Maintaining your Oru Kayak: top tips from an owner

Oru Inlet
Written By Jodi

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your folding Oru Kayak in top condition – and we know, as we heavily tested an Inlet model for two years. Follow these essential tips to extend the lifespan and ensure optimal performance on your flatwater paddling adventures.

Orange paper with new Oru kayak with cautions before paddling

I purchased my second Oru Inlet in March, 2023, and it came with this orange warning letter with tips, precautions, advice, contact links, and warranty policy validation information.

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.

Oru Inlet folding kayak by Flatwater Kayak Club

Scappoose Bay is one of my favorite places to kayak with my Oru Inlet in the Portland, Oregon area. As I assemble my folding kayak on the dock, I look it over for any damage.

Oru kayak maintenance tips

As passionate kayakers, we invest in gear that we hope will last us for years to come. Regular care and attention will help keep your Oru kayak in top shape and ready for your next paddling adventure. Here are some tips:

brand new oru kayak fairing green boat

This is an example of a brand-new, out-of-the-box Oru Inlet kayak with a new and unused fairing.

1.     Regular Cleaning: After each use, make sure to wash down your kayak, removing dirt, sand, and debris. Pay special attention to the folds and creases, as trapped particles can cause wear and tear over time. Fully dry your boat before storage (this also helps with river conservation).

2.     UV Protection: Though Oru Kayaks are made from UV-resistant material, prolonged exposure to sunlight can still, in theory, cause damage. Store your kayak away from direct sunlight or use a UV-protective cover when not in use.

3.     Assembly, Disassembly and General Care: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for assembling and disassembling your kayak. Avoid forcing folds or connections, as this can cause damage to the material and structure. Oru also recommends hand tightening screws after every few uses, and using extra car in extreme cold as some components may become brittle.

4.     Inspect for Damage: Before and after each use, inspect your kayak for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration and ensure a safe paddling experience. (This is how I discovered the damaged fairings on my Inlet last year).

5.     Proper Storage: Store your kayak in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid damp or humid environments that could promote mold or mildew growth. Keep it off the ground to prevent damage from moisture or pests. Hopefully this is an easy thing to do, as they fold up compact. I keep mine in the garage now, but at my last house, I stored it in the basement.

folded green oru kayak inlet on dock

Our April 2023 new green edition Oru kayak on its maiden voyage!

6.     Transport with Care: When transporting your Oru Kayak, use its strap system designed for your specific model, or the backpack accessory. This will help protect your kayak from scratches, dents, and other potential damage during transport. As Oru’s documentation says, do not drag your kayak.

7.     Seek Professional Repairs: If your kayak needs repairs, contact Oru Kayak or an authorized repair center for assistance. Attempting DIY repairs without the proper knowledge or tools can result in further damage, so check in with Oru first (also so you don’t void the company warranty).

Oru Kayak unboxing with the limited warranty information booklet

This is the warranty information that Oru provided me with my 2023 Inlet folding kayak purchase.

Oru Kayak warranty and support

Oru Kayak offers a 12-month limited warranty on its kayaks, covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship.

To ensure you receive the best support possible, always register your kayak after purchase. This should be your first step!

Oru Warranty registration FAQs:

The white plastic strip seen here is where you’ll find your Oru Kayak hull identification number. This is shown from our brand-new green Inlet.

  • The warranty only applies to kayaks purchased from the Oru kayak site. If you buy from a third party, you’ll need to deal with that vendor (REI, Amazon, etc).

  • You must register for the warranty on Oru’s website within 30 days of receiving your boat.

  • You’ll need your HIN - Hull Identification Number. It a little, long, white plastic piece on the bottom of your Oru kayak. The number is very faint, but it’s there!

In case of any issues with boat damage, Oru Kayak's customer support team is known for their prompt responses and dedication to resolving problems. They can provide guidance on repair, replacement, or other solutions to get you back on the water.

So, secure your warranty. You’ll feel better about protecting your investment. And if something pops up, don't hesitate to reach out to them with questions or concerns about your Oru Kayak, as they're always eager to help their community of paddlers.

Oru kayak owner's manual for Inlet model

I snapped this photo when I unboxed my brand-new green Oru Inlet kayak from the Oru Company last month.

[READ MORE: Think you’re ready to buy a folding kayak? Read our tips on what to know before you buy].

If you discover your Oru kayak is damaged, follow these steps to address the issue:

I’ve had to contact the Oru Company twice about my Oru Inlet.

Here are some tips from an Oru owner:

Assess the damage

Last summer, upon a routine inspection of my Oru Inlet kayak, I discovered a damaged fairing. I took photos and contacted Oru.

Start by carefully inspecting the faulty area to determine the extent of the damage.

Check for punctures, cracks, or any signs of wear and tear that might compromise the kayak's performance or safety.

As you can see from this photo, this happened to me last summer when I discovered my Oru bow fairing was splitting down the middle.

I was past the point of warranty, and the fairings were out of stock on the Oru website. So, what was I to do?

Step two…

Contact Oru Kayak Customer Support

Reach out to Oru Kayak's customer support team through their website, email, or phone. Provide them with information about the damage and include photos if possible.

Contact email: service@orukayak.com

They will be able to guide you on the next steps and determine if the damage is covered under warranty. In my case, I was past the warranty date, and it was obviously a wear & tear issue on my folding kayak.

Repair or replace

Depending on the extent of the damage and the advice from Oru Kayak's customer support, you may need to repair or replace the damaged part for your folding kayak.

If the damage is minor and repairable, follow the guidelines provided by the customer support team. In some cases, they may send you a repair kit or replacement parts.

In my situation mentioned above, Oru did indeed send me a fairings repair kit free of charge (they usually cost about $15, and not all fairings work on all Oru models).

Professional help

If the damage is severe and requires professional assistance, Oru Kayak's customer support team may recommend a local authorized repair shop or service center to assist you in fixing the damage.

Has this happened to you? Let us know in the comments!

I shared about this in my ultimate review of the Oru Inlet, but the first boat I received was actually poorly QA’d and had a crack in it. Oru helped me ship it back and sent me a new one. They were great to work with and made me feel heard as a customer. I had purchased my Inlet brand-new from REI, and it was a big splurge for me at the time. I was glad the brand stood behind their products and did the right thing.

So remember, it's essential to address any damage to your Oru kayak promptly to ensure your safety and maintain the kayak's performance and longevity. Hopefully you’re still under warranty and can get the problem remedied right away.

Get the Oru Repair Kit when you buy your folding boat

Pro tip: In my opinion, as an Oru kayak owner for several years now, it’s worth just buying the Oru Repair Kit and having it on hand if any issues arise. You don’t want to have a leaking boat when you’re out on an epic paddling trip, right?

The kit costs just $15 from the company’s website, is almost always in stock, and supports the boat repair of all Oru kayak models.

While Oru’s folding kayaks are highly durable and puncture resistant, with all the folding and wear & tear, you may get a surprise leak. If you do, this repair kit will come in handy – it comes with glue, primer, an adhesive plastic patch, and a helicopter tape patch.

I’ll note, I never had to use mine with my transparent Oru Inlet model (2+ years old), but it’s $15 that’s given me peace of mind. I also just bought the Oru Inlet in green color, so I’ll continue to keep the kit in my dry bag.

foldable oru inlet kayak on water in pacific northwest

Where will your next kayaking adventure take you?

Jodi
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