When it comes to the best folding kayak, Oru kayak is a brand that is having an upper hand in the market and is best known for making their foldable, portable, compact size and lightweight kayaks that can be easily lifted and carried out anywhere you want. 

Currently, more than 50000 Oru kayaks are successfully sold out in the market and anglers, as well as paddlers, are enjoying spending their time on it. 

So, if you are looking for the best Oru kayak reviews, then I have got your back covered. Today, in this blog post, I will walk you through all the major Oru kayaks in-depth and make your buying process bit easy-peasy. 

All Oru Kayak Reviews

1.Oru Bay ST Review

The Oru Bay ST is one of the top-selling kayaks by this brand and it comes with a bunch of added new features and upgrades. First of all, this kayak is spontaneous, versatile and lightweight in nature. Beginners, newbies, teens and small-size paddlers can also take it for a spin and enjoy recreational or other water sports activities on it.

The cockpit of the kayak is designed with new aluminum material that allows for easy entry and exit for small and mid-size paddlers. It is also made more durable and added extra reinforced strap anchor points for your utmost safety and security. 

A variety of water sport activities can be done with this kayak including lake touring, recreational rides, camping on ocean bays, kayaking competitions and a lot more. 

Capacity and dimension:

Total weight: 26 lbs (11.8 Kg) Length: 12’3″ (373 Cm) Width: 25″ (64 Cm) Cockpit: 16″ x 30″ (41 x 76 Cm) Storage: 90 liters Max paddler height: 6’3″ (190.5 Cm) 

Weight capacity: 300 Lbs which makes it suited for 1 fully grown adult for the easy-peasy ride. 

There are a few bungee lacing and deck lines on the kayak that will allow you to affix your backpack, paddle for rowing and carry other lightweight and small accessories. 

Because of the narrow and sharp hull design, this kayak does not offer ample storage space. 

Hull design:

If you look closely, the hull of this Oru kayak has been designed sharper, sleek and narrower which makes it a highly versatile and speedy kayak for a variety of water sports adventures. It glides through a variety of water types like swift and gives an effortless paddling experience. 

The hull is also optimized for stability and balance so that newbies and beginners level paddlers can also take it for a spin and enjoy their day on the lake or at the beachside. 

Seat:

Storage:

Seaworthiness:

The Bay ST is our most versatile origami boat. It can handle conditions from smooth lakes to the ocean surf. The closed cockpit can be used with a spray skirt for open water paddling. It has been made as per the need and wants of beginner as well as advanced paddlers- but expert paddlers may find it more comfortable. 

Suited for:

This Oru kayak is suited for a wide range of paddlers including beginner and expert level paddlers as well. All thanks to is stable and well-optimized hull design that offers great tracking and navigation on a variety of water types. 

Also, manoeuvring this kayak will be easy with the paddle that comes along with it. Although it lacks a skeg, which might cause some tracking issues, overall this is a go-to kayak for fun and recreational activities on the water. 

Construction Material:

This Oru kayak is made with Polypropylene construction material that makes it lightweight and easy to be carried anywhere with you. This type of construction material also makes the Oru kayak durable, rock solid and lasting in nature.

They’ve been created from 5 mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment. Translation? Oru Kayaks are incredibly puncture + abrasion resistant and built to last. They can withstand sliding over rocks, fast-moving winds, bumping into obstacles, and folding up tens of thousands of times.

Warranty:

This Oru kayak is backed by 12 years of warranty on the accessories that come along with it and on the craftsmanship of the kayak. Plus, you can also return the kayak within 30-days and get all your money back if you are not satisfied with the quality and performance of the boat. 

This Oru kayak is small enough to carry when folded, it is most certainly mighty. It has also undergone extensive strength and durability testing, rated at 20,000 folds and exceeds U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements.  

2.Oru Beach LT Review

The next Oru kayak is suited for fun, easy and casual paddling adventures. It has been upgraded with a groovy print pattern inspired by sand ripples, which makes it look visible on the water. The hull and the cockpit space is very spacious and large as compared to Bay ST, which makes it suited for large-size guys, tall and heavy people. 

This kayak can be easily set up in less than 5 minutes and be taken out on wide open water such as river, lakes, bays and lot more. When folded, it becomes small and subtle to carry and store. You don’t need a kayak rack, trailer or carrier for transporting it from one spot to another.

