Is a FOLDING BOAT a TERRIBLE IDEA? - Oru Kayak Beach LT Review & Test

I've had my Beach LT for a year now and its truly a game changer. I'm out on the Thames almost every day in mine. While I could easily store and transport a rigid kayak - being able to leave it in the boot, and pack and unpack in 5 mins makes my early morning paddles before work is life changing. While its not built for speed due to its width, I entered a 5KM paddle competition last year and came first. You also get a lot of attention when you are unfolding it - be prepared for questions... there always are a LOT of questions! Got mine for a good £300 less from a store which was selling the latest version cheap for some reason. Best £900 i ever spent!

For any hard sided kayak on open water, a bilge pump (or scoop), and a paddle float would be important additions to aid in self recovery. The float's added stability allows you to get back in without completely flooding the cockpit. And the pump/scoop lets you clear out the water that gets in when you flip it. Another trick you can do [when there is another boat out there with you] is to drag one end of your overturned kayak up onto the bow of the other one so you can dump water and get the cockpit out of the water before you flip it.

I've used the Beach LT now for 2 years. It's starting to leak a little and I'm super careful not to scrape it. That fold count is not a real prediction of use life. Float bags in the bulkheads and a large hand pump attached by line in the interior are as essential as the PFD. (A paddle lanyard is always a good idea too.) I would never consider leaving shore without all of them. The bags mean that much less water in the hull to move around. Stephen was exhausted on a dead calm day close to shore. Now imaging trying that on a cold choppy lake a mile from shore.

I really appreciate the 'what does it take to tip it's moment cause that's what I was wondering all along!

I love watching you with your sister, it's hilarious.

Loved your video and lunch looked great 😊

I've owned the ORU Coast XT for 5 years, which I always add float bags, a bilge pump, and know how to do T-rescues and the cowboy scramble. Having the right gear and training is important.

Looks like a great concept. I have a couple inflatable SUP’s but would love to get some kind of packable kayak for cruising on the canals

I have my new Beach LT….can’t wait to get it out!

Love it!

Would love to see more videos where Naomi falls into the water. Very entertaining. 🤣

Good review ! Thanks. Just saw the Hypar Kayak on YouTube. You should review that & compare the two, since they are similar. Considering a lighter folding kayak than the Origami Paddler that we have. It’s 39 lbs. I believe. Its pretty bulky with that weight, and hard to carry very far folded up over one’s shoulder…And since they went bankrupt, we have only received one, paid for two 🙄. Thanks so much !!

No be sad just purchase one, I did. It’s winter here in Pa. cannot wait to take mine out

Not "probably" a good idea to get float bags -- but definitely an essential safety feature. I think manufacturers are shirking hteir responsibility by not including them in the whole package.

Flotation bags! I really can't recommend orou as long as they have this: "the customer will sure buy flotation bags even tough we never mention that those are needed" attitude! It is also interesting to see how much water gets stuck between those full surface ribs!

Quero um desses!!!

Bel video, bravo

Well you had fun, but I wouldn't use it on our coastline, the RNILI are busy enough. Airbags would stop it sinking and you could carry a paddle float and pump. Re-entry by climbing in over the back will work better (known as the Cowboy Rescue); or you could spend less on a high pressure inflatable kayak (constructed in the same way as paddle boards). Let me know if you want a different view of our coast and I'll take you under the Rope Bridge in my big, safe, rigid plastic, two man kayak.

Good idea, just need inflatable buoyancy bag,s bow & stern

for the recovery part, I saw someone else do this by taking the life vest off temporarily while trying to recover and it was a LOT easier for them. the vest just gets so much in the way. I think I would try and put the life vest on like a diaper. Would help pull up your lower body weight as you pull yourself in.