by Shari Sullivan
Kayaking has been a favorite pastime of mine for about 15 years, and I started when I had already passed that dreaded mid-life point. It is a water activity that almost anyone of any age and fitness level can participate in and enjoy. But now that I am on the back side of 60… well some things have changed a little.
I enjoy everything about kayaking… the freedom to glide through the water on a warm day, exploring new lakes and streams, spending a peaceful afternoon with my dog just paddling… and lifting a heavy kayak in and out of my truck bed. Wait! What? Scratch that last point because I no longer find pleasure in meeting the challenge of lifting my heavy hardshell kayak in and out of my truck bed or up on top of a kayak rack. Then don’t forget dragging it down to the water before I can get in and actually enjoy it. When I’m finished, I have to do it all in reverse.
The Solution: The ORU Foldable Kayak
This is a game changing kayak disguised as a large origami puzzle, and everything about it is awesome. At first glance you might think ‘there is no way that is going to turn into a kayak, let alone hold me up in the water’… But, it does! When I took it out of the box I might have laughed out loud a little, and then gasped a little. Then I read the directions, which every girl does, and solved the puzzle. It makes into the neatest little kayak you’ve ever seen.
ORU’s Lake Sport Kayak
My ORU Kayak is the Lake Sport model. https://www.orukayak.com/products/lake-1 It’s the smallest and most portable kayak that ORU makes, and is also the most affordable. The Lake Sport model comes with a couple of extra features and is slightly higher priced than the basic Lake model, but the price point is so appealing that the added comfort is definitely worth a little extra cost. Remember, I’m an older lady now! Comfort is key!
Specs, Features and Price Point
- Weight – The Lake Sport model weighs in at 18 pounds. You can lift and carry it with one hand! It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.
- Length – This kayak is 9 feet from tip to tail making it easy to maneuver in and out of the water. Suggested kayaker height for this model is 6’4”.
- Easy set up – Once you’ve done it once. Watching the video and reading the instructions made it super fast and easy to set up and put away. I have found that it takes me about five minutes from car to water.
- Suit Case Size – Take it anywhere.. it folds up into it’s own little suit case self. It’s so easy to carry and to store.
- Durable Construction – ORU kayaks are made out of a lightweight plastic material that ORU says is guaranteed for 1000 folds but it can withstand tens of thousands of folds. It’s made from 5mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment. It is puncture and abrasion-resistant and can withstand being drug over rocks and the claws of my little golden doodle!
- Affordable Too – With the Lake model being priced at $499 https://www.orukayak.com/products/lake, it’s one of the most affordable beginner kayaks on the market. If you’re a bargain shopper, you can check their refurbished page and get an incredible deal on a kayak that might have a minor blemish, but still comes with a 1 year warranty! https://www.orukayak.com/collections/certified-refurbished
What I Love
I could sing the praises of the ORU Lake Sport model all day long. Instead I’ll list a few of my favorite things.
- Super lightweight. easy to carry and fits in a car
- Stores in a closet if you don’t have a garage
- Easy and quick to assemble so you can get on the water fast
- Plenty of room on the deck for a small gear bag and a small dog
- Amazingly comfortable to sit in on a gel cushion. And the foot rest is worth the extra money
- Tracks great on the stream I love to kayak on, but other models are made for more challenging water conditions if that’s your preference
The Kayak for Everyone
Girl Campers, you are going to love this kayak. If you’re like me you bring lots of stuff with you on your camping adventures. ORU allows you to bring your kayak too, without needing a truck! And they offer a special Hero Discount for military, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and teachers!
https://www.orukayak.com/pages/hero-discount Be sure to check their website for other frequent money-saving offers!
The Final Verdict
I love this kayak! After 15 years and several different kinds of kayaks… sit on top, sit inside, Origami folding kayak and stand up paddleboards. I can honestly say that this ORU Lake model is my all time favorite for lots of reasons. But, the main reasons are it’s light weight, portability and affordability.
Even though I’m getting older… that doesn’t mean that I have to stop doing the things I love. There’s nothing better than saying ‘I can do that all by myself’… and not needing to ask for help lifting my big hardshell kayak into my truck, or carrying it down to the water. I love the independence that ORU has given me to just get up and go! Add that to all of the other features, and this little kayak is a winner in my book!
You can explore all of the kayaks that ORU has to offer by visiting their website: https://www.orukayak.com/
If you’re on the fence about getting a new kayak, I hope you’ll give ORU a try. I feel confident that you’ll like it as much as I do and that you’ll be out on the water a lot more frequently too! Meanwhile, you’ll find Yeti and I out on the water in my ORU kayak!
Happy Trails… Shari Sullivan
Senior Editor for Girl Camper
Alabama Girl Camper Chapter Guide
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https://girlcamper.com/alabama/
