Oru Beach LT Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £1,050.00
Our Overall Rating | 91 out of 100
Pros - Hard shell (no inflation), lightweight
Cons - Thin seat, expensive
Overall - Easy setup, we’d love if this model had deck strips to enclose the kayak but overall a joy to paddle
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 368x74cm
Weight - 11.8kg
Load Capacity - 136kg
Packed Size - 84x74x31cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Oru Beach LT is a hard shell foldable kayak, which doesn't need inflation. It is lightweight, durable, and stable in the water. A slightly inconvenient feature is the less comfortable seat, and the open deck space that seems to eliminate the cockpit enclosure. It is easy to set up and pack down, and performs well in the water, so overall is a great kayak for recreational paddlers.
Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 9/10
Speed: The hard shell design of this kayak contributes a lot to its performance. It can move across the water fast.
Tracking: It can move in a straight line, aided by the rigidity of the hard shell design.
Manoeuvrability: Manoeuvring is easy, we really enjoyed taking this kayak on the water.
Stability: It is stable in the water.
Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 7/10
The absence of deck strips means the kayak can't be fully enclosed, and while buckles help it stay together, it does feel slightly less secure. There's not a lot of storage space, and the seats are a little harder than some of the other kayaks.
On the other hand, the hard shell foldable design is extremely clever and, being made of hard material that doesn't absorb water, saves a significant amount of time when you're ready to dry and pack away.
Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding and drying): 9/10
No pumping is required with this hard shell material, so this is a total win on setup and pack down. You only need to unfold, fasten clips and install the seats, then you're good to go.
And as we said above, the plastic doesn't soak up water. Hose it off, leave it to dry for a few minutes, or wipe down with a towel if you're in a hurry, and it's ready to pack away.
Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 8/10
It weighs only 11.8kg, making it an easy carry. It doesn't come with a carry bag but has a shoulder strap which, given its light weight, does the job.
Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 8/10
If you like a spacious cockpit, this one offers the most area to move around in. It has an adjustable footrest and a solid frame that provides a good surface to push against while paddling.
We find the seat to be a bit more uncomfortable compared to other kayaks we've tried.
Value for money:
For recreational paddlers wanting something close to a hard shell without the hassle of inflation, the Beach LT offers strong value, with quick setup and genuinely enjoyable on-water performance.
Best for:
Recreational paddlers wanting a hard shell feel without inflation
Quick, hassle-free setup and pack down
Paddlers who want fast, easy-to-manoeuvre handling
Those who don't need onboard storage space
Overall:
A great easy setup and light weight make this kayak nicely portable. Deck strips would take it to the next level, but overall we found it enjoyable to take out.