Apart from that, this kayak has also been featured on Shark Tank, Forbes, CNN, Wall Street Journal, and Oprah Magazine. 

Capacity and dimension:

Weight: 25 Lbs (11.3 Kg) Length: 12’1″ (368 Cm) Width: 29″ (74 Cm) Cockpit: 24″ x 69″ (61 x 175 cm) Storage: 140 liters Max paddler height: 6’6″ (198 Cm) 

The weight capacity of this kayak is  300 Lbs (136 kg) which makes it suited for a single big-size guy, paddler and angler. The hull and cockpit of the kayak is very wide which gives you ample of space for keeping your other small-size gears, accessories and tools for paddling. 

Hull design:

As mentioned earlier, the hull of the kayak is very stable for river, lake and ocean bays. It will give you effortless paddling and rowing experience so you can reach your spot in a quick time. This kayak generally moves at 5-6 knots which is more than enough. 

With this hull design, you’ll not only enjoy great kayaking but also be assured of the safety and security of water. This wide hull shape also helps the kayak to stay on course and gives you straightforward paddling even in daunting water conditions. 

For additional safety, you can also consider carrying a kayak or paddling life jacket.

Seat:

The seat of the kayak is made to give you the utmost stability, comfort and relaxed paddling and tracking experience. There is a fully adjustable backrest that provides support for paddlers of all sizes. Feeling lazy in the middle of a paddle? Just tilt it back using the side straps.

Storage:

Yes, there is ample storage space in the cockpit of this kayak where you can stuff small accessories and gears like fish finder, depth finder, paddle for rowing and lot more. 

This Oru kayak is small enough to carry when folded, it is most certainly mighty. It has also undergone extensive strength and durability testing, rated at 20,000 folds and exceeds U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements.  

However, this Oru kayak lacks storage hatches and tankwell. 

Seaworthiness:

The Beach LT is best suited for smooth, calm water. The large, open cockpit is perfect for paddles with a dog, or small child, or a cooler for fishing. It’s stable with great tracking which makes it a great choice for first-time paddlers and beginners — but it’s sporty enough for experienced kayakers as well.

Suited for:

This Oru kayak is suited for big-size kayaks, and tall and heavy people for a wide range of water sports activities and adventures. You can take this kayak for surfing on ocean bays, touring on the lakeside, camping on the river and sightseeing on a calm beach. 

Because of the heavy weight and wide design, this kayak cannot be used by beginners and newbie kayakers. 

Construction Material:

As usual, this Oru kayak has also been made with Polypropylene construction material that makes it easy to carry and transport anywhere with you. This type of construction material also makes the Oru kayak durable, rock solid and lasting in nature.

The kayak is fully capable of taking any daunting condition on water and remains protected from UV rays, dings, dents, and many other sorts of warranty. 

Warranty:

Warranty is the key USP of this kayak that sets it apart from others and gives enough confidence to kayakers and anglers to buy this piece. It is backed by 1 year of warranty which includes craftsmanship, quality and accessories that comes with it. 

On top of that, you can also return this kayak if not satisfied with the performance, stability and ride of this kayak, which is less likely to happen. 

3.Oru Coast XT Review

Looking for a perfect Oru kayak for long-distance paddling? Do you want to carry other accessories along with you while kayaking? If yes, this Oru Coast XT has got your back covered. As you could conclude by looking at the image, this is a large-size kayak that is capable of carrying additional gears and built for paddlers with a knack of long rides. 

It has been made more sturdy and durable with all-new aluminium cockpit latches and extra reinforced strap anchor points. Also, manufacturers of the kayak have added a new geometric pattern that enhances the overall performance of the kayak. 

What’s more?

Oru Coast XT is also a super fast kayak and cut through any type of water including whitewater at lightning speed. You can also take it for a kayaking competition and come out as a winner. 

Overall this kayak can tackle ocean, river, whitewater, lake and fast-moving rapids. 

Capacity:

Weight: 32 Lbs (14.5 Kg) Length: 16’2″ (493 Cm) Width: 25″ (64 Cm) Cockpit: 16″ x 30″ (41 x 76 Cm) Storage: 180 liters Max paddler height: 6’3″ (190.5 Cm) 

The weight capacity of the kayak is 400 Lbs (181 Kg) which is suited for 1 fully grown adult along with one child or dog. With such a humongous carrying capacity, you can also carry all your kayaking gear and accessories on this kayak. 

