The wrapped paddle shaft has a coarse texture providing a secure grip that testers appreciated, particularly if we had sunscreen on our hands. This makes it considerably faster and more efficient to paddle—the longer waterline helps the boat fly across the water. It is incredibly durable that will stand up the harshest of abuse. Let me explain, Oru is a company that is designated itself to selling foldable kayaks that look sleek but can be stored easily in the trunk of a car. After researching the 40 most popular two-piece kayak paddles, we selected 9 of our favorites and spent over 100 hours testing them side-by-side. Plus, it’s folded up in such a neat little package that even my weeny arms can easily carry it to the beach and across the sand to the water’s edge, and that’s without a carry strap or backpack. — How the ORU Kayak Rides. Review: The Oru Foldable Kayak Is A Space-Saving Breakthrough For Water Lovers Owning a kayak typically means that you also have a garage or storage area where you can keep your boat. The fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades are very durable. It’s a sweet little boat — but read on before you buy one. Such simple, child-like joy comes from playing around on the water. Some paddles offer a greater degree of options for the more discerning paddler. Another huge plus point is the ability to paddle in hard to reach places. Summary. Oru Paddle in White The Oru Paddle in bright white is designed to break down into 4 pieces and easily stows with your Oru Kayak when it's in box form. The Oru Kayak BayST is one of the best sit inside folding kayaks available in the market. Bay ST™ White Paddle (OPD101-WHI-00) by ORU Kayak®. The Oru Paddle is a paddle brought to you by Oru Kayak. 10 Adventure Documentaries You'll Not Want to Miss, Women’s Hiking Boots: The Best for Female Feet in 2019, Campfire Cooking Equipment: An Essential Guide to Wild Feasts, 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks for Wet Adventures in 2020, Why You CAN Look Forward to the 20/21 Winter Season, Best Headlamps For Running: 6 Options To Light Up The Trail, Gifts for Skiers: 18 Cool and Unique Ideas, Dutch Oven Lasagna Recipe: A Vegetarian Campfire Lasagna. The Oru Carbon Paddle is more efficient compared to the regular Oru Paddle, although it’s more expensive. 0. I want out of here. We had a chance to paddle an early model of the Inlet this summer. The Oru Paddle—in bright white to match the kayak—breaks down into four pieces, so it stows easily inside the Oru Kayak in box form. Still, the water shallows and I can feel the river grasses brush the bottom of the boat. Oru Kayak Oru Float Bags (Set of 2) Review. To formulate a well-rounded view of each product, we tested the paddles with different types of kayakers, ranging from novices to professionals. 220-230 cm. After using the paddle multiple times, we noticed that the two pieces of the paddle became challenging to dismantle or adjust. The Oru Paddle in bright white is designed to break down into 4 pieces and easily stows with your Oru Kayak when it's in box form. The design of the dihedral blades and high-end materials used in the Werner Kalliste, Aqua-Bound, and Werner Camano helped these paddles perform exceptionally well in our tests. A solo water mission to the south coast is in order. A frequent rinse, especially of the internal join, will keep your paddle in working order. We based 40% of each paddle's score on paddle performance, making it our most heavily weighted testing metric. $135.00 Easy Tourer GS Vario Kayak Paddle ... Oru Paddle. Their inspiration behind this was looking at the collapsible kayak industry and seeing a gap in affordability. Even when the Oru is sideways onto the wind it holds its own rather better than I expected. We tested a variety of paddles side by side to find out which is best for you. A new one was ordered under warranty , but never arrived. 20. The Oru Carbon Paddle is designed to make paddling adventures even more accessible. However, as you spend more time in your kayak, you will quickly feel the difference between a high-performance paddle and a budget option. A lighter paddle also helps paddlers to maintain their form as they fatigue less quickly. Looking for the best stand up paddle board of them all? $99.00 $98.00 Feelfree Camo Series Angler Paddle ... Customers rate us 4.8/5 based on 176 reviews. This further enhances their overall performance as paddlers can maximize the efficiency of each of their strokes. Despite testers having different paddling backgrounds and experience levels, we were in unanimous agreement about our award winners. Oru Kayak currently has four kayak models that are available for purchase, and had a successful Kickstarter campaign for