Oru Founder Anton Willis came up with the idea after moving to San Francisco and realizing his apartment was too small to fit his kayak. He launched a Kickstarter for a foldable boat, which successfully raised $443,806 and brought Oru Kayak into production.

Oru Kayak was also featured on Shark Tank, where Willis accepted a $500,000 deal for 25 percent from Robert Herjavec. 

The boat is made from one sheet of corrugated plastic, with simple connections for easy assemblage. Oru Kayak is so beautifully built that it was even showcased at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

When folded up, the kayak leaves enough room in its carrying case for a four-piece collapsible paddle and a life jacket. The kayak is rated to be folded 20,000 times before its skin begins to weaken.