Oru Beach LT folding kayak [REVIEW]

Water enthusiasts and adventurers have long been on the hunt for the perfect kayak – one that balances performance, design, and portability. The Oru Beach LT kayak, an innovative design born from the blend of Origami art principles and cutting-edge materials, is a compelling solution to this kayaking problem.

In this post, we'll explore the features of this unique folding flatwater kayak, and our key insights from real-life product testing in Oregon’s calm waters….

This website is unsponsored by Oru, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through my link, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. The Oru Company sent us a Beach LT kayak, Oru PFD, and Oru Paddle for testing in the Pacific Northwest. We received no compensation for this unsponsored and unbiased article post, and all tested products were sent back to Oru.

Any long-time readers of Flatwater Kayak Club know that we extensively tested another folding kayak by Oru, the Inlet, for over two years, and that we own two of these kayaks (you can read an in-depth Oru Inlet Review on our site). So we brought this experience, Oru product expertise, and kayaking know-how to testing the Beach LT kayak.

Key design features of the Oru Beach LT kayak

1. Origami-inspired folding design

The most distinctive feature of the Oru Beach LT Kayak is its origami-inspired design. This is not just a decorative choice, but serves a functional purpose – This kayak can be folded down into a compact, rectangular box, making it significantly more portable than traditional kayaks. (See image above in the box that was shipped to us by Oru for testing).

2. Portability:

Because of its foldable nature, the Beach LT is incredibly portable and easy to store. It can transform from its boxed state to a fully functional kayak in about ten minutes (only a few minutes longer than the Oru Inlet foldable kayak). This portability makes it ideal for those who might not have a lot of storage space or those who wish to travel with their kayak.

The Oru Beach LT kayak weighs 25 pounds, which is about half the weight of a traditional hardshell kayak. It’s not the lightest Oru kayak design offered, however.

3. Lightweight durability:

Despite its lightweight design (around 25 pounds), the Oru Beach LT doesn't sacrifice durability. As someone who is 5’6”, I did notice that it felt heavier and a little bulkier than the Inlet, but our 6’1” tester wasn’t phased by this difference. It's crafted using a custom polypropylene material with a 10-year UV treatment. This high quality material ensures that the kayak remains resilient against common wear and tear and can withstand numerous folding cycles (Oru has tested these kayaks up to 20,000 folds).

The footrest on the Beach LT is adjustable, and our 6’1” kayaker found the cockpit to be comfortable and spacious.

4. Comfortable & spacious cockpit:

The cockpit of the Beach LT is designed with user comfort in mind, and it’s also a bit larger and longer than the Inlet, making it more ideal for taller and heavier paddlers, so it really does allow for paddlers of various sizes to fit comfortably.

This design also provides a relaxed and stable paddling experience, making it suitable for beginners and those who prioritize comfort during their flatwater kayaking adventures.

“The adjustability of the seat and footrest gave it some good versatility.”

— Flatwater Kayak Club Oru Beach LT Tester

5. Efficient performance:

While the Beach LT is crafted for casual paddling and beach play, it doesn't lag in performance. Its hull is designed for stability in calm waters, providing a smooth and controlled kayaking experience. We found this stability to be true during testing on two different flatwater rivers in the state of Oregon.

6. Reduced environmental impact:

The Oru Kayak team prides itself on sustainability. While the Oru is made of plastic, it’s designed to last a long time, the materials used in the Beach LT are recyclable, and the manufacturing process aims to minimize waste.

7. Accessory-ready:

For those who want to customize their kayaking experience, the Beach LT comes accessory-ready. Whether you're interested in attaching paddle holders, fishing rod mounts, camera mount, cup holder, or other paddling add-ons, Oru offered a ton of compatible kayak accessories.

8. Affordable luxury:

Given its innovative design and features, one might expect the Oru Beach LT to be a luxury product. While it isn't the cheapest kayak on the market, its price point is still accessible for many, especially when you consider its longevity and versatility. Oru also offers a bunch of seasonal deals too – so be sure to sign up for their email list (and keep tabs here at Flatwater Kayak Club) where discounts are frequently shared.

Overall Oru Beach LT review insights

The Oru Beach LT kayak really does marry form and function, which was no surprise for us, being avid Oru Inlet fans. It's a testament to how modern design can revolutionize traditional equipment, making paddling more accessible for more people.

Take a look at some of the Oru Beach LT folded – It’s a bit taller than the Oru Inlet, but it’s still easy for someone to carry with the shoulder strap (especially if they’re taller in height).

We even put the folded Oru Beach LT next to the folded Oru Inlet kayak in a camper van to see them side-by-side.

Side-by-side folded Oru kayaks in a camper van trunk.

Here are some photos of our Oru kayak tester assembling the Beach LT in the Pacific Northwest on a beautiful fall kayaking afternoon:

Every single piece of the folded Oru Beach LT kayak (except for the shoulder strap) is used in the final assembled product. The innovation is quite amazing!

It took our male kayaker less than 15 minutes to assemble the Oru Beach LT kayak. Overall, he found it pretty intuitive and also Oru’s YouTube videos to be handy in supporting this process.

Our kayaker also used the Oru PFD for the first time, and reported back: “The life jacket is really comfortable! I noticed a difference compared to the one I usually use – this was more comfortable, and my arms had more maneuverability when I paddled.”

Always remember to prioritize safety when kayaking. Always wear a life jacket, be aware of weather conditions, and never kayak in conditions beyond your skill level.

Here are some more photos from testing the Oru Beach LT kayak outside of Portland, Oregon, on the Sandy River on a beautiful autumn day…

[READ MORE: How does the Inlet compare to the Beach LT? Check out Oru Inlet vs Beach LT folding kayaks, and Oru Lake Sport vs Oru Inlet kayaks).

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner looking for a casual kayaking experience, the Beach LT has something to offer. It tracks well and feels stable in the water. It has a lot of similarities with the Inlet kayak, but as someone who is 5’6” and our tester being 6’1”, the Beach LT did seem like a better kayak option for a taller, heavier individual.

And the real Oru advantage that makes it worth about USD $1,000? Beyond being a great-looking boat, you can’t beat the convenience of its portability.

Disassembling the Oru Beach LT kayak. It takes less than 10 minutes!

“Looking for a foldable kayak? This is a great option. If you don’t have the space to store a kayak, you can’t beat this design.”

— Flatwater Kayak Club Oru Beach LT Tester

There was PLENTY of room for the folded Oru Beach LT kayak, Oru PFD life jacket, and Oru paddle in the trunk of this Toyota SUV.

In summary, the Oru Beach LT Kayak, with its unique origami design, holds true to Oru’s unique blend of portability, durability, and performance in their kayaks.

Its spacious cockpit, stability, and user-friendly nature make it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned paddlers who prioritize a compact, lightweight, portable kayak in their outdoor lifestyle.

About Flatwater Kayak Club

Flatwater Kayak Club is a leading woman-owned online platform dedicated to supporting beginner and intermediate kayakers in the Pacific Northwest. Our company founder, a former writer for The National Geographic Channel and a current ACA member, guides our mission with her passion for kayaking, nature, and storytelling.