When I first got my hands on two Oru Kayak Lake, I had little to no kayaking experience. These foldable kayaks instantly reminded me of inflatable stand-up paddleboards because of their portability. They fold down into a compact package that fits in the back of a car, making them perfect for spontaneous adventures. My girlfriend, Kristin, and I decided to load them into our converted van and road trip along Highway 395 to test the Oru Kayak Lake.
We were determined to learn how to kayak on this road trip and chose to stop at as many lakes as possible. Something about kayaking on a lake attracted us—maybe it was the peaceful connection with nature that comes with gliding across the water. It’s an activity that offers simplicity yet profound serenity, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers.
Kayaking on the calm waters of Zephyr Cove. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Starting On Lake Tahoe For Sunset
Our first stop was Lake Tahoe, right in our backyard. Tahoe’s waters can be unpredictable, but growing up in the area gave us a good sense of where to go. We chose Zephyr Cove for its calm bay, ideal for beginners. The sheltered waters here are less intimidating for those just starting out, making it an excellent choice to get a feel for kayaking.
Setting up the Oru Kayak for the first time was a bit of a challenge. It took us about 20 minutes to assemble, but once we got the hang of it, the process became quicker with each attempt. The folding mechanism is intuitive after some practice, and compared to a traditional sit-on-top kayak, the Oru Lake Kayak's portability was a game-changer. Not needing a roof rack or cumbersome lifting was a relief.
After suiting up with personal flotation devices (PFDs) and assembling our paddles, we launched just as the sun began to set. Paddling over the exposed rocks of Zephyr Cove was a magical experience, and neither of us flipped over—a common beginner fear. That initial confidence set the tone for the rest of our trip. It was clear we had found an activity that was not only beginner-friendly but incredibly rewarding.
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Our Kayaking Road Trip Down Highway 395
Day One: Twin Lakes, Bridgeport
We drove to Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, where we kayaked and hiked around the serene landscape. The calm, reflective waters of the lake made it easy to focus on basic paddling techniques without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The scenery was breathtaking, with towering peaks and lush greenery surrounding the lake, creating a sense of tranquility and adventure. At the end of the day, we soaked in Travertine Hot Springs to ease our muscles. Watching the sunset while relaxing in the warm waters was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day’s activities. The mix of physical activity and relaxation was a perfect introduction to a lifestyle centered around outdoor exploration.
Related Read: Everything You Need to Know to Kayak on Twin Lakes, Bridgeport
Staying out late to kayak under the Milky Way in Mammoth Lakes. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day Two: Mammoth Lakes
Next, we headed to Mammoth Lakes for a full day of kayaking. The lakes in this area are surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The shimmering waters were like glass, reflecting the towering mountains and vibrant sky. The flat waters of the lakes were beginner-friendly, allowing us to build confidence with each stroke while soaking in the pristine environment. We paddled from one side of the lake to the other, stopping occasionally to admire the surrounding beauty and snap some photos. That evening, we stayed late to kayak under the Milky Way. Paddling beneath a sky full of stars was awe-inspiring and turned out to be one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip. The Oru Kayaks handled well, even in the darker, cooler conditions of nighttime, giving us confidence in their reliability.
Related Read: The Best Outdoorsy Things To Do Around Mammoth Lakes, CA
Sunrise kayak at Convict Lake, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day Three: Convict Lake
We woke up early for a sunrise paddle on Convict Lake. The stillness of the morning waters made for an easy and peaceful kayaking experience. As the first rays of sunlight hit the water, the lake’s crystal-clear surface shimmered like a mirror, and the surrounding peaks glowed in soft golden hues. It felt like paddling in a dream. The lake’s serene beauty inspired us to paddle further, exploring every nook and cranny along the shoreline. Later, we treated ourselves to a soak in Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and spent the afternoon cleaning and reorganizing the van—a necessary recharge after days of adventure. It was a good reminder of how easy it is to pack up and store the Oru Kayaks when not in use, leaving plenty of room in the van for other gear. We also took time to plan our next adventures, excited about what lay ahead.
Related Read: Your Year Round Guide to Wild Willy's Hot Spring In Mammoth Lakes, CA
Kayaking Owen’s River along Highway 395. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day Four: Owens River
The Owens River was the highlight of the trip. This flatwater river winds through stunning landscapes, offering twists and turns that kept things interesting without being overwhelming for beginners. The slow-moving current made it a great place to practice steering and paddling techniques, and we found ourselves laughing as we navigated the winding path. Along the way, we spotted birds and small animals, adding to the sense of immersion in nature. The river’s serene beauty gave us a deeper appreciation for kayaking as a way to explore otherwise hard-to-reach areas. Afterward, we revisited Wild Willy’s Hot Springs for one last relaxing soak. As we sat in the warm waters under the stars, we reflected on how far we’d come as beginner kayakers, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
Day Five: Heading Home
On our final day, we drove back home to South Lake Tahoe along Highway 395, reflecting on everything we had learned about kayaking and how much we enjoyed using the Oru Lake Kayaks. The trip wasn’t just about learning a new skill; it was also about discovering a new way to connect with nature and each other. We reminisced about the stunning landscapes we’d seen, the challenges we’d overcome, and the peaceful moments on the water. The Oru Kayaks had opened up a world of adventure for us, and we couldn’t wait to plan our next kayaking journey.
Why Oru Kayaks Are Great for Beginners
1. Portability: The Oru Lake Kayak’s foldable design makes it easy to transport and store. You don’t need a roof rack or large storage space, which lowers the barrier to entry for new kayakers. This feature is especially convenient for road trips, where space can be limited. At first, setting up the kayaks took about 20 minutes, but by the end of the trip the time was under 5 mintues.
2. Stability: Despite their lightweight construction, Oru kayaks are very stable. Tipping is hard, even for complete beginners. Kristin and I didn’t flip once during the entire trip, which boosted our confidence and made the learning process less intimidating.
3. Ease of Use: While the initial setup can take some time, the process gets easier with practice. Once assembled, the kayak feels solid and responsive on the water. This ease of use allows beginners to focus on learning paddling techniques rather than worrying about the equipment.
4. Versatility: These kayaks are designed for flatwater environments like lakes and calm rivers, which are ideal for beginners. Their lightweight and foldable design also mean you can take them to a variety of locations, from your local lake to remote rivers and backcountry destinations.
5. Accessibility: The Oru Kayak’s unique design and beginner-friendly features make kayaking an accessible activity for people who might otherwise hesitate to try it. The compact size and ease of transportation eliminate many of the logistical challenges associated with traditional kayaks.
Sunset kayak with Oru Kayak. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Final Thoughts
Our road trip with the Oru Kayaks was a success. These kayaks are beginner-friendly, portable, and stable, making them a great choice for anyone looking to get into kayaking. Their versatility and ease of use allowed us to explore a variety of stunning locations with confidence. Whether you’re exploring your local lake or embarking on a multi-day road trip, the Oru Kayak is a reliable and accessible option to kickstart your kayaking adventures.
For beginners, the Oru Lake Kayak offers an excellent balance of stability, portability, and functionality. If you’re considering starting your kayaking journey, these kayaks are a fantastic way to begin. With each paddle stroke, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the joys of kayaking, discovering both the beauty of the water and the satisfaction of mastering a new skill.
