Oru Kayak Review

Oru Bay Assembly And Setup

If you own an Oru Bay ST kayak, the first thing you’ll likely do when confronted with the sofa-cushion sized box is load up your web browser and type, “How do you assemble an Oru Bay ST kayak?” The process is remarkably easy and takes under 20 minutes on the first try (you can easily pare assembly time down to 10 minutes with practice).

The company provides a handy set-up video that makes the process a breeze. Oru’s folding kayak has a simple design that makes it easy to use. The box is the vessel, so there are fewer pieces and less packing material.

Open the box, take out all parts, and then insert the floorboard. This stiffens your kayak’s seating and locks it into the cockpit. Attach the bow deck zippers to the cockpit and close the front latch. Install the backrest and seat. Secure the stern zip and close the Stern coaming latch. Adjust the foot, back, and leg rests for maximum comfort.

Oru Bay ST disassembly is done in reverse.

What Is The Oru Kayak?

Made of a single sheet of correlated plastic, the Oru Kayak folds like origami.

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. It measures 12 feet in length and folds into a rectangle-shaped cube that is about the same size as a suitcase. However, it’s not nearly as big than a normal kayak. It’s small enough to fit into a closet or car trunk, making it ideal for anyone without a ton of storage space.

The kayaks come in one color, white with orange accents. However, I love the way it looks in the water. You will need to buy the Oru paddle separately in order to use the kayak. It can be broken down into 4 pieces, and stored in the box. You can also bring your own paddle, but it will make the kayak experience more portable.

Unboxing of the Oru Kayak

I made the following video of me unboxing and setting up the Inlet, in my living room. Ha! It’s definitely not pro video. However, before buying the Oru I wanted to actually see how it would look set up. Not just looking at Oru’s promotional videos. So if you find that helpful, here it is.

Pros:

• The kayak weighs 20 pounds
• Dimensions folded: This kayak measures 42x18x10x10 inches. The kayak fits perfectly in the trunk of your car. You can also carry it in one hand, without having to lift it high or putting it on the ground. This is especially handy if you’re petite or have a kid that you’re also trying to wrangle. It can also be stored easily when not in use. This is especially important if you live in an apartment or small home, and don’t have access to a garage.
• Setup ease: Oru lists this one as a 3 minute setup, and their next easiest as a 5 minute. When you have a toddler running around at the same time, I’ll take all the extra minutes I can get. 😛

Cons:

• You can get sand, dirt and mud in your folds. Although this is not a major problem, it has happened a few times when the kayak was very dirty. It feels like it still has some flexibility in folding. It didn’t seem to work so I used the vacuum, which I will probably use again. This makes me anxious about the durability of the material over the long term. I also hope that the dirt in the crevices won’t cause the material to deteriorate.
• Clean and dry the underside of the seat. The kayak is essentially one piece of solid material. But there is a rectangle of different material to reinforce the main seating area (the orange area). The only thing I dislike is the possibility of water, sand, or other contaminants getting between these layers. There’s not a super easy way to clean this part of the folding kayak, especially on the go. I’ve used a hose in the backyard while setting the kayak up on the side to spray out and then tried to let dry before folding back up.
• Oru has provided communication and shipping information. The paddle and float bag were purchased at REI. Although the items were not backordered it took three weeks for them to reach me. If you order a kayak that has been backordered from them, it will take a while to arrive. Or if you were planning to take your kayak on a trip, I wouldn’t count on time estimates or at least have a backup plan!

Easy To Use & [More] Spontaneous Adventures

Parenthood can be a time when your opportunities for many things are limited. So it’s awesome to be able to put a folding kayak in the back of your car and have no pressure – but still the opportunity – to use it that day. A traditional kayak would require you to get it from your basement and carry it to the car. Then tie it up, secure it against theft, then load it up into the car. At this point, if that kayak doesn’t get some serious use, I’m going to feel like “wow, really glad I spent all that time getting the kayak out this morning”. And repeat all that for coming home.

It’s also nice that there is no need to be concerned about a kayak being on the roof of my car if I’m doing any outdoor activities or going out for lunch. Instead the kayak is tucked in the back and not visible.

Model #2: Oru Kayak Bay St Folding Kayak

The Bay ST kayak is easy to store and won’t occupy a large amount of space like traditional kayaks.

