Oru Kayak Bay Kayak, White

It's a great concept, but really hard to put together and not very comfortable. Unfortunately, I had to return it.

While I enjoy kayaking in this kayak immensely, a few weeks in and materials are starting to chafe and wear already. The neoprene cover which goes over the bow to prevent water from entering is already forming a hole, apparently from rubbing against the sharp edges of the plastic of the bow. Additionally, the backrest is breaking apart where it rests back against the two screws which hold the backrest/frame together. I have contacted Oru about this and will follow up on this review based on how they handle these issues.UPDATE - I honestly love this kayak. No other issues have developed beyond the ones listed above. Customer service sent a replace bow sleeve which I've waited to install until the hole in the current sleeve grows to be a bigger issue which it hasn't yet despite regular use. I put a hand towel behind my backrest between it and the backboard screws to prevent further wear. I believe I could also cover them with some kind of epoxy that would adhere to the screw heads and blunt them to prevent chaffe, and I also should likely apply some kind of fabric glue over the part of the backrest (foam?) that has been slightly carved out by the sharp screws - but again, with the cloth in-between the problem hasn't become worse even with regular use.

I read lots of good things about this Kayak before I bought, but it is completely different when I really use it. First it took us at least 15 mins to set it up every time (me and my husband) given I am a small size person. The plastic component was broken when I used it the second time. The kayak is very easy to tip over when you get in and out of it even I am a small person, don't even mention if it happens in the middle of the water, so I am very very careful while I am out in the water. Overall I am not very happy with the purchase, if you have a chance to try it out, try it before you buy it online.

[Note: This is for the 2015 Bay model, not the new 2017 ST version]What I like the most about this kayak, other than the portability, is the light weight which allows me to carry it on foot conveniently without needing a wheel system. As a Houston, TX resident it is nice for me to take this kayak to the Austin and back in one day without hassle, for example. Paddlers around me have also asked about the unique design. Surprisingly it's also not as hot in the cockpit as I anticipated during summer heat.My first setup took about 60 minutes, but now after lots of practice it takes me around 15 minutes, and then at least 5 minutes to pack up.However, issues I've been having include the two screws rubbing against and damaging the back of the foam backrest which I am able to solve using cardboard inserts. Another issue I've had involves a tiny amount of water leaking into the corrugation tunnels inside the plastic (not the cockpit itself) after extended friction with the fold intersection areas. Gorilla Glue seems to fix those leaks for now.

The kayak is fairly easy to disassemble and put back together. The oru part works as advertised. I'm a fairly novice kayaker, I've rented kayaks probably a dozen times as an adult and those have always been an enjoyable experience. I feel safe on the water and have a good time.Enter my first oru kayak experience. I tipped the kayak getting into the boat,it happened so fast I don't even know what happened. I'm 5'11" and about 215. I was able to lift the boat and drain the water fairly easily since it isn't very heavy. Second try I entered the kayak OK. The entire time paddling I felt like I was one minor movement from tipping. Just taking a break I feel like a movement of a leg or my butt/back and I'll be in the water. The entire 45 minutes I was on the water was not fun. I was completely stressed on whether I was going to tip the boat. I was on a completely flat lake will no motor boats, the water was almost glass. I can't imagine what it will be like choppy or white water. Probably a disaster. I'm going to watch some you tube videos to see if maybe I have a bad form or something. But I am extremely pessimistic this will improve.edit #1After completing my first paddle in the Oru I came home and did some research into dealing with a tippy kayak. I became familiar with the terms edging, bracing, initial stability, secondary stability, etc. clearly things I should have researched before buying the boat, but didn't. I've come to the conclusion that I can learn these things but it will take time.IF YOU ARE A NOVICE KAYAKER THIS IS NOT THE BOAT FOR YOU IF YOU JUST WANT TO ENJOY A PEACEABLE EASILY PADDLE ON A FLAT WATER LAKE.

The setup is a little difficult at first (you should have a friend help unfold it), but this kayak is amazing! When you have it over your shoulder, it feels like an overgrown laptop instead of a 12 foot long, fully functioning vessel. After kayaking on the Gulf of Mexico, I forgot where I parked my car. I walked 5 blocks easily without having to take a break!I think my favorite part about the kayak is its size. I look forward to taking this kayak here and abroad, in my Prius or on an airplane. This is a kayak you don't have to part ways with when you move somewhere far away. Definitely worth it!