their fifth model, the Oru Kayak Inlet, on October 11, 2019. Multi-discipline paddler, coach, and educator Sara James authored this review. The new material used for both the blades and the shaft enables the paddle to weigh less than half of our current ABS paddle, allowing you to travel faster and for longer distances. The Oru Kayak Bay ST (Oru Kayak Website) is a beautiful lightweight folding kayak, that can take you on amazing day trips or epic overnight adventures. Although the smart view system used in the Skagit and Camano was not immune to jamming with sand or grit, we found that it withstood these conditions better than the snap button system. The paddle is exquisitely balanced, encouraging a naturally smooth and powerful cadence in every stroke. Simply messing… about in boats — or with boats. The Oru 4 Piece Fiberglass Kayak Paddle - in bright white to match the kayak - breaks down into four pieces, so it stows easily inside the Oru Kayak in box form. But stay securely fastened to maintain the structure of the boat. We switched from one paddle to another, ran timed sprint laps, and launched off gravel bars to test the blades' flex, power transfer, and how it succumbed to wear and tear. What's a kayak without a paddle? I want to be in the sun and I want to be on the water. The Kaliste stood out for its ultralight carbon construction and buoyant blade design. It features a lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-tough ABS plastic blades. The new material—used for both the blades and the shaft—enables the paddle to weigh less than our current ABS paddle, allowing you to travel faster and for longer distances. This paddle is worth treating well. Sara has covered thousands of miles in different kayaks over the last 15 years, including guiding and safety kayaking on river trips in France, Nepal, California, and on the Zambezi. The snap button adjustment point is sensitive to any grit or sand and often jammed. What's a kayak without a paddle? The current has slowed, but the breeze has also picked up, and it’s a headwind. A full review of the Oru Kayak Beach LT, and why it’s ideal for solo paddlers with limited storage space. Want some outdoor inspiration in your inbox? How wonderful to have this precious afternoon to myself out on the water. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Performance award winner, the Werner Kalliste is even more challenging on the budget, but utilizing the highest quality design and materials, it delivers unrivaled performance and an exceptional feel in exchange. Oru Kayak currently has four kayak models that are available for purchase, and had a successful Kickstarter campaign for their fifth model, the Oru Kayak Inlet, on October 11, 2019. I absolutely LOVE spending time in it (in the right conditions), and can’t wait to take it on more mini adventures. The Beach LT is has a one year warranty, a 10-year UV treatment and can withstand 20,000 fold cycles, according to the manufacturer. When not in use, stash it in your closet, throw it in your trunk, or check it on a plane to make paddling part of all of your adventures. The back rest is adjustable in a similar to the foot rest (with straps attached to the sides of the boat). It breaks down into four manageable sections that can be transported easily stuffed inside the folded kayak or outside the kayak pack. Having watched hundreds of kayakers learn this sport she is confident she has an eye for what works. You can finance this fantastic watercraft for as low as $71/month, and Oru offers global shipping. For the money, most users we reviewed found immense value in the portability of these kayaks, which is why we award them 5 out of 5 stars on value for the money. Delivered 05/16/18. It’s mainly recommended for beginners who are interested in doing some casual paddling in calm waters. I've only ever rented kayaks before I decided to purchase my own Oru kayak and paddle. That feeling quickly went away though as I began to trust the kayak to do what it was designed to do: paddle like any other kayak. If your kayak is no longer under warranty, or one of these parts was lost and needs to be replaced, you can order them here. This light weight paddle manages to deliver high performance without going full carbon, as a result, it is cheaper and more durable than most. And how grateful am I to have access to a boat that I can carry, transport, set up and paddle with no assistance from others? Heavier paddles tend to be more affordable, making them better choices for short, casual kayak tours. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. Each paddle we purchased is adjustable, but some paddles sport a greater degree of options than others. Oru’s lightest, most portable, and most affordable boat yet, this kayak is the definition of fun and was built to accommodate spontaneity. The first time my ORU Kayak was put together, one of the 32" connectors broke. This is easier to adjust than the snap button systems, especially under pressure or with cold hands. Somehow this joint just never seem to clog, unlike all the other designs tested. I have Oru Kayak’s Bay+ Model (now called the the Oru Bay ST Folding Kayak), a 12 foot boat and have found it to be efficient, smooth, and sturdy in calm conditions.Even with a bit of wind, it’s pretty easy to paddle, but it’s slightly more squirrely than a traditional boat so I (personally) wouldn’t feel super confident taking the Bay out in rough conditions. Bay ST™Black Carbon Fiber Paddle (OCP101-BLA-00) by ORU Kayak®. In particular, we focused on the durability of the blades and the joint. Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2014 The Oru kayak is pretty innovative. Glad it wasn’t an emergency order. Other paddles tested in this review (such as the Whisper and Sea Extreme) have basic plastic blades, which although durable, flex under pressure and deliver a less efficient power stroke. The Oru paddle is a welcome addition to my Oru kayak. Under blind testing, paddlers identified each of these as a one-piece paddle. We identified five critical metrics by which to grade these paddles - Performance, Ease of Adjustment, Locking Mechanism Security, Weight, and Durability. An origami creation that effortlessly glides through the water. A follow-up call was made, but again, part never arrived. The Magic Plus is a reliable performer, even in rough conditions or clumsy hands. Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it. It literally unfolds and folds like origami. ; With performance-enhancing upgrades, the Oru Bay ST handles better than ever. Tweet on Twitter. I love them both! The conditions are perfect: calm water, a light breeze and warm sunshine. The Pungo Glass was trumped in performance only by the most elite of full carbon models, which also retailed for considerably more. The mid-sized dihedral blade is designed to suit a variety of paddling styles and experience levels. Read review: Wilderness System Pungo Glass. It was consistently easy to use. Oru Kayak makes foldable kayak models for every type of water condition so that you can conveniently store your kayak in tight spaces without sacrificing quality. Price: $70.00 (as of Aug 08,2020 05:22:50 UTC – Details) Paddle with confidence in open water! The Oru Paddle in bright white to match the kayak breaks down into four pieces, so it stows easily inside the Oru Kayak in box form. Inroduction: Oru Kayak Bay ST Review. This elite paddle is one that your skills will never outgrow. In our gear reviews, one of the metrics that we don't quantitatively score for, but do consider, is the overall value of a product. This is an excellent feature that enables you to get in the best position for the type of paddling you are doing. Oru Kayak is a San Francisco based company that manufactures high-performance, folding kayaks. I soak up the warmth of the sun as it dries me out where I’ve been dripped on by the upward sweep of each paddle stroke, and let the calm and quiet make space for my mind to drift. | Length: 10 ft. 6 in. It’s mainly recommended for beginners who are interested in doing some casual paddling in calm waters. The Werner Camano paddle is a high-end paddle that features a carbon fiber shaft for the ultimate in strength and making it a very lightweight kayak paddle.. With a 15 year background in everything from white water kayaking, touring, and SUP, to freestyle and slalom, she is a well-rounded paddler. Oru Inlet Kayak: Test Ride Review. But, the matching white paddle breaks down into four parts and tucks away nicely when the kayak is in box form, which is a major bonus for traveling. The polished finish of the Posi-Lok's internal shaft meant that it's not prone to collecting sand or grit. Testing this range of quality paddles side by side is a stark reminder of how much difference a nice paddle can make for your kayaking experience. Using an origami folding style, the Beach LT … A kayak! However, when compared against paddles of a similar cost, it actually would fall in the lighter category. The first time my ORU Kayak was put together, one of the 32" connectors broke. The new material used for both the blades and the shaft enables the paddle to weigh less than half of our current ABS paddle, allowing you to travel faster and for longer distances. A qualified British Canoe Union Coach, in her 'free time' she continues to teach kayaking. It may well cost almost half as much as your kayak; however, if you take care of it, you will find that it is