This folding kayak folds up into a compact package that can be carried in your car. It also has built-in handles for carrying and collapses to a smaller size. Easy assembly makes it easy for you to have more fun on the water. The Bay ST Kayak is strong enough to withstand rigorous folding. It’s also extremely puncture- and abrasion-resistant.

Comfortable, the Oru Bay ST has a foam seat with adjustable backrests and footrests. There’s also plenty of space in the hull to keep gear for longer excursions, and it fits all standard size spray skirts. The kayak measures 12′ by 25″ and comes standard with structural bulkheads and half-deck rigging. The Oru Bay ST is perfect for fishing, hiking, and camping.

Amazon has the Oru Kayak!

When Will My Order Ship?

The status of your order will determine the estimated delivery time frame. You will find our products either in stock and ready to ship or exclusive pre-ordered. We also have estimated delivery times. If they are not expected to ship in 2-5 days, the estimated shipping date will be displayed on each product page. The expected shipping times will be displayed on the email order confirmation.

In Stock & Ready to Ship (Non-Kayak Orders): This time frame can be expected to ship from our warehouse or from the vendor within 2-5 business days.

In Stock & Ready to Ship (Kayak Orders Only): This time frame can be expected to ship from our warehouse on the Friday of or the Friday following your order. We typically have truckload pickups every Friday (or every other Friday during non-shipment weeks) so please reach out to a live rep with an exact ship date if you are needing shipping immediately.

Exclusive Pre-Orders: Pre-Orders indicated that the item is currently not in stock, but an allotted amount has been secured from the Vendor with an estimated shipping time frame.

Last Thoughts on the Oru Kayak

As the photo above illustrates, there’s just something incredibly stylish about these Oru Kayaks. Imagine yourself placing a waterproof light inside the cockpit and heading out for a night paddle looking like that!

They offer financing options to make the kayaks more affordable for people who don’t want to pay full price.

We believe there is an Oru Kayak model for every level of paddler, whether they are novice or expert.

The model options allow kayakers with interest in sea kayaking, long-distance touring, whitewater, and recreational paddling to find a kayak that fits their needs.

We think, above all others, there is really one type of person that Oru Kayaks are best for. This person may have trouble staying in one place for a long time and likes to travel light and fast.

This person may have a list of more than 50 countries or epic waterways upon which they’d like to paddle in their lifetime.

A kayak must be able to fit in tight spaces, and can take long flights in an airplane’s belly.

The person would like to kayak on Lake Tahoe and Lake Cuomo tomorrow. We think Oru Kayaks were made for international adventurers, and the partnership couldn’t have been more ideal!

What is the Haven’s resistance to rough handling?

Oru also has videos of kayaks in extreme situations, including when they’re dragged across rocks and paddled through surf. Repairs can be done in field using epoxy or ducttape, depending on the situation. This UV treatment can last for 10 years. The hull is capable of folding up to 50x and can be folded as many times as 20,000 per day. It can even be recycled 100% so that it doesn’t end up in the trash.

It can also be transported in small bags thanks to its folded Oru and floorboards. You can carry it by either a strap, or in a trunk. Wyatt Michalek. The Haven’s rigid floorboards are the bottom and top of the box. When assembled, they invert into the hull. A few online reviews noted that ours suffered from deep seam cracks.

Although our G-hooks performed well, they required an additional knot to stop slippage. You can replace any part easily, which is a good thing. Oru also offers parts replacement through its website.

With a 31-inch beam, the Haven is as good on the water as any open-cockpit rec-kayak. The Haven is rock solid in stability and its lightweight hull reacts quickly to each paddle stroke. It can also track straight through stiff winds and small whitecaps.

Review: Oru Kayak Bay

The Bay model is a mid-range boat priced at $1,275. The boat is manufactured in America and is approximately 25 pounds. This is a light weight for such a large size boat.

The company notes its boats were inspired by traditional Greenland kayaks as well as Japanese origami techniques. It is a blend of both, which I found to be very impressive on the water.

I cut through waves, glided, swooped into currents, and treated the Bay like the sea kayak that it is. Note this is not a whitewater boat: The material is not made for rock bashing in rapids, and the design is built for tracking straight on open water.

Oru Kayak Gear Storage

Earlier in this review, I briefly mentioned that storing gear is a bit unique with the Oru Bay ST. One thing you might notice of the beautiful white design of this kayak is that there are no hatches to store gear inside the kayak.