From a large-size kayak dry storage bag to a small cooler, from music speakers to fish finder, from kayaking life jackets to fishing reels, everything can be easily carried on this kayak. 

Hull design:

The hull of this Oru kayak is designed by keeping the need and wants of newbies and traditional kayakers in mind. That’s why it offers a tremendous amount of stability, speed and manoeuvrability. 

Although this kayak does not feature a skeg at the bottom, it still offers stunning tracking and navigation on all forms of water. 

Starting from the front to back, the body of this kayak is also made narrow, sharper and sleeker so you can row this beast at great speed and reach your spot in quick time. 

This wide hull shape also helps the kayak to stay on course and gives you straightforward paddling even in daunting water conditions. 

For additional safety, you can also consider carrying a kayak or paddling life jacket.

Seat:

The seat of this kayak is fully adjustable and built to give your back superior comfort. It is 100% made with soft and cushioned material that will enhance your efficiency while paddling without breaking your back. There is also a footrest so you can relax when tired of paddling. 

Storage:

Yes, there is ample of storage space in the cockpit of this kayak where you can stuff small accessories and gears like a fish finder, depth finder, paddle for rowing and lot more. 

This Oru kayak is small enough to carry when folded, it is most certainly mighty. It has also undergone extensive strength and durability testing, rated at 20,000 folds and exceeds U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements.  

However, this Oru kayak lacks storage hatches and tanks well. 

Seaworthiness:

This kayak is suited for all forms of water including slow-moving river rapids, saltwater types, flatwater and small choppy waves. In order to experience the full potential of this kayak, I would recommend you to take it on flatwater types. 

Suited for:

As this is a big and jumbo-size kayak only professional and experienced kayakers can take it for a spin and enjoy their day on the water. I won’t recommend beginner-level paddlers to opt for it. The set-up process of the kayak is daunting as well and it might take a few minutes to make it ready because of its long size.

Activity wise you can take it for fun kayaking activities, touring and camping, surfing on bays, fishing and normal kayaking as well. 

Construction Material:

All the Oru kayaks including has been made with Polypropylene construction material that makes that kayak easy to lift and store. This material can fold upto N number of times so you can easily store your kayak anywhere in your home. 

Speaking about the durability of the material, it can take any tedious condition on water and give a straightforward paddling experience to kayakers. 

With this kayak, you can also say good buy to dents, dings and fading of color as it is made with state-of-art-technology. 

Warranty:

It is supported by 1 year of warranty on construction and accessories of the kayak and you’ll also be getting a 30-day money-back return policy. 

4.Oru Haven TT Review

Now here comes my favourite Oru kayak of all time which is Haven TT. This is the biggest Oru kayak of all and is capable of carrying the weight of two fully grown adults. It is a tandem kayak and comes with 2 adjustable seats so you can easily convert from tandem to solo. 

It is also rated as one of the fastest tandem kayaks that move forward like a Sea Eagle and give an awesome paddling experience. It is compatible with spray skirts so that you can stay protected from the splash of water. You need to purchase the spray skirt separately. 

Both cockpits are designed in oval shape offering easy-peasy entry for both paddlers and enough legroom space. 

It is fully accessorized and comes loaded with a foldable carry bag, repair kit, warranty card, instruction manual, paddle board and a lot more accessories. 

Capacity:

Weight: 41 Lbs (18.6 Kg) Length: 16’1″ (490 Cm) Width: 33″ (84 Cm) Cockpit: 20″ x 91″ (51 x 231 Cm) Max paddler height: 6’6″ (198 Cm) 

The maximum weight carrying capacity of the kayak is 500 Lbs (226 Kg) which makes it suited for 2 riders. You can also convert it into a single-person kayak by making a few adjustments here and there or by leveraging the back as a storage hatch. 

By far this is the longest and high weight carrying capacity Oru kayak. 

Hull design:

The hull has been made for utmost stability and to give superior manoeuvrability to kayakers. You take it for a ride on calm lakes, slow-moving water, river, ocean bays and saltwater as well. The rocker profile is also great and ensures a good balance between both the paddlers. 

You can also take the kayak in a backward direction easily and with less rowing effort. 

Seat:

It comes along with 2 seats which are 100% comfortable, breathable, and made with soft material to give both paddlers comfort. The seats will also enhance your efficiency while paddling and give all the comfort to your back that it deserves. 