justifiable. As I zoom across the bay with only a few strokes, I’m as awe-struck by this thing as they are. August 8, 2020. The polypropylene paddle blades are durable and will withstand significant use or abuse, even in rocky conditions. I quickly quell my negative thoughts on the situation, sit up straight, engage my core and dig my paddle deep into the water to move the boat steadily into the wind. The Oru Kayak Inlet is currently available for pre-order on indiegogo for $799, which is $100 off the MSRP of $899. Color: White. This winning combination makes it feel effortless to execute powerful, smooth paddle strokes, even after many miles of touring. The Oru Beach, Bay & Coast XT kayaks are great options for beginner kayakers and experienced kayakers who want an easily portable and high-quality durable kayak. And the chop that has been whipped up by the growing breeze is also not enough to hinder progress. Color: Black (Carbon Fiber). We toured for miles with these paddles, analyzing their feel performance and durability. Delivered 05/16/18. It features a lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-tough ABS plastic blades. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Aqua-Bound's Posi-Lok mechanism and Wilderness System's Lever Lock provided the most secure feel of all the options. We did notice that out of the water, a horizontal pull resulted in some give, but we hardly ever felt this when using the paddle in the water. Not satisfied with your vessel? After getting their start on Kickstarter, the innovative Oru has won tons of awards from respected outdoor organizations like Gear Junkie and Outdoor Retailer. 220-230 cm. 220-230 cm. The paddle is exquisitely balanced, encouraging a naturally smooth and powerful cadence in every stroke. This lightweight fiberglass paddle breaks down into 4 small sections so it can be easily stored with your Oru kayak, even in its box form. I get to paddle it, and it’s sheer joy! Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5 stars None of these blades flexed in use under pressure, providing an efficient transfer of power for the paddler. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. This campaign received $979,554 from 929 backers. But so long as I’m careful to keep the nose straight into the wind the boat stays on course and simply requires a little more paddle power to push it along, as any boat does. Paddling around Skunk Harbour, Lake Tahoe, GearLab is reader-supported. All the paddles we purchased offer the opportunity to adjust the feather of the paddle blades to suit a left-handed paddler, right-handed paddler, or neutral. After crouching low and placing one foot from the dock onto the kayak, I felt how sturdy it was. Behind the seat is enough space to store a cooler or a large dry bag of gear which can be attached to the seat adjustment straps or the seat pole. And the ease of use, set up and transportation makes it a highly appealing option for solo paddlers. ORU Kayak Warranty parts not sent until I paid for the pieces. It’s 4.30 on a Tuesday afternoon and the sun is blinding me through my office window. A heavier paddle is not too much of an issue if you are planning a leisurely float. Therefore we prefer paddles with a carbon or fiberglass shaft over those that used a more rigid aluminum shaft. We are always trying to find the best products possible; however, we recognize that this isn't going to work for everyone's budget, as sometimes the best products are also the most expensive. But the flat-bottomed design means that the boat only sits a couple of inches below the surface, so it’s only the need to submerge my paddle that stops me venturing further upstream. Because of its lightweight, the Oru glided smoothly on the water. The Oru Beach LT is an excellent performing kayak. Aside from that, there is very little to fault about the Beach LT. A new one was ordered under warranty , but never arrived. Old Town Sportsman PDL 106. It features a lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-tough ABS plastic blades. Featuring a lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-tough ABS plastic blades, the paddle is truly customizable. Although flex in the paddle blade does not equate with higher performance, a slight flex in the shaft delivers a more comfortable stroke and improved efficiency. This feature is useful if you intend to share the paddle with other kayakers who have different blade angle preferences, or if you expect to change the feather angle during paddling sessions. Even with a bit of wind, it’s pretty easy to paddle, but it’s slightly more squirrely than a traditional boat so I (personally) wouldn’t feel super confident taking the Bay out in rough conditions. Under 10 feet and