The Oru Lake – A Lightweight Portable Folding Kayak

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Oru Kayak has challenged the limits of its original origami-inspired design to develop the brand’s most affordable and approachable boat yet, the Lake. Consisting of only two separate parts, the Lake can be assembled in under 2 minutes and weighs in at just 18 lbs., making it the lightest non-inflatable kayak on the market. In latitude to the Lake’s simplicity, being priced at a tenable $699 provides an opportunity for more people to own a sleek and durable origami design that will provide years of fun and adventure on the water.

In order to provide a banner user experience, Oru recognized the need to distill its kayak design as close as possible to single-sheet origami art. Fewer moving parts translates to less weight and a more efficient assembly. The 9’ x 32” wide Lake has only two components: a single sheet of double layered polypropylene which forms the hull and deck of the kayak (as well as the box), and a custom folded floorboard with a built-in 18mm memory foam seat. Whereas other Oru models rely on users to install bulkheads to provide rigidity, the Lake employs an innovative new folded floorboard to create the same structural integrity. With bulkheads, footrests, trim, and individual seat components removed, the Lake weighs a modest 18 lbs., giving just about anyone the ability to transport, carry, and store a fully functional kayak on their own.

The Lake can be assembled in under 2 minutes, going from box to boat faster than it takes most individuals to unstrap and unload a roof mounted standard kayak. In box form the Lake is similar in size to the Inlet, Oru’s next smallest boat. But, unlike the Inlet, Oru’s collapsible paddle can nest within the Lake to create a compact, all-in-one package that can be stored three deep in the trunk of a car or even in a hall closet.

“The defining principle of this boat is simplicity both in terms of customer accessibility and design ethos,” commented Oru Founder and Chief Design Officer, Anton Willis. “Eliminating things is difficult, especially when we’re committed to the same standards of durability and user experience as our performance models. However, we make origami kayaks, and this boat is the essence of that–it’s the most purely ‘origami’ thing we’ve ever made,”

Features of the Oru Lake

• Assembled using two moving parts
• Beautiful lines evoke origami art
• Folded floorboard with integrated 18mm thick memory foam seat
• Easy to close bow and stern folds – no bulkheads
• Open cockpit for easy entry and exit
• Mini-fairings and skid plates
• Can be conveniently carried using Inlet backpack
• Padded carrying handles

Dimensions of the Oru Lake

• Assembled boat: 9’ X 32”
• Box dimensions: 42” X 10” X 18” (similar in size to Oru’s Inlet but Oru’s collapsible nests inside folded boat for one convenient package)
• Weight: 18 lbs
• Assembly time: under 2 minutes
• Total amount of parts: 2

To make on the water recreation accessible to more people, Oru took special consideration as to the Lake’s price tag. And at a MSRP of $699 (or $450 for a limited time on Kickstarter), the Lake is notably $200 less than the brand’s most affordable kayak.

For more information, please visit: www.orukayak.com