So glad you’ve gotten ahold of a bay. I’ve been pushing my used Bay to the limits over the past year. Rapids, over logs, portaging over beaver dams, even wrapped it around a rock. It’s still going, but ISC racer tape on the bottom for abrasion and tuff tape in the interior for leaks. (It’s an original kickstarter, about 11 years old.)
Love your channel, Steph. Primarily based on your videos, I bought an Oru Inlet, and I love it. I’m a brand new kayaker, and it’s great - I’m 75 years old- your videos have been great!
Re-entry on an ORU is not an easy thing as many have reported. After hearing about the admin of an ORU group break their kayak practicing a self rescue, it's hard to want to practice that without fear of damaging the kayak. The float bags are a smart idea, because they can fill will water and sink. I love my Sea Eagle Razorlite which would be my first choice on most days. It inflates very fast, but is very time consuming to dry & fold back into the bag when your done. Performance is excellent and I feel it's a lot safer. Similarly priced to the Inlet after you buy a paddle & pay for shipping for the ORU. I was thinking of getting an ORU as an extra kayak to go hiking with to remote ponds, and something for minimal time on the water that packs up faster than the Razorlite on days that time is very limited. The Lake sounded even better as it was lighter & cheaper than the Inlet. And now.......there's a 3rd choice that sounds even more appealing...The Tucktec Boto. It's just a mere 10 lbs! And only $250. I'd like to see a side by side comparison of the ORU Lake & Inlet vs the new Tucktec Boto.
Congrats on getting them to give you a fancier model to try! I was definitely lusting after one of those longer, thinner models, too. I just finally ordered an Inlet, as I saw it was on sale (on Amazon at least), and the weather is finally getting close to being not super dangerously cold for being out on the ocean (near the edge of the bay, that is) in Maine. I've seen a lot of complaints about these kayaks, but seeing you have good results with them, for the most part, makes me feel a little better about my decision to go with the folding kayak instead of inflatable (or the crazy complications of trying to haul a hard shell kayak on a bicycle). I'll find out soon how well mine works for me!
will give send you an update. Living in Florida, with all the springs and places to explore, it feels almost necessary to own a kayak. Your video was the final nudge I needed to go for it! Thanks.
Thanks for all your videos! Oru should really officially sponsor you and support. You’ve probably done a LOT for the brand. I just purchased a haven and beach LT for my family to kayak together and your videos have helped me make my decision. Thank you
Really useful videos, thanks. I'm curious why you still use the Inlet more than the Lake. Would appreciate if you could give a quick answer, thanks a lot.
The inlet is my first kayak so I still pick it first and use the lake for friends. I have also added the splash deck to the inlet so if I want to use that I take the inlet.
I just purchased the Haven TT with the intention of doing some weekend camping trips. I’m super excited! Your videos are helping me feel good about the purchase before it arrives.
Great videos, super happy to have found your honest reflections. I now have 3 Lakes for myself and kids, bought over three years. We aren't able to store or transport solid boats, and the Orus seemed such a cool idea. I have managed to hole one, but it's patched with glue and some scary tough tape. Otherwise, common sense care seems to be enough to keep them in good condition. Overall, I love the experience of owning and paddling these boats. The cockpit is a little deep for my 11 year old daughter and she clanks the paddle on the side a fair bit - but that's a time limited issue, and she enjoys being on the water regardless. Thanks again for your channel. I'm looking forward to hearing about the Bay. Another year, another boat..? 🤔🤣
Great video! How does the Inlet track? We live near the coast, near both river and sheltered ocean. Inlet or Inlet Sport seem to the the sweet spot for portability, stability, speed, and ease of paddling (tracking). Thanks!
@smkauthor why don’t you use the Lake as much? in one of your other videos you said you wouldn’t buy the Inlet again, when the Lake came out. did you change your mind? if yes, why? thanks for sharing and greetings from Germany!
I got the lake for my mom to use so it's more her kayak and the inlet is more my kayak. That's why I use the inlet more, but when I have friends kayak with me we take both kayaks. I will also take the lake out sometimes myself. I just use the inlet more cause I have it. But if I didn't already have it, I would always use the lake.
Thank you for your informative videos. Just bought my first ORU, I currently own 2 AdvancedFrame inflatables, tandem and a single. They have done nicely but the single came pre-ripped and i had to repair myself due to terrible customer service (I will NEVER purchase another), and the tandem is much heavier and more time-consuming than I like. So after years of saving and researching I picked the Bay ST. Really excited to try it out next weekend...
with the models you have, did you ever try to get back in from the water with absolutely no help from anything or anybody? I'm asking cause i like to kayak, jump in the water for a swim and then get back on. Getting back on with the models with the cockpit closed is easier but again, have you tried to do so with no help at all with the models you have?? thanks!!!