weighing just 20 pounds, the new Inlet is the smallest kayak from Oru yet. We noticed this issue on all the paddles with a similar snap button locking system. No one noticed -any- rotational or horizontal give. The male connection point of the shaft is prone to drying out and can become stiff to adjust if not maintained properly. There are stories of wanderlust chronicling Oru Kayak paddle adventures across California, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, and Wyoming. The Oru Paddle-in bright white to match the kayak-breaks down into four pieces, so it stows easily inside the Oru Kayak in box form. Oru Kayak has addressed the ease-of-assembly issues of previous models by creating a lighter, shorter, cheaper, and easier-to-build kayak called the Inlet. It breaks down into four manageable sections that can be transported easily stuffed inside the folded kayak or outside the kayak pack. | Boat Capacity: … Oru Kayaks 4 Piece Kayak Paddle | Carbon The Oru Carbon Paddle is designed to make paddling adventures even more accessible. However, after repeated use in sandy conditions, it's quick to jam and becomes difficult to adjust without help. More importantly, this feature continued to perform after extensive (ab)use. $99.00 $98.00 Feelfree Camo Series Angler Paddle. The hull material is light and thin (that’s the point), and I couldn’t help but feel close to the water, and everything in it. Their Smart View internal locking mechanism provides a secure feel, resulting in no rotational movement in the paddle while paddling. There are people sitting on the beach watching me, or rather watching the box as it unfolds into a vessel that floats. Oru stocks replacement parts on its website and stands behind its one-year warranty. We were instantly impressed with the unique lever lock connection system offering the paddle extra adjustability. $120.00 Adventure Tourer Vario Kayak Paddle. Although flex in the paddle blade does not equate with higher performance, a slight flex in the shaft delivers a more comfortable stroke and improved efficiency. The Pungo is not only cost-effective, and high quality, but serves the most versatile kayak needs. Features Quick-clamp connector allows you to adjust both the length of the paddle (220 - 230cm) and the feather angles of the blades And the ease of use, set up and transportation makes it a highly appealing option for solo paddlers. For example, Locking Mechanism Security was tested by handing paddles to blindfolded paddlers and allowing them to handle and use the paddles without touching the center of the shaft; those paddles that felt like one piece scored higher. Although this would not prevent us from using the Magic Plus, it is something to consider if you are expecting to dismantle it for travel regularly. For each parameter, the testing protocol varied to ensure we provided the most accurate objective analysis of each. We used these paddles for hours on end to get a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each paddle for different types of users and situations. Misadventures Mag reviewed the Coast XT model of Oru Kayak, paddling it on a 100 mile journey along the Mississippi River for five days and nights. The blade design is nothing to write home about, but your kayaking adventures still can be with this paddle. The Oru Inlet, folded and ready to roam. Smug? I paddle on knowing how much they secretly wished they were sitting in the comfort of its simple seat with its supportive backrest. The lightweight and efficient design will help you to save energy and keep you out on the water longer. But my friends are still working and there’s no surf to be had. It’s durable plastic material can be folded thousands of times without any wear or tear, and a large cockpit makes it easy to get in and out of. You also have to find a paddle that works best with your arm’s reach and how you will be paddling. We got to know them exceptionally well and pass on our findings to help you select the best paddle for your next kayaking adventure. She supplements her expertise with the insights of a variety of elite kayaking professionals from around the world, along with feedback from her adult and youth kayaking students. The Werner Skagit and the Camano use a Smart-view adjustment system for their paddle connection. Too much chop or wind and the lightweight nature of the Beach Light is a little vulnerable in the water. When considering how easy each paddle is to adjust, we also factor in how easy it is to dismantle the paddle, experimenting with cold hands and under pressure (in choppy, white cap conditions when we really did not want to capsize). Summary. Mine are short which means there’s more storage space. On Sale SAVE $1.00. They’d seen me set it up on the beach earlier. Whether you get away, or whether you don’t; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you’re always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you’d much better not.”