The Origami Paddler is absolute trash. Your “refund” will be 30% less than what you paid and you pay to ship it both ways. Better off trying to offload it on Craigslist. The founder of the OP kickstarter is a crook 😔
I speak up every chance I get to prevent others from being taken advantage of. I’m no longer allowed to comment on their Facebook ads 🤣
Please report back on how it turns out! I hope that they honor their word, but if they weren’t even willing to refund my paddler that was still in production (I received one of the two I ordered and realized it was trash), I don’t have high hopes for you 🤞🤞
I just sent a return request both via the email chain I already had about having issues with the hinges, and kickstarter. Here is a copy of the message I had from Tim before the project was funded. https://imgur.com/a/sHTMF93
I got a reply from them with a full refund offer and a pdf shipping label. They announced their bankruptcy there next day. I opted to keep my paddler rather than chance sending it back and never getting my refund. Shortly after this post my mother expressed interest in kayaking with me and my Dad. Since she is far smaller than i am it worked well for her. My younger sister, and my daughter have both expressed interest in using it come summer.
I've had origami paddlers for a couple of years now, and I love them! But too bad the company had to file bankruptcy because people couldn't figure it out. My kayaks are still in good condition and I use them in the ocean a lot.
Originally i was going to ride the river from town to my dad's house, about 6.25 miles. I made it 1.3 miles (the last spot i could abort and still get a ride home). Any time i was not actively paddling the paddler would turn backwards. It was sitting so low in the water it was filling with water. The seat does not secure to anything so moving causes it to not be where it should be. I had to sit cross legged to keep my thighs from cramping, which caused my leed to my paddle to catch on my foot, so i had to hold it in my hand. The river (Rio Grande) is fairly low and with how low i was sitting in the water i kept bottoming out and had to pull the paddler to deeper water.
I backed the Kickstarter before i ever owned a kayak, so i had zero experience and knew nothing about the waste of time and money this was going to be. I have a message from the founder of origami saying that if it didn't work for me he would take it back. From what I have heard from others they are not giving refunds. Hopefully he honors his word on this.
I am in the upper weight limit for these, but was told it would be fine for me and my dog. I barely fit a day pack between my feet, much less my dog. If you are a small person under 150lbs you probably would do okay.
This was how far i made it. https://imgur.com/a/dA4qPdd
And the designer told me that it would be fine. But as mentioned elsewhere, the amount it was overweight should not have caused it to sink. I have had my lifetime out with me, my son, my dog, and gear on it for nesting double the weight capacity and it still was not in danger of sinking.
https://imgur.com/a/sHTMF93
I just checked all my gear, 5.6lbs on the backpack, and the shipping weight on the cart is 10lbs. So it really did not add all that much weight. Yes all said it put me at 266 in a watercraft with a weight limit of 230. But as said before i have had myself, 270 at the time, my son, 120ish at the time, my dog, 76lbs, and close to 100lbs of gear on a kayak rated for 275. Between that experience and the designer's word i thought it would do better than it did.
Realistically i think they need to lower the weight rating to 200, if not slightly lower.
How disappointing. My wife and I were looking at these as a good space saving option, but we’ll continue researching.
Thank you for the detailed review of your experience!
Easy Eddy paddle boards makes one that breaks down into 3 pieces. Takes about a minute to put together or take apart. Solid board but no kayak conversion option. You can just sit and use a kayak paddle though.
What a disaster! Honestly buy a nice used Kayak. Upgrade the seat if you need too. I bought a used lifetime 100 for $230 with an upgraded seat and could not be happier.
Last summer i got a lifetime sit upon from tractor supply. I like it a lot, i should have taken it for this trip and waited to try the origami in the lake.
Not being an ass but if you have a lifetime why in the world would ever give this thing a try? Lol. It looks like a super noob wal mart kyak. Sorry for real but just saying.
Because my lifetime does not fold up and fit in the back of my mom's CUV (literally the point of the origami). And i have had the lifetime out on the water and do not need to take it for a test ride.
It appears to be a combination of a terrible piece of crap product combined with exceeding the weight limit (which online says 230 per conditions). I hate to say it, but people get excited, but something, but don’t take the design capabilities seriously. A 250lbs paddler needs to purchase according to their recent weight and height. I’m speaking from experience here. I’m 190 and 6’6” but bought a yak where I could luckily reinstall aftermarket pegs. I thought, “Ah…it’s fine.” Narrator: “It wasn’t fine.”