Since there are no hatches on top of the kayak to get into the hull of your Bay ST, you need to remove the zipper channels. As I prepare to enter the Bay ST’s hull, I have removed two of three zipper channels.

This is because you cannot easily remove items from your kayak’s hull while it is on the water. So snacks and other items you may want while kayaking should not be kept in here unless you plan on stopping for a break to retrieve them.

You can store larger items if you unfold your kayak. The hatch size limits the amount of gear that can be stored inside a kayak’s hull. Since the Oru Bay ST opens up as it unfolds, I was able to get a huge dry bag inside the hull!

If you are interested in the full size of that dry bag, I actually made it myself and you can see more about that here. If I only had hatch access into the hull I would never have been able to get this large item into my kayak for transport!

Gear storage should not be dry. All gear must be kept in waterproof bags. Water-resistant and waterproof

I will say I did not purchase a skirt for this Kayak so I definitely had a little water enter in through the cockpit while paddling but the bow and stern of the boat is plugged with a rubber stopper and that is covered by a neoprene sleeve.

You can see the neoprene sleeve on the bow of the Bay ST Kayaks in the above image. These sleeves help to slow down the flow of water, but eventually water can get in the plug if it is not calm. Make sure to have a bilge pump handy on longer outings if you do not want to stop to empty the water out and it generally a good safety practice to have one on you.

Since Oru Kayaks are not normal kayaks though it is pretty easy to quickly get the water out when you get to shore. You just need to unfold the Bay ST so that water drains quickly.

What’s the verdict? Should you buy The Oru Inlet Kayak

Although the Inlet might seem expensive at first, the kayak’s portability and small storage space make it well worth the price. Unfolding and folding the kayak takes just three minutes after the initial trial runs, saving users time that they would otherwise spend inflating and deflating the Inlet’s inflatable counterparts. It is a good option for people with mobility problems or those who are unable to lift the kayak up to the water’s edge due to its relative simplicity of assembly.

The Inlet’s compact design will appeal to city dwellers and anyone with limited storage who wants to get out on the water. It is durable enough for use in lakes and gentle rivers. We also like that the Inlet’s price tag includes all the necessary accessories that users would want, including the paddle, travel bag and lifejacket, thus eliminating any surprise costs that could come after the kayak has arrived.

Are You Able To Construct The Oru Kayak Easily?

Courtney Campbell reviewed The Oru Kayak took just 10 minutes to build.

I’m currently in an area where the only other means of transport are golf carts, bikes, and some service vehicles. I carried the 25-pound Oru Kayak by its carry strap. The carry strap was attached to the Kayak and I carried it on my Golf Car for the 10 minute ride to the marsh Dock. It fit in my golf cart easily, as it is much smaller than many car trunks. The carrying portion is not difficult, although it weighs less than most cars trunks. It would however be difficult to transport it for extended periods.

The Oru website states that the kayaks are easy to construct, but I found it difficult. With the help of my family and friends, it took me seven minutes.

I watched the Oru Kayak 10 minute-long how-to video before I attempted to assemble the kayak. Without instructions, it can be a little tricky once it is unrolled. Instructions are provided for building the kayak. It is helpful to have it built by someone else.

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. The assembly didn’t go according to plan. It is easy to spot where corrugated plastic needs to be bent by the bends created when folding the kayak. You can also seal your kayak with clips or lines. Plus, there are straps to pull everything together, reassuring me that this contraption would float.

The entire job took less than 10 minutes. This was similar to how much energy I would need to transport a large, heavy kayak into the water.

Handling

Due to its construction, relatively low weight, and the level at which it rides in the water, this boat is both surprisingly maneuverable and extraordinarily fast. The boat is also relatively small in height, so it can catch more wind. This makes you less vulnerable to being blown off your course by gusts. Additionally, the double-layered polypropylene gives a lot of confidence when navigating over submerged objects like sticks, logs, plants, and rocks, as well as the ability to land on a rocky shore and survive a short drag across a sandy beach.

We love how the Beach LT handles in flatwater, but the large cockpit isn’t the best suited to keeping out large waves. The overall shape of the boat cuts through said waves, but once they breach the hull of the boat, the overly large cockpit willingly accepts all water, and you’ll be sitting in a puddle in no time, with no scupper hole to drain it back out. Oru does sell two other models that both have smaller cockpits and can be fitted with a spray skirt if you plan to do a lot of paddling in choppy waters. The cockpit is also very comfortable on flatwater.

