
#ORIGAMI KAYAK UPGRADE#
Willis calls the just-released Bay+ “a premium upgrade model.” The same size and basic specs as the first Oru Kayak, it has “a bunch of new accessories and fittings” that make it more convenient for the user. And I always had a very hands-on approach to architecture, with models and things, so that helped as well.” THE BAY+ As far as design education, architecture is one that gives you a very general approach to problem solving, as opposed to specific technical skills, so that was very useful. It wasn’t easy to design an origami kayak, but Willis says his background as an architect certainly helped "in somewhat unexpected ways. There’s a lot of hand assembly to attach the other parts and hardware.” It’s die-cut-it’s like a huge cookie cutter, basically. “It was a fair challenge to get a big enough piece of material to work with since it isn’t a stock size and I wasn’t ordering thousands of pieces,” he says, “which is usually what you have to do if you’re trying to get custom material sizes in anything.”īut he figured it out: These days, every kayak starts as “a single sheet of flat material, about 5 by 13 feet,” he says. Willis made 24 prototypes in all he says it was about five years between when he first got the idea and started Oru, but that halfway through there were functional kayaks-they just weren’t ready for manufacturing. It was made from a 4x8 sheet of Coroplast from a sign shop and that turned out not to be big enough.” (Willis also notes that after that initial disastrous run, “I started testing it in cleaner places.”) “Nothing malfunctioned, it just wasn’t a big enough piece of plastic to support my weight. “I paddled it for 30 seconds and then it started sinking,” he says. Click here to compare the different styles.Īs you can see, the Inlet is the smallest and lightest model.When he had his first prototype made, Willis took it out to Berkeley’s Aquatic Park-which he says is “stagnant, and pretty awful”-to test it out. (The Oru Inlet is made for calm water excursions.) They even make a tandem 2-person kayak. For instance, you can get boats that perform better in ocean surf or choppy water. Oru actually makes 5 different kayak models for different types of paddling. Simply carry it in one hand! Compare 5 Different Folding Kayaks:

Plus, you can paddle in more remote locations since you don’t need to trailer your watercraft. This makes it easy to be more adventurous because you don’t have to worry about bumping up against boulders, logs or other obstacles. You can travel with them virtually anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about dings, holes or leaks.
#ORIGAMI KAYAK HOW TO#
You’ll also see how to completely fold up the kayak quickly in about 2-3 minutes.Īs you can see, these foldable kayaks are impressively string and durable. The video below goes over the origami kayak features in detail, including product design features, durability and how it compares to inflatable kayaks. Origami kayaks can actually save you a lot of money. And don’t forget, you don’t have to get a roof rack on your car or pay airline fees to travel with it. The diagram and video review all of the cool functions you get with this collapsible kayak. Not to mention, the setup is a lot more comfortable. However, you get a lot of extra features and accessories for the price. Oru Kayaks cost more than other cheaper origami-style boats.

What Makes the Oru a Better Origami Kayak? This convenient feature alone makes these watercrafts very attractive. These fold-up kayaks are simply ready when you are – you can even carry them on an airplane.īesides being small and compact, the Oru Origami weighs less too – about half the weight of the average kayak. Origami Kayaks VS Traditional Kayaks:įolding kayaks are really ideal for people who don’t want to hassle with a bulky boat, heavy lifting, roof racks or hefty transportation costs. The Oru even comes with removable bulkheads at the front and rear, allowing you to stow your belongings out of the way and keep items organized. The open cockpit also makes it easier to carry gear or comfortably paddle with your pet or small child. As a result, the kayak is easier to maneuver, and you feel more in control. In addition, the strategically-placed hull angles allow the boat to track better than inflatable kayaks can. They are extremely safe, ultra durable and feel very steady due to their flat bottom design. These collapsible kayaks are actually great for beginners too. Oru Folding Kayaks are Great for Beginners, Pets & Cargo Too: Plus, you can fold it up into a compact bag that only weighs 20 pounds! Do you want a recreational kayak that you can travel with to remote locations? The Oru origami kayak is strong yet lightweight – and stable while being easy to maneuver.
