The Inlet From Oru Kayak Named to TIME’s List of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019

November 25, 2019

The Revolutionary Origami Kayak Was Recognized in the Sports Category

San Francisco, CA (November 25, 2019) –  TIME Magazine has revealed its annual list of the 100 Best Inventions that are making the world better, smarter and even a bit more fun. Oru’s Inlet earned a spot on TIME’s list for its revolutionary design in breaking down the barriers to kayak ownership.

To assemble the 2019 TIME Best Inventions list, TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories from editors and correspondents around the world, as well as through an online application process. Each contender was then evaluated on key factors, including originality, effectiveness, ambition and influence. The result: 100 groundbreaking inventions that are changing the way we live, work, play and think about what’s possible.

“It’s a thrill to be recognized amongst so many other inspiring inventions,” commented Jess Anthony, Director of Marketing for Oru Kayak. “It validates our vision for Oru Kayak and our mission to create spontaneous on-water adventure. We can’t wait to show the world what’s next.”

To achieve the Inlet’s unheard-of specifications, Oru worked out an entirely new origami folding pattern, the first completely-new folding pattern since the company was formed in 2012. Developed by Oru Founder and Chief Design Officer Anton Willis, the new folding pattern produces a significantly streamlined box-to-boat assembly that eliminates many of the loose parts found in other Oru Kayaks. Notably, the Inlet features Oru’s first fully-integrated floorboard, enabling a more intuitive and speedy assembly. In a handful of simple steps, Inlet owners can now be on the water in less than three minutes; 75% faster than past Oru kayak models.

Oru’s new folding pattern achieves more than just speed, it also maximizes spatial efficiency and reduces overall weight. When fully assembled, the roomy Inlet is 10ft long, 31-inches wide, and weighs just 20lbs. When not paddling, the Inlet neatly folds into a compact box, similar in size to a guitar case (40”x18”x10”).

See the full TIME 100 list here: time.com/bestinventions2019

See the international cover of TIME featuring the 100 Best Inventions of 2019 here: https://bit.ly/331y8jr

The December 2 / December 9 double issue of TIME featuring the Inlet from Oru went on sale on Friday, November 22, 2019.

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About Oru Kayak

Founded in 2012, Oru Kayak is a leading innovator in the kayaking industry and the first to bring a foldable kayak to market utilizing the principles of origami. Beyond the functionality of its engineering, the Oru Kayak stands apart from the competition for its superb on the water performance, durability, easy assembly, and stylish design. Based in San Francisco and manufactured in the USA, Oru Kayak is sold in dozens of countries across five continents including Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit orukayak.com