Is This Folding Kayak A Haven For You?

You might be the right person for The Haven. My friends loved or hated the Haven. Random guy on the beach giving me the thumbs up was definitely a fan. My wife (“What is this thing ?”), certainly not. If your gut feels clear, the decision will be straightforward. You also have the option of the Oru Haven, which folds down to the same size as a suitcase, and can convert from tandem kayak to single.

The Haven is a great option for anyone looking to purchase a tandem, open-cockpit recreational yacht. Haven is half the cost of a 70-pound boat. The Haven also offers the benefit of unbeatable packing and storage.

This article was published for the first times in Paddling Magazine, Issue 59.

Paddling Magazine is available in print and digital formats. You can also browse our archives, Build-a-boat. It is light and portable so it can be carried from bag to beach in just 10 minutes. | Feature Photo: Wyatt Michalek Kayaks Whitewater Kayak Review: Dagger Rewind Boats Inflatable Kayak Review: Sea Eagle 370 Kayaks Touring Kayak Review: Delta Kayaks 14 Kayaks The Great Future Of Plastic Sea Kayaks Boats Boat Review: WaveSport ACE Kayak

Do I Need Float Bags For My Oru Kayak?

Although float bags may not be required or mandated by law, they are highly recommended for Oru Kayaks. 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.

Since none of the models have watertight bulkheads, there is no other way of keeping water out of the kayak. After a capsize, once the kayak has been put right-side-up again, having float bags makes it much easier to get the rest of the water out from the cavity. It is possible to even get inside.

Is It Maneuverable Enough?

Because of its narrow shape, you can lean and brace at Oru Bay ST. It gives you the best of both worlds in terms of sea kayak bracing and edging paired with the maneuverability of recreational makes.

What is the Worth of an Oru Kayak?

Oru Kayak the Inlet: $999, www.orukayak.com Oru Kayak (tandem): $1.999, orukayak.com. March 1, 2021

Foot Rest

You can adjust the footrest by attaching straps to the nearside of your seat. This feature is great because it allows you to position yourself in the most suitable way for your paddling style. You can also remove the footrest to carry extra luggage, small children or dogs.

Things I don’t like about the Oru Kayak

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. After several hours spent kayaking I feel tired. It’s not something I would like to have to put in more effort to fold the kayak. This makes the tedious assembly even more difficult. In the future, I might consider bringing the unfolded kayak home with me if I’m especially exhausted–or just feeling lazy.

Con #2: Susceptibility To Wind And Currents

Because of their light weight, many kayaks can be more affected by heavy winds and strong ocean currents. On one review trip, users reported three separate rollovers when taking these kayaks over small rapids.

#1 Size Of The Oru Kayak

I must admit, this kayak (in it’s suitcase form) is a little bit larger than I anticipated. Folded dimensions are around 30x30x15. It feels like the biggest suitcase I have ever seen in an airport.

However, it still fits easily in the truck bed with plenty of room to spare.

The engineers at Oru Kayak did an amazing job of figuring out how to fold this 16 foot kayak into 30 inches at its longest folded dimension. This is origami at it’s best!

Con #1: Added Setup Time

Foldable kayaks are easier to setup than regular kayaks, but they require more time. It’ll take a few extra moments to prep your kayak before you can get out on the water.

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

This section aims at answering all the frequently asked questions, which might not have been captured in this article. Read through to figure it out as we unveil more about some of the issues of concern.

Bay St Pros And Cons

The Oru Kayak Bay ST folding kayak is a great choice. Some may even argue that this design of kayak represents the future in kayaking, especially as more people live in cities and move away from their personal cars to fight climate change.

Impeccable Design:

This kayak has a good performance with an absolute design marvel from the smooth lines, clever connections, and bright colors. It can be treated like a fiberglass boat or get dragged on the ground without quickly ripping off. Moreover, it can also hold up to 20,000 folds and still stay intact. With the help of some added light, it illuminates light at night due to its translucent exterior. This is a great feature if you’re out at night on the water.

Oru Kayak Review

Model #3: Oru Kayak Coast Xt

ORU Coast XT Model. Image credit: Oru Kayak Company. Oru Kayak Coast XT, the highest-quality model of its kind, is built from the bow to stern and designed to withstand the harshest winds and waves that can be found in the most extreme of waters. The kayak’s versatility makes it ideal for professionals looking to go on an adventure. However, the comfort is not compromised. With an adjustable footrest, backrest, and thigh braces, the Coast XT gives you amazing comfort and control.

