I’ve owned, used, and tested Oru kayaks for nearly five years now. Hundreds of paddling miles and hours on the water, across several states. Loading, hauling, assembling, and disassembling these folding kayaks on my own and with groups.

So when Oru reached out and asked if I was interested in taking their new sleek black kayak model, the Oru Inlet Sport, out for summer paddling adventures, of course I said yes.

While we’re affiliate partners and fans of Oru, they’ve never paid us for sponsored content on our site. We always send back our test gear, and we pride ourselves on sharing our authentic thoughts (pros, cons, and the in betweens) with our Flatwater Kayak Club community.

Interested in our first impressions of the Oru Inlet Sport folding kayak and how it stacks up against my tried-and-true traditional Oru Inlet kayak model?

Check out our initial thoughts + photos and videos from our recent kayak trips…

Oru Inlet vs Oru Inlet Sport kayak features

I’ve purchased two Oru Inlets in the past, so I was very curious at what upgrades and/or differences exist with the new Oru Inlet Sport model – and if they hold up. Here are the key things that set these two collapsible kayak models apart:

• The Oru Inlet Sport plays up some of the best features of the larger Oru Beach LT Sport kayak, but in a smaller size.

• The Oru Inlet Sport kayak is compatible with the Oru skeg accessory. The regular Oru Inlet model is not.

• The Sport model only comes in the Black color way. Inlet has more options, and the Black version has a different deck color/pattern.

• The Oru Inlet Sport also comes with the gel cushion seat and a “rail track” design on the top (vs the fold-and-clip on Inlet).

• The Inlet Sport comes with more included features, so it’s more expensive.

• Inlet Sport is heavier at 23 pounds. The traditional Inlet model is three pounds lighter.

• Both kayaks have a weight capacity of 275 pounds and have the same dimensions (9’8 x 31”).

• Both kayaks are ideal for calm water paddling and beginner paddlers.

• Both kayaks come with a 3-year warranty, when purchased from Oru.

My take on comparing the Oru Inlet and Oru Inlet Sport kayaks features:

• The weight difference is nominal, both Inlet kayak designs feel lightweight and are easy to load up/carry.

• When folded, both Oru kayaks are compact. They store well and transport easily.

• Assembly time is the same for both, and nearly an identical process. I found the Oru Inlet Sport to be intuitive and I really like the “rail track” design. It’s sorta like a clean-looking zipper (you can see in photos on top of front and back of the black kayak).

• The Inlet Sport is exclusive to the Black kayak color. Personally, I prefer a brightly-colored kayak (partially for safety, although there are some great reflectors on the Inlet Sport). I will note that I would never buy a black kayak for Pacific Northwest sea kayaking – it could easily resemble a harbor seal.

• The included Sport gel seat is an Oru accessory must-have. I ended up buying one anyways, even though I have the cheaper Inlet kayak, which included a wedge seat that is not comfortable at all. If you’re doing the math, the Oru gel seat costs about $70 at the time of this post.

• While the Inlet Sport is skeg-compatible, it doesn’t come with one (an Oru skeg costs $30). While I don’t love the construction of their skeg, when it’s attached on the boat, it really does help with tracking while flat water paddling.

• The Oru Inlet Sport costs about $300 more (as of July, 2024). It’s really going to be up to the consumer on whether this added cost is worth it. I think, if there was a seasonal or special discount, I’d splurge on the Inlet Sport – and possibly get an Oru Inlet Sport bundle package, so you have the paddle, etc, and you’re ready to go.

• No matter what kayak you buy, don’t forget to always wear the number #1 safety item for paddling – a properly-fitted PFD.

So, that’s it for now!

What questions do you have for us about Oru folding kayaks?

Which kayak model has caught YOUR eye?

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