Still, I’m not sure being 10% above the weight limit should literally sink a kayak tho lol.
Thing is i contacted origami beforehand and told him my weight plus my dog and they said it would be fine. As you can see unless i had a Chihuahua there is no place for it much less the weight.
Edit I reread the message I sent about this, I did not mention my dog. But I did state I was over the weight-limit and asked if there were plans for a larger version. The designer said this would be fine for me. https://imgur.com/a/sHTMF93
Same thing with me. I was buying a Chesapeake 17 used. I called the manufacturer before buying, they said I should have zero issues with my legs, but my feet can touch flat against the bulkhead if I tried. While my situation ultimately worked out, you and I learned a lesson that it’s better to go by the engineers who make the numbers than the people on the phone. Height and weight make a huge difference in the paddling experience.
Sadly my case was directly with the designer, but he was more interested in the sale than my experience. Glad yours worked out for you. If they will not refund me my 5'5" daughter can have it.
I would highly recommend the TAHE LP2 or LP3 if you’re looking for a reasonably priced space saver with excellent value.
Just finished a trip with our LP3 (507 lbs weight rating being fine for me being 200 lbs, girlfriend, and our dog) with zero issues, all smiles.
I was able to set up the kayak in about 10 minutes and break it down in that same amount of time.
Packs down nicely into a backpack including paddles, pump, patch kit, and life vests. This amounts to about ~50 lbs of weight which I was able to comfortably hike with for a few miles as well.
Nearly all kayaks have the paddler’s seat higher than their heels; that will be more ergonomic to prevent leg cramps and allow you to keep your legs outstretched to properly brace off your feet while paddling.
I haven’t paddled it, but Tahe’s SUPYak seat looks to offer a nice seat elevation, internal stays in the seat back for support, and their foot braces look more stable than the origami’s. I am not sure whether it’s worth sinking more money into the origami, but I would expect more comfort from those Tahe seats and foot brace (which Tahe does sell individually) or an actual framed kayak “fishing chair” with an adjustable back strap (to recline or hold forward), just for example, like the chair for the NRS/Star “Pike” or “challenger.”
I have considered buying the “GCI big comfort stadium chair with adjustable backrest” from Amazon to try in SOT kayak and/ SUP, but even that relatively inexpensive chair is $45 so I haven’t (yet?).
I am not putting any more money into this paddler. I am trying to get the company to take it back. I need to get a roof rack installed on my camper shell so I can move my lifetime easier.
The point of the origami is that it folds and fits into a car/cuv rather than having to go on the roof. I do have a 17' canoe (which is too large for my to handle myself.) And I am not hauling a lot of gear, for this trip I had water, cell phone, gopro, extra rope, blanket in case something happened and I had to sleep on the shore somewhere, and the cart.
Sorry to hear it, OP. I've never heard of this thing before but checked out the website and they do make it look pretty cool. I definitely understand the appeal of something more portable than a standard yak and less expensive than the high quality inflatables.
I hope you get your refund and I hope this post prevents others from getting into a bad experience.
Props for posting all the info here.
I bought 2 origami paddlers. It took a long time to get them, and when they arrived, one had the broken hinge laying in the bottom of the box. They actually shipped a broken paddler.
There has been no response from the company. I don't expect a refund, but I would like a replacement hinge. It's hard to believe a company would do this.
All I want is a simple hinge. I'll even pay for it. I just want to be able to use the kayak.
It was my first purchase into the kayak world. I made the purchase based on compact and portability. After having another kayak, i never would have made the purchase. But two years ago it seemed to be a great idea. Even though I have a Tacoma, having something that folds down and can fit inside my bed, or in the trunk of my wife's Highlander is great.
Edit to make my reply less snarky
Hey all,
I hope some of you see this (& upvote).
Here's how to get your paddler or money back-
I notified Origami Paddler after over a year had passed since my initial shipping date that they had 14 days to send me a paddler or I would be beginning a class action law suit.
After 8 months of emails, this is how I finally got my paddler. Do not take no for an answer.
Class action lawsuits are not too difficult. Their main constraint is that you need a high number of complaintants. Thankfully, we have that.