This kayak, despite its impressive 16-foot length, folds down into an easy-to-store and transportable shape. This kayak is perfect for flatwater exploration on lakes or slow rivers. Its tough-chine hull can also withstand braced turns, edging and other maneuvers. Coast XT has extra deck straps for gear storage and line extensions.

The durable polypropylene material makes it extremely puncture- and abrasion-resistant and is easy to fold and unfold in minutes. It is lightweight at only 34 pounds and easy to carry around. The Coast XT can also be used for hiking and camping overnights.

Oru Bay kayaks are designed and built to be a great addition to your life and kayaking.

We will discuss how the original origami-style kayak was funded in our next Oru kayak review.

What’s the Worth of an Oru Bay Kayak?

Even though it isn’t an inflatable kayak kayak, the Oru Bay Kayak is as clever as it gets. You can fold it up and unfold it just like an origami. Guess what? There’s no carrying case, per se, other than the neat fact that the when you fold the Oru Bay+ Kayak up, it itself becomes a carrying case.

At 12 feet, the kayak from Oru Bay measures. It will take approximately 15-30 minutes to put together. It will take approximately 25 minutes to assemble the first time, and it should only take 15 minutes after you have done it several times.

Amazon’s Oru Bay Kayak is available!

This seems to be a fairly average time, considering that most inflatable kayak reviews on this site indicate that it takes around 15 minutes for assembly (inflation/deflation). Remember that this Oru kayak belongs to the origami kayak class, and not the inflatable! If you’re not a beginner kayaker this is a less expensive option. But, is it still worth the cost if you do? Our Oru kayak review will discuss the feel of the ride:

Is the Oru Bay Kayak a pleasant kayak to ride in?

The Oru Bay kayak is light and responsive, despite its featherweight. In fact, a lot of reviews around the web, collectively, compare the performance of the Oru kayak to a traditional, hard kayak. While you can’t ignore that the cockpit is a very tight fit and takes a bit of getting used to, neither can one ignore how well it performs.

Even though the cockpit can be deemed as as tight fit, it is very important to also know that in no way does it feel uncomfortable thanks to its high back seat.

You can see that this Kickstarter project was a huge win for everybody!

Go to Big Sur by Oru Bay Kayak and have some fun.

This kayak folds up and can be used for on-the-go summer adventures

The kayak may be the most lightweight on the water.

Credit: Courtney Campbell / Reviewed Courtney Campbell Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. You may be eligible for a commission on any purchases made through these links.

Kayaking is something I really love. The summer months are a time when I can paddle along the rivers, marshes or ponds. It’s a way to feel calm and disconnected from all the chaos around me. It’s an activity that makes me feel active and gives me a chance to connect with nature.

Kayaking comes with its own stressors, however. You will need to transport these 12-foot-long boats from your vehicle to the water.

Oru Kayak It is described as the “original origami Kayak” and folds to be easier to transport. I was blown away by the Beach LT model when it arrived in my family’s possession.

What Is an Oru Kayak and How Does It Work?

Credit: Courtney Campbell. Made from one single sheet of correlated material, the Oru Kayak folds up like an origami.

Oru Kayaks began as a Kickstarter campaign in 2013. It was successfully funded within the first 24 hours. It is made from a single sheet, lightweight, flexible, buoyant, corrugated, plastic. They are easily folded and stored in a carry bag.

Beach LT models are specifically built for flatwater recreational, 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. This 12-foot kayak folds up into a cube the size of an average suitcase. It is still smaller than the storage space required for a regular kayak. This kayak can easily be stored in your car trunk or closet.

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. You will need to buy the Oru paddle separately in order to use the kayak. It can be broken down into 4 pieces, and stored in the box. You can also bring another paddle, but it will make the kayak experience more portable.

Are You able to construct the Oru Kayak easily?

Credit: Courtney Campbell Reviewed The Oru Kayak was built in around 10 minutes.

I am currently on an island where golf carts are the main means of transportation, other than bikes and a few service vehicles. The 25-pound Oru Kayak was brought to me by the carry strap. I then took it to my golf car and rode the 10 minutes to the marsh dock. It fit in my golf cart easily, as it is much smaller than many car trunks. The carrying portion is not difficult, although it weighs less than most cars trunks. However, it would be uncomfortable to carry it for longer periods of time.

