Why I bought an Oru Lake Sport: Fun and functionality

As an enthusiastic online community of kayaking aficionados, Flatwater Kayak Club has always had an eye for kayaks that blend innovative design with practical functionality. The Oru Lake Sport folding kayak has been on our radar for quite some time, stirring our curiosity and excitement – especially when we had the opportunity to score a kayak holiday discount.

It’s literally in a box right now in my living room – covered by a blanket to hide it from my tween son as a Christmas gift. This is our third Oru kayak purchase (two Inlets, and now the Lake+), and we extensively tested the Oru Beach LT for the company last summer (and shipped the model back to the company, BTW).

In this article, we’ll talk about why the Oru Lake Sport folding kayak is such an intriguing option for flatwater kayakers of various levels and needs, drawing from our knowledge of its sibling models in the Oru range and our anticipation of testing it in the waters ourselves… So let’s dig in!

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.

Key Features of the Oru Lake Sport Kayak:

Its unique combination of portability and robustness marks this kayak as a potential game-changer in our family paddling experiences (and maybe yours too). Although we haven't had the chance to test it firsthand yet – excited for 2024! – our extensive experience testing the Oru Beach LT and Oru Inlet models on flatwater across the Pacific Northwest states has set high expectations for the folding Oru Lake+ model (which is the upgraded version of the Lake model, which gained huge popularity on the Kickstarter campaign awhile back. You might remember this model was formerly called the Lake+ model but Oru recently rebranded the name in 2024).

• Lightweight and Portable:

  • Weighs approximately 17 lbs, making it easy to carry and transport. This is the lightest folding kayak from the Oru kayak collection. Formerly, Oru promoted this as an 18 pound kayak, but the 2024 rebranded “Sport” model is one pound lighter according to their online description copy.

  • Folds down to the size of a suitcase for convenient storage and portability​​.

• Durability and Construction:

  • Made from puncture and abrasion-resistant materials for long-lasting use.

  • Can withstand various conditions, including sliding over rocks and bumping into obstacles​​. We wrote up a full Oru kayak maintenance support article, with tips from our team as Oru kayak owners.

• Effortless Assembly:

  • Quick and easy to assemble, transforming from box to boat in less than a minute. No joke. Less than a minute assembly time!

  • No loose components or tools needed, making the setup process seamless and straightforward​​.

• Sleek Design Inspired by Origami:

  • Features clean, minimal lines that evoke elegance and simplicity.

  • The design pays homage to origami, reflecting a simple and easy-to-use kayak model​​​​.

• Compact Yet Robust:

  • Despite its small size, the kayak boasts the same materials and durability as larger expedition models.

  • Constructed with custom extruded, UV-treated OruPlast™ for resilience and longevity​​.

As a family-oriented kayaker, I'm particularly excited about the prospect of the Oru Lake+ being an ideal kayak for my son to embark on his own paddling adventures. We’ve enjoyed so many tandem kayaking adventures together, and he’s ready to paddle alongside me with his own folding boat.

Kayaker problems solved by the Oru Lake Sport folding kayak:

• Perfect for Young Paddlers:

  • Stable and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for tweens and teenagers who are strong swimmers and ready to kayak in their own boat (strong swimming ability, have paddled before, etc) with a supervising adult.

  • Lightweight design allows young users to be involved in transporting and assembling the kayak, fostering independence and responsibility.

  • It weighs only 17 pounds. They can carry this boat themselves from the car to the water’s edge.

• Great for Urban Dwellers:

  • Compact foldable design solves storage issues in small living spaces.

  • Easily transportable in the trunk of a car, eliminating the need for a roof rack or large vehicle.

• Suited for Casual Recreational Kayakers:

  • Simple assembly and ease of use make it perfect for beginners or casual kayakers.

  • Ideal for leisurely paddles in calm waters like lakes, slow rivers, and bays.

• Outdoor Enthusiasts with Limited Storage Space:

  • The small storage footprint allows for easy keeping in apartments, small garages, or even on boats. We recently posted real life testing photos of this Oru folded kayak in a 2 dor Jeep Wrangler trunk.

  • Offers the freedom to own a kayak without the worry of space constraints.

• Environmentally Conscious Adventurers:

  • Lightweight and efficient design reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting larger, heavier kayaks.

  • Durable construction ensures a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.

Conclusion:

The Oru Lake Sport folding kayak combines portability, durability, ease of use, and affordability in a sleek package.

Recommended added accessories: Oru PFD (or any high-quality life jacket, and learn how to wear it properly!), float bags, paddle.

Whether you're heading out for a quick paddle or planning a full day on the lake, the Lake Sport is designed to enhance your kayaking experiences. And this holiday season, it’s worthwhile investment because you can score a great deal on one of the top folding kayak brands out there. We’ll be sure to share more photos and kayaking reviews on the Oru Lake Sport model once we hit the water in 2024.