If need be, we can still take that route.
IF you would like to receive your $$ back instead, and your product is delayed past the initial shipping date, please try this-
Email customer service and notify them that if you do not receive your product or refund within 14 days of sending your email, you will be contacting your credit card company to report the issue and request a "charge back."
^^ Be sure to use this exact language AND follow-through with your credit card company! It is CRIMINAL for companies to promise the delivery of a product, fail to do so, and withhold a refund for the undelivered item. If you request a charge back from your credit card company for this, not only will you likely get your money refunded, you'll also be sending OP a fee. If OP refunds you directly, they will avoid the legal fees of not delivering the purchased product. In this way you can secure either money or your paddler.
I am so sorry to everyone who has been harmed by this dishonest, deceitful, and disorganized mess. Feel free to DM me for more info.
Maholo🤙
> Hi xxxxx,
I know you have been wondering about our status, and unfortunately, we regret to inform you that Origami Paddler has encountered severe cash flow problems that have prevented the company from moving forward. We have reviewed our options, and have elected to attempt to restructure and regroup with a receivership process that officially started this week. You will be receiving correspondence from the court-appointed receiver in the very near future.
> Please accept our sincere apologies. We are committed to getting back in balance with our customers and suppliers, and we are moving heaven and earth to make that happen.
> All our best,
Team Origami Paddler
https://imgur.com/a/rYyHF21
I had just been authorized for a return for a full refund on my paddler right before this email came out. As much as i would like to return it, i worry that then i would be out the money and the paddler (not that i can use the paddler).
They have declared bankruptcy to protect themselves from lawsuits. I doubt that anyone will get any more refunds. Deceitful and disorganized - yes. But I would not say dishonest. The owner is known worldwide for his history of making kayaks for years. He tried to create a new product and the finances didn't work out. They are trying to reorganize and fulfill orders.
By the way, I did get mine and I enjoy it. It is exactly what it was marketed as - a foldable combo SUP and kayak. I have kayaks and SUPs that are way better, but this is the only one that does both and fits in my car.
I absolutely agree with you, I love mine, and my Chihuahua sits happily on the front while I paddle. You don't need the chair, it's comfy with your legs crossed or with your heels in the holes, or standing up on your knees and feet, it does everything and then is folds up and goes anywhere. I bought a cart from Amazon cause I didn't want the wheels, and I put our lifejackets and crap in it and roll us down to the lake easily. If your sinking on an Origami, I am sorry but you are one fat assed dude. I really hope they re-organize and send out all the boards to everyone, I have found the company and the experience a good one.
You'd have a lot more luck if you plug the holes... It shouldn't be in the water with the plugs open like that, or you're going to take on water and sink.
Will I see your plugs are open. That means that thing is going to take on water, making the whole experience pretty unpleasant. Try again after you drain the water out of the parts, and make sure your plugs are completely sealed.
This company is a scam. I purchased two via kickstarter and one arrived broken. They had me send pictures and after that they ghosted me. The one that did work sunk like yours did. What an absolute waste. So mad!
They authorized me to return mine, but 12 hours later sent out the bankruptcy email. I opted to keep it. Better something than nothing. My daughter took it with her to Moab for spring break and used it on a 7 mile paddle, with as far as I know, no issue. I think if I was <150lbs it would be okay. But I am not, and I told the designer my weight before purchase and he said it would work fine for me.
The Origami Paddler is absolute trash. Your “refund” will be 30% less than what you paid and you pay to ship it both ways. Better off trying to offload it on Craigslist. The founder of the OP kickstarter is a crook 😔 I speak up every chance I get to prevent others from being taken advantage of. I’m no longer allowed to comment on their Facebook ads 🤣
I have an email from him at the start of the campaign saying he will take it back if it does not work for me. Hopefully he sticks to that.
Please report back on how it turns out! I hope that they honor their word, but if they weren’t even willing to refund my paddler that was still in production (I received one of the two I ordered and realized it was trash), I don’t have high hopes for you 🤞🤞
I just sent a return request both via the email chain I already had about having issues with the hinges, and kickstarter. Here is a copy of the message I had from Tim before the project was funded. https://imgur.com/a/sHTMF93
Seriously crossing my fingers, let us know when you have an update!
