Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST: The Ultimate Kayak for Easy Transport and Advanced Maneuvering
If you're a kayaker who loves to travel light and explore new waters, the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST might just be the perfect addition to your gear. This innovative kayak is made from double-layered polypropylene and features an origami-inspired, foldable structure that enables you to set it up in just 10 to 15 minutes. With a weight of just 26 lbs and the ability to fit into the trunk of a small car or the Oru Pack carrying case (sold separately), this kayak is incredibly transportable and convenient for all your adventures. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Bay ST's features, specs, and customer reviews to help you decide if it's the right kayak for you.
Product Description
The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is a game-changing watercraft that has been making waves in the kayaking world. It is the perfect solution for those who want to connect with the water without the hassle of owning and transporting a full-sized kayak.
This kayak is designed with innovation in mind, featuring an origami-inspired, foldable structure that allows for quick and easy assembly in only 10 to 15 minutes. The Bay ST is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 26 lbs, and folds down to a compact box measuring 33" x 14" x 29". This means that it can fit into the trunk of a small car or our Oru Pack carrying case for easy transport when hiking, bicycling, or using public transportation.
Despite its lightweight and foldable design, the Bay ST is incredibly durable and reliable. It undergoes extensive strength and durability testing and is created from 5 mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene, making it highly puncture and abrasion-resistant.
The Bay ST's contoured shape and stability make it suitable for both beginners and more experienced kayakers. With a cockpit size of 16" x 30" and a capacity for a maximum of 300 lbs, this kayak can accommodate paddlers up to 6'3" tall. It is designed to handle various water conditions, from calm lakes to stronger waters.
Overall, the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is a sleek, durable, and reliable watercraft that is perfect for those who want to enjoy kayaking without the hassle of owning and transporting a full-sized kayak. Its innovative, foldable design makes it the most convenient and transportable kayak imaginable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Foldable and Portable: The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is perfect for those who are tight on storage space or don't have the means to transport a traditional hard shell kayak. It can be easily folded up into a compact size and stored in a closet or trunk of a car.
Great for Beginners: The kayak is very stable and easy to maneuver, which makes it perfect for beginners. It's also lightweight, which makes it easy to carry to the water's edge.
Durable: The kayak is made from a high-quality polypropylene material that is resistant to punctures and abrasions. It's also UV-resistant, which means it won't fade or deteriorate over time.
Cons
Difficult Assembly: While the concept of a foldable kayak is great, the assembly process can be difficult, especially for those who are not mechanically inclined. It can take some time and patience to get it set up correctly.
Expensive: The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is quite expensive compared to other kayaks on the market. It may not be a feasible option for those on a tight budget.
Design Flaws: Some customers have reported receiving kayaks with design flaws, such as rips in the body. While the manufacturer has stated that this is normal for a new kayak, it can be frustrating for customers who expect a flawless product.
Customer Reviews
The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST has received a total of 40 ratings on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Here's what customers have to say about this innovative and portable kayak.
"Design flaws? Pending testing - Contacted Oru and was notified that the multiple rips in the body was normal for a new kayak. Per Oru this was a product received as new and fold fray..." (4 stars)
"Wow is the only word that comes to mind. - Skeptical at first - particularly about the ease of assembly, but it actually exceeded all expectations. First time assembly: following instructions..." (5 stars)
"Love, love the bay st. kayak - This is a sweet little kayak for someone who can't transport a hard shell. I am a 130 lb woman and I can carry this wherever I need to. My only hesita..." (4 stars)
"This is an amazing kayak for spontaneous adventures - This is an amazing kayak for spontaneous adventures. I'm mostly new to kayaking but I've been doing origami for over 25 years..." (5 stars)
"Bought two, sold both - Was excited to receive these after reading the reviews. Assembly was difficult at first but got easier with practice. Use them less than a dozen times..." (4 stars)
"Great concept but difficult to assemble and break down - While this kayak design is really cool, lightweight and travels easily, it was not easy to assemble! With the video playing, I still struggled to put..." (3 stars)
The reviews are mixed, with some customers raving about the ease of assembly and portability, while others have found it difficult to assemble and have experienced design flaws. It's worth noting that some customers have also had issues with the kayak's durability, with several customers reporting rips in the body after limited use. Despite these issues, many customers have been impressed with the kayak's portability and have found it to be a great option for spontaneous adventures. Overall, the Oru Kayak Bay ST seems to be a good choice for those looking for a portable and innovative kayak, but it
Conclusion
The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is a highly innovative and versatile kayak that can be easily transported and assembled, making it an ideal choice for those who want a convenient and efficient way to enjoy the water. Its origami-inspired design allows users to construct the kayak in just 10 to 15 minutes, without the need for any additional tools or equipment. The kayak is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to transport and store in a small car trunk or public transportation.
While the kayak is durable and puncture-resistant, some users have reported design flaws and rips in the body upon receiving the product. However, the manufacturer assures that this is normal for a new kayak, and it is still covered under the product's warranty.
Overall, the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is an excellent investment for those who want a high-quality kayak that is both easy to transport and assemble. With its sleek and durable design, users can enjoy a range of water activities, including lake, river, and ocean kayaking. We highly recommend this kayak to anyone who wants a reliable and convenient way to explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST durable enough to handle rough water conditions?
Yes, the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is designed to handle a variety of water conditions, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. The kayak is made from a durable polypropylene material, which is both lightweight and strong. Additionally, the kayak features a reinforced cockpit, which provides extra rigidity and stability.
2. How easy is it to assemble the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST?
The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is designed to be easy to assemble, even for those who are new to kayaking. The kayak comes with detailed instructions, and there are also videos available online to help you with the assembly process. Most people find that they can assemble the kayak in under 20 minutes with a little bit of practice.
3. Can the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST be transported easily?
Yes, one of the main advantages of the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is that it can be easily transported. When folded down, the kayak is small enough to fit into a backpack or trunk of a car. This makes it an excellent choice for those who don't have a lot of storage space or who want to take their kayak with them on trips.
4. Is the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST comfortable to sit in?
Yes, the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is designed with comfort in mind. The kayak features an adjustable seat, which allows you to find the perfect position for your body. Additionally, the cockpit is designed to be spacious and comfortable, even for larger paddlers.
5. Can the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST be used by beginners?
Yes, the Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is an excellent choice for beginners. The kayak is stable and easy to maneuver, which makes it a great choice for those who are just starting out with kayaking. Additionally, the kayak is designed to be easy to assemble and transport, which makes it a great choice for those who are new to the sport.
