We take a look at Oru Kayak, the folding kayak that packs down to fit in your van. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these to try it out. Stay tuned!
How many times have you thought to yourself, “boy, I wish I had a kayak right now”? If you’re anything like us, it’s basically every time you pull up next to a waterhole or river. The trouble is, they’re so big and bulky it’s usually not worth the hassle.
What if I told you that kayaks don’t need to be big and bulky? If you take away that aspect, there’s really no reason not to travel with a kayak, right?
Enter Oru Kayak. These guys are a reasonably small operation that works out of an old sewing factory in California. They’ve taken the concept of a regular kayak and decided it needed a little Japanese traditional origami mixed in. The result is the Oru, a folding kayak.
Make sure to press play on the short video below to see it in action!
Modern materials inspired by an ancient design
This style of kayak, known as the Greenland kayak, closely resembles the original kayak, or ‘qajaq’ used by the Greenland Inuit people. Dating back centuries, this style was constructed by lashing together a driftwood frame and stretching seal skins over it to form a watertight hull.
Thankfully, technology has come on in leaps and bounds and the Oru Kayak is made from a corrugated plastic skin that is die cut, then hand folded into shape. The straps are then sewn on and the whole thing is folded into storage mode before being shipped off to the happy new owner.
There’s a model to suit your needs
There are five different models on offer, including a tandem. Their most popular model is the Beach LT. In kayak mode, the BEACH LT is 3.7m long and 74cm wide. Fold it down to an impressive 84cm x 31cm x 74cm with a weight of only 11.3 kg.
Oru Kayak’s Beach LT comes in at AUD $1,999 (currently on special for AUD $1,699), which is quite reasonable when compared to other regular kayaks. The fact it can store under the bed in your caravan is a massive bonus. In Oru’s own words, “The Beach LT’s stable hull shape and spacious cockpit make it ideal for beginners, without compromising speed and agility”. It sure sounds like the pick of the models to us.
But how durable could a folding kayak be?
You might be wondering how durable the Oru Kayak is. Especially given it’s made from what appears to be the same material as a real estate for-sale sign. Oru Kayak says that its products can withstand sliding over rocks, bumping into obstacles, and being folded up tens of thousands of times.
So while it’s corflute plastic, these are definitely not your average for-sale sign. The Oru is made from 5mm double-layered polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment. That’s how these things are so incredibly puncture and abrasion-resistant.
The Beach LT can accommodate a paddler up to 198cm tall and weighing up to 136kg. Set up is complete in five minutes and you’re on the water. Keep your eyes peeled as I expect these will start popping up at every beach and riverside campsite soon!
Important information about Oru folding kayak
Prices start at AUD $1,499 for the entry-level Inlet model and increase up to AUD $3,099 for the Haven tandem.
Head over to www.orukayak.com fore more information.
