The best products are the ones that solve a problem. When it comes to owning a kayak, one of the biggest problems is where to store it when it’s not in use. For some, it’s as easy as standing it up in a spare corner of the garage. But for many enthusiasts, space is tight and storing a large boat is a pain. What’s more, unless you have an SUV or truck with the appropriate hardware, getting your boat to the water’s edge can be just as irksome. That’s where Oru comes in.
Oru kayaks are inspired by the traditional art of Origami, folding up when not in use into a footprint no bigger than a standard suitcase. This miraculous transformation makes even Oru’s larger profile boats easy to store in a closet, behind a couch or under a bed. When you’re ready to paddle, a packed Oru rides easily to the water’s edge in a trunk or back seat. Oru kayaks are so portable when packed you could even take them on the New York City subway or on your favorite airline.
The best part is that all this space-saving savvy doesn’t compromise functionality. Oru’s kayaks are stable and sturdy, constructed from a custom polypropylene that is rated to 20,000 fold cycles and sports a UV treatment that will last for ten years. What’s more, they’re light. Even the Bay ST, a larger kayak designed for longer waterborne adventures weighs 28 pounds, far less than a typical solid hull kayak. And while these unique boats require a little assembly, going from totally packed to water-ready should take no more than 10 minutes for an average user.
With a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds and space for paddlers up to 6’6″, Oru kayaks are designed for everyone. Adjustable foot and backrests give the boats customizable comfort while still affording plenty of space to stow some gear.
We’ve encountered a lot of great products in our day, but few rank as highly as the boats from Oru Kayak. But don’t take our word for it.
