Folding Kayaks Forum

http://www.gizmag.com/oru-folding-kayak/24224/ Has anyone actually seen and touched and paddled this boat?

Clever design. This is what the Foldlite designers tried to do so inelegantly. Not a very rugged design, though. I'd be afraid to take it out in anything but calm water and sandy bottoms. And I'd stiffen it and protect it with flotation bags front and rear.

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Michael Edelman
FoldingKayaks.org Webmaster

Actually, it is a good idea, but I have not seen any pictures in rough waters

On his Facebook page shows this:
"The Oru Kayak will be available for pre-order starting Nov 14 for $800 on Kickstarter!"

Launched on kickstarter.com today - they have very nearly reached their $80k startup goal already. The promo video does have one shot of it going out through light surf.

MJE - I recall that you were expecting an ORU to demo - did it ever arrive?

No, haven't heard anything more about that, and it'll be too cold to paddle here until May or June. Maybe we can get one to one of our warm-weather members.

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Michael Edelman
FoldingKayaks.org Webmaster

I volunteer

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Simon

Pakboats Quest 135
Cape Falcon F1
Fujita 400 AL-1 Alpina
Nautiraid Narak
Incept Tasman K40
PA 1.0 sail

I second having Simon test it out. My first thought on seeing the photos was "It looks like an F1!" Would be interesting to hear how it handled compared to his Cape Falcon SOF. Could not possibly be as tough.

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Feathercraft Wisper
Pakboat XT-15
Pakboat Puffin 12
Greenland SOF hunting kayak
Venture Easky 15LV
Dagger RPM
(previously owned '96 Feathercraft K1 Expedition and '01 Kahuna)

Well I wouldn't call England warm in the winter, but the wet stuff stays liquid and we do paddle through the winter, so if Simon's volunteering fell through, I'd be delighted to test an Orukayak.
Seriously, though, I like the idea of a quick and light folder and am very much looking forward to hearing a review from someone who has had a chance to test paddle one.
All the best,
Ian

Ah yes, but do you have the facilities or resources to do the 'launch from beach with cappuccino in hand' test

Seriously though, I'd be very pleasantly suprised if it's anything like as good as the Fujita 400 (4 m, 12 kg)

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Simon

Pakboats Quest 135
Cape Falcon F1
Fujita 400 AL-1 Alpina
Nautiraid Narak
Incept Tasman K40
PA 1.0 sail

Interesting and clever design with some clear merits - lightweight, quick assembly, compact folded package, low price for a folder. But I'll wait for the touring model they mention before I'll consider placing an order.

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Kayak: Nautiraid Narak '11
Kayak sail rig: Kuvia Kayaksailor 1.6 '10
Sailboat: StorTriss MKII, 17.5 Feet, '75
Blog: jarladventures.blogspot.com

This seems to be more of a commuting kayak for someone who live in the city. If the conditions are too rough, one can always take the metro, a taxi, the bus, the train or a subway.

"My kayak can't handle this condition, so I will take it on the bus" has a different niche than "I need a light kayak for travelling and strong enough to handle the currents, the tides and surf".

I'm curious to read a member's review of this. Has anyone got one on order yet?
All the best.
Ian

I have one on order to receive in June - will compare it to my other kayaks this summer

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BernieM
Folbot Cooper, Pakboat Sport, Innova Junior, Innova Sunny, Epic GPX

Thanks, Bernie. I look forward to hearing what you think of it when it arrives.
Ian