@smkauthor Thank you! By the way, your reviews helped me make a decision about getting the Lake+ model for my sister as a gift and she loves it. I have also used it and it is loads of fun. Was my first time in any kayak, let alone a foldable one. It's so easy use and to learn, it was as if I had been kayaking all my life. Paddled 1km across a Lake and back. @orukayak could we make this happen so that new users could get an idea from @smkauthor s reviews?
I put together the lake in this video: ruclips.net/video/C1KrS6qocCk/видео.html. And in many of my Oru adventure videos I put together the Oru on camera before kayaking.
I have a black bay st with a nylon spray skirt and I absolutely love it. Only have had it a short time. Live by a sheltered beach so I get a little wind and chop but that just makes it more fun.
@@smkauthor so far I’m relearning how to do it. I’m 48 and hadn’t paddled much since I used to do whitewater kayaking as a kid up to about 16 years old. Now I live by a little beach in Australia and it’s pretty well protected so I get decent sized ripples but few actual waves. Wind does pick up though. I need to relearn how to roll before I am confident enough to travel down the coast. Until then I just go for a couple hours at a time and see how far I can manage before the ripples make it hard to turn back.
@@smkauthor I absolutely love it. I tend to go after I’m finished baking in the morning, before going home to sleep. Btw your channel here is one of the reasons I bought it when doing a bit of research. No regrets!
Thanks for sharing! I imagine they need to be dried before folding, is that right? What is your process for that after you paddle and have to head back on a trail or in to the car?
Just got a lake at the REI sale. I have water in a couple of the longh channels. The paper work says this is normal, and leaning it up will drain it out. However, it does not drain out even after an hour of leaning up. Defective? Nothing to worry about? Return?
Did you try leaving it upside down too to see if it will drain? Water in the channels is normal. But check to see if there are any cuts in the channels where water might be coming in. I had one that was defective when I got it that had a little cut. ruclips.net/video/WNaoEyKu_P0/видео.html
I have the Bay ST, have been using it for about a year and a half. No significant issues with the boat itself. It does (as I assume all Orus do) get badly bullied by high winds.
We just ordered a pair of lakes yesterday. I’m glad to see they have held up and that you like them. We have a Mini also, though I doubt we’d be using it. Hmmm, with the top down maybe. Great video!
Great video! Did you checkout any other Kayaks that were as portable (such as like a Pakayak) before deciding on Oru? why did you choose Oru over other potential options?
Actually that's a great question, I might make a video about that cause it's a lengthy answer. But yes I put a lot of research into it and did check out all the portable options.
Hi Steph I have the Coast XT here in Vancouver BC. What were you using to spray down your Kayak . I’ve been using a hand pump sprayer meant for plants. It’s ok but yours is way more powerful. Battery powered ? Where did the clean water come from ? Thx Graham
Great review! I'm considering the Oru Lake to take out on calm lakes with my (expensive) DSLR camera + long lens for birding. I'm concerned with the stability, especially if I'm trying to take a picture and not really focused. Would you recommend this for bird photography on a lake or is brining something that's not waterproof just a bad idea in general?
haha...I would not take the camera out on the first trip for sure! Once you are comfortable with the kayak I think you could try the DSLR. But I would invest in a good waterproof case for it when you are not using it. Make sure you tether the case to the boat incase you capsize.
I kayak to mendocino's Coast I'm interested in the coastal models for ocean as well as a little bit on the river if you can provide the affiliate link that'd be great as well as any tips or advice and I really loved your video Nice to see a real person ❤
I have had the Bay ST for a couple of years. I have used it all over the US under widely varying conditions. It tracks reasonably straight with just a little wobble under low wind conditions. You will get a good workout keeping it straight under windy conditions.
sold my big ass fishing kayak that was heavy af to carry. hated taking it out. i dont even fish!! oru is the way im going next. i rarelt yak so itll be fine for me.
Steph, I have a hard-shell kayak but have really been interested in the ORU folding product line up. I am looking at the Bay for my needs. I feel the folding kayaks allow for much easier access and may even make it easier to have a friend get into the hobby. Unfortunately I generally kayak alone but using ORU kayaks may help change that. Thanks for your insight!! Kevin
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks Steph. That company is crazy if they don’t give you one to keep. Your channel is the best thing that could ever happen to them.
