Foldable Oru Kayak Review

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this Origami Kayak Folds Up and Fits Inside Your Car

Glide effortlessly in this origami tandem kayak, then fold it up in less than 10 minutes and slip into your car trunk.

The Oru Haven TT Kayak will garner stares off and on the water. Made for two people, this is the first origami kayak we’ve used.

Fly it, store it, and share it. Oru kayaks fold from box to boat in under 15 minutes. Made to withstand 20,000 fold cycles, they fold from a single, seamless sheet of 5 mm double-layered polypropyl.

Let’s review the Haven TT Oru Kayak and unpack why this foldable 2 person kayak is your best bet for your family the next time you hit up a lake or inlet for fishing and camping.

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See what this origami kayak is all about!

What is a tandem kayak?

A tandem kayak is a double kayak — so you’ll have two seats instead of one. One person will sit directly behind the other in this type of kayak.

The Oru Haven TT is a tandem hybrid kayak, meaning it can be used as a single kayak as well.

What to look for in a good Double kayak?

1. Width - The wider the kayak, the more stable it will be on the water. For example, the Oru Haven TT is 33” wide.

2. Length - The longer the kayak, the faster and more easily it will glide on the water. Shorter The Haven TT tandem kayak is 16 feet long. Most tandems are between 16 and 22 feet long.

3. Weight - The weight of a kayak will determine how portable it is. A tandem kayak will require two people to carry it.

4. Legroom - Typically, in recreational kayaks, if you are 5’6” or under, you will need 8-12’ of legroom. If you are taller, you will want 10-12’; if you are over 6’ tall, you will definitely need 12’ of legroom

5. Weight Capacity - Single kayaks may hold only up to 250 pounds in weight. Look for a tandem that holds at least 500 pounds in weight.

6. Portability - How easy or awkward or heavy is it to carry? Is it just you or you and a friend? Know your abilities and limitations with carrying weight.

7. Storage - How easily can you store this kayak while not in use? Where will you store it indoors, away from sunlight and elements? Origami kayaks fit in a lot of places that normal kayaks won’t!

Oru makes eight different foldable kayaks for beginners to advanced kayakers, ranging from lightweight singles, to the tandem Haven TT.

Review Oru Kayaks Comparison Chart.

A two person kayak, the Haven TT Oru is easy to manage on the water

Personal review of Oru Kayak Haven TT

The Haven TT Oru Kayak is super fun for families and friends who love to hit calm waters at a more leisurely pace.

This tandem origami kayak is great on small alpine lakes or calm rivers where you don’t have to worry about white caps or strong winds.

Oru Kayaks glide swiftly on calm waters and are made for stability and sturdiness.

If you love to fish and camp, this two person kayak would be an awesome addition to your recreation toys that you bring along on your outdoor vacation.

Clean up is easy and these kayaks are made for up to 20,000 folds if stored and cared for properly!

See how easily you can carry the foldable Haven TT Oru Kayak on your shoulder when in it’s box form

We especially love how the Oru Haven TT folds up into a box and can be easily stored in your closet.

We also love how this foldable 2 person Oru kayak is easily portable in your car trunk.

You won’t want or need to strap this to the top of your car!

Once you follow the written directions and know how to fold this origami kayak up and strap it all together, you will only need 10-15 minutes for assembling and re-boxing it. It may take you 25-30 minutes to get the hang of it the first time. Just follow the included directions the first time.

Because it is so long, you will need two people to carry it to the water, but one person can carry it in its boxed up form. (see photo above)

Where Can I use the Oru Haven TT Kayak?

The Haven TT is made for use on protected flat waters, lakes and slow-moving rivers. This kayak is not made for fast-moving water, whitewater or surf.

Oru kayaks are recreational kayaks and therefore are not made with waterproof bulkheads. If this kayak flips over, it will fill up with water and can sink.

You will want to enter the kayak from a dock or from smooth sand or mud to keep abrasions from compromising the bottom of the kayak.

Quick Highlights

• This 16'1" tandem kayak folds down to a manageable box (similar in size to a large suitcase).

• Just half the weight of a traditional double kayak, this one weighs 41 pounds and the “box” can be stored in your closet and easily transported in any car.

• The most stable Oru kayak, ideal for all kinds of fun on calm water.

• The universal rail track system can hold all kinds of accessories for fishing, photography, or just holding a cold beverage.

• This is a great boat for paddlers of all abilities and ages.

• Lightweight, this origami kayak is built to be super strong.

• Oru Kayaks are puncture abrasion resistant and made to last — made to fold 20,000 times.

