So you can now kayak anywhere --- even check it on a plane or backpack it to a remote spot (It's 26lbs) . Plus, there are straps to pull everything together, reassuring me that this contraption would float. 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. It’s small enough to fit into a closet or car trunk, making it ideal for anyone without a ton of storage space. There’s also plenty of space in the hull to keep gear for longer excursions, and it fits all standard size spray skirts. The Tech Specs. The Oru Bay kayak stretches at around 12 feet. It made for a very enjoyable 30-minute ride. Their inspiration behind this was looking at the collapsible kayak industry and seeing a gap in affordability. The Beach LT kayak is also the most inexpensive ones of the Oru Bay kayak line. Courtney Campbell / Reviewed, These are the 10 things that make me want to work out, How to get a brighter smile without breaking the bank, Get the Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding Kayak at REI for $1,199, 25 ‘just because’ gifts to send to friends and family, Here's how you should wash your face, according to your skin type, I spent $825 on a Canada Goose jacket—and it’s one of the best investments I ever made. They are made of a single sheet of hard, corrugated plastic (specifically 5mm double-layered polypropylene) that makes it both lightweight, bendable, and buoyant. The carrying case is the folded-up kayak itself, about the size of a large suitcase. In the next section of our Oru kayak review, we will be discussing how this original origami kayak got its funding. Latest. Oru Kayak designs high-performance, folding kayaks for all types of paddlers. For fun, check out Big Sur in an Oru Bay Kayak, and get one for yourself: We have done our best to present you with a comprehensive, detailed Oru kayak review article.  However, we thought we would answer some specific questions that we have been receiving through email.  Here we go: Yes. Oru Kayak’s New Inlet Review. And guess what? While the cockpit of the Bay ST can be augmented with a spray skirt to keep water from pouring in, this is only good for surviving some bad weather kayaking and executing eskimo rolls. It weighs 26.1 lb and is made of double-layered polypropylene. 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. Oru is the New Kayak. Before using my kayak I used a kayak provided by my private instructor . If you’re interested, you can check them out here at Amazon. You can also modify your Oru Kayak by fitting a Scotty Fishing Rod Holder onto the kayak’s deck. And the ease of use, set up and transportation makes it a highly appealing option for solo paddlers. Yes! Folbot Full Expedition Package. Oru kayaks are easy to transport and store, letting you explore like never before. 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. You can also do a comfortable wet exit and re-entry without any hassle. The setup is quick even though the frame is solid and rigid. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. It was a relief considering how exhausted you can be after a long kayaking session. The speed of any vessel is determined by its size, weight, and the flexibility of its hull. Not only is it perfect for flatwater excursions on lakes and slow rivers, but the hard-chine hull also responds well to braced turns and edging. The Oru Bay ST Kayak is easy to assemble, giving you more time to enjoy the water, and is made out of strong, double layered polypropylene. We believe everyone deserves to experience the relaxation of a day on the water, surrounded by the wonders of nature, whether boating solo or spending time with those who mean the most. When selecting flights, check for airlines that admit kayaks and go through their oversized baggage check-in policies to guarantee that both you and your Oru kayak will be admitted onto the flight. The likes of Klepper, Long Haul Folding Kayaks, Neris Kayaks, Pakboats, and TRAK make wood and aluminum folding kayaks. Let’s take a look at how the Oru Bay + Kayak works conceptually: Now that you’ve officially met the Oru Kayak Bay Plus, you should know that it is a higher priced kayak. (Keep in mind that the Oru kayak falls under the origami kayak category, not inflatable!). There is plenty of leg room, but you can also take advantage of the adjustable back and footrest to find a comfortable stretch for yourself. It’s durable polypropylene material is incredibly puncture and abrasion resistant, and takes only minutes to fold and unfold. Also, no. The Oru Kayak Beach LT folding kayak measures 12 feet by 28 inches and weighs approximately 25 pounds. Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Oru Kayak designs high-performance, folding kayaks for all types of paddlers. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. 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. Keep in mind that it will probably take you, on average, 15-30 minutes to assemble it. The Bay ST kayak is easy to store and won’t occupy a large amount of space like traditional kayaks. In-Depth Inflatable Kayak Reviews With Pictures & Videos. Oru Kayaks are made of skin that can withstand many folds, which allows you to fold the boat and pack it inside the Oru Pack. My parents recently purchased the Beach LT model and when I got to try it out, I was nothing short of impressed. It’s an activity that makes me feel active and gives me a chance to connect with nature. 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. With an adjustable footrest, backrest, and thigh braces, the Coast XT gives you amazing comfort and control. 