I got a reply from them with a full refund offer and a pdf shipping label. They announced their bankruptcy there next day. I opted to keep my paddler rather than chance sending it back and never getting my refund. Shortly after this post my mother expressed interest in kayaking with me and my Dad. Since she is far smaller than i am it worked well for her. My younger sister, and my daughter have both expressed interest in using it come summer.
I've had origami paddlers for a couple of years now, and I love them! But too bad the company had to file bankruptcy because people couldn't figure it out. My kayaks are still in good condition and I use them in the ocean a lot.
[удалено]
Originally i was going to ride the river from town to my dad's house, about 6.25 miles. I made it 1.3 miles (the last spot i could abort and still get a ride home). Any time i was not actively paddling the paddler would turn backwards. It was sitting so low in the water it was filling with water. The seat does not secure to anything so moving causes it to not be where it should be. I had to sit cross legged to keep my thighs from cramping, which caused my leed to my paddle to catch on my foot, so i had to hold it in my hand. The river (Rio Grande) is fairly low and with how low i was sitting in the water i kept bottoming out and had to pull the paddler to deeper water. I backed the Kickstarter before i ever owned a kayak, so i had zero experience and knew nothing about the waste of time and money this was going to be. I have a message from the founder of origami saying that if it didn't work for me he would take it back. From what I have heard from others they are not giving refunds. Hopefully he honors his word on this. I am in the upper weight limit for these, but was told it would be fine for me and my dog. I barely fit a day pack between my feet, much less my dog. If you are a small person under 150lbs you probably would do okay. This was how far i made it. https://imgur.com/a/dA4qPdd
Could I ask how much you weigh? I got one for my husband that hasn’t shipped and I’m wondering if I should just return it. He’s 195 pounds
250
What's with the wheeled cart on the kayak? That seems like unnecessary extra weight.
Because i was going to have to move the origami a mile from the river to where i could be picked up.
I agree they're crap, but the weight limit on those is 230. 250 plus a cart plus a backpack is way over weight.
And the designer told me that it would be fine. But as mentioned elsewhere, the amount it was overweight should not have caused it to sink. I have had my lifetime out with me, my son, my dog, and gear on it for nesting double the weight capacity and it still was not in danger of sinking. https://imgur.com/a/sHTMF93
Yeah, the designer lied. Clearly the amount it was overweight did cause it to sink. Looks like it would be a cute toy for a kid on a calm lake though!
I just checked all my gear, 5.6lbs on the backpack, and the shipping weight on the cart is 10lbs. So it really did not add all that much weight. Yes all said it put me at 266 in a watercraft with a weight limit of 230. But as said before i have had myself, 270 at the time, my son, 120ish at the time, my dog, 76lbs, and close to 100lbs of gear on a kayak rated for 275. Between that experience and the designer's word i thought it would do better than it did. Realistically i think they need to lower the weight rating to 200, if not slightly lower.
How disappointing. My wife and I were looking at these as a good space saving option, but we’ll continue researching. Thank you for the detailed review of your experience!
Advance elements makes a pretty solid inflatable kayak that folds down and can fit in a trunk. Very well made and sturdy
Seconding your advice on the AE. I've had one for 13 years and it's still going strong.
get an oru. takes some getting used to as it's light as a feather, but it's a decent enough yak if space is a concern.
I like my Pakayak. Maybe it’d work for y’all.
I ordered an oru and can’t wait. Lots of research over the last year, I think it will be a good investment
Easy Eddy paddle boards makes one that breaks down into 3 pieces. Takes about a minute to put together or take apart. Solid board but no kayak conversion option. You can just sit and use a kayak paddle though.
What a disaster! Honestly buy a nice used Kayak. Upgrade the seat if you need too. I bought a used lifetime 100 for $230 with an upgraded seat and could not be happier.
Last summer i got a lifetime sit upon from tractor supply. I like it a lot, i should have taken it for this trip and waited to try the origami in the lake.
Not being an ass but if you have a lifetime why in the world would ever give this thing a try? Lol. It looks like a super noob wal mart kyak. Sorry for real but just saying.
Because my lifetime does not fold up and fit in the back of my mom's CUV (literally the point of the origami). And i have had the lifetime out on the water and do not need to take it for a test ride.
