When you have kayaked almost all of the lakes within a 2 hour drive and some of them a few times, we start to look for some new spots.     Different launch spots on large lakes is one good choice, but another is to do some smaller lakes.

It often seems to be “overkill” to haul an 18 foot kayak into a small lake that is only 1 km around the shoreline.   Sometimes the lake is a great spot so we can go around 2 or 3 times and at other times we can paddle the lake, then go for a hike.

Another opportunity is to paddle some lakes that have limited access.    Some backroads are rough and sometimes overhanging branches are a problem for a roof-mounted kayak.   A few lakes just have no easy shoreline launch areas.    For these lakes we need to haul the kayak by hand.     To this end, I purchased a foldable kayak, the Oru Inlet.    It arrived in the box, ready to set up.

Straps and a carrying handle make it easy to carry.    I bought a carrying bag too to sling it over my shoulder.    It weighs 20 pounds.

The first time I unfolded it and set it up took about 20 minutes.    The second time took 8 minutes.     It can be done in 3-5 minutes.

I carried it around the yard and onto the back deck.    It was light and easy to haul.

Some of the specs are:

• 3m long
• 30″ wide
• 20 pounds
• capacity – 300 pounds
• water type – flat water

It is not a boat to take out across Kamloops Lake.    It is for the shoreline on any lake, except on windy days,  and it is suitable for any small lake.   I also purchased a spray skirt and flotation bags.   I will use my regular paddle and light gear.   I won’t get to test it out until spring, but in the meantime I can practice unfolding and refolding it.   Watch for some posts in the spring as it get tested on the water.

Here is Oru’s promo video: