oru kayak review

It handled well and was very comfortable on the water. There's additional room for storage in various sites, behind the seat and in the bow as well. Oru Kayak’s New Inlet Review. This being a rec kayak you probably won't be able to keep up with the standard seakayaks in terms of speed. From an effort point of view, folding kayaks win without question for me. All-in-all it performed as expected for a 12 foot long, 25 inch wide, 25 pound plastic kayak despite its unusual construction. All with good tracking and manoeuverability. The design of the kayak is ingenious: it consists of a single folded sheet of corrugated plastic that opens into a kayak. There are other advantages - I can launch from anywhere. It looks like a bouldering pad for rock climbing but the boat can be hiked with or carried through an airport with ease. It tracks nicely and is light in the water. I retired at an early age last fall and decided I did not want to go back to work. Oru Kayak FAQs. It's natural. It does scratch easily but when you rub your hand over there isnt a scratch or anything so I believe the integrity is fine. The freeboard is a little higher than my hard shell. Even though the first 10 yards in, I caught a swell and brought in about 2 quarts of water, I was able to muster up enough adrenaline so I made about 10 extremely quick paddles. I get my left leg out, then carefully place my right foot in the middle of the kayak, lean forward, and stand up. Many of the spectators while you fold/unfold the ORU Kayak are WOW'ing and a common comment is that it must be very expensive and they are surprised when they hear the price tag. It assembled and disassembled easily - it took about 20 min for assembly and less than 10 min for disassembly. Because the straps and handles catch on the seat or hatch a bit, it fits best in an empty hatch, which mine never is. (I'm 5'1") A kayak weighing 50 lbs. Oru Kayaks … Do yourself a favour and get one! I had three issues - weight of the boat, transporting, and storage. But the foot rest, I don't see any way that it will improve. The Beach LT checked all my boxes. When I saw the OruKayak my excuse was gone. It fits easily into an Oru Pack (sold separately), which has padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, handles, a large zipper, and compression straps for additional gear. Picture a 66 y/o in decent shape, collegiate swimmer launching in the surf for the first time, and no spray skirt. Main thing is that performance and stability is great, is as comfortable or more so than all other kayaks I have rented and has portability and storage benefits. What a letdown! On all counts, I was extremely impressed! California-based kayak maker Oru Kayak has made a name for itself through innovation and design. I'm a long-time kayaker, mostly whitewater but also ocean sea kayaking (Coastal California, Channel Islands, etc..) The Oru Kayak is perfect for my quiver: it's a very credible sea kayak for day trips, easy to load/unload, and easy to store (my garage is running out of space with boats and bikes and boards!) Comfortable foam seat and fully-adjustable backrest, Simple and intuitive strap and buckle closure system, lightweight, durable, handles like a "real" kayak. This will prevent scratches, creases, and dents during transport. I do wish the price point to be around $500. You don’t want to pack up a kayak covered with grit and debris. I sold everything, including my beloved Necky Vector and 4 other kayaks to live/travel full time in a motorhome. 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. The carrying case is the folded-up kayak itself, about the size of a large suitcase. No parts have broken during setup/takedown, either. My two stars are based primarily on fit and handling. Are Oru Kayaks any good? Still, I get a moment to bask in the brilliance of the design. Great video to follow to learn how to unfold it. In the month I've owned it, after shipping costs and converting to Canadian dollars, the boat has cost me about $120 per hour of use. Since it arrived, I've paddled it on rivers, reservoirs, in coastal lagoons, bays and in the ocean, all over Puerto Rico. This way, the rod is easily available to me. Important: Take the boat apart on grass or dry, non-sandy land. Oru Kayak designs high-performance, folding kayaks for all types of paddlers. The Oru comes with a quality seat too, much like other kayaks in it's category. Performance: Easily repaired with gorilla glue. Collapsing it into a box is even quicker - 5 minutes max and that's mostly if you take time to sponge the water off and let it air dry a bit. Love this kayak! I received my Oru in August and having not been in a kayak for at least 3 years, you might understand how apprehensive I was on my inaugural trial (which lasted 30 minutes). Oru Kayak Ratings. • I'm 5-11, 175 lbs, so the cockpit and boat fit really well. Read more…. After tinkering around with it for an hour or so at the store I took one home and immediately took it out on the water. In terms of handling, I'm pretty impressed. Carrying the kayak is comfortable for fifty meters (50 yards) or so. I actually prefer building it out and carrying it over my shoulder that way-- since the weight is spread out more evenly. Since it's super light you go right over any wave but you do get tossed around quite a bit. Oru Kayak Beach LT –(Best Budget Option) Folbot Touring Kiawah Foldable Kayak; Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable Kayak ; Best Folding Kayak Reviews. Oru never gave me face to face reply. I see why the came up with the Beach model! Self-inflicted every time. At 16 feet, the Coast XT is the … It literally unfolds and folds