I've had my Beach LT for a year now and its truly a game changer. I'm out on the Thames almost every day in mine. While I could easily store and transport a rigid kayak - being able to leave it in the boot, and pack and unpack in 5 mins makes my early morning paddles before work is life changing. While its not built for speed due to its width, I entered a 5KM paddle competition last year and came first. You also get a lot of attention when you are unfolding it - be prepared for questions... there always are a LOT of questions! Got mine for a good £300 less from a store which was selling the latest version cheap for some reason. Best £900 i ever spent!
I've used the Beach LT now for 2 years. It's starting to leak a little and I'm super careful not to scrape it. That fold count is not a real prediction of use life. Float bags in the bulkheads and a large hand pump attached by line in the interior are as essential as the PFD. (A paddle lanyard is always a good idea too.) I would never consider leaving shore without all of them. The bags mean that much less water in the hull to move around. Stephen was exhausted on a dead calm day close to shore. Now imaging trying that on a cold choppy lake a mile from shore.
Regarding your leak, I opened a ticket with Oru and sent back my Lake kayak still under warranty and they sent me a new one free of charge. Definitely take advantage of the 3 year warranty.
For any hard sided kayak on open water, a bilge pump (or scoop), and a paddle float would be important additions to aid in self recovery. The float's added stability allows you to get back in without completely flooding the cockpit. And the pump/scoop lets you clear out the water that gets in when you flip it. Another trick you can do [when there is another boat out there with you] is to drag one end of your overturned kayak up onto the bow of the other one so you can dump water and get the cockpit out of the water before you flip it.
I've owned the ORU Coast XT for 5 years, which I always add float bags, a bilge pump, and know how to do T-rescues and the cowboy scramble. Having the right gear and training is important.
For deep water recovery in kayaks you should try to go from the bow or stern. Bailing the water is done by going to the bow and pushing it down, then repeating with the stern while it's upside down.
@@StephenJReid ua-cam.com/video/VNiZgYuDvQE/v-deo.html just found this video as a credible method for a VERY tippy K1 kayak. He uses the inflation bag and paddle together.
Having taken an Oru for a test paddle myself, it's very easy to drain most of the water then get back in after capsizing. Our lovely and talented video host simply didn't know what to do. Maybe should have at least watched a video about kayak recovery first. Also, never go kayaking without a bucket or better yet a bilge pump.
@@F2fntypvvjs _"When it has a sealed Hull you can get in anyway you want"_ Really not. His was the totally wrong way to get into that sort of kayak. It helps to have a paddle float so as to have the benefit of an improvised outrigger, but the gist of the method is to belly-crawl (to keep the center of gravity low) onto the kayak at the stern, angling one's self so that one ends up out of the water, belly down on the kayak, facing backwards. Then reverse belly-crawl one's self into the cockpit, turning over into the sitting position when convenient.
Flotation bags! I really can't recommend orou as long as they have this: "the customer will sure buy flotation bags even tough we never mention that those are needed" attitude! It is also interesting to see how much water gets stuck between those full surface ribs!
@@StephenJReid I use 4 in my Oru unless I'm carrying loats of gear in drybags. You can do self rescues (paddle float and pump) so long as the boat's not completely soused! Solid bodied sea kayak chums in Scotland were pretty impressed by my Coast XT (after some initial scepticism!).
Good review ! Thanks. Just saw the Hypar Kayak on UA-cam. You should review that & compare the two, since they are similar. Considering a lighter folding kayak than the Origami Paddler that we have. It’s 39 lbs. I believe. Its pretty bulky with that weight, and hard to carry very far folded up over one’s shoulder…And since they went bankrupt, we have only received one, paid for two 🙄. Thanks so much !!
Well you had fun, but I wouldn't use it on our coastline, the RNILI are busy enough. Airbags would stop it sinking and you could carry a paddle float and pump. Re-entry by climbing in over the back will work better (known as the Cowboy Rescue); or you could spend less on a high pressure inflatable kayak (constructed in the same way as paddle boards). Let me know if you want a different view of our coast and I'll take you under the Rope Bridge in my big, safe, rigid plastic, two man kayak.
