Combined with the origins of origami and double-layered polypropylene designed to withstand harsh conditions, the Oru Lake provides an exciting and peaceful presence on calm waters. Weighing less than 18 pounds (10% less than Oru’s Inlet model), the Lake has proved to be one of the lightest and most portable kayaks today. The kayak and floorboard transform into a carrying case for easy accessibility that can be brought anywhere your next adventure awaits.

From start to finish, the Lake only takes minutes to assemble thanks to an in-depth instructional video that can be accessed through a QR code located directly on the device. With helpful hints on where to fold printed on the the kayak, it became a breeze to pack and unpack after a few successful attempts. I love the stylish translucent design of the Lake that allows riders to see the water from a unique perspective through the kayak while paddling. It is the perfect mix of simplicity and spaciousness with a wide cockpit to fit a backpack, furry friend, or picnic basket. LED lights can be placed inside at nightime, and it feels like you are inside of a lantern.

I tested the lake on a wide variety of water surfaces and was extremely pleased with its performance. Paddling the Lake made me feel like I was floating on air. Not only was it really enjoyable to paddle, but I felt extremely stable and safe. Steering the kayak was extremely accurate and the carbon fiber paddle made the kayak easy to maneuver around the water. The only downside is the seat and backrest were not as comfortable as I had hoped, making the Lake ideal for shorter trips only. However, Oru recently released the Lake Plus which comes with upgraded features such as additional trim on the floorboard, an adjustable backrest, and a seat that is sixty percent thicker.

With effortless portability, dazzling design, and affordable price point, the Oru Lake has revolutionized the way we can explore the open waters. 9.8/10