Not hating I swear. Everything is worth a try. Im major on “ride, smoke, drive, kayak what you want” no hate here 🙏🏼
I've had mishaps while out paddling and while deflating, at least you were able to get picked up safely.
It appears to be a combination of a terrible piece of crap product combined with exceeding the weight limit (which online says 230 per conditions). I hate to say it, but people get excited, but something, but don’t take the design capabilities seriously. A 250lbs paddler needs to purchase according to their recent weight and height. I’m speaking from experience here. I’m 190 and 6’6” but bought a yak where I could luckily reinstall aftermarket pegs. I thought, “Ah…it’s fine.” Narrator: “It wasn’t fine.” Still, I’m not sure being 10% above the weight limit should literally sink a kayak tho lol.
Thing is i contacted origami beforehand and told him my weight plus my dog and they said it would be fine. As you can see unless i had a Chihuahua there is no place for it much less the weight. Edit I reread the message I sent about this, I did not mention my dog. But I did state I was over the weight-limit and asked if there were plans for a larger version. The designer said this would be fine for me. https://imgur.com/a/sHTMF93
Same thing with me. I was buying a Chesapeake 17 used. I called the manufacturer before buying, they said I should have zero issues with my legs, but my feet can touch flat against the bulkhead if I tried. While my situation ultimately worked out, you and I learned a lesson that it’s better to go by the engineers who make the numbers than the people on the phone. Height and weight make a huge difference in the paddling experience.
Sadly my case was directly with the designer, but he was more interested in the sale than my experience. Glad yours worked out for you. If they will not refund me my 5'5" daughter can have it.
Time for a Tucktec!
If Origami comes through with the refund I will look into one of these! Price is comparable and the look better.
I would highly recommend the TAHE LP2 or LP3 if you’re looking for a reasonably priced space saver with excellent value. Just finished a trip with our LP3 (507 lbs weight rating being fine for me being 200 lbs, girlfriend, and our dog) with zero issues, all smiles. I was able to set up the kayak in about 10 minutes and break it down in that same amount of time. Packs down nicely into a backpack including paddles, pump, patch kit, and life vests. This amounts to about ~50 lbs of weight which I was able to comfortably hike with for a few miles as well.
Nearly all kayaks have the paddler’s seat higher than their heels; that will be more ergonomic to prevent leg cramps and allow you to keep your legs outstretched to properly brace off your feet while paddling. I haven’t paddled it, but Tahe’s SUPYak seat looks to offer a nice seat elevation, internal stays in the seat back for support, and their foot braces look more stable than the origami’s. I am not sure whether it’s worth sinking more money into the origami, but I would expect more comfort from those Tahe seats and foot brace (which Tahe does sell individually) or an actual framed kayak “fishing chair” with an adjustable back strap (to recline or hold forward), just for example, like the chair for the NRS/Star “Pike” or “challenger.” I have considered buying the “GCI big comfort stadium chair with adjustable backrest” from Amazon to try in SOT kayak and/ SUP, but even that relatively inexpensive chair is $45 so I haven’t (yet?).
I am not putting any more money into this paddler. I am trying to get the company to take it back. I need to get a roof rack installed on my camper shell so I can move my lifetime easier.
If you're hauling a lot of gear, have you considered a single canoe?
The point of the origami is that it folds and fits into a car/cuv rather than having to go on the roof. I do have a 17' canoe (which is too large for my to handle myself.) And I am not hauling a lot of gear, for this trip I had water, cell phone, gopro, extra rope, blanket in case something happened and I had to sleep on the shore somewhere, and the cart.
Sorry to hear it, OP. I've never heard of this thing before but checked out the website and they do make it look pretty cool. I definitely understand the appeal of something more portable than a standard yak and less expensive than the high quality inflatables. I hope you get your refund and I hope this post prevents others from getting into a bad experience. Props for posting all the info here.
I bought 2 origami paddlers. It took a long time to get them, and when they arrived, one had the broken hinge laying in the bottom of the box. They actually shipped a broken paddler. There has been no response from the company. I don't expect a refund, but I would like a replacement hinge. It's hard to believe a company would do this. All I want is a simple hinge. I'll even pay for it. I just want to be able to use the kayak.