Yeah seem to be a few kayak or paddleboard related rescues this year and often no PFDs. This model is really designed for flat water, so I definitely wouldn’t take it any distance on the sea. Really for sheltered bays. They do have closed top versions for surf and long distance sea trips. For sea my preference would definitely prob be a sit on top sea kayak, I’ve used one in the in past on quite choppy sea around Ballintoy, was actually out to the rope bridge. I’d definitely like to go back in better weather though 😂 so might just take you up on that offer! Thanks 🙂 I’ve also looked at the high pressure x700 from decathlon but I like the idea of being able to easily get on and off the board.
that looks like a waste money, never had one, had a Pyranha Master 30 yrs ago, brother still has it, then I had Perception Five O, great surf kayak, had a blow up paddle board, waste of time...too windy here in Ireland. I would've snapped that corrugated plastic garbage in half. Strictly for a lake on a calm day, Seen yous dragging it over the sand, that is what sandpaper is made of, did ORU charge you for damages. Any kayak is gonna get battered, theres a girl on here had an ORU leaked within a year, they gave her a new one.
Not "probably" a good idea to get float bags -- but *definitely* an essential safety feature. I think manufacturers are shirking hteir responsibility by not including them in the whole package.
Not a fan of this kayak ,but that was not a fair evaluation of a rescue. Try a pump, paddle float, keep low during the rescue and never let go of your paddle. You would probably have failed in any kayak without bulkheads.
Known a couple of kayakers who died of hypothe 3:14 3:15 rmia who's rescue failed. Unfortunately the 3:25 "average " doesn't 3:35 3:40 bother to get instruction from qualified instructors. But your right, average Oru is probably a casual paddler Good video overal
I think brands that sell these kinds of products should have to ship it with safety information. Too many not aware of the risks. I’ve learned a lot in the last year.
Good idea but a lot of money for corrugated plastic, would rather spend that sort of money on an inflatable. Loved the underwater shot, nice sound design too
Well it’s very fancy corrugated plastic and if the claims about its durability are correct it would last as long as or out live an inflatable. But no one had owned one long enough to find out. A few “one year reviews” out there. But I get what you mean, visually it doesn’t look as strong as it is in real life. I was surprised how solid it feels when all folded together. I’d like to try the Decathlon x700, it’s a £800ish folding kayak in a similar shape to this. Although it’s much heavier and takes much longer to put together.
@@StephenJReid it is foldable, but not portable… for example you cannot attach it to bike :) What I recently learned is that pro kayakers *love* stiff boats because it paddles faster. Stiff, made from carbon.
for the recovery part, I saw someone else do this by taking the life vest off temporarily while trying to recover and it was a LOT easier for them. the vest just gets so much in the way. I think I would try and put the life vest on like a diaper. Would help pull up your lower body weight as you pull yourself in.
Yeah it’s very pricey. Definitely not for everyone. Could have both a sit on top sea kayak and a paddle board for same money. But it’s the only option that’s foldable, as quick to setup and as lightweight. So depends how much those things matter.
@@StephenJReid I used to do a lot of river running a few years ago in a pyranha burn . Think it was around £700 at the time for that beast . Took some hammering down the lagan weirs and benburb river 👌. Would be hard to spend over 1k on a fold up piece of corriboard after being used to the burn .
But could you fold it up and stick in in your boot? 😁 convenience always comes at a premium. I’m currently debating getting a small sit on kayak. I have a van so I think it would just about fit inside. Would be a very quick option
I have the Itiwit 100 and it’s a lot of fun for multiple people but it’s very slow in the water, a lot heavier and takes longer to put together. But great for the money. Depends on what you want do. I’d happily paddle this for miles along a river, but definitely not the itiwit 100. They do have a x700 I’d like to try. Similar shape to this but heavier. The big benefit of this is the weight and the speed of setup. But definitely comes at a premium
I've had my Beach LT for a year now and its truly a game changer. I'm out on the Thames almost every day in mine. While I could easily store and transport a rigid kayak - being able to leave it in the boot, and pack and unpack in 5 mins makes my early morning paddles before work is life changing. While its not built for speed due to its width, I entered a 5KM paddle competition last year and came first. You also get a lot of attention when you are unfolding it - be prepared for questions... there always are a LOT of questions! Got mine for a good £300 less from a store which was selling the latest version cheap for some reason. Best £900 i ever spent!
Yeah first time I unpacked it there were people over in 5min asking about it!
I've used the Beach LT now for 2 years. It's starting to leak a little and I'm super careful not to scrape it. That fold count is not a real prediction of use life. Float bags in the bulkheads and a large hand pump attached by line in the interior are as essential as the PFD. (A paddle lanyard is always a good idea too.) I would never consider leaving shore without all of them. The bags mean that much less water in the hull to move around. Stephen was exhausted on a dead calm day close to shore. Now imaging trying that on a cold choppy lake a mile from shore.
Great advice! 🙂
I would say lasting only 2 years is really bad considering the cost of these things.
@@itotallycare It has a 3 year warranty, so if anything happens, like a leak, you could always contact them about it.
Regarding your leak, I opened a ticket with Oru and sent back my Lake kayak still under warranty and they sent me a new one free of charge. Definitely take advantage of the 3 year warranty.
Can only agree, thanks for sharing this advice!!
For any hard sided kayak on open water, a bilge pump (or scoop), and a paddle float would be important additions to aid in self recovery. The float's added stability allows you to get back in without completely flooding the cockpit. And the pump/scoop lets you clear out the water that gets in when you flip it.
Another trick you can do [when there is another boat out there with you] is to drag one end of your overturned kayak up onto the bow of the other one so you can dump water and get the cockpit out of the water before you flip it.
Good advice!
I've owned the ORU Coast XT for 5 years, which I always add float bags, a bilge pump, and know how to do T-rescues and the cowboy scramble. Having the right gear and training is important.
Definitely!
For deep water recovery in kayaks you should try to go from the bow or stern. Bailing the water is done by going to the bow and pushing it down, then repeating with the stern while it's upside down.
Brilliant Bob thanks! Wish I’d tested that too.
@@StephenJReid only really applicable for open top kayaks I should say. When it has a sealed Hull you can get in anyway you want!
@@StephenJReid ua-cam.com/video/VNiZgYuDvQE/v-deo.html just found this video as a credible method for a VERY tippy K1 kayak. He uses the inflation bag and paddle together.
Having taken an Oru for a test paddle myself, it's very easy to drain most of the water then get back in after capsizing. Our lovely and talented video host simply didn't know what to do. Maybe should have at least watched a video about kayak recovery first. Also, never go kayaking without a bucket or better yet a bilge pump.
@@F2fntypvvjs _"When it has a sealed Hull you can get in anyway you want"_
Really not. His was the totally wrong way to get into that sort of kayak. It helps to have a paddle float so as to have the benefit of an improvised outrigger, but the gist of the method is to belly-crawl (to keep the center of gravity low) onto the kayak at the stern, angling one's self so that one ends up out of the water, belly down on the kayak, facing backwards. Then reverse belly-crawl one's self into the cockpit, turning over into the sitting position when convenient.
Yes, looks fun but I'm too poor. I'm yup'ik eskimo I'll have to make one if I want one. Seriously.
Looks like a great concept. I have a couple inflatable SUP’s but would love to get some kind of packable kayak for cruising on the canals
This would be for canals, it's really designed for flat calm water. They have a few different models as well.
To make it unsinkable just buy a 1£ pack of balloons and fill either end of the kayak.
Overpriced. It is made of correx. Very inexpensive product. Great idea though.
No be sad just purchase one, I did. It’s winter here in Pa. cannot wait to take mine out
🛶 😁😁
Flotation bags! I really can't recommend orou as long as they have this: "the customer will sure buy flotation bags even tough we never mention that those are needed" attitude! It is also interesting to see how much water gets stuck between those full surface ribs!