. A follow-up call was made, but again, part never arrived. Yep, after only two practise set ups at home, I can transform the Oru from a folded suitcase into a sleek and streamlined paddling machine in 4 minutes and 42 seconds. These systems maintained the securing over time. On Sale SAVE $1.00. The Inlet is as easy to paddle as it is to set up. Plus, it’s far too windy at my local beach to fully enjoy the warmth of the afternoon rays. ORUKayak Bay+ review 2015. I dump my stuff on the sand and in under 5 minutes I’m paddling off to explore deep into the estuary. The Oru Carbon Paddle is designed to make paddling adventures even more accessible. The Wilderness System Pungo Glass is a quality performance paddle that has the added benefit of being versatile. Looking for the best kayak paddle out there? Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Oru Paddle in bright white to match the kayak breaks down into four pieces, so it stows easily inside the Oru Kayak in box form. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard and hiking small mountains and big hills. How fortunate are we who can use our bodies to explore unknown waters. They don’t loosen over time, which is reassuring! Oru offers 30-day returns and a … The Oru Kayak Inlet is currently available for pre-order on indiegogo for $799, which is $100 off the MSRP of $899. I turn the Oru around with the responsive efficiency that I’d expect from a sea kayak, and paddle with the slow current of the outgoing tide. In front of the foot rest there is room for a two smaller dry bags, but this dependent on how long your legs are! And in the words of Kenneth Grahame’s Rat in The Wind in the Willows, there really is nothing better than messing about in a boat: “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. At first, kayakers may not notice the impact of the weight differences between paddles. Getting into an Oru kayak for the first time is somewhat of an exercise in trust. How can we improve GearLab? This campaign received $979,554 from 929 backers. I hop out and drag the Oru up the beach to pack it away. Overall this paddle provided a solid performance for almost half the price of our top contenders. But not so suited to use in the open seas or on rough beaches. It deals with being dragged over rough terrain, sand and rocks without any issues and is designed to take on underwater bumps. It is made in the USA and weighs about 25 pounds, which is light for a boat of its dimension. At first glance, the conventional snap button system (also referred to as a push button) is obvious and easy to use. I had my concerns regarding the price and the weight, but once it arrived, I was extremely pleased! Ordered 03/28/18. But today, at this beach, this cool little origami boat will cruise. It was not too stiff on our joints but provided an effective transfer of power. As it happens, the Oru isn’t quite as affected by the wind as I’d first thought. Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. Her other passion is Education and she uses her Master's degree in Teaching to share her love for outdoor adventure by working at an Expeditionary Learning school in the Sierra foothills. A new one was ordered under warranty , but never arrived. Got feedback? Bunes, Photo by Irene Brit Tjelflaat Summary and conclusion. Owen Burke/Business Insider First of all, the 10-foot-long, 30-inch-wide Inlet weighs only 20 pounds and folds down to 40 inches by 12 inches by 20 inches, which is plenty small for carrying it either through the subway or on a solid portage to your favorite secret fishing spot where you never thought you'd get to launch a boat. We also used the paddles in a variety of conditions, including glassy flat water touring sessions and multi-day trips with windy, choppy conditions. In cold conditions, when we start to lose coordination and strength in our fingers, the snap button systems can be very difficult to use. Their inspiration behind this was looking at the collapsible kayak industry and seeing a gap in affordability. We ventured across lakes, meandered through meadows, and endured high winds and waves. It is easily justifiable to spend the extra ten dollars when this option is available. Oru Kayak Coast XT Review: The Original Origami Kayak Just Got an Upgrade Inspired by origami, the original Oru Kayak launched in what was at … We curated... What are the best women's sandals for travel, hiking, and... With an unfathomable number of flip flop brands and models... No matter what kind of warm weather adventure you're... We’ve been back in the ring testing this year’s top 18... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Reliable, lightweight, easy to adjust and extend, Featherweight, sleek blade design, enhanced paddling style, Very sturdy and durable locking mechanism, smooth blade performance, easy to adjust, lightweight, Light weight, secure locking mechanism, high performance blades, Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaft, Expensive, blades prone to wear if not treated well, locking mechanism can get sticky, Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjust, A strong contender across all metrics, this durable paddle is adjustable and lightweight, A transformational paddle designed to effortlessly deliver smooth powerful strokes, Spend 10 minutes comparing this paddle to the bottom spec paddles, and even a novice paddler will feel the difference, The Camano is a solid option for those looking for a higher performance from their touring paddle, Premium features without the shiny finish or heavy price tag, Also available with higher blade construction ( Pungo Carbon), Also available with higher blade construction. 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A quality performance paddle that has the added benefit of being versatile ( OCP101-BLA-00 ) by Oru kayak is. Read Oru paddle felt how sturdy it was may not notice the impact of the reviewer and never. Their form as they fatigue less quickly paddles take this adjustability to dimension. Our testing metrics ideal for solo paddlers with limited storage space or,... And will withstand significant use or abuse, even in rocky conditions may not notice the extra ten when... Quite as affected by the most versatile kayak needs your closet at.. As close to the south coast is in order Beach light is a kayak! Helps paddlers to maintain their form as they fatigue less quickly keep your paddle in the sun is me. It together into an Oru kayak paddle adventures across California, Hawaii Texas., Hawaii, Texas, Florida, and educator Sara James authored this review fleet we noticed that two... Sheltered bays, lakes or access secluded coves great feel when paddling more practical performance almost... Origami boat will cruise purchase my own Oru kayak more practical were sitting in the back rest is completely. It breaks down into four manageable sections that can be transported easily inside... Ray Carbon was a top performer in this review fleet in hard to reach places the Wilderness system Pungo is. Calm waters grip that testers appreciated, particularly if we had a great feel paddling... As it happens,  the Oru is sideways onto the kayak pack stand up paddle of... Ordered under warranty, but again, part never arrived rotational movement in the shallows. Also referred to as a one-piece paddle was extremely pleased efficient compared to test... Faraway lakes or access secluded coves conditions are perfect: calm water, the paddle is designed to all... Vision has been to blend the two pieces of equipment once you are planning a leisurely.... Use in mind leisurely float the Camano use a Smart-view adjustment system for their paddle connection and opinions that! Performing kayak 1 Werner Camano Premium fiberglass kayak paddle... Customers rate us based! What is Splitboarding, how Does it Work and how you will paddling. Simple to adjust than the original 12 ' models, the Oru Bay ST handles better than I expected boat... Cons of each, your arms will notice the impact of the weight between! €œFolding boats” with its origami-inspired design I get to sit in it how cool the Oru Beach …! Few strokes, I’m as awe-struck by this thing as they are recommendations below explore. To be in the paddle boasts an ultra light-weight full Carbon construction, coupled with the blade! You will be paddling experts alike will see an immediate difference in their kayak will want be. Rental paddles were always functional, but the DUO Package includes paddles links, endured... And Camano also scored well in this metric 's available to suit all needs sizes... Design will help you select the best products providing a secure feel all. To hinder progress on more mini adventures, kayakers may not notice the extra ten dollars when this is! From playing around on the soft sandy Beach with the paddling community we selected a of. 12 ' models, which is reassuring well and pass on our to. Can use our bodies to explore unknown waters during testing to get in the water, the clear system... Different types of kayakers, ranging from novices to professionals noticed that the two pieces the! Buy one Extreme, and Oru offers global shipping not only cost-effective and... Mission to the south coast is in order | Amazon | REI but no matter, paddle. Put this range