Kayaking is a great way to get on the water, get some exercise and get into areas that are impassable with larger boats. But if you don't have a pickup truck or a car with a roof rack, toting a big, heavy, rigid kayak out to the water isn't easy — but not anymore. For all your paddling adventures, meet Oru Kayak’s Lake model, a folding, lightweight kayak that fits easily in a backseat, trunk, or can even be checked on a plane. In this ultimate guide, we’ll run you through everything you need to know about how Oru’s Lake kayak can get you on the water in a whole new way.
Why Choose the Oru Kayak Lake Model?
Portability
Oru's Lake kayak folds up to about the size of a duffle bag and only weighs 17 lbs.
Oru’s Lake model folds up small enough to easily fit in almost any car and the unique folding design also makes the Lake faster to set up than an inflatable kayak. If you’ve ever pumped up an inflatable kayak by hand, you know what we're talking about. The Lake kayak can be set up in as little as one minute meaning that even a good electric pump can’t beat the setup time.
Durability
While the durability of a rotomolded kayak is hard to beat, the durability of Oru kayaks isn’t far behind. Featuring a custom-extruded polypropylene construction, the Lake model can hold its own on the water.
Easy-to-Lift
Transporting a heavy, rigid kayak usually requires lifting it above your head to get it onto a roof rack or at the very least, lugging it up into a truck bed. That's ok if you happen to be an Olympic power lifter, but for the rest of us, there's nothing quite as easy as grabbing a lightweight, folded up Oru Kayak, which when folded is about the size of a duffel bag, tossing it in the car and heading out.
Oru Kayak Lake Model Review
Design and Construction
Oru Kayaks are built of puncture and abrasion resistant, 5mm, double layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment for maximum durability. With proper care, the Lake model kayak can handle bumps, sliding over obstacles and folding up tens of thousands of times. And with its unique origami-inspired design, setting up an Oru Kayak is a lot of fun.
Performance and Usability
The Lake model is best used in calm waters, so if you’re looking to paddle through chop or surf, it might not be the right choice for you. That said, it is a great way for first-time paddlers to get into the sport since most beginners will be paddling in calm waters anyways.
Storage
Storing a rigid kayak can be a pain especially if you live in an apartment. With Oru’s Lake Model, all you need is a space about the size of a duffel bag making them a great way for city dwellers to have a way to get on the water. We recommend drying it off before you fold it up and Oru’s instructions warn to not push too hard on the kayak when folding it back up, likely to avoid putting extra stress on the creases and causing premature wear. Even though Oru Kayaks are UV treated, we recommend keeping them out of direct sunlight when it’s not in use to help extend their life.
Set Up and Take Down
Oru claims that the kayak can be set up in less than a minute, and they’re not joking. Check out the video below to see just how fast it’s set up and ready to launch. Even electric pumps can’t get an inflatable ready to go this fast, much less the small hand pump that comes with most inflatable kayak packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oru Kayak Lake Model
Is the Oru Kayak Lake Durable?
Yes, thanks to a 5mm double layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment the Lake can handle bumps, sliding over obstacles and folding up tens of thousands of times.
What are the Best Uses for the Oru Kayak Lake?
The Lake is best used on calm water. If you’re planning to hit open waters or will be paddling through surf or chop often, consider stepping up to a more robust kayak.
How to Store an Oru Kayak Lake
When you’re done paddling, dry off the kayak, fold it up according to the directions and store it somewhere out of direct sunlight. When folded, the kayak isn’t much bigger than a duffle bag so it’s easy to slide into a closet or on a garage shelf.
Ready to Get on the Water?
We hope this review gave you all the information you needed to make your decision and, if we’re lucky, that you’ll be the proud owner of an Oru Kayak soon. If so, happy paddling and we’ll see you on the water!
Need More Help?
West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next paddle adventure. With a crew of boaters ready to help, we can get you geared up for any trip. Find your store here.
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