What Should You Buy WITH an Oru Kayak?

Hi, I’m Steph! I own two Oru Kayaks and have taken them on many adventures, and tried many of the Oru Kayak accessories. Today I go through each one to share my thoughts on what accessories you should buy with your Oru Kayak!
Use my friend link, and affiliate links below to support the channel!
🚣‍♀️ Kayak Gear (affiliate links)
Get $50 off an Oru Kayak using my friend link: bit.ly/orusteph
Oru Kayaks I own:
▶︎ Oru Inlet: bit.ly/3Qfwa7L
▶︎ Oru Lake: bit.ly/3RlGhcq
Must Buy list:
▶︎ Oru Paddle: bit.ly/3DnFR0F
▶︎ NRS Odyssey Lifejacket: amzn.to/3c97AYo
▶︎ Oru Gel seat: bit.ly/3TsnfSX
▶︎ Oru Float Bags (set of 2): bit.ly/3Dp5qP0
▶︎ Oru Lake Footrest: bit.ly/3z7iNkf
▶︎ Oru Dry Bag: bit.ly/3fyLccv
▶︎ CaliCase Universal Waterproof Floating Case: amzn.to/3MKVQbE
▶︎ NRS Foam Paddle Float: amzn.to/3Wq051t
▶︎ NRS Kayak Bilge Pump: amzn.to/3MZftww
▶︎ Whistle: www.rei.com/product/100521/wh...
Other:
▶︎ Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir - 2 Liters: amzn.to/3V3dlIw
▶︎ Gearlab Deck Pod 2: amzn.to/3QVz42w
▶︎ BELL Octopus Cup Holder: amzn.to/3dH303N
⏰ Timecode
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Oru Paddles
1:26 - Oru LED light kit
2:22 - Oru PFD
3:11 - Canine Flotation Device
3:30 - Oru Kayak Packs
4:01 - Oru Gel Seat
4:22 - Oru Seat Wedge
4:45 - Oru Float Bags
5:38 - Oru Waterproof Backpack
6:07 - Oru Dry Bag
7:00 - Oru Phone Dry Bag
7:36 - Oru Spray Skirts
7:55 - Oru Mounts
8:52 - Shoulder Strap
9:10 - Lake Footrest
9:26 - Oru Shirt
9:57 - Oru Explorer Hat
10:15 - Oru Water Bottle
10:50 - Oru Repair Kit
11:39 - Oru Gift Card
11:58 - Recommend to buy with kayak
14:05 - REI package delivery
*I do not work with the Oru Kayak company and bought all this myself.

[@trevorthetherapist4200]

I also use the camera mount for my GoPro all the time. Works well and you can adjust it to look towards the bow or towards you if you want to record content.

[@evolv.e]

Great recommendations. Thank you!

[@kerryai]

Thank you for your tips. I already know what I'm going after this Black Friday 😁

[@sirwilliamkarl5591]

I've found my Oru phone dry bag very useful. I like the window that I can take pictures through.

[@saltdoll5288]

Very useful video! I want to buy my daughter one of the kayaks. Knowing that gift cards are available eases my mind about getting the right one along with the right accessories. When I surprise her with it I’ll also give her a link you your video!

[@DJPK1]

1st like! WooHoo! I really enjoy all of your videos Steph :)

[@craighip7870]

Great video!

[@melchurch3019]

That was a helpful video to decide what would be worthwhile to buy. I'll be interested how you like the hammock and stand. I just got back from a 2 night camping trip in my hammock. In Michigan the nights have been cold so an underquilt is a must.

[@smkauthor]

I'll share for sure!

[@robertkelleher1850]

I can't figure out what Oru's obsession with black is. They now have "Elite" and "sport" versions of some kayaks, and they are black! That's just going to get hot hot hot. I live in Florida too, and black is a no go. Oh and black sucks up UV also, which even though the plastic is UV resistant, will be less durable over time.

[@davidfinch7418]

I want to add that a Paddle Strap is one of my "must haves". Nothing worse than dropping your paddle and then having to hand paddle sideways to get to it... and it's even worse if you capsize. My preference is one that is elasticated with a cover rather than the loopy coiled ones... they get tangled.

[@smkauthor]

Yes! I always have one of those with me too.