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. Its hull has been made deliberately unbending to divert all the power of your paddling into the speed of the kayak. Less weight means less work, right? The Oru Kayak is a 'real boat' that fits in a backpack. But weight is also a crucial factor in acceleration. The Haven combines stability, easy setup, … Chances are that since you are researching the Oru Bay kayak (also known as the Oru kayak), you are familiar with its “coolness” factor. Thank you! A 26-pound boat the size of a large suitcase, the Beach LT is less than half the weight of a traditional kayak. Read my full review of the Oru Kayak Beach LT for more information. In ideal weather and water conditions, your Oru can traverse great distances at an impressive pace. These bags aren’t really any help in keeping the kayak afloat, but in the event of a capsize, float bags are what help displace water and keep your Oru kayak from filling up completely. It’s durable plastic material can be folded thousands of times without any wear or tear, and a large cockpit makes it easy to get in and out of. Despite being so lightweight, the Beach LT model claims to hold up to 300 pounds, which was more than enough to safely transport me and my family’s mini Australian shepherd, Mila. I love kayaking. It feels extremely fast because of its light build, giving you the best of kayaking experiences. The Oru kayak can be modified slightly by easily fitting the Oru Fishing Kit parts onto the kayak. It weighs 28 pounds on the water and 30 pounds after you fold it back into its cover. I don’t want to explain nitty gritty details over the next 1000 words when you can easily view it here in a few minutes and be excited about this phenomenally cool “gadget”: While not an inflatable kayak, the Oru Bay kayak is as nifty as they come: first, you can fold it and unfold it like an origami. Oru Bay Kayaks aren’t really made for riding rapids. The Oru folds up so well that you can even take the kayak on buses, trains, and planes! The Oru Beach is a single person foldable kayak with a 300 lb capacity. Credit: Reviewed / Courtney Campbell, Credit: It has a padded foam seat and can support up to 300 pounds. The Oru Carbon Paddle is more efficient compared to the regular Oru Paddle, although it’s more expensive. Not only were the folds easy to follow, but there are two colored bullseyes to indicate where to tuck the sides into. It won’t rip or tear and does fine with bumps against hard, rocky surfaces. The kayak does come with a set of instructions, but watching someone build something first is always a better visual. There are essential accessories that you will need to purchase to use with your Oru Kayak and they include the Oru Paddle, Oru Pack, and Oru PFD (Personal Floatation Device) which is a life jacket. 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 may have regarding this uniquely built kayak! Anyway, this is a video of someone enjoying their Oru Bay kayak in a creek with a good water rift and at some point, he’s got his friend on a spare tire, riding alongside him, holding him: For a kayak that needed funding on Kickstarter to being featured on Shark Tank, the creators of the Oru Bay kayak have seen their vision not only through, but what a success it has become.  The best part about the evolution of this folding kayak is that it behaves, navigates, and actually IS a real kayak; definitely not something that was rushed or comes off as cheap. These kayaks have been judged by experts to be capable of withstanding 20,000 fold cycles. Yes. Oru has blamed lack of / slow response time on covid, but in reading on message boards this is not a new problem. ©2020 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. Weighing only 34 pounds, it is easy to take it on the go, and the Coast XT is great for overnight camping trips and hikes, as well as overnight tours. The Oru Bay Kayak is one of the coolest kayaks of its kind: you can fold it up and pack it like origami (remember what that is? However, you have to strictly follow the rules during the check-in process. Yep, you read that read: the Oru Bay kayak being tested in open waters!  Yeehaw! Plus, lifting the 25-pound kayak out of the water was pretty effortless, even with tired arms. The Oru features an adjustable seat back and footrests, bulkheads, and bow and stern carry handles. I will be adding them to the bottom here, just in case wants to view some fun ones before making up their minds. It’s also more expensive. The Oru kayak is actually a folding kayak, origami kayak, or can also be called a “collapsible boat”. The Oru Bay ST is perfect for fishing, hiking, and camping. Shark Tank is one of my most favourite shows!) 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. Touted as the “original origami kayak,” it’s a foldable kayak that supposedly makes it easier to transport a kayak to and from the water. These kayaks have survived rigorous tests and get a high rating in durability. They either simply won't staff up to support existing demand, or they just don't care. The Oru was light enough to carry for a few minutes. However, the designers suggest that you treat this rig the same as you would a fiberglass or skin-on-frame kayak. This is a 5 minute video that goes through the simple steps required to build your kayak + details on how to return it to box form after a day out on the water. Over the years, the design of the Bay St Kayak has continually improved until it has become a much better kayak than what it ever was from before. However, to travel with the Oru, you’ll need the OruPack backpack. 