With a directive to make paddling accessible for more people regardless of age, mobility or access to storage and transportation, Oru Kayak created The Lake–a foldable kayak rooted in simple, yet beautiful design.

Unlike previous Oru kayaks, The Lake is composed of only two parts: A 5mm double-layered polypropylene hull, and a folding floorboard with built-in seat. This minimalistic design approach, reminiscent of single-sheet origami art, creates remarkable specifications. With two parts to assemble and weighing 17lbs., The Lake is the lightest non-inflatable kayak in the world and can be transformed from lightweight box, to fully-functional kayak in 1 minute.

The Lake's simplicity also translates to more accessible pricing ($499), pairing affordability with the freedom to own a kayak without access to storage or transportation needs.

Such an approachable boat has proven to be a clear need in the industry. After unveiling the Lake on Kickstarter in the spring of 2022, Oru Kayak raised over $2.5M with more than 2,600 backers – the brand's largest crowd-funding campaign in history.

The defining principle of the Lake is simplicity, both in terms of customer accessibility and design ethos.

The 9' X 32" Lake features only two parts which allows the kayak to unfold from a convenient box-form into a fully functional kayak in 1 minute. A single sheet of double layered polypropylene folds to form the hull and deck of the kayak (as well as the box), and a custom folded floorboard with built-in 18mm memory foam forms the seat.

Whereas other Oru Kayak models rely on users to install bulkheads to provide rigidity, the Lake employs an innovative new folded floorboard to create the same structural integrity. With bulkheads, footrests, trim, and individual seat components removed, the Lake weighs an eye-catching 17 lbs – 15% less than the next lightest Oru Kayak model – making it the most lightweight non-inflatable kayak in the world. Regardless of strength or age, the Lake allows more people to transport, carry, and store a fully functional kayak on their own.

The Lake can be assembled in under 1 minute – 66% faster than Oru Kayak's Inlet. In box form (42"x10"x18"), the Lake is similar in size to the Inlet, Oru Kayak's next smallest boat. However, unlike the Inlet, Oru Kayak's collapsible paddle can nest within the Lake to create a compact, all-in-one package that can be stored three deep in the trunk of a car or under a couch.

The essence of origami shines through every detail in the Lake. Clean lines evoke the purity and elegance of folded paper, while a swallowtail stern pays homage to traditional origami adornments.

In an on-going effort to make on-water recreation accessible to more people, Oru Kayak paid special attention to the Lake's price tag. At MSRP of $499, the Lake is notably $400 less than the brand's previously most affordable kayak.

SPECS & MEASUREMENTS:

Assembled boat: 9' X 32"

Open Cockpit: 66" x 24"

Box dimensions: 42" X 10" X 18" (similar in size to Oru Kayak's Inlet but their collapsible paddle — sold separately — nests inside folded boat for one convenient package)

Weight: 17 lbs (15% lighter than the Inlet making it the lightest non-inflatable kayak in the world)

Assembly time: 1 minute (66% faster than the Inlet)

Total amount of parts: 2 (50% less parts than all other Oru Kayak models)

Max paddler height: 6'4"

Weight capacity: 250 Lbs

COST:

MSRP: $499 ($400 less than the brand's previously most affordable kayak)

FEATURES:

Assembled using two moving parts

Beautiful lines (like a swallowtail stern) evoke the wonder of origami art

Folded floorboard with integrated 18mm thick memory foam seat

Lightweight, durable materials that are puncture + abrasion resistant – constructed out of 5mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment

Easy to close bow and stern folds – no bulkheads

Spacious, open cockpit for easy entry and exit

Mini-fairings and skid plates

Can be conveniently carried using Inlet backpack

Padded carrying handles