Kayaking is a highly desired activity for avid outdoor adventurers and weekend warriors. Sadly, the need for storage and transport makes it hard – and sometimes impossible – to get into the sport. That’s where a folding kayak can make it not only achievable, but also easy to go from closet, to trunk, to paddling in no time at all. This is your guide to everything needed to get started using a foldable kayak.
What is a Foldable Kayak?
Foldable kayaks allow a paddler to transform a small-sized box or suitcase into full-on paddling ability in minutes. For those that live in city apartments or like to travel and have a ready-to-go kayak in their trunk at any time, a foldable kayak can truly be a game changer.
There’s different models and sizes to accommodate all types of paddling — from recreational kayaking on calm lakes and streams, all the way to ocean paddling and expeditions. The longer and more advanced models offer more performance-based features, such as a rigid cockpit coaming so a skirt can be used and the kayak can even be rolled.
Foldable Kayak Anatomy
Foldable kayaks by Oru Kayaks are lightweight but extraordinarily strong. They’re created from 5mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment. They are incredibly puncture and abrasion resistant and built to last. They can withstand sliding over rocks, bumping into obstacles, and folding up tens of thousands of times.
Each style of foldable kayak will fold slightly differently but, overall, it will fold into itself like origami. The bow and stern flatten out and come together into the cockpit, forming a box shape that will then easily clasp together to carry with a handle or strap. Turning it into a kayak is just as easy and, with practice, the entire process can be done in minutes.
The main feature that regular kayaks have that aren’t available with a foldable kayak is the lack of watertight hatches. Hatches are used in kayaks for floatation if the cockpit gets flooded with water — and to carry gear. This can be addressed by using float bags and dry bags for gear in the bow or stern of the foldable kayak.
Benefits of a Foldable Kayak
The biggest and most immediate benefit of a foldable kayak is its ease of packing. Regular kayaks need significant storage space, especially longer sea kayaks. On the other hand, some foldable kayaks can be as inobtrusive and light as a small suitcase. This makes it easy to fit in a closet, attic, den, or even under a bed. Similarly, for many that like to have their vehicles packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice, a foldable kayak can remain in your trunk or camper van, ready to be pulled out anytime.
Relatedly, ease of transport is another key feature of foldable kayaks. While regular kayaks will often require a full rack system be installed on your vehicle, as mentioned before, a foldable kayak (or two, or three!) can fit in a trunk or camper van. It can be traveled with on buses, trains, and can even be checked in on a flight with your luggage.
How to Set Up and Pack Away
To set up, each model will have a slightly different process. Although, overall, it will be straightforward and simple. Once the straps to the “suitcase” are loosened, you will be able to remove any extra items that are packed away (such as a seat, foot pegs, or coaming if that particular model provides it). As you unfold the suitcase and stretch out its full shape, the kayak’s form will become apparent and can be secured into place. For each model you will have different clasps or sliders that will allow you to lock the deck into place, and then add any of the extra features provided. For example, for the longer Coast XT, you will have to secure in place the coaming rim, along with the seat, backband and foot pegs.
To pack away, the process will be reversed. Instructions for specific steps will be visible on the kayak itself, so you’ll easily know how to fold it back. All extra components can be stored within some of the folds and the “suitcase” straps can be tightened once again to keep the box together and ready to be packed away and ready for the next adventure.
Folding Kayak Recommendations
Oru Kayak Inlet Foldable Kayak
The Inlet is the lightest, most portable, and easiest to assemble folding kayak yet — an origami kayak for everyone. Designed for flat water, it’s playful, light, and ridiculously fast to assemble. With the smallest box of any of Oru’s models, you can store it just about anywhere.
The Inlet is a 9’8″ kayak that folds down to an unbelievably compact box. At 20 pounds, this origami kayak weighs half of a traditional kayak. It tracks and handles far better than inflatable kayaks. With the Oru Pack, you can even check it on a plane or hike it anywhere. It’s stable, but also nimble and playful. It’s intended for use in calm water — think mirror-smooth lakes, rivers, and streams. Its large, open cockpit is perfect for paddles with a dog or small child. This is great for first-time paddlers and beginners, but also anyone who wants a boat on the go.
Oru Kayak Coast XT Foldable Kayak
The Coast XT is built for serious adventure — and now it’s even more sturdy, with new aluminum cockpit latches and extra-reinforced strap anchor points. It’s the super-fast origami kayak in the lineup, efficient in the water, and can hold enough gear for days. It’s tough enough to handle the open ocean, but still light enough to carry on your back.
The Coast XT is a 16’2″ performance kayak that folds down to the size of a large suitcase. At 32 pounds, this origami kayak weights the same as an ultra-fancy carbon fiber one. It’s compact enough to store in your trunk, closet, boat, or garage. With the Oru Pack, you can even check it on a plane or hike into remote waters. The closed cockpit can be used with a spray skirt to keep you dry in waves or rain. It’s best for intermediate and advanced paddlers.
Oru Kayak Beach LT Foldable Kayak
The Beach LT is perfect for fun, easy, and casual paddling. This newest model is even easier to assemble and use. The Beach LT’s stable hull shape and spacious cockpit make it ideal for beginners, without compromising speed and agility. It’s a 12’1″ origami open-cockpit kayak that folds down to the size of couch cushion. At 25 pounds, it’s half the weight of a traditional kayak. It’s compact enough to store in your trunk, closet, boat, or garage. With the Oru Pack, you can even check it on a plane or hike into remote waters.
The Beach LT is designed for smooth, calm water. The large, open cockpit is perfect for paddles with a dog, small child, or cooler for fishing. It’s stable with great tracking, making it a great choice for first-time paddlers and beginners — but it’s sporty enough for experienced kayakers as well.
Oru Kayak Bay ST Foldable Kayak
With Oru’s newest iteration they’ve added a bunch of great features to the product that launched Oru Kayak- a closed-cockpit performance kayak that’s sporty, versatile, and light. Oru has made it even more durable, with new aluminum cockpit latches and extra-reinforced strap anchor points. The Bay ST is built for a wide variety of water types and conditions and holds enough gear for overnight trips. It’s a 12’3″ kayak that folds down to the size of a large suitcase. At 26 pounds, it’s far lighter than a rotomolded kayak. It’s compact enough to store almost anywhere. With the Oru Pack, you can even check it on a plane or hike into the wilderness.
The Bay ST is the most versatile origami boat. It can handle conditions from smooth lakes to ocean surf. The closed cockpit can be used with a spray skirt for open water paddling. It’s best for intermediate and advanced paddlers, who will appreciate its speed and agility — but beginners with a few paddles under their belt will also love this model.
Article by SunnySports team. Photos from Unsplash.