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. The cockpit is standard and has an opening of 16″ x 30″. You can even check it on a plane or hike into remote waters with the Oru Pack. Oru kayaks are easy to transport and store, letting you explore like never before. This is pretty average, as most of the inflatable kayak reviews we have done, on this site, indicate around 15 minutes of assembly (inflation / deflation) time. Ideally, a part of taking good care of this material is to wash it with fresh water after every use and store it away from direct sunlight. The Oru Kayak Coast XT is the top of the line model, designed from bow to stern to stand up to harsh wind and surf that is found in more extreme waters. The Oru Kayak Beach LT is perfect for beginners and professionals alike, and thanks to its folded space-saving design, even apartment dwellers can enjoy the fun of kayaking. I turned to the interwebs and found the Assembly Guidelines page on ORU Kayak’s website where there is an instructional video and a PDF document with step-by-step photos.. With some patience and a little more man-handling than I expected, I put it together the first time in about 30 … I felt myself traveling a bit faster than usual, even when I was fighting the slight current of the marsh. Required fields are marked *. I could picture myself bringing the Oru with me on the train from my small apartment in Boston to the Charles River. This kit includes the RIBPort mount, Fixed Extender, Adjustable Extender, Rod Holder II, and Drinkhold. Enter, the Oru Kayak. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Looks like this original Kickstarter project is a win win for everyone! MSRP of $1999. You can do all this from the comfort of your own garage. No. The Oru Kayak is highly maneuverable and has good tracking, considering its size. These folding crafts are known as Origami kayaks for good reason. Kayaking enthusiasts who are taller than 6’2″ may find the longer Coast XT an easier fit withing the Oru Kayak range. 11,824 Views 16 Comments. It’s extremely difficult to determine how fast a kayak can go. We help you find the best stuff and make the most of the stuff you already own. You don’t need a second person, let alone a trolley, to ferry the Oru kayak to your favorite water body. It's possibly the most portable kayak on the water. So you can pack and unpack your Oru kayak as many times as necessary without worrying about fraying the folds of the kayak. It’s compact enough to store in your trunk, closet, boat, or garage. But enough! Oru Kayak rep Jess Anthony brought four kayak models for us to paddle, but having paddled the Coast, Bay, and Haven models, I had my eye on the Inlet from the get-go.. Jess gave me a quick tutorial on assembly onshore and ran through the updates Oru made when creating the Inlet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Like most products that Oru Kayak manufacture, this kayak is made from a single sheet of stiff, corrugated, and ridged polypropylene plastic. For sure, there are plenty of videos here to satisfy most people researching the Oru Bay or the Oru Bay Plus; however, here is one more really awesome one where this folding kayak is being tested in open waters. It’s extremely well balanced body keeps the kayak steady through some very rough conditions, managing to keep the paddler from toppling into the water. The Oru Bay ST, for example, is ideal for camping trips. Oru Kayaks are designed on the foundation of attaining easy access to the outdoors, no matter where you live. The Oru Kayak does not come with a paddle necessarily, but the DUO Package includes paddles. Make sure that it does not interfere with the folding process or damage the kayak as you fold and unfold. ( He has never experienced an Oru, but when he saw how easily I was able to handle my Oru Bay ST kayak for my 5th lesson he was very impressed with how well it handled. The first time I unpackaged the ORU Kayak, I was a little overwhelmed. Oru Kayak has utilized the principles of the old Japanese artform into a folding technique that transforms a boat into a box without wasting a single bend. Overall I'd say get this kayak, but don't count on Oru being for you should you run into any problems. So long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, no amount of use will mess your Oru Kayak up. We put it to the test in Minnesota lakes for this review. Oru Kayaks started as a Kickstarter project in 2013 that was funded the first day. Best Recreational Kayaks Oru Beach LT Kayak. Oru kayaks are easy to transport and store, letting you explore like never before. Oru Kayak was started to make the outdoors more accessible—and the Beach LT accomplishes that goal. Oru Kayak Review: Sleek Lines Look Great #5 Versatility of the Oru Kayak Haven. This kayak is very stable and it accelerates faster due to its low weight. The kayak fit easily in the golf cart, which is smaller than most car trunks. Features Origami tandem kayak offers stability and quick setup so you and a friend can quickly get out on the water This is a specially designed backpack that holds the BayST and any accessories. The Oru kayak can be modified slightly by easily fitting the Oru Fishing Kit parts onto the kayak. 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. This will ensure that your kayak will remain resilient for a long time. 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