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IPFS News Link • Inventions

Folding boat changes from rolling suitcase to canoe in 10 minutes

• http://www.gizmag.com, C.C. Weiss

The Belgian-designed Onak canoe follows much of the same formula as the Oru, but it offers room for three plus gear.

There are a number of folding kayaks and canoes out there, dating back over a century, and most don't appear all that similar to the Oru. The Onak has a similar look and feel thanks to a pre-folded design that compacts away into its own case. 

With the Onak, the carry case isn't a shoulder bag but a 47 x 15.7 x 10-in (120 x 40 x 25-cm) roller case that allows you to wheel the canoe to water's edge (or perhaps "beach's edge" since we're not certain how it'll handle the likes of sand and rock). At around 37 lb (17 kg), it's light enough to pick up and carry when rolling isn't an option.

This design should prove even easier than hauling on your shoulder or back, assuming there's flat, even ground between you and your put-in. It also looks convenient for rolling on and off of public transportation. Couple that with the apartment-friendly storage size, and the Onak looks like a great option for city-based paddlers.


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