Hmmm yeah I was surprised looking back how hard it was to drain. Float bags definitely a must have for more open water I think
@@StephenJReid I use 4 in my Oru unless I'm carrying loats of gear in drybags. You can do self rescues (paddle float and pump) so long as the boat's not completely soused! Solid bodied sea kayak chums in Scotland were pretty
impressed by my Coast XT (after some initial scepticism!).
I really appreciate the 'what does it take to tip it's moment cause that's what I was wondering all along!
Can y'all tell me where I can buy this Kayak??
Good review ! Thanks. Just saw the Hypar Kayak on UA-cam. You should review that & compare the two, since they are similar. Considering a lighter folding kayak than the Origami Paddler that we have. It’s 39 lbs. I believe. Its pretty bulky with that weight, and hard to carry very far folded up over one’s shoulder…And since they went bankrupt, we have only received one, paid for two 🙄. Thanks so much !!
I’m Hypar interested in that! Looks like a very cool concept 😁
Swivels way to much every stroke and takes in a ton of water returning mine today POS
I love watching you with your sister, it's hilarious.
Haha thanks Emily!
Well you had fun, but I wouldn't use it on our coastline, the RNILI are busy enough. Airbags would stop it sinking and you could carry a paddle float and pump. Re-entry by climbing in over the back will work better (known as the Cowboy Rescue); or you could spend less on a high pressure inflatable kayak (constructed in the same way as paddle boards). Let me know if you want a different view of our coast and I'll take you under the Rope Bridge in my big, safe, rigid plastic, two man kayak.
Yeah seem to be a few kayak or paddleboard related rescues this year and often no PFDs. This model is really designed for flat water, so I definitely wouldn’t take it any distance on the sea. Really for sheltered bays.
They do have closed top versions for surf and long distance sea trips.
For sea my preference would definitely prob be a sit on top sea kayak, I’ve used one in the in past on quite choppy sea around Ballintoy, was actually out to the rope bridge.
I’d definitely like to go back in better weather though 😂 so might just take you up on that offer! Thanks 🙂
I’ve also looked at the high pressure x700 from decathlon but I like the idea of being able to easily get on and off the board.
Its always a compromise, thats why the correct number of kayaks in my shed is the number I already have plus 1
Rigid plastic is the safest bet every time
that looks like a waste money, never had one, had a Pyranha Master 30 yrs ago, brother still has it, then I had Perception Five O, great surf kayak, had a blow up paddle board, waste of time...too windy here in Ireland. I would've snapped that corrugated plastic garbage in half. Strictly for a lake on a calm day, Seen yous dragging it over the sand, that is what sandpaper is made of, did ORU charge you for damages. Any kayak is gonna get battered, theres a girl on here had an ORU leaked within a year, they gave her a new one.
It’s designed to be dragged over rocks so I don’t think the sand is going to hurt it
@@StephenJReid where did you get that information, that it is designed to be dragged over rocks
Kaka de la vaca😂😅
Not "probably" a good idea to get float bags -- but *definitely* an essential safety feature. I think manufacturers are shirking hteir responsibility by not including them in the whole package.
Agree! Especially for coastal water. If I was to get one of these again, I’d get the float bags.
My arms are my float bags
Hermann View
2/28..Truly a horrible product. Poor stability to the point of being dangerous. Do not buy! RH Melbourern, fl
Good idea, just need inflatable buoyancy bag,s bow & stern
Yeah the inflatable bags are a must
Not a fan of this kayak ,but that was not a fair evaluation of a rescue. Try a pump, paddle float, keep low during the rescue and never let go of your paddle. You would probably have failed in any kayak without bulkheads.
Think it was a fair evaluation of a rescue by the average type of person that this kayak is marketed to.