So glad you’ve gotten ahold of a bay. I’ve been pushing my used Bay to the limits over the past year. Rapids, over logs, portaging over beaver dams, even wrapped it around a rock. It’s still going, but ISC racer tape on the bottom for abrasion and tuff tape in the interior for leaks. (It’s an original kickstarter, about 11 years old.)
Wow that's great to hear!
Love your channel, Steph. Primarily based on your videos, I bought an Oru Inlet, and I love it. I’m a brand new kayaker, and it’s great - I’m 75 years old- your videos have been great!
I am contemplating a purchase. thanks for this video
The Oru looks like it’s easier to get back on if you fall out vs the tucktec
My Necky Gannet is no longer made but it's been in use for 30 years with no maintenance.
Thank you for posting and your wholesome vibes 😊
Re-entry on an ORU is not an easy thing as many have reported. After hearing about the admin of an ORU group break their kayak practicing a self rescue, it's hard to want to practice that without fear of damaging the kayak. The float bags are a smart idea, because they can fill will water and sink.
I love my Sea Eagle Razorlite which would be my first choice on most days. It inflates very fast, but is very time consuming to dry & fold back into the bag when your done. Performance is excellent and I feel it's a lot safer. Similarly priced to the Inlet after you buy a paddle & pay for shipping for the ORU.
I was thinking of getting an ORU as an extra kayak to go hiking with to remote ponds, and something for minimal time on the water that packs up faster than the Razorlite on days that time is very limited. The Lake sounded even better as it was lighter & cheaper than the Inlet. And now.......there's a 3rd choice that sounds even more appealing...The Tucktec Boto. It's just a mere 10 lbs! And only $250. I'd like to see a side by side comparison of the ORU Lake & Inlet vs the new Tucktec Boto.
Congrats on getting them to give you a fancier model to try! I was definitely lusting after one of those longer, thinner models, too. I just finally ordered an Inlet, as I saw it was on sale (on Amazon at least), and the weather is finally getting close to being not super dangerously cold for being out on the ocean (near the edge of the bay, that is) in Maine. I've seen a lot of complaints about these kayaks, but seeing you have good results with them, for the most part, makes me feel a little better about my decision to go with the folding kayak instead of inflatable (or the crazy complications of trying to haul a hard shell kayak on a bicycle). I'll find out soon how well mine works for me!
Thank you for your video! I just put in an order for an Oru Kayak. I’m super excited.
Keep making great videos they’re fantastic.
Thank you! I'm excited for you! Let me know how you like the Oru.
will give send you an update. Living in Florida, with all the springs and places to explore, it feels almost necessary to own a kayak. Your video was the final nudge I needed to go for it! Thanks.
Yes, I would say it's a requirement for Floridians! 😄
I haven't seen any boat resgistration numbers on any of the oru kayake videos I've watched. Do they not need registered in most states?
Not in Florida. I don't know about other states. Each Oru kayak does have a unique number on the side of the Hull.
Thanks for all your videos! Oru should really officially sponsor you and support. You’ve probably done a LOT for the brand. I just purchased a haven and beach LT for my family to kayak together and your videos have helped me make my decision. Thank you
So glad my videos were helpful! Happy Paddling!
Really useful videos, thanks. I'm curious why you still use the Inlet more than the Lake. Would appreciate if you could give a quick answer, thanks a lot.
The inlet is my first kayak so I still pick it first and use the lake for friends. I have also added the splash deck to the inlet so if I want to use that I take the inlet.
I have the Bay St! You’re going to love it! Happy paddling!
I just purchased the Haven TT with the intention of doing some weekend camping trips. I’m super excited! Your videos are helping me feel good about the purchase before it arrives.
That's awesome! Let me know how kayak camping goes!
Great videos, super happy to have found your honest reflections. I now have 3 Lakes for myself and kids, bought over three years. We aren't able to store or transport solid boats, and the Orus seemed such a cool idea. I have managed to hole one, but it's patched with glue and some scary tough tape. Otherwise, common sense care seems to be enough to keep them in good condition. Overall, I love the experience of owning and paddling these boats. The cockpit is a little deep for my 11 year old daughter and she clanks the paddle on the side a fair bit - but that's a time limited issue, and she enjoys being on the water regardless. Thanks again for your channel. I'm looking forward to hearing about the Bay. Another year, another boat..? 🤔🤣
If you were to start your kayaking journey all over, which model would you choose? Lake; Lake Sport; Inlet; Bay; or other?
