Origami Kayak Review (Oru Bay)

In February I purchased two Oru origami folding kayaks. After doing some research, Oru Kayaks were the best brand of folding kayaks as the originator of the idea. Not sponsored :)

This model is the Bay. We wanted a more versatile model for oceans and rivers. I did do some research, and it looked like this:

While the Bay model may not be for everyone living tiny as it is not the smallest model, it was best for us for the versatility of the 12 foot length. The 6 foot Inlet model is smaller and packs down smaller, but it is for calm water, and we wanted to option to take the kayaks into the ocean.

They also have a new model, Lake, that was not out at the time I made this list. But, it is their smallest and most packable one to date!

None of the origami folding kayaks are rated for white water rapids. So, if you do it, I'm not responsible :)

The two 12 foot models are Bay and Beach. Both good for ocean. The difference, besides price, is that the Bay has a closed cock pit and aluminum latches to close it, and the Beach has an open cock pit. More space in the cock pit means more water can get in, so a closed cock pit is better for choppier water. I am by no means an expert.

As pictured above next to our camper, the 12 foot length of the Bay unfolds into a pretty substantial kayak!

When it arrived, it came in a big box. We ordered the package so it also came with the back pack to carry it in, 2 dry bags, the paddle, and float bags. Dog model (Lexi) for scale. :)

Weighing in at 26 pounds, it is not too heavy to carry. However, due to it's large size, it is awkward to carry. I personally would not want to carry it more than a mile, even in the back pack. It is large.

The first time I unfolded and set up the kayak, it took an hour to set up. Expect a learning curve. But, the second time I set it up, it only took 15 minutes, and I didn't need to look at the instructions again. It is fairly simple. Take down is even quicker.

Out in the water, it is easier to manage than I thought. Due to it's light weight, you sacrifice a little bit in stability. I am not an expert kayaker, so I could tell the difference a little bit, but not too much.

The BEST thing we have taken the kayaks to do was to Channel Islands National Park. Due to their compact size, we were able to carry on our kayaks as luggage on the ferry. The Channel Islands consists of 4 islands off the coast of southern California. We went to Santa Cruz Island, and the ferry was one hour.

We were able to carry our kayaks in backpack form onto the ferry and set them up right on the beach! Then we explored the kelp and around the sea caves. We wouldn't have gotten the view we did if we had just hiked the island.

Overall, we love the Oru Kayaks and I recommend them to anyone who asks about it. You just can't beat the freedom that comes with a foldable kayak. Unless you are a really serious kayak hobbyist or professional who does tricks and rapids and what not, I promise the Oru kayak is for you.