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Oru Folding Kayaks: Every Model Compared

Lake, Inlet, Beach LT, Bay ST, Coast XT and the Haven TT tandem. Origami folding kayaks that fit in a closet or a trunk, plus what happened when I timed the setup.

What I found when I built an Oru

Yes, there is a whole kayak in that box. I put an Oru Lake together for the first time without reading the manual (not sponsored, I just wanted to learn about them). My first assembly took about two minutes and the takedown took 1 minute 16 seconds. The one mistake: I tightened a strap too early and the cockpit was too tight for the seat. Drop the seat in first, clip the buckles for back support, then tighten. To fold it back up, follow the little orange hand print markings, and then it goes on a bike, in a trunk or in a closet.

Some background: Oru Kayak was founded in 2012 by Anton Willis and Ardy Sobhani, after Willis started developing the origami-style kayak around 2010. The kayaks are designed and engineered in California.

How to read this page: I have assembled and paddled the Lake. The rest of the lineup is grouped below with Oru’s published range: from the Lake at about 18 lb up to a 16 ft tandem at about 41 lb, with assembly from about a minute to 15 minutes depending on the model.

Which Oru is right for you?

  • Lightest and simplest: the Lake or Lake Sport.
  • A step up for calm water: the Inlet or Beach LT.
  • Longer trips and more tracking: the Bay ST or Coast XT.
  • Two people: the Haven TT tandem.

Oru kayaks

Oru Haven TT Foldable KayakOru Haven TT Foldable KayakOru Beach LT Foldable KayakOru Beach LT Foldable KayakOru Lake Sport Foldable KayakOru Lake Sport Foldable KayakOru Coast XT Foldable KayakOru Coast XT Foldable KayakOru Lake Foldable KayakOru Lake Foldable KayakOru Inlet Foldable KayakOru Inlet Foldable KayakOru Bay ST Foldable Kayak | Black EditionOru Bay ST Foldable Kayak | Black EditionOru Bay ST Foldable KayakOru Bay ST Foldable Kayak

Packs, paddles, seats and PFD

Oru Kayak PackOru Kayak PackOru Kayak Pack for Lake/InletOru Kayak Pack for Lake/InletOru Carbon Kayak PaddleOru Carbon Kayak PaddleOru Seat WedgeOru Seat WedgeOru PaddleOru PaddleOru Fiberglass Kayak PaddleOru Fiberglass Kayak PaddleOru Phone Dry BagOru Phone Dry BagOru Gel SeatOru Gel SeatOru PFDOru PFDOru Haven TT | Black EditionOru Haven TT | Black Edition

My Oru video

mqdefaultOru Lake: timing setup and takedown2022, hands-on

Oru FAQ

How long does an Oru kayak take to set up?

My first Oru Lake assembly took about two minutes without reading the manual, and takedown took 1 minute 16 seconds. Oru says bigger models take longer, up to about 15 minutes for the tandem.

What is the most common Oru setup mistake?

Tightening the straps before the seat is in. Put the seat in first, clip the buckles for back support, then tighten.

Who makes Oru kayaks?

Oru Kayak was founded in 2012 by Anton Willis and Ardy Sobhani and designs its kayaks in California.

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