The design of this foldable tandem Oru kayak is impeccable

Specifications

• Weight: 41 Lbs (18.6 Kg)

• Length: 16'1" (490 Cm)

• Width: 33" (84 Cm)

• Cockpit: 20" x 91" (51 x 231 Cm)

• Max paddler height: 6'6" (198 Cm)

• Weight capacity: 500 Lbs (226 Kg)

• Kayak box: 34" x 17" x 29" (86 x 43 x 74 Cm)

• Shipping box: 35" by 18" by 31" (89 x 46 x 79 Cm)

• Set-up time: 10-15 minute

The Oru Haven TT is perfect for smaller calm lakes and rivers, but Oru makes other kayaks for wilder waters

durability

In case you missed it, Oru Kayaks are made for 20,000 folding cycles. That’s a lot of kayaking trips!

As long as you don’t drag it on the ground and you keep it clean and out of sunlight, this kayak can last you for many, many years.

ease of use

Once you understand how to fold this origami kayak, you will need about 15 minutes to set up the kayak for use.

Likewise, once you have cleaned and dried off the kayak after use, you will only need about 15 minutes max to fold up the kayak back into box form.

Sleek and sporty, the Oru Haven TT is super stable and it was easy to maintain a straight line while gliding on the water.

fun factor

We give this kayak a 10 out of 10 on the fun factor scale!

We took it out on a small lake in Colorado and had a blast! Our friends also spent time in it, and they had never been in a kayak before. They loved it.

It only took a few minutes to learn how to work together with the paddles, and we were quickly gliding across the lake in no time.

An Oru kayak on the water in 15 minutes from box to kayak

portability

The Haven TT is compact and light, so you can lift it onto your shoulders and carry it with the shoulder straps included. Avoid dragging the kayak on the ground.

Oru Kayaks are meant to stashed inside your vehicle or trunk. It is not meant to be strapped to the top of your car.

The Haven TT is easily carried by two people, using the fairing handles at the end.

Storage

To best care for Oru Kayaks, it is best to store it indoors in its box form, away from heat and sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight will cause brittleness over time.

age appropriateness

This Oru Kayak is appropriate for all ages and abilities. Ages 16 and up would be able to unfold and fold up this origami kayak with the aid of another person. A child could glide in this kayak with an adult, wearing PFDs of course!

Oru Haven TT Accessories

We think the padded gel seats and PFDs are must add-ons when buying an Oru Kayak.

• Oru PFD vests. We never hit the water in a kayak or on a paddleboard without a PFD—and neither should you. Made by NRS, the industry leader in high-performance kayaking gear, the Oru Kayak PFD is a great fit!

• Oru padded gel seats help you stay out on the water longer. Must have for all day adventures.

• Spray Skirts

• Dry Bags

• Our Packs

• Float Bags

• Phone Dry Bag

Important Tips for Using your Oru Tandem Kayak

All Oru Kayaks are rated to 20,000 fold cycles and have been given a 10 year UV treatment.

To keep your this special origami kayak in tip-top condition, follow these tips:

1. Do not drag your kayak on the ground.

2. Rinse your kayak with fresh water and wipe it clean before storing.

3. Following every 3-4 uses, it’s a good idea to hand tighten the screws.

4. Use extra care when putting the kayak together in freezing temperatures; extreme cold can make the materials brittle.

5. ALWAYS wear your PFD when on the water.

6. NEVER paddle alone. It is always best to have someone with you in case of emergency.

7. Do not exceed the kayak’s maximum weight limit of 500 pounds (people plus equipment).

8. The tandem kayak is best for protected flatwater recreational kayaking.

9. Avoid large waves, fast-moving currents, changing tides, and high surf in the tandem kayak - this one’s not made for that.*

10. Never go paddling in strong winds, rain, thunderstorms, or on choppy water.

11. Know your paddling skills and physical abilities before you get on the water.

12. Dress appropriately for weather - layers are key! Wear a wetsuit or drysuit if necessary.

13. Carry a helmet and use when necessary.

14. Wear a whistle to alert others in case of emergency.

15. Make sure all extra equipment and bags are attached securely.

16. Know about the body of water you are taking the kayak on; learn if there are any hazardous conditions, like low water levels or rocky areas, and have an emergency back-up plan.

17. Tell friends and relatives where you are floating / kayaking: where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

18. Know first aid and carry a first aid kit.

*While most Oru Kayaks are made for calm water, never fear, Oru makes two kayaks for choppy waters or heavy surf: Bay ST or Coast XT.

See Oru Kayak Comparison Chart.

The optional gel seats are a must for more time out on the water with your Oru Kayak

Related:

• Kayaking and Camping along the Niagua River

• Top Places to Kayak for Families

• The XL Paddleboard Big Enough for You Plus Three Friends