I literally just made a video about that! Should be out this week or next...
Oh no way! Can u give me a hint? I'm ordering now during their holiday sale...
Me personally? I would say lake sport. That is based on my size and the type of water I kayak.
Why do you find yourself using the inlet over the lake, is one significantly more comfortable than the other? Thanks, love your videos : )
If I didn't have the inlet, I would use the Lake all the time. I really only use the inlet because I have it, but I think they both perform the same.
Great video! How does the Inlet track? We live near the coast, near both river and sheltered ocean. Inlet or Inlet Sport seem to the the sweet spot for portability, stability, speed, and ease of paddling (tracking). Thanks!
I think it tracks really well!
@smkauthor why don’t you use the Lake as much? in one of your other videos you said you wouldn’t buy the Inlet again, when the Lake came out. did you change your mind? if yes, why? thanks for sharing and greetings from Germany!
I got the lake for my mom to use so it's more her kayak and the inlet is more my kayak. That's why I use the inlet more, but when I have friends kayak with me we take both kayaks. I will also take the lake out sometimes myself. I just use the inlet more cause I have it. But if I didn't already have it, I would always use the lake.
Thank you for your informative videos. Just bought my first ORU, I currently own 2 AdvancedFrame inflatables, tandem and a single. They have done nicely but the single came pre-ripped and i had to repair myself due to terrible customer service (I will NEVER purchase another), and the tandem is much heavier and more time-consuming than I like. So after years of saving and researching I picked the Bay ST. Really excited to try it out next weekend...
with the models you have, did you ever try to get back in from the water with absolutely no help from anything or anybody? I'm asking cause i like to kayak, jump in the water for a swim and then get back on. Getting back on with the models with the cockpit closed is easier but again, have you tried to do so with no help at all with the models you have?? thanks!!!
I have tried and it was challenging: ruclips.net/video/6eY8kBDagtQ/видео.html
Hi Steph, where did you get your hat from? Many thanks for the vids!
Sunday Afternoons Women's Shade Hat: amzn.to/3MFd75O
I'm curious about the Haven TT or Tandem model and if you plan on testing it?
If I can get a sample from Oru absolute! I just got the beach LT to try and the Haven is on my list next.
@smkauthor Thank you! By the way, your reviews helped me make a decision about getting the Lake+ model for my sister as a gift and she loves it. I have also used it and it is loads of fun. Was my first time in any kayak, let alone a foldable one. It's so easy use and to learn, it was as if I had been kayaking all my life. Paddled 1km across a Lake and back. @orukayak could we make this happen so that new users could get an idea from @smkauthor s reviews?
That's so great! Love to hear it!
I have been looking at foldable sand inflatables. I like the Lake for the price. I am disappointed you didn’t put one together as I fear the clamps.
I put together the lake in this video: ruclips.net/video/C1KrS6qocCk/видео.html. And in many of my Oru adventure videos I put together the Oru on camera before kayaking.
I have a black bay st with a nylon spray skirt and I absolutely love it. Only have had it a short time. Live by a sheltered beach so I get a little wind and chop but that just makes it more fun.
Where is your favorite place to kayak?
Sounds awesome!
@@smkauthor so far I’m relearning how to do it. I’m 48 and hadn’t paddled much since I used to do whitewater kayaking as a kid up to about 16 years old. Now I live by a little beach in Australia and it’s pretty well protected so I get decent sized ripples but few actual waves. Wind does pick up though. I need to relearn how to roll before I am confident enough to travel down the coast. Until then I just go for a couple hours at a time and see how far I can manage before the ripples make it hard to turn back.
@@smkauthor I absolutely love it. I tend to go after I’m finished baking in the morning, before going home to sleep. Btw your channel here is one of the reasons I bought it when doing a bit of research. No regrets!
Thanks for watching! Glad you like your Oru!
Thanks for sharing! I imagine they need to be dried before folding, is that right? What is your process for that after you paddle and have to head back on a trail or in to the car?
Here's a look at my process: ruclips.net/video/_DqrUbO2VgE/видео.html
Just got a lake at the REI sale. I have water in a couple of the longh channels. The paper work says this is normal, and leaning it up will drain it out. However, it does not drain out even after an hour of leaning up. Defective? Nothing to worry about? Return?
Did you try leaving it upside down too to see if it will drain? Water in the channels is normal. But check to see if there are any cuts in the channels where water might be coming in. I had one that was defective when I got it that had a little cut. ruclips.net/video/WNaoEyKu_P0/видео.html
I have the Bay ST, have been using it for about a year and a half. No significant issues with the boat itself. It does (as I assume all Orus do) get badly bullied by high winds.