Although the Oru website claims that these kayaks take only a few moments to build, I found it quite difficult. It took me around seven minutes, with some help from my friends and family.

I watched the Oru Kayak 10 minute-long how-to video before I attempted to assemble the kayak. Without instructions, it can be a little tricky once it is unrolled. There are instructions for the kayak. But it helps to have someone else build it.

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. It didn’t happen. The bends made by folding the kayak make it easy to see where you need to bend corrugated plastic. There are also clips and lines that can be used to seal the kayak. Plus, there are straps to pull everything together, reassuring me that this contraption would float.

It took me less than 10 minutes to complete the entire task. This was similar to how much energy I would need to transport a large, heavy kayak into the water.

Can the Oru Kayak be used on water?

Credit: Courtney Campbell, Reviewed. Because it is lightweight the Oru glided smooth on the water.

I was nervous about getting into the Oru Kayak at first. It is quite thin so I was concerned that the kayak would tip over when I first got into it. The kayak was very sturdy after I placed my foot one-foot from the dock, crouching low. It did not tip as I got in.

The Beach LT’s lightweight makes it very sturdy. I was able to safely transport Mila with me and my family, along with Mila our miniature Australian shepherd.

Once I got paddling, I was impressed with how smoothly the Oru gilded on the water. Even though I had to fight the current in the marsh, I found myself moving a lot faster than normal. It is because this folding boat was so light that I could attribute my speed to it. You would think that less weight equals less effort. It made for an extremely enjoyable 30-minute trip.

It was easy to get out of my kayak. Without a struggle, I simply grabbed the dock edge and pulled myself out. I was able to easily lift the 25-pound kayak from the water, even though my arms were tired.

The Oru was easy to return in its original form. These folds are easy to read and have two colored bullseyes for indicating where to place the sides. Given how exhausting a kayaking session can make you, it was an amazing relief to have this guide.

Do You Think The Oru Kayak is Worth the Money?

Credit: Courtney Campbell Reviewed The Oru was lightweight enough that it could be carried for just a few seconds.

Oru Kayaks will fit in any small area if you have the budget. The Oru Kayaks can be easily transported by planes, trains or boats to cross-country and international kayaking. The Oru could easily be taken on the train to Boston from my tiny apartment.

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. 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.

Reviewed has all of your shopping needs taken care of by its product experts. For the most recent deals and product reviews, follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Although prices are correct as of the date this article was written, they could change with time.

Assembling your Oru Kayak Haven

Pre-creased lines are placed on the hull to quickly fold into a kayak-like shape. Then, clip it together using neoprene ends caps, nylon straps, and plastic buckles. This hull looks completely modern, while still retaining a striking similarity to the sealskin counterparts.

Birthed through an Indiegogo fundraising campaign last fall, the Haven started shipping in early 2019. Oru’s four-folding kayak lineup includes the Haven. This tandem is a wide open-cockpit recreational design that looks similar to Oru Beach LT.

It is much easier than other folding kayaks to set up. The Haven was packed in a box and I took it with me on vacation. We then carried it along to the campground. I managed to put the entire thing together quickly, despite not having watched the videos nor the instructions. Also, the wind was a constant threat so we had to make a quick trip back from the campground for snacks. With a little practice, the advertised 10-minute setup is definitely achievable.

How Does The Haven Hold Up To Rough Handling?

Oru has videos that show their kayaks being used in extreme conditions, such as when they are dragged over rocks or paddled in surf. Repairs can be done in field using epoxy or ducttape, depending on the situation. The UV treatment lasts for 10 years. It is theoretically capable of folding at 20,000 times per day, and the actual hull can fold up to 50 times. Even better, it can be recycled 100 percent so it could end up in the bin.

With its floorboards and folded Oru, it can be carried in a small suitcase. It can also be easily carried by a strap or stowed in a trunk. Wyatt Michalek. The Haven’s rigid floorboards are the bottom and top of the box. They invert into its hull when assembled. A few online reviews noted that ours suffered from deep seam cracks.

Although our G-hooks performed well, they required an additional knot to stop slippage. This is a positive because you can easily replace any part. Oru offers replacement parts through its website.