Also, both the cockpit arena have enough legroom space to give stress-free kayaking. You can also leverage the leftover space in the cockpit to carry your essentials for fishing or duck hunting. 

Storage:

Since Oru Haven is a tandem kayak, it does come with impressive storage space and can handle loads of your gear and accessories. It has a carrying capacity of 500 lbs with ample storage space for gears and other relevant accessories while kayaking. 

It will allow you to carry a combination of gears, kids and dogs as well. 

Seaworthiness:

Because of the heavy nature and bulky size of this kayak, the Haven kayak by Oru is suited only for flatwater types and slow-moving river rapids. This kayak can’t tackle whitewater or fast-moving rapids. However, it does remain stable on most of the water types. 

Suited for:

From tandem rides across slow-moving river rapids to solo adventures on lake water type, this ORU kayak is suited for a wide variety of water sports adventures and wilderness. You can also convert this kayak into a solo ride and take it for a spin when your partner or buddy paddler is absent for the day. 

Sadly this kayak is not suited for beginners and amateur-level paddlers. 

Construction Material:

All the Oru kayaks including has been made with Polypropylene construction material that makes that kayak easy to lift and store. This material can fold upto N number of times so you can easily store your kayak anywhere in your home. 

Speaking about the durability of the material, it can take any tedious condition on water and give a straightforward paddling experience to kayakers. 

With this kayak, you can also say good bye to dents, dings and fading of color as it is made with state-of-art-technology. 

Warranty:

This Oru kayak is backed by one year of warranty so that you can buy it with confidence. 

5.Oru Inlet Review

The above-mentioned Oru kayak is on the expensive side, so if budget is your constraint, you should buy Oru Inlet which comes under $1000 and most affordable Oru kayak of all. 

At an affordable pricing point, this kayak is easy, fast and quick to assemble and any skill-level paddler can take it for spin either on flat water or fast-moving river rapids. The kayak is not too big and too small. It can easily accomodate small to mid-size paddlers. 

With a modified hull and stunning keel line, this kayak will take your tracking and directional flow to the next level. The newbie paddlers will also feel stable from the outset.

Capacity:

Weight: 20 Lbs (9 Kg) Length: 9’8″ (295 Cm) Width: 31″ (79 Cm) Cockpit: 23″ x 44″ (111 x 58 cm) Max paddler height: 6’2″ (188 Cm) 

The weight capacity of the kayak is 275 Lbs (125 Kg) which makes it suited for small to mid-size paddlers. 

Hull design:

The hull of this Oru kayak is newly designed and upgraded for stunning performance and stable rides on a variety of water types. Both newbies and experienced paddlers can now experience the full potential of this kayak and enjoy their time on the water. 

You can also take this kayak on tight spots and narrow lane passes that other big-size boats or kayaks can’t reach. The sharp keel lines also enhance the speed and rowing ability of the kayak. Within a few strokes, you can take it far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Seat:

With adjustable footrest and backrest support, this kayak gives a smooth and comfortable ride. The seat is not made with thickened cushioned material but is comfortable enough to give you a stable and smooth ride for a long-distance paddling adventure. 

You can also make the adjustments in the seat using side straps and make the seat backwards and forward. 

Storage:

Oru Inlet is a small-size kayak as compared to other Oru kayaks on this list. Therefore, you won’t find any storage space on this kayak. However, you can consider keeping your small size gears and equipment in the cockpit area.

But make sure you don’t carry anything too heavy. 

Seaworthiness:

This kayak can be used on lakes, rivers, flatwater, small choppy waves and whitewater as well. All thanks to its small and compact size design that makes it highly seaworthy and capable of tackling any water type. 

Even if you use this kayak after a year or two, it will still give you the same performance as the new Oru kayak. 

Suited for:

This kayak is suited for a range of paddlers including newbies, experienced, beginners, kids and teens as well. Anyone can take it for a spin and enjoy either sightseeing or exploring the wilderness. 

Construction Material:

This Oru Inlet kayak is made with Polypropylene construction material that makes it lightweight and easy to be carried anywhere with you. This type of construction material also makes the Oru kayak durable, rock solid and lasting in nature.

Warranty:

There is 1 year of warranty attached to this kayak. 

FAQs About Oru Kayak