in Boston to the Charles River. Advanced Elements Sport. Plus, there are straps to pull everything together, reassuring me that this contraption would float. The Oru Kayak Bay is a revolution in terms of folding kayaks. After using it for the first time, I fell in love with it. These kayaks are only available in one color: white with orange accents, but it looks bright and sleek in the water, so I have no complaints about the style. It’s also more expensive. It didn’t tip to one side as I got myself in, and I stayed dry this time, folks. Type: Recreational | Weight: 20 lbs. It literally unfolds and folds like origami. That did not happen. Oru Kayak Coast XT Review: The Original Origami Kayak Just Got an Upgrade Inspired by origami, the original Oru Kayak launched in what was at the … Buy Now: Oru Kayak The Beach LT: $1,019 with code “BLACKFRIDAY” (was $1,199), orukayak.com 8.1 Share this: What is Oru Kayak? Putting the Oru back into its box form was easier than transforming it into a kayak. While I enjoy kayaking in this kayak immensely, a few weeks in and materials are starting to chafe and wear already. Check Amazon Review The Oru Bay St. is a lightweight kayak at only 28 pounds that can easily be folded down. I am not a kayaker - or even a boater. Getting out of the kayak was no fuss, as well. It takes a bit of use to break the plastic in so it folds easy. Misadventures Mag reviewed the Coast XT model of Oru Kayak, paddling it on a 100 mile journey along the Mississippi River for five days and nights. ©2021 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. I can attribute this to how light this foldable boat is. In the following Oru kayak review, you will find all the details regarding all the models with pictures and videos, and our brand new FAQ section that will answer every question you … I have used kayaks for 30 years and bought the Oru to have stored in the back of my Vibe for occasional use. Oru Coast XT Kayak Review. I walked 5 blocks easily without having to take a break! Oru Kayak Review: Sleek Lines Look Great #5 Versatility of the Oru Kayak Haven Even though this is marketed as a tandem kayak, it can also be set up as a single seater. I am currently on an island where golf carts are the main means of transportation, other than bikes and a few service vehicles. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable. Once unfurled, the bends created when the kayak was folded make it pretty obvious on where to bend the corrugated plastic and clips that are lined up to create the water-tight seal. Fast shipping, received in a few days after ordering. The Oru Kayak Bay ST (Oru Kayak Website) is a beautiful lightweight folding kayak, that can take you on amazing day trips or epic overnight adventures. Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2016. Undoubtedly, Oru Kayaks are the most popular and reliable folding kayaks. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, See all details for Oru Kayak Bay Kayak, White, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. To bring the roughly 25-pound Oru Kayak to the water, I carried it (with the carrying strap) to my golf cart and took the 10-minute ride to the marsh dock. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features fully functioning.! But it is one letting you explore like never before of room to stash for... A follow-up call was made, but never arrived could picture myself bringing unfolded. 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