From Oru:
Improved durability and enhanced user-experience celebrate the upcoming paddling season
San Francisco, CA (March 2021) — Oru Kayak, maker of the original origami-inspired folding kayak, is celebrating the upcoming 2021 paddling season by announcing upgrades to its entire line of packable kayaks. Enhancements in user experience and improved durability help convey Oru’s growth as a brand and its dedication to elevating people’s on-water experience. As spring nears, there has never been a better time to discover, or revisit, the joy of Oru’s unique box-to-boat experience.
The 2020 release of Oru’s Inlet kayak—a 20lb. kayak that can be assembled from box to boat in under three minutes—marked a milestone achievement in Oru’s origami inspired boat design. Applying the knowledge Oru gained from the creation of the Inlet, the brand identified ways to improve user experience across its entire line of kayaks for 2021, from its flagship Bay ST to the first tandem folding kayak, the Haven. Commenting on the impact of the Inlet on its 2021 fleet updates, Anton Willis, Founder and Chief Design Officer of Oru Kayak, notes, “We designed the Inlet to be super accessible and easy to use. When it came time to update the rest of our product line, we took those lessons to heart.”
With the exception of the newly released Inlet, each Oru kayak has implemented enhanced floorboards with increased rigidity for improved on-water tracking and performance. Oru also eliminated the need for first-time users to carry physical assembly instructions. QR codes are now printed on each boat which, once scanned using a mobile phone, redirect to an online manual with accompanying video demonstrations. Beefier footrests increase comfort and durability, and fresh screen prints on each boat reflect a more refined aesthetic.
The Haven, a foldable kayak that can be effortlessly configured for single or tandem paddling, and the Beach LT, a stable 12’ cruiser with spacious cockpit, received additional modifications based on user feedback. Willis adds, “We’re always listening to our customers and seeking ways to improve our products. This has been true from the beginning.” A redesigned seat assembly in the Beach LT provides enhanced comfort for longer paddles and a new tension strap system shaves overall weight and increases durability by replacing an original tension rod. The tension rod used in assembly of the Haven has also been replaced with a stabilizing cross bar that is compatible with universal track accessories such as fishing kits, cup holders and photomounts. Lastly, the Haven incorporates the use of buckles in lieu of G hooks, making assembly even more effortless and precise.
To learn more about Oru’s updated line of foldable kayaks, please visit: http://www.orukayak.com
About Oru Kayak
Founded in 2012, Oru Kayak is a leading innovator in the kayaking industry and the first to bring a foldable kayak to market utilizing the principles of origami. Beyond the functionality of its engineering, the Oru Kayak stands apart from the competition for its superb on the water performance, durability, easy assembly, and stylish design. Based in San Francisco and manufactured in the USA, Oru Kayak is sold in dozens of countries across five continents including Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.orukayak.com