Known a couple of kayakers who died of hypothe 3:14 3:15 rmia who's rescue failed. Unfortunately the
3:25 "average " doesn't
3:35
3:40 bother to get instruction from qualified instructors. But your right, average Oru is probably a casual paddler
Good video overal
I think brands that sell these kinds of products should have to ship it with safety information. Too many not aware of the risks. I’ve learned a lot in the last year.
Would love to see more videos where Naomi falls into the water. Very entertaining. 🤣
Noted 🤣
I have my new Beach LT….can’t wait to get it out!
Enjoy 🙂
Good idea but a lot of money for corrugated plastic, would rather spend that sort of money on an inflatable. Loved the underwater shot, nice sound design too
Well it’s very fancy corrugated plastic and if the claims about its durability are correct it would last as long as or out live an inflatable. But no one had owned one long enough to find out. A few “one year reviews” out there.
But I get what you mean, visually it doesn’t look as strong as it is in real life. I was surprised how solid it feels when all folded together.
I’d like to try the Decathlon x700, it’s a £800ish folding kayak in a similar shape to this. Although it’s much heavier and takes much longer to put together.
Loved your video and lunch looked great 😊
Thanks Kevin 🙂
$200 of material for $1800 … naaah
You’ve just described every product ever 😛 I’m more concerned with how many years I’ll get for my $1800
It's like $700 now 😅
It doesn’t look portable at all. My 29Lb 14’ canoe is.
This is 25lb and folds down the size of a suitcase
@@StephenJReid it is foldable, but not portable… for example you cannot attach it to bike :)
What I recently learned is that pro kayakers *love* stiff boats because it paddles faster. Stiff, made from carbon.
Bel video, bravo
for the recovery part, I saw someone else do this by taking the life vest off temporarily while trying to recover and it was a LOT easier for them. the vest just gets so much in the way. I think I would try and put the life vest on like a diaper. Would help pull up your lower body weight as you pull yourself in.
That’s a great idea!
Quero um desses!!!
Love it!
I would not trust my life on these crazy folding kayaks🤯
I wonder how well it copes with UV. Great idea but we couldn’t use one where we take our boat.
Apparently it has a “10 year UV treatment” not sure what that means. It can last 10years outside?
Why couldn’t you use it where you take your boat?
@@StephenJReid a lot of the time it’s too rough, waves would be going over the bow all the time
Ah ok. Yeah they have different versions that are designed for the sea with proper closed cockpits and storage for touring
Just got the the bit you said it was £1200 , near spat my tea out lol
Yeah it’s very pricey. Definitely not for everyone. Could have both a sit on top sea kayak and a paddle board for same money.
But it’s the only option that’s foldable, as quick to setup and as lightweight. So depends how much those things matter.
@@StephenJReid I used to do a lot of river running a few years ago in a pyranha burn . Think it was around £700 at the time for that beast . Took some hammering down the lagan weirs and benburb river 👌. Would be hard to spend over 1k on a fold up piece of corriboard after being used to the burn .
But could you fold it up and stick in in your boot? 😁 convenience always comes at a premium.
I’m currently debating getting a small sit on kayak. I have a van so I think it would just about fit inside. Would be a very quick option
@@StephenJReid Roof rack 👌 and keep all that boot space for more Rab gear 😎
Rab do make some quality stuff!
Be really hard to beat the Itiwit 100/3 from Decathlon, on offer currently too! This thing looks scary!
I have the Itiwit 100 and it’s a lot of fun for multiple people but it’s very slow in the water, a lot heavier and takes longer to put together. But great for the money.
Depends on what you want do. I’d happily paddle this for miles along a river, but definitely not the itiwit 100.
They do have a x700 I’d like to try. Similar shape to this but heavier.
The big benefit of this is the weight and the speed of setup. But definitely comes at a premium
not sure about that tbh , sharp rock and you would be sinking . Would be ok for light paddling in deep water .
Apparently it’s pretty rock resistant, whatever kind of plastic it’s made from. I did scrape it along some concrete and no major marks on it.
@@StephenJReid Mine leaked from day 1 not durable at all.