When origami meets kayak
Portability is the name of the game these days. Smaller, lighter, easier to pack and store. Almost all you can think of is pushing to be smaller, lighter, and more portable; houses, computers, telephones, exercise equipment, everything is shrinking and becoming more compact. Here’s one you may not have thought of; kayaks. The kayaks show images of peaceful glides through calm morning lakes as the sun rises, or rapid descents through raging rivers so fierce that they end in a lost land. Kayaking is a getaway, leave your day-to-day things behind and go out to what really matters. But first you have to get out into nature with your boat. This is a bit tricky if you don’t own a large vehicle or don’t own a vehicle at all. So what to do?
Get in the folding kayak. That is exactly what it sounds like. It is a kayak that you can fold up and carry on your back. Folds flat for easy portability, lightweight, and portable. There are a few models to choose from, as well as a few DIY projects.
One of the first models I met is called the Oru kayak. This thing is really cool. It is made of UV-treated polypropylene. This boat is very sturdy and can take a beating. You can do anything you can do on “non-folding” kayaks, such as rolling, rock impacts, etc. The company even made a video of them trying to destroy the boat with a hammer and falls from high places to no avail. It is also lightweight, weighing in at around 30 pounds. It folds up to 33 “x 12-13” x 29 “, roughly the size of an artist’s portfolio, and can be carried like a backpack. The company offers 3 models, slightly different variations on a theme. One of the things that really I like it is the low number of pieces.
A similar kayak is the Hypar (not on the market yet). Like the Oru, it is a collapsible polypropylene container and is very light, weighing in at 18 pounds. It also has a very interesting shape. The Oru was designed in a similar way to traditional Arctic kayaks; Hypar is more arrowhead-shaped, but cuts through water with great efficiency. The Hypar is also versatile in its ability to convert into a sailboat or motor boat.
Another impressive folding kayak is produced by a company called Long Haul. The Long Haul folding kayaks are again a bit different from the Oru kayak. Instead of folding like a sheet of paper, these are folding wooden frames surrounded by a skin. This is a high performance and quality kayak. Very durable and very good in the water. These boats are heavier than the Oru and take a little longer to assemble, but these boats are made more like fine furniture.
In the same vein as the ‘long haul kayaks’, there is the Napali transparent folding kayak. This kayak also uses several pieces surrounded by a skin, however the Napali uses lighter materials so its weight is similar to the Oru. What’s great about this kayak is the military grade clear urethane skin that is tough and see-through, allowing you to see under the boat as you go.
For a totally different concept, there is the Pakayak (smart name). This kayak is a hard shell kayak that breaks into pieces and packs itself up similar to a Russian doll. You can also carry this on your back, although it is slightly heavier than some of the other kayaks mentioned at 55 pounds. This kayak is super durable, each piece is made from a hard resin and designed to bond together for added strength. Like the Oru, this kayak is also shaped like the traditional arctic kayak.
The above boats are great if you have kayaking experience and you know that you are ready to invest some money in a quality boat. However, if you are new to kayaking and not sure which is for you, there is an inexpensive DIY option that you can try. Paul Elkins sells blueprints for making a kayak out of corrugated plastic sheeting. The entire boat costs around $ 100, not including plans that cost around $ 10. It’s easy to put together and relatively durable and waterproof. It doesn’t carry a lot of weight compared to the other boats, but what do you expect for $ 100? This is a good technique to try and it will last for a while, until you are ready for an update. This is also one of the lightest kayaks weighing in at about 7 pounds.
Portability is often an issue with kayaks. Above you have seen various solutions to the portability problem. From professional to DIY, you can find one to suit your needs and wants and it can go with you anywhere.