Spotlight Pick
Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak
4.3 / 5
Balanced option for paddlers who want a high-confidence all-round setup with strong value retention.
Product Breakdown
Oru Kayak Bay ST - 1 Person Foldable Kayak
4.1 / 5
Oru Kayak Bay ST - Foldable Kayak for Adventurous Solo Paddlers
Deep Dive
Description
The Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Bay ST is the perfect boat for those looking to connect with the water. With its innovative fold-out design, it is stable enough for beginners yet capable of maneuvering stronger waters. The Pro Bundle enhances the paddling experience, providing the perfect accessories.
Setting up the kayak is a breeze, taking only 10 to 15 minutes. Oru pioneered the origami-inspired, foldable structure, ensuring that you won't spend a lot of time setting up or carrying around a bulky boat.
When it comes to durability, the Oru Kayak excels. It undergoes extensive strength and durability testing, and its custom-extruded polypropylene construction makes it puncture and abrasion-resistant. It is built to last, and its foldable design allows for easy transport in small vehicles or when using public transportation.
The Pro Bundle includes all the essentials for any pro kayaker. The Oru Fiberglass Paddle offers high-performance pull through the water and breaks down into four pieces for easy storage. The Gel Seat provides comfort with its EVA foam upper and gel insert. The Oru Pack is made of rugged heavy-duty nylon and features a comfortable shoulder and hip strap system. The Float Bags are made of abrasion and puncture-resistant coated nylon, and the Oru 24 oz Water Bottle features double-wall insulation.
The Oru Kayak Bay ST weighs only 26 lbs, half the weight of a traditional kayak. It folds down to a compact box measuring 33" x 14" x 29". The cockpit size is 16" x 30", and it has a capacity for a maximum of 300 lbs. The maximum paddler height is 6'3".
Now let's address some frequently asked questions:
I've owned both an inflatable kayak and the Oru Kayak. Personally, I prefer the Oru because it is much easier to dry and pack away. With the Oru, I simply rinse it and let it air dry or quickly rub it down with a towel. Drying the inflatable kayak can be more time-consuming and may require shifting around the air chambers to ensure everything is dry.
While I haven't used the Oru Kayak near coral, I have had experience with rocks and debris. The material is very durable and can withstand contact with rocks. However, coral may be more abrasive, so caution is advised. I'm 5'10" and 220 lbs, and I find the kayak a bit cramped for long rides, but overall, I'm happy with it.
The Bay ST has weight limits, so whether a deck bag can be placed on it depends on the bag's size. If it can fit inside the kayak, it should be fine. However, it's always best to check the kayak's weight limits as stated in the specifications.
Installing a rudder on a Bay kayak is possible, although Oru does not currently sell one. However, there are third-party options available on Amazon. Contact the customer support team for direct links and more information.
What We Like
- THE ORIGINAL ORU KAYAK WITH THE PERFECT ACCESSORIES: Meet the boat making waves in the kayaking world and helping people everywhere connect with the water. Our Pro Bundle enhances your paddling experience. Innovative, fold-out Bay ST is stable enough for beginners, but its contoured shape maneuvers stronger waters too!FROM BOX TO BOAT IN MINUTES: Construct your kayak in only 10 to 15 minutes. Oru pioneered the Bay ST’s origami-inspired, foldable structure, so you won’t spend forever setting up or waste time lugging around a boat!SLEEK, DURABLE, & RELIABLE: Oru Kayaks undergo extensive strength and durability testing. Created from 5 mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene, Oru Kayaks are incredibly puncture, abrasion resistant and built to last. The foldable design makes you kayak fit into the trunk of a small car for easy transport when hiking, bicycling, and using public transportation.ALL THE ESSENTIALS FOR ANY PRO: Oru Fiberglass Paddle - with asymmetrical blade for a high-performance pull through the water and breaks down into four pieces for easy storage. Gel Seat - an EVA foam upper and gel insert below molds to your body shape to provide comfort. Oru Pack - made of rugged heavy-duty nylon, with a comfortable shoulder and hip strap system. Float Bags - Made of abrasion and puncture-resistant coated nylon. Oru 24 oz Water Bottle - with double-wall insulation.KAYAK SPECS & MEASUREMENTS: At 26 lbs, this origami kayak weighs half of a traditional kayak. 12'3' x 25' kayak that folds down to an unbelievably compact box - 33' x 14' x 29'. Cockpit size: 16' x 30'. Capacity for a max. of 300 Lbs. Max paddler height: 6'3'.
What To Consider
- Limited weight capacity of 300 lbs may not be suitable for larger individuals.
01Does anyone have an inflatable kayak and can compare what their thoughts are?+
I’ve owned both and prefer the Oru. The main reason is because the inflatable kayak is more time consuming when trying to dry and pack away. I open up my Oru, rinse it, then let it air dry. If in a hurry I rub it down with a towel. My inflatable, due to the air chambers, needed to be shifted around during drying to make sure it was completely dry before packing. I found, in FL, this could take 2 to 3 days before I was sure every area was dry.
02I live where we have a lot of corel in the waters where we live. how durable are they? has anyone use them in hawaii?+
Hi, I have not used it near any coral, but certainly have brushed up against lots of rocks and debris. Have to say the material is very durable. Now rocks are not as abrasive as coral so I would be mindful of the speed and depth when making contact. Biggest complaint i have is I'm 5'10, 220 lbs. bit cramped for a long ride but otherwise am pretty happy with the kayak, have had it now for 3 seasons. Hope this helps.
03Can a Bay ST handle having a deck bag on it?+
I don't know what a deck bag is, but generally speaking, if it can't fit inside the kayak...it's questionable (size). The kayak has weight limits in the spec.
04Can a rudder be installed on a Bay kayak?+
This is possible, but we don't currently sell one. There are some third party options here on Amazon that we can direct you to. Please reach out to our customer support team and we can provide you with direct links. Thanks!
Alternatives
Similar Products
A curated comparison lane to quickly spot stronger options.
Read Next
Related Articles
A focused editorial path so readers can keep momentum after this review.
10 guidesExplore categories
shopFeaturedIs a Folding Oru Kayak Worth Your Investment? 2026
Deep dive first: this article expands the strategy, gear, and route decisions that complement the product you are viewing now.
Read featured guide
![Tide Chart: The Rule That Is Based On Twelfths [updated 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshared-bucket-websites.s3.amazonaws.com%2FTheRuleOfTwelfths-1656542818352&w=3840&q=75)