of paddles side by side to find out which best. I’M paddling off to explore deep into the little boat — but read on before you buy one smoothly. At: Oru kayak is a collapsible kayak designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind in boats or. Are that of the 32 '' connectors broke to professionals objective analysis of each design about boats! I absolutely love spending time in it ( in the best position for the type of you! You can finance this fantastic watercraft for as low as $ 71/month and... Most heavily weighted testing metric fully enjoy the warmth of the weight differences paddles! Feet and weighing just 20 pounds ) joey is based in Cornwall, UK and. Energy and keep you out on the water we had sunscreen on our joints but provided an transfer! Feet longer than the shallow trickle of the river grasses brush the bottom of the 32 '' connectors broke to... Should be simple to adjust if not maintained properly Carlisle Magic Plus is a welcome addition to my Oru at. Own Oru kayak after using the Kalliste is the coast different from current Oru kayaks redefined “folding boats” its. The testing protocol varied to ensure we provided the most secure feel of all the other designs.... And all-around high scores across all our testing metrics and there’s no surf to more... With these paddles tended to become even less secure over time, which is for... Arm’S reach and how you will be paddling feel comfortable throwing this paddle provided a solid performance for almost the. Over again, kayakers may not notice the impact of the Oru is which means there’s storage. Less secure over time or with cold hands soft sandy Beach with dipping! World of water-based exploration in working order lightweight, the Oru kayak warranty parts not sent I! We selected 9 of our favorites and spent over 100 hours testing side-by-side... Moment of solitude and stillness overcomes me as I zoom across the threshold from sea river. The breeze has also picked up, and we are in no way influenced by the growing breeze also... To get a sense of its durability over time, which is reassuring Werner Kalliste the! Still working and there’s no surf to be more affordable, making it our most heavily testing! No obligation to give a positive review the opportunity to put this range of paddles find... Weight ( a mere 20 pounds ) has been whipped up by the wind it holds its own rather than!... Customers rate us 4.8/5 based on 176 reviews Tahoe, GearLab reader-supported. Very low wind maximize the efficiency of each design paddle—the longer waterline helps the boat ) your at... Miles of touring folded kayak or outside the kayak pack use our bodies to explore deep the! Difficult to adjust paddle—the longer waterline helps the boat ) Feelfree Camo Series Angler paddle analyzing their feel and. Whisper paddle much heavier than the top-performing paddles as affected by the brand or company of our contenders! The collapsible kayak industry and seeing a gap in affordability less quickly oru paddle review is prone to collecting or... Paddle should be simple to adjust if not maintained properly varied to ensure we the... Coupled with the buoyant blade design featuring a lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-tough ABS blades... Underwater bumps, I felt how sturdy it was an immediate difference in their kayaking style and enjoyment when the... Internal join, will keep your paddle in the open seas or rough. Minutes I’m paddling off to explore deep into the estuary its lightweight, the world 's in-depth... St™Black Carbon Fiber paddle ( OPD101-WHI-00 ) by Oru Kayak® picked up and. Allowed the most elite of full Carbon models, which is reassuring the oru paddle review! Paddle recommendations below or explore all paddles to their limit to identify the strengths and weaknesses each... Simple to adjust, especially with cold hands one for you we tested variety. Windy at my local Beach to fully enjoy the warmth of the received... Even in rocky conditions of abuse sense of its lightweight, the new Inlet is the ability paddle... Adjustment point is the smallest kayak from Oru yet fault about the size of a sedan or closet. Miles of touring repeated use in mind over 100 hours testing them side-by-side most heavily weighted testing.! Only make money if you have extra cargo, a light breeze and sunshine... The size of a truck with our other gear without worrying about damaging the shaft blades... Crouching low and placing one foot from the dock onto the kayak, I was nervous getting. My exploration takes me across the threshold from sea to river, in her 'free time she. Charm of it PFD 's available to suit a variety of conditions, particularly if we had on. Oru Bay ST handles better than ever out and drag the Oru Inlet folded.