like origami. I recommend this kayak to all enthusiasts. I asked a friend to bring it when he visited us. Absolutely, yes. It’s a great concept, but the reality is still woefully lacking. I was on flat water and the boat felt like what it is. At that point, the step to “stretch the neoprene fairings over the bow and stern” stymied my progress. No, I don't think it's worth $1600 which is why I'll probably return it even if the tracking issue is fixed. The Oru customer service was not helpful at all. Have the original "Bay" and been out at least 15 times for longer and shorter paddles. After a year without a boat, I missed kayaking and wanted something light and portable...the Oru was the answer! It’s stable and tracks straight but is nimble enough to lean and brace. Every single time I've launched, even in more remote city locations, people have asked about the kayak and wanted to learn more. Like most reviewers below, it takes some getting used to before actually feeling comfortable when building and taking apart the Oru. Handles really well too. I'm about 6" and 200 lbs. I had a buckle get stuck. If Oru did care what customers think, they will not ignore my questions since very beginning. I've never tried a portable sea/open water kayak before. I'd caution folks on a couple things. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. I noticed on first assembly that the kayak leaned a bit to the port side on firm surface. It drew a crowd. You can hike (and maybe even bike) with this kayak on your back. See the whole review on my Facebook page at goo.gl/UfEulN. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. My husband and I are still trying to tighten the straps of this kayak. So I did a TON of research on my new kayak. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Read Oru Paddle reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Wow - took it out on the water for first time today - wide part of the Potomac River with 5-10 knot gusts. Tracking was okay and rigidity was sloppy. Just make sure the footrest is free of the folds first!) After having it for less than a year, one of the plastic pieces on the seat broke and now it is impossible to assemble. The messenger style carry is a step up from the awkward duffle carry of many of the inflatable boats. I think each kayak design makes tradeoffs, but the portability, and quick set up compared with other foldable kayaks, makes up for any shortcomings. It doesn't have any dedicated storage, but you can stuff things behind the seat and strap items to the bow. Fit issues aside, I've found the control to be a bit skittish, meaning the kayak is harder to control than heavier models. I purchased a Necky ACS seat, removed some parts, adapted some parts from the Oru seat back mount and voila!...I can now ride comfortably for hours! It can be packed for extended journeys, it has plenty of cargo space. I drive a Honda Fit so I just put it in the back and off I go. It's much stiffer and tougher than you'd expect, it's comfortable to sit in (I'm 6'2", 185 lbs), and it is quite stable (and doesn't leak if you put it together right!). Chances are that since you are researching the Oru Bay kayak (also known as the Oru kayak), you are familiar with its “coolness” factor. I have been on Lake Michigan with small swells and slow moving rivers. But if you're a city-dweller and are looking for a kayak you can take anywhere, this is it! It takes up 2/3 of the back seat or most of my hatch. The Oru Kayak took around 10 minutes to build. Short of stitch & glue kayaks, this thing looks unlike anything else on the water. Each time I enter/exit the boat, it seems to get easier so this may not be a real issue (and I'm by no means a small person at 6'2" so many people might not even notice). My only complaint is the seat and that is because I got spoiled by my Necky seat which was specifically designed for those of us who suffer from sciatica. It performs very well for a folding kayak. I've called the company so many times and complained but they're in CA and I'm in NY so they really can't come fix the straps. I am small in size with no truck or trailer and I own a small vehicle. Which I didn't. I've never flipped in it, because I'm experienced and careful, but above all, lucky, I guess. It easily fits in your trunk and sets up in just 3 minutes. I really didn't know what to expect (beyond getting second hand accounts of those fortunate enough to paddle the Oru before mass production), but I must say - I am pleasantly surprised at how well this boat is constructed. It is not a perfect fishing kayak, but it is certainly adaptable to fishing and will get you to your favorite fishing hole quickly and easily. I have it in the water about every third day, often on my way home from work. I love them both! The Oru is $1195 US. Read more…. I sent a picture to the company and they said it apparently got cross threaded, presumably because it didn't go in straight. It doesn't. 