If you've been dreaming of a kayak that’s ultra-lightweight, folds up into a compact box, and gets you on the water in minutes, then you need to check out Oru Kayaks! These origami-inspired boats are designed to go where traditional kayaks can’t—whether that’s in the trunk of your car, on an airplane, or stored in a tiny apartment.

At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, we proudly carry the full lineup of Oru Kayaks, and the best part? You don’t have to buy blind. You can test them out at our Demo Centre, opening on May long weekend! But before you do, let’s break down the differences between each model so you can find the perfect fit for your adventures.

Meet the Oru Kayak Lineup

Which Oru Kayak is Right for You?

Lake & Lake Sport - The Ultralight Champions

If weight and price are your main concerns, the Lake (and its slightly upgraded twin, the Lake Sport) are for you! These are Oru’s simplest models—easy to set up, ultra-light, and perfect for calm waters.

🟢 Pros: Lightest option, most affordable, beginner-friendly.
🔴 Cons: Not built for rough waters or long distances.
💡 Best for: Casual paddlers who want an easy-to-carry kayak for short, peaceful trips.

Inlet - The Beginner’s Best Friend

The Inlet is a step up in length, offering a roomier cockpit and more comfort. It’s the easiest Oru to assemble (under 3 minutes!) and still super lightweight.

🟢 Pros: Fastest setup, very stable, great for first-time paddlers.
🔴 Cons: Not designed for big waves or fast-moving currents.
💡 Best for: Beginners who want a quick and effortless paddling experience.

Beach & Beach Sport - The All-Rounders (My Personal Favourite!)

I love the Beach because it’s the perfect blend of stability, comfort, and performance. It’s great for beginners, but even after four years of paddling in it, I still love how versatile it is! The Beach Sport is the same great kayak with an upgraded gel seat, and built-in rails for your fishing gear. It also uses the "zipper" channel system when putting it together, rather than straps for a seamless, watertight finish. 

🟢 Pros: Stable, easy to paddle, roomy cockpit.
🔴 Cons: Not as fast as the Bay ST or Coast XT.
💡 Best for: Recreational paddlers who want an all-purpose kayak for lakes and calm rivers.

A couple of summers ago, my husband Scott and I took two Oru Beach kayaks to Barron Canyon for an unforgettable adventure. What made the trip even better was how effortless it was to portage these kayaks. While others struggled with heavy canoes, we easily carried our Beaches through the woods, turning heads as fellow paddlers looked on in awe. It was one of those moments where we truly appreciated how lightweight and portable these kayaks are—without sacrificing performance on the water!

Bay ST - The Adventurer’s Choice

The Bay ST is for those who want to push their paddling skills. It’s sleek, faster, and more performance-driven, making it a great option for intermediate paddlers ready for adventure.

🟢 Pros: Great for touring, faster, still lightweight.
🔴 Cons: Slightly trickier to assemble than the simpler models.
💡 Best for: Paddlers who want to explore further and refine their technique.

Coast XT - The Expedition Expert

The Coast XT is the beast of the bunch—long, fast, and made for adventure. If you’re planning multi-day trips and need a kayak that can handle big water, this is your go-to.

🟢 Pros: Excellent for touring, handles waves and rough water.
🔴 Cons: Heavier, requires more skill to paddle efficiently.
💡 Best for: Experienced paddlers who want to take on challenging conditions.

Haven - The Tandem Powerhouse

The Haven is Oru’s tandem kayak, but what’s cool is that it also converts into a solo kayak. It’s ideal for paddling with a partner, your kid, or even your dog!

🟢 Pros: Seats two people, stable, can be used solo.
🔴 Cons: Bulkier than other Oru models, takes a long time to put together.
💡 Best for: Couples, families, or anyone who wants company on the water!

So, How Durable Are Oru Kayaks?

A lot of people worry about the durability of Oru Kayaks, and we even get asked if they float! The folding and unfolding of the plastic skin isn’t an issue—in fact, we’ve been selling Oru Kayaks for over four years, and we've only seen one kayak that needed a repair. Oru states the material should last 20,000 fold cycles—that’s once a day for 54 years! No one has come close to reaching that limit.

We don’t recommend dragging them (or any kayak) fully loaded over rough terrain, but launching on sandy or stony beaches is no problem. The material is far tougher than an inflatable kayak, and because they’re so lightweight, you can easily carry them instead of dragging them.

Even in the rare case of a puncture, the kayak remains very buoyant. Water stays contained between the two layers of the hull, preventing the kayak from sinking. And if you ever do need a repair, the material is fixable with the glue that comes in the Oru Repair Kit, creating a bond that’s just as strong—if not stronger—than the original!

Try Before You Buy!

Still not sure which one to choose? Come test them out at our Demo Centre, opening May long weekend! Our team at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle is here to help you find your perfect match.

🚣‍♂️ Where? OVAP Demo Centre: McLean Avenue Beach, 178 McLean Ave, Arnprior
📅 When? Starting May 17th
🛶 What? Try any Oru Kayak on the water before you buy!

If you’re ready to grab your own Oru Kayak, shop in-store or online—we’ve got them all in stock!

See you on the water! 🌊