[@foxyfamilynow]

Thanks for the great videos! I'm getting ready to buy an Oru Lake. Do you know if the Gearlab Deck Pod 2 would work with the Oru Lake? I see it listed in your "other" buy list but I don't think you mention it in the video.

[@smkauthor]

I share more about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmbVZ3uMa7udrZI

[@ronn6471]

The marketing dept must love you!

[@macboat1]

These accessories may not have been available when you did this video, but have you considered trying the Oru Kayak Skeg for Lake or the Oru Splash Deck for Lake/Inlet? I was wondering if the Skeg made a difference with tracking for the Lake and whether you found the open cockpit of the Lake and/or Inlet allowed for taking on some water in the kayak and if the Splash Deck would be a solution. Thanks for your very informative and entertaining videos!

[@smkauthor]

They were not out yet. I have not tried them, but might in the future!

[@donrimel7500]

This video and some of your other videos are very helpful. Having grown up in Florida, as you said you don't want to do extra steps when you are in a crisis moment like falling out of your kayak. The possibility of alligators makes the situation that more stressful. I know it was a concern for us when we have been paddling in a canoe and having alligators less than 10 feet on the shore as we have gone by. Have you heard anyone talk about the Haven model? We are not sure if we want a two person kayak or two one person kayaks. We travel in our class A RV and are looking for a portable Kayak option. Not needing to inflate the kayak seems like a plus. We are taking a trip to Alaska in 2024 from Florida in our RV and a kayak would be nice to enjoy some of the areas.

[@smkauthor]

I don't know much about the Haven. I do think it takes some time to put together. I personally like to solo paddle more than tandam, so I would go with two one person kayaks, but it's really a personal choice. Sounds like a fun trip!

[@trevorthetherapist4200]

I used those phone bags when I went white water rafting. They worked really well because you don’t need to remove the phone from the bag to use any options (phone, camera, apps etc.) 😅

[@fharsman]

2 comments . Canine is pronounced k nine. Also the thigh braces are used as 2 more points of contact for stability when things get tippy. They are used in decked kayaks for edging and rolling as well.

[@kinggabriel8715]

She did say canine? What did you hear?

[@Ramotttholl]

I think the site is slightly annoying when it comes to international. As some stuff is us only but without using a vpn i basically cannot even see the site page of the products that arent available (yet) in the eu. Id love to hear a review of the backpack if you get it, i couldnt find one yet and i have no idea how it actually is inside as they dont show.

[@simonereeves3973]

But the Lake is open, does it really make sense to buy the airbags??

[@vermontersforcriminaljusti455]

Where did you get the water container-thingie that you used in one of your videos to wash off the kayak before folding it up?

[@smkauthor]

It's called RinseKit. They don't make the model I'm using anymore.

[@kymberlyholcombe263]

I just bought my inlet. Just getting started. I’m curious if you purchased an additional seat cushion. Frankly I feel like I need more than that tiny seat cushion included.

[@smkauthor]

Yes, I bought the Oru gel seat and it works well.

[@jenniferkovacs4504]

Where did you get your cup holder thing

[@smkauthor]

Amazon: amzn.to/3dH303N

[@lanwei1957]

I'm wondering if the Oru gel seat is compatible with Oru Lake.

[@smkauthor]

It is was the Lake +

[@thistimtalks]

What about wet shoes? Necessary? Recommendations?

[@smkauthor]

I have a few different shoes I wear. I share more about that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e32rhGhtntKNo68

[@keepingitrealcampaign8132]

Why do you think the footrest for the lake is a must?

[@smkauthor]

To paddle faster and not get sore arms, I use my feet and core to paddle. So the footrest is a must to push against. And it just makes it more comfortable to have a place for your feet.

[@keepingitrealcampaign8132]

@@smkauthor thank you so much for the input! Been going back and forth about it

[@simonereeves3973]

But what about simply pushing against a big drybag (with bike helmet, Lake rucksack, and stuff)? As good, no?@@smkauthor

[@iosullysammy]

???????Hi. What about the skeg/ fin. ????????

[@smkauthor]

The Oru Kayak Skeg is designed to assist your Lake kayak to track better in the water. Its classic design provides good hold in both flat water paddling and turning around. This skeg is simple to attach and to remove, just slide in and lock in place, unlock and remove. (orukayak.com)

[@Spartakos9]

Still got the twirling skills, Vicki!