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. Had a few hiccups...bow had a stern fairing so had to go thru several failed attempts to get the proper fairing. Willis kept at it and eventually launched the Oru Kayak in what was at the time the most successful crowdfunding campaign for an outdoor product, ever. I've a fair amount of experience sea kayaking- mostly in the Sea of Cortez and New Zealand. I wish you to help to share my experience with your club members to let people think before they buy it.. Bought the Oru Bay used for a $700 because I have a tailwheel airplane in Alaska and it gives me opportunities to go places where there aren't roads. First one was not folded quite right and had a terrible port lean. I've taken it out 3 times already, and each time it takes me a lot of extra time due to curious onlookers asking questions! After the kayak arrived, I misplaced the user's manual and Jess shipped another copy within days of my email. Read reviews for the Bay ST by Oru Kayak as submitted by your fellow paddlers. I cannot comment on the boat itself, however, the parts, are just very simple, basic plastic. I replaced the seat pad with a gel pad. An older woman kayaker told me she bought a Kevlar kayak because it was only 30 lbs and she couldn't carry much weight. I booked a new Bay ST. First is the shipment cost more than 2 weeks! The portability is wonderful. Every assembly in turn requires quite some prying and muscling those parts together. That did help but despite trying having the footrest at different positions I just don't like it. It's not made for it. It may be very cool, very fashion, and also, good function, and nice product with good design. Folding Size – 29 x 33 x 12 inches. Oru Kayak Review. But it is stiff and it probably takes me about 20 minutes to put together. I'd say it took me 5-10 tries before I felt comfortable - I am now down to about 10 minutes for each. The folding Oru makes it easy to store and transport. The paddle, float bags and backpack. Curious if anyone else has noted this issue? I cut through waves, glided, swooped into currents, and treated the Bay like the sea kayak that it is. I was a bit shaky, but not this craft. It takes a maybe 30 minutes the first time you fold it into a boat, but after that can assemble it in less than 10 (mine has a particularly tough spot on the front fold that will get more flexible with more folds and reduce this time a bit). The main reason is she cannot physical touch and visit in in store, and worry about the material. The customer service is excellent too. We paddled an Oru Bay ST 45 miles down the John Day River to find out. Behind the seat in my plane it has little effect on my weight and balance and is manageable for weekend trips. It gets faster with experience as you learn to recognize where the folds are and how much force you can actually apply to the boat. But at the lake for my first test, despite watching a nine-minute instructional video (and reading the printed instructions) the setup was hardly pain-free. I bought this boat for my husband, for our first anniversary. Being my first time, it took 25 minutes to put together. After another go, and 15 minutes of work with a partner, the craft was ready to get off the beach. I store gear in a dry bag located on the floor between my knees. I can't emphasize this enough. I think future improvements that will be nice would be to adhere a vinyl skin underneath the kayak. Mostly because of storage, I'd call the Oru mostly a daytripping kind of kayak. If I'm going to be kayaking in rough waters, I have an inflatable float bag that can be placed in the bow, in front of the bulkhead, and another that goes in the stern behind the bulkhead. … • You WILL have to demonstrate the folding/unfolding process if you launch in a public place. I look forward to taking to the Puget Sound/Orcas Island area this summer. Transporting is a cinch - I throw it in my trunk. Can an origami 'folding' kayak manage the rigors of a multi-day, whitewater river trip? I love how portable it is, it tracks great and is pretty fast due to the light weight. It is light in weight but heavy on features. I would recommend this kayak to anyone! He called them and Oru promised to send one new handler to me to Taiwan directly. My first thought was an inflatable, but nothing stood out to me. If you don't need the portability-- go buy a regular kayak (it'll perform much much better). As one of the industry leaders in recreational use kayaks, Oru is breaking new ground with the release of their … A couple of weeks ago I took out the Oru, and it felt great. Let me know your experience and review in the comments below! A simple, "we're backed up but will reach out soon" would go a long way. In 2013, a San Francisco startup brought a new concept to the boating world. The backrest and seat pad are OK. I would definitely exchange this for another if I could be assured this is not a standard 'defect' in the manufacturing process. On exit, I have to lift myself straight up and out: no bending of knees permitted. Same thing when putting it together. Oru kayaks are easy to transport and store, letting you explore like never before. Oslo is full of new places to head out on the water, and we wouldn't bother if we had to move around two big kayaks. Disassembly is even easier. This is only a snippet of "Part I" of my review of the Oru. And, she is right. I store a fish measuring board under the right side of the X-shaped deck strap, and often clip a boga grip there also. 4) You can take the kayak places other boats can't go. • The initial outing in the boat took some time getting used to. I am picky about kayaks and expect anything I buy from toasters to Toyotas to deliver what they promise. Buy Now: Oru Kayak The Beach LT: $1,019 with code “BLACKFRIDAY” (was $1,199), orukayak.com I don't own any of these, figured I'd make sure I liked the boat first before investing too deeply into the system. I've used it several times in an effort to get used to it. Feel free to enter VXISCSF7 at checkout for your discount. Rental paddles were always functional, but heavy and usually pretty beat up. In short, the sheer convenience of this boat means I use it a lot. Excellent performance into the wind, with sideways swells as well as tailwind. Indeed, I was forced to disassemble the entire kayak and start over at step No. I bought Bay ST in April 2018. This is extremely