Great to hear!
We just ordered a pair of lakes yesterday. I’m glad to see they have held up and that you like them.
We have a Mini also, though I doubt we’d be using it. Hmmm, with the top down maybe.
Great video!
how does it cope with large waves? like after motor boat with waterski
I've never had an issue with these after a motor boat comes by. But I don't kayak super busy lakes. I just sit and ride the wave still it calms again.
@@smkauthor thanks for your answer, in my location lake is really super busy by waterski, so for me stability is crucial argument
You might want to consider the Bay ST as it's made for choppy water and longer so more stable. Or the Beach LT as it's also longer.
Nice overview, and clearly a lot of fun adventures had along the way! Happy paddles going forward!
Great video! Did you checkout any other Kayaks that were as portable (such as like a Pakayak) before deciding on Oru? why did you choose Oru over other potential options?
Actually that's a great question, I might make a video about that cause it's a lengthy answer. But yes I put a lot of research into it and did check out all the portable options.
I am looking to buy one for my wife and I. A friend has a lake, and i need the bigger one for 2 .nice video
Hi Steph
I have the Coast XT here in Vancouver BC. What were you using to spray down your Kayak . I’ve been using a hand pump sprayer meant for plants. It’s ok but yours is way more powerful.
Battery powered ? Where did the clean water come from ?
Thx Graham
It's called Rinse Kit. I don't think they make my model anymore but this is what I have: amzn.to/3RWHMOA
@@smkauthor I have an "old" Rinse Kit as well, best thing to wash down and clean your kayak before you get home. Great for off road biking as well.
I have both inlet and lake but I dont like lake, its too slow for my liking :D
Great review! I'm considering the Oru Lake to take out on calm lakes with my (expensive) DSLR camera + long lens for birding. I'm concerned with the stability, especially if I'm trying to take a picture and not really focused. Would you recommend this for bird photography on a lake or is brining something that's not waterproof just a bad idea in general?
haha...I would not take the camera out on the first trip for sure! Once you are comfortable with the kayak I think you could try the DSLR. But I would invest in a good waterproof case for it when you are not using it. Make sure you tether the case to the boat incase you capsize.
Trying to decide between lake sport vs inlet. For recreational use, weekend out at the lake. Thoughts?
If your height and weight work for the lake, I would go lake.
I can’t wait to see what you think about the Bay. I live in Newberry, outside of Gainesville, I own an Inlet.
Some great places to paddle around there! Do you have a favorite?
Ichnetucknee River is gorgeous
Yes, I want to try that out soon!
I have had an oru lake kayak for over 10 years and used in oceans lakes and rivers. Best kayak use it becuase its so easy to assemble and keep in car
I don't think the lake model has been available 10yrs ago. Did you mean 10 months?
Do you ever use a “kayak launch” in your Oru?
Yes, you will see it in an upcoming video! I used the Bay ST.
I kayak to mendocino's Coast I'm interested in the coastal models for ocean as well as a little bit on the river if you can provide the affiliate link that'd be great as well as any tips or advice and I really loved your video Nice to see a real person ❤
looking forward to the bay st review
How well do they track w/o a rudder?
Very well
I have had the Bay ST for a couple of years. I have used it all over the US under widely varying conditions. It tracks reasonably straight with just a little wobble under low wind conditions. You will get a good workout keeping it straight under windy conditions.
What are you using to spray clean the kayak?
It's called RinseKit. They don't make this model anymore.
sold my big ass fishing kayak that was heavy af to carry. hated taking it out. i dont even fish!! oru is the way im going next. i rarelt yak so itll be fine for me.
Steph, I have a hard-shell kayak but have really been interested in the ORU folding product line up. I am looking at the Bay for my needs. I feel the folding kayaks allow for much easier access and may even make it easier to have a friend get into the hobby. Unfortunately I generally kayak alone but using ORU kayaks may help change that. Thanks for your insight!! Kevin
Emergency or quick fix? WHITE duck tape. I carry it always!
I do carry duck tape for that, but havn't needed to use it yet.
I love this thing!
Love my Bay, hope you do too!!
We need a counter for how many times you said Kayak 😂😂
Let me know!
@@smkauthor lol, no hate, just teasing 😁
But now you have to count! 😆
@@smkauthor Oof!
Can it withstand a crocodile attack while paddling?