With a 31-inch beam, the Haven is as good on the water as any open-cockpit rec-kayak. It has rock-solid stability, its light hull responds rapidly to every paddle stroke, and the Haven tracks straight even through a stiff breeze and little whitecaps.

Is This Folding Kayak A Haven For You?

The Haven may be right for you. Most of my friends either loved it, or they hated it. Random guy on the beach giving me the thumbs up was definitely a fan. My wife (“What is this thing ?”), certainly not. The decision should be easy if your gut is clear. You also have the option of the Oru Haven, which folds down to the same size as a suitcase, and can convert from tandem kayak to single.

A wide variety of potential buyers should consider the Haven, including anyone interested in an open-cockpit tandem recreational yacht. Haven can be purchased for just half the price as a larger 70-pounder. The Haven also offers the benefit of unbeatable packing and storage.

This article was published for the first times in Paddling Magazine, Issue 59.

Paddling Magazine is available in print and digital formats. You can also browse our archives, Build-a-boat. The tandem Oru Haven is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport from suitcase to beach in 10 minutes. | Feature Photo: Wyatt Michalek Kayaks Whitewater Kayak Review: Dagger Rewind Boats Inflatable Kayak Review: Sea Eagle 370 Kayaks Touring Kayak Review: Delta Kayaks 14 Kayaks The Great Future Of Plastic Sea Kayaks Boats Boat Review: WaveSport ACE Kayak

Reviews: 84

Very Good Average Poorly Bad I’ve had terrible customer service. After receiving the faulty Kayak in December, I made my first complaint. I reached out to them and received a new Kayak replacement several months later. My customer support rep. They confirmed that they would pay for import taxes. It’s been six months now, maybe 20 emails without any response. The system that you use for customer support is seriously affecting your brand image, Oru kayak. No amount of design innovation can replace solid customer service.

I won’t and cannot recommend this company, or any of its products, until that issue has been resolved.

It is a good kayak, however the customer service has been horrible. After purchasing 2 Beach LTs, parts on one kayak failed within the first two uses. However, one part was immediately replaced. The other part has been sitting in my queue for over 2 months. Customer service claims they will “expedite”, which means that nothing. It is amazing how terrible the customer service has been for such an expensive product.

One other thing to note – the reviews on their site are definitely fake. The Beach LT had a rating of 3 stars, with a small number of reviews in May 2021. They now have 5 stars and 48 ratings. Even though I had posted a negative review, it never was published.

Can’t get a response from customer service.

This is my 3rd experience with Oru. Tried email 3 attempts no response.

Stay away from this company. The kayak has not arrived for three months. Customer service refused to answer or get back. My first order for an inlet kayak came on April 25th. It was delivered early May and I was thrilled with it. Very easy to use and transportable. 10/10 honest. I was not happy with the quality of the boat. However, I did contact the company and they quickly responded and allowed me to return the item. I returned the boat on May 28th, fast forward a month later and I still had no news or updates from Oru, other than a tracking number that according to UPS didn’t have a package attached to it. My move abroad is July 12, 2012. I expressed concern about the fact that my kayak would not reach me before the start of the replacement process. The first support agent told me that my order would be processed quickly to ensure that that it wouldn’t. It took days to get a response by email. They don’t usually answer the phone so don’t assume you will be able reach someone on their helpline (I doubt they have any real live agents). You shouldn’t lie about it. Today, I received a message from them that they were shipping me a kayak by the 9th but it wouldn’t arrive until the 13th when I will be moving overseas. My worst experience in customer service. I don’t consider myself to be a very easy-going or lax person. However, this was an awful experience. You can’t trust a boat if it doesn’t work right away.

Is An Oru Kayak going to sink?

Oru Kayaks can sink when submerged but float bags will keep you floating and controllable in case you do capsize. Flexible valve stems allow you to easily inflate your custom-designed float bag.

How much is Oru Kayak worth?

Oru Kayak the Inlet: $999, www.orukayak.com Oru Kayak (tandem): $1.999, orukayak.com. March 1, 2021

What is the Maximum Number of Times You Can Fold an Oru Kayak

The vessel is made from a custom polypropylene and is rated for 20,000 folds. Apr 21, 2016,

Where Is The Oru Kayak Made?

While we’ve chosen some of our factory workers to receive recognition, this is a truly team effort. Oru kayaks are made with careful attention by everyone. May 3, 2020

.Oru Kayak Review