Eric, a multisport athlete and blogger of ours, recently commented on a Strava cycling ride I did, suggesting I try the Ironman Salem this summer. My response, jokingly, was, “Can you kayak the swimming portion?” Swimming isn’t my strong suit; while I’ve completed one triathlon, nowadays, I mostly stick to cycling and running. That joke about kayaking became reality when the Oru Lake Sport Kayak showed up on our doorstep.
Now, let’s clarify—I’m not exactly a water sports pro or a super handyman. So, handling a foldable kayak wasn’t something I initially felt confident about. But if I can manage it without sinking, I’m pretty sure most people can too.
Yes, you read that right—a foldable kayak.
My in-laws have large kayaks, but they’re not the most practical for us with our van, SUV, and three kids. We’re always looking to streamline. With the Oru kayak folding down to just 18 pounds and a footprint that allows you to wear on your back – its a game-changer.
Background
While some people are on the water daily, that’s not us. Yet, this kayak has made it much easier for us to explore. Sure, my in-laws would lend us their kayaks, but their size and bulkiness mean we rarely take them up on it. In just a few months, we’ve used this kayak more than we expected, making the investment worth it for families like ours.
Construction
I was pleasantly surprised by the construction durability of this kayak. Given that it’s foldable, you might think any accidental smack against a rock or stick could leave you stranded. But that’s not the case at all. These kayaks are made from double-layered, 5 mm thick polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment. Additionally, it only weighs a fraction of what typical kayaks usually do.
It was super simple to set up on the banks of the lake and carry over rough terrain to the lake—much easier than the awkward and heavy ones I always have to lug for my in-laws. This was so awesome!
While I’m not an engineer, I do understand that this material makes the kayak abrasion-resistant and puncture-resistant. So, a simple smack against a lake bottom isn’t going to ruin your trip. This durability provides peace of mind, knowing that the kayak can handle some rough conditions without falling apart.
I was impressed that my larger frame (6’2″ and 200 lbs) had no issues in the Oru Kayak. I was super comfortable, thanks to the adjustable back seat, and I could even sit criss-cross applesauce with ease. If I can feel comfortable in it, there’s reason to believe that most people will as well!
Assembly
At first glance, the Oru kayak seems like it shouldn’t work as well as it does—folding down like origami into a smaller footprint. It’s genius, yet I initially doubted its durability on water. However, it’s lightweight and well-built, surprisingly easy for a non-handy person like me to handle—simple to unload and load.
As I mentioned, I am not the world’s most handy person. While I have my own set of skills, shapes and spatial visualization have always been a challenge for me. Although they say it takes one to three minutes to fold and unfold this kayak, I recommend giving yourself a few opportunities to learn the process at home. Once you get the hang of it, folding and unfolding the kayak becomes a quick and easy process, making it simple to get out on the lake or river.
To make the setup process easier, I suggest watching their instructional video. It will likely be more effective than me doing a step-by-step rundown of every step. The kayak comes with numerous reminders and instructions. Basic instructions are not only available online but also included in an instruction pack within the kayak and printed directly on the kayak itself. These instructions clearly show which lines and folds to push to get it folded and unfolded.
I benefited greatly from watching videos and committing the order of operations to memory. I’m glad I wasn’t on a busy shoreline trying to figure all this out in the moment.
Accessories
There is a basic Oru Lake Kayak model that is less expensive, but upgrading to the Lake Sport model brings added comfort. This model includes a thicker seat cushion and backrest, as well as an adjustable back height, which is especially welcome for taller people like myself. Additionally, the sport model allows you to add a gel seat cushion, which, though it may not seem like much, is quite enjoyable.
The seat cushion is just one of the many accessories available for your kayak. Some accessories enhance comfort, while others improve ease of use or are simply a matter of preference. We tried out a few of them and particularly enjoyed the seat cushion.
Essential and Optional Accessories
- Gel Seat: Not necessarily essential, but super comfortable and made the experience better.
- Paddle: Necessary for kayaking, but you can use your own if you already have one.
- PFD/Lifejacket: Essential for safety, though you can use your existing one.
- Skeg: Attaches to the bottom of the boat, making the kayak more maneuverable, similar to the fin on a surfboard.
- Splash Deck: Assists in getting less water into your Oru Kayak but covering near the feet of the opening.
These accessories can make your kayaking experience more enjoyable and tailored to your needs.
Convenience
The Oru Kayak can be packed down to a reasonable size and weight, but what really enhances its portability is the ability to fit everything into a backpack-style pack. This makes transportation significantly easier, keeping your hands free for other gear.
In our opinion, this accessory is a necessity. It allows you to bring your kayak to remote lakes or even check it with an airline for cross-country travel. We are strongly considering taking it to Hawaii later this summer. The pack is made from recycled nylon, and the shoulder and hip straps are surprisingly comfortable, making it possible to carry your kayak with ease.
One reason my stand-up paddleboard has seen less usage than anticipated is the hassle of inflating it. Spending half an hour exhausting yourself by hand-pumping a SUP to the optimal level is no fun, even after investing in an air pump. It’s just another thing to remember to pack.
In contrast, the kayak is incredibly convenient. While there are various features you can add, all you really need are the kayak and the oars. Pop them in the bag, and it takes less than five minutes to get it unfolded and operational. That’s a win in my book.
If only practicing to swim for a triathlon was that easy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Oru Kayak $559
Specs:
- Length: 9’ 0”
- Width: 32″
- Cockpit: 66″ x 24″
- Max paddler height: 6’4″
- Weight capacity: 250 Lbs
- Construction: 5mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment
- Warranty: 3 years
Thank you to Oru Kayak for providing us with a test item. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