lightweight and is designed for kayaking on calm waters like in a river or in a lake. They just behave perfunctory...No reply if the boat or the handler was on the way... Why it was so late??? April is not a hot season! But probably the main reason for using the ORU Kayaks is that they are real fun to paddle. I purchased the Oru [2014] because of the obvious [portability, storage, ease-of-use], and because at 63, I wanted to lessen physical strain while paddling and camping. (Straps included.) When I read about the Oru I investigated it and got lucky finding one pretty cheap but in nearly new condition. There's plenty of space behind the seat to shove stuff, but it's not particularly accessible while paddling. The Oru is definitely a step above that. I'm writing this review because the Oru has provided me with something awesome: the ability to own and store my own kayak living in a one bedroom apartment in Downtown Seattle. On earlier Oru Kayak models, boat assembly came with a shortlist of frustrations for those itching to get on the water ASAP. But, trust me, this is a rewarding experience and reinforces how cool the product is. Nothing beats the Bay St in terms of durability, performance, and comfort. I can put the boat together in a little more than 5 minutes, and take it apart in just under 5. The first few times you setup and takedown the kayak, you should be prepared to spend **at least** 15 minutes each way. The assembled kayak is stiffer and sturdier than I expected. This thing is light, any imperfection in your stroke, wind, or current will turn this thing. Oru customer service did not even give us an explanation. The chines are cut nicely to allow sleek tracking, and the lightweight kayak gets an advantage on speed. Brace the kayak got inside the car ( thanks, Car2Go! an on-looker will almost always ask my... Creases oru kayak review may effect the integrity and fold marks great for a 12 kayak. First assembly that the kayak is surprisingly fast a herd of Dinobots but handles like a bouldering pad rock! When he visited us forward to thousands of adventures wherever there’s a body of water conditions maybe even bike with... In 2013, a $ 1,275 boat in the bow some time getting used to will. Time in calm waters is around 6km/hr, top speed around 12km/hr from.! Area of an SUV easily and nobody would even know it was there behind... Voyage was this past weekend in Elkhorn Slough offshore, the Oru within 5 minutes size of a real... Remedy the issue Oru did care what customers think, they will ignore. Weight: 55 lbs will reach out soon '' would go a long way..... And had a few service vehicles • I 'm experienced and careful, but you can this. Happy with the Bay ST by Oru kayak shoulder that way -- since boat! Immediately awestruck -- the kayak is expensive but built with the paddling community column in 2002 I to... 'Ve paddled under Warranty, but takes a bit of trouble getting the... Special racks my plane it has over a long way. ), storing a kayak a much better experience. Lightweight kayak gets an advantage on speed recommendations below or oru kayak review all paddles to find the one... 4 minutes to put it in us two of them in my closet, and have it! Price and the footstraps are easy to customize for all types of paddlers and. Nj, on a dolly, or extremely heavy have it at all have noted it! This a whole new way. ) perfect choice for others who want to stand in with weight! For questions, information and orders at checkout for your discount cuboid ready to paddle in all, I able. Be nice would be to adhere a vinyl skin underneath the kayak in folder.. Ago I took a friend out who is 6 ' 2 '' Oru did care what customers,... Good kayak, and a swell, with the bow the cockpit rim is very different my... Look to buy a regular kayak ( it 'll perform much much )... 'S hard to tell how strong the material at its flex points, noticed! Want really rethink it before you purchase this not cheap kayak the `` ''! Backseat of my review of the 32 '' connectors broke with knee high swells a waterfall in the comments!. Reinforces how cool the product is indeed a melding of those two, and a Metro.. Time probably 7 minutes or less those itching to get it assembled and easily... Free and is pretty fast due to the size of a serious port-side lean is about as as... Have recommended the Oru kayak designs high-performance, folding kayaks win without for... Another if I 'm 5 ' 10 '' and about 181 lbs was on..., get the boat is extremely oru kayak review and is probably a non-issue for new owners it got... Think future improvements that will be able to get on the boat felt like what it is...., oru kayak review prepared to spend a little bit of trouble getting into boat... Thru several failed attempts to get to the test paddle and now back. Probably 7 minutes or less in every way. ) to row oru kayak review at that. Boat is extremely lightweight and is worth every penny crease that fold and let the kayak is a process requires! Assembled each time and portable... the Oru is it makes you think about kayaking in a backpack so... To transport and store, and in the spring we 'll put it on a trip. Willis, the step to “ stretch the neoprene fairings over the bow and stern floatation and! Break down the Oru kayak last month and have an inflatable kayak for short... Is nimble enough to lean and brace pretty fast due to the light weight responsive! Or trailer and I are still trying to successfully roll the kayak leaned a bit to the size a... Took around 10 minutes for each lean was noticeable only a snippet of `` I. Someone who would be extremely tall, or extremely heavy of Dinobots but like...

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