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The Oru Kayak Bay ST is a folding kayak that is engineered using inspiration from origami art. It is a single sit-inside kayak that can be easy to carry, transport and store at home.
- Length: 12 foot (33 x 12 x 29 inches packed)
- Width: 25 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
It is designed for increased portability and can be a great vessel if you live in an apartment or small home where you might not have storage facilities to keep a traditional kayak.
Things To Consider Before Buying An Oru Kayak Bay ST
The Oru Bay ST kayak is built for convenience. It can be folded up so that it measures just 33 by 12 by 29 inches, making it a great choice if you want to be able to transport your kayak in the back of your car or store it at home in a closet.
This folding kayak has a 12 foot long hull and is 25 inches wide, so it can offer a good combination of speed and stability, making it an ideal option for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.
It can be great on flatwater, including ocean bays, lakes and slow moving rivers.
One benefit of a folding kayak is that, unlike an inflatable, you don’t need to worry about carrying a foot pump with you. It can be easily unfolded and assembled and then folded back up when you’re ready to go home.
However, folding kayaks may not be for everyone and it can be important to note that there is usually a lifespan on these types of boats. With this one it can last up to 20,000 fold cycles, which can be a pretty long time, even if you used it everyday.
Top Features Of The Bay ST Folding Kayak
Sit-Inside Cockpit
The Oru Bay ST is a sit-inside kayak that can be ideal for paddling in all weathers and seasons. It has a comfortable cockpit that is 30 by 16 inches and features a foam padded seat with a seatback that can be adjusted for height.
The cockpit is also designed to be compatible with medium sized spray skirts (sold separately), which can be ideal for paddling in colder conditions.
For increased boat control and posture there is an adjustable footrest. This can be adjusted using the straps that either tighten or loosen to move its position to suit your leg length.
Performance On The Water
The Bay ST is built to offer both speed and stability. With its narrow 25 inch hull and V-shaped bow and stern it can cut through water for improved paddling efficiency. This can make it easier to paddle on open water.
The design of the hull also helps to contribute to the yak’s tracking performance, meaning it can be less effort to keep the boat on course.
While the boat can perform best on flatwater conditions, it has been tested up to Class III rapids, so it should be able to handle some smaller waves.
The boat is built to be durable, with double layered 5mm polypropylene that is rated to withstand rocks and punctures on the water. It also creates a rigid shell once assembled and has a UV resistant coating for added protection.
Video: Oru Kayak Bay ST – Kayak Walkthrough
Portability
Probably the main feature of this vessel is that it is foldable. This can make it much easier to carry and transport than a traditional kayak of the same size. Weighing just 28 pounds it can be convenient to carry on your own.
When folded it measures 33 by 12 by 29 inches, so it can easily fit into small cars or can be carried on public transportation or even checked onto a plane.
Because it’s foldable, you don’t need to bring along additional items, such as a pump, although you will need to remember to bring your paddle (sold separately).
Deck Rigging
A handy feature of this boat is the deck rigging. It features deck lines at both the bow and stern to make self-rescues a little easier. The bungee rigging on the front of the deck can also be ideal for storing some of your gear.
Additionally, there is room inside the kayak for extra gear with removable bulkheads that can provide both stability and a place to hold gear.
Assembly
Assembling the Oru Kayak Bay ST can be easy once you get into the swing of things but may take a little extra time the first time you put it together. It should take around 10 to 15 minutes to assemble and roughly 10 minutes to fold back up again.
Video: Oru Kayak Bay ST Assembly Guide
A great feature of the boat is that it becomes its own case when folded.
This user thinks Oru Kayaks are great for exploring coastal bays and so do we:
Tested out my new Kayak from #OruKayak this weekend on the water in San Diego: https://t.co/1l5uWWmMKv#foldingkayak #kayaking #seekadventure #paddle #sanDiego pic.twitter.com/0YWX2eEimZ
— Seek Adventure (@Seek_Adv) May 19, 2020
Bay ST Alternatives
Star Paragon Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The Star Paragon Tandem might be a good alternative if you’re looking to carry more gear. This is a tandem inflatable kayak that comes with two seats but can be paddled solo. It has a 15 foot hull when inflated and comes with a pump and a removable fin for improved tracking.
Aquaglide Deschutes 130 Inflatable Kayak
The Aquaglide Deschutes 130 is a 13 foot inflatable yak that can be ideal for touring. It has a 400 pound capacity and weighs just 21 pounds, so it’s a lightweight kayak and easy to carry. It has a spacious open deck which might be more comfortable if you’re a taller paddler or want to haul a lot of gear.
It’s also stable and has a removable fin for better tracking.
Advanced Elements Attack Pro Whitewater Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements Attack Pro could be a good alternative if you’re looking for a boat that can handle whitewater. This is a 9 foot 9 inch inflatable kayak that weighs 25 pounds and can be carried to the water on your back. It is short, stable and comes with adjustable foot pegs, adjustable seat and thigh braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It OK To Use The Bay ST In Saltwater?
Yes, this boat can be used in both saltwater and freshwater conditions.
Is A Paddle Included?
No, a paddle would need to be purchased separately.
How Long Does It Take To Assemble And Fold Up Again?
It should take around 10 to 15 minutes to assemble, and the same to fold up. However, it may take a little longer the first couple of times you do it until you get the hang of it.
Is There A Maximum Height And Weight?
Yes, the maximum paddler height is 6 foot 3 and the maximum weight capacity of the vessel is 300 pounds to include you and your gear.
Final Words
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Can be transported in the trunk of your car
Cons
- Expensive
- Assembly may require a few practice runs
The Oru Kayak Bay ST can be a great boat if you’re short on storage space at home or if you don’t have a suitable vehicle to get a traditional yak from A to B. It is durable, lightweight and easy to paddle.
If you’re after convenience, this could be an ideal vessel. Click here to check it out and let us know what you think. Maybe you know someone who could use one of these boats? Share this with them to help them out.