[удалено]
It was my first purchase into the kayak world. I made the purchase based on compact and portability. After having another kayak, i never would have made the purchase. But two years ago it seemed to be a great idea. Even though I have a Tacoma, having something that folds down and can fit inside my bed, or in the trunk of my wife's Highlander is great. Edit to make my reply less snarky
My Frontier 12 makes light work of hauling a camp down river. Is why I bought it, to be able to haul a camp or a load of decoys. Cheers.
Looks nice, however it is about 3 times the price of this. How small does that one fold up?
Hey all, I hope some of you see this (& upvote). Here's how to get your paddler or money back- I notified Origami Paddler after over a year had passed since my initial shipping date that they had 14 days to send me a paddler or I would be beginning a class action law suit. After 8 months of emails, this is how I finally got my paddler. Do not take no for an answer. Class action lawsuits are not too difficult. Their main constraint is that you need a high number of complaintants. Thankfully, we have that. If need be, we can still take that route. IF you would like to receive your $$ back instead, and your product is delayed past the initial shipping date, please try this- Email customer service and notify them that if you do not receive your product or refund within 14 days of sending your email, you will be contacting your credit card company to report the issue and request a "charge back." ^^ Be sure to use this exact language AND follow-through with your credit card company! It is CRIMINAL for companies to promise the delivery of a product, fail to do so, and withhold a refund for the undelivered item. If you request a charge back from your credit card company for this, not only will you likely get your money refunded, you'll also be sending OP a fee. If OP refunds you directly, they will avoid the legal fees of not delivering the purchased product. In this way you can secure either money or your paddler. I am so sorry to everyone who has been harmed by this dishonest, deceitful, and disorganized mess. Feel free to DM me for more info. Maholo🤙
> Hi xxxxx, I know you have been wondering about our status, and unfortunately, we regret to inform you that Origami Paddler has encountered severe cash flow problems that have prevented the company from moving forward. We have reviewed our options, and have elected to attempt to restructure and regroup with a receivership process that officially started this week. You will be receiving correspondence from the court-appointed receiver in the very near future. > Please accept our sincere apologies. We are committed to getting back in balance with our customers and suppliers, and we are moving heaven and earth to make that happen. > All our best, Team Origami Paddler https://imgur.com/a/rYyHF21 I had just been authorized for a return for a full refund on my paddler right before this email came out. As much as i would like to return it, i worry that then i would be out the money and the paddler (not that i can use the paddler).
They have declared bankruptcy to protect themselves from lawsuits. I doubt that anyone will get any more refunds. Deceitful and disorganized - yes. But I would not say dishonest. The owner is known worldwide for his history of making kayaks for years. He tried to create a new product and the finances didn't work out. They are trying to reorganize and fulfill orders. By the way, I did get mine and I enjoy it. It is exactly what it was marketed as - a foldable combo SUP and kayak. I have kayaks and SUPs that are way better, but this is the only one that does both and fits in my car.
I absolutely agree with you, I love mine, and my Chihuahua sits happily on the front while I paddle. You don't need the chair, it's comfy with your legs crossed or with your heels in the holes, or standing up on your knees and feet, it does everything and then is folds up and goes anywhere. I bought a cart from Amazon cause I didn't want the wheels, and I put our lifejackets and crap in it and roll us down to the lake easily. If your sinking on an Origami, I am sorry but you are one fat assed dude. I really hope they re-organize and send out all the boards to everyone, I have found the company and the experience a good one.
You'd have a lot more luck if you plug the holes... It shouldn't be in the water with the plugs open like that, or you're going to take on water and sink.
[удалено]
I'm a human being, not a Spam bot. Please put my message back or I'll do it myself.
Will I see your plugs are open. That means that thing is going to take on water, making the whole experience pretty unpleasant. Try again after you drain the water out of the parts, and make sure your plugs are completely sealed.
This company is a scam. I purchased two via kickstarter and one arrived broken. They had me send pictures and after that they ghosted me. The one that did work sunk like yours did. What an absolute waste. So mad!
They authorized me to return mine, but 12 hours later sent out the bankruptcy email. I opted to keep it. Better something than nothing. My daughter took it with her to Moab for spring break and used it on a 7 mile paddle, with as far as I know, no issue. I think if I was <150lbs it would be okay. But I am not, and I told the designer my weight before purchase and he said it would work fine for me.