Oru Kayak Pack for Lake/Inlet

This is a fine pack with ample support. My only wish is a little more wiggle room for water bottle and binoculars. The length did not jive with traveling on a bike but did great with an electric scooter.

Took it out for the first time

I enjoyed taking it out there was one part that doesn't want to stay punched out. It kept popping back in. I will try it again once the weather is a little warmer. I told my friend about your class and tomorrow we are going to order one for her.

My first kayak

Okay so here’s the deal. I am 72 years young and only been in a kayak once, about 10 years ago. So I have zero kayaking experience or knowledge pertaining to these boats. I live in an area with several small lakes and fished from shore, however much of the lake is not accessible, because of the thick vegetation, very limited access. Then one day this guy shows up with this suitcase that turned into a fishing vessel. I took a photo of the kayak and began looking into it. My first introduction to Oru. I did extensive research and with the help of YouTube decided on a foldable Oru kayak. However I was still apprehensive about this, and not really sure, how I would really feel about it. Remember 72 years old, no experience. So I practice the unfolding in my garage, I had no problem setting it up, it’s rather easy. Although because it’s brand new it’s also a bit stiff. Anyway after 5 or 6 times it gets really pretty easy. My real concern was getting in and out of the kayak. I have an artificial right knee and definitely cannot kneel or fully squat. So off to the lake I go and I access the kayak from a dock, after watching several you tube videos. It worked and getting out the same way. Not real easy but I did it. Day one I was proud of myself, first time ever launching and I stayed dry. So a couple of days later I do it again and getting out I took on water and filled the boat and wound up standing in about 4 feet of water. ( felt pretty stupid) So I decided to start launching from shore and I find it much better for me to launch, but how about exiting? I have developed ( with the help of a friend) a system that works very well for me. I use a piece of 48” rebar and attach a carabiner on the strap that you use to carry the kayak. I am able to use the rebar as support getting in and out of the kayak. I also use the paddle as a stabilizer from the shore. This works really well and I’ve managed to get in and out repeatedly. So now let me say this. I am very pleased with the Oru it's very easy to use. It is a solid little boat, I have been out fishing several times already, and the fishing has been great. Now I have access to the entire lake. I will say this, for me it will do everything I need, and I absolutely have no regrets about my Oru kayak.