Let the Portable Paddle Board Adventure Begin
Paddle Boarding is a great sport. So fun, so easy and you can do it just about anywhere there is water. Except, that is, when you cannot get your paddle board to the water.
Example of damaged board
Photo courtesy of Surfboard Medic, LLC.
surfboardmedic.com
There are many obstacles between your board and the water. First it’s very large and heavy. It won’t fit in your car so you have to buy an expensive roof rack. And even with a roof rack, you have to heft your board up on top of your car’s roof. It’s best not to bounce it off the car on the way up. We’re not all 20-year olds with the ability to lift such weight over our heads any more.
Then once you’ve arrived at your destination, you need to hoist this enormous SUP board off your car and again, do it without taking any dings out of your car, the board or your body.
Now it’s time to carry the board to the water. Hopefully, there aren’t many people to dodge and you don’t have far to go. A paddle board can do a lot of damage if you lose your step or make a turn and take out an unsuspecting bystander. If you need to follow a trail and/or go over some hills on your way to the beach or lake, be sure to take a break if you need to. That paddle board is tough to carry and balance.
But once you get to the water, the struggle of getting the board there is all behind you. Right? That is, until the end of the day and it’s time to do it all again, but this time you’re a little more tired after a fun day playing on the water.
And where are you going to store this monstrosity? It’s not flat or square, it’s over ten feet long. So you are probably going to have to spend more money to come up with some sort of rack or hanging solution. And getting the board hoisted onto the rack or storage is just as difficult as getting it to and from your roof rack.
So, as fans and promoters of the great water sport of paddle boarding, why are we telling you this? Because all this has been accepted as a given, a requirement, just something you had to endure and an immovable obstacle for some to enjoy the sport. We’re here to let you know it’s not.We are really excited to introduce the revolutionary Origami Paddler. Its innovative fold-up design provides the portability and ease of storage previously only available with inflatable paddle boards. Yet, its rigid structure provides the performance, stability and security of a solid board.
| Regular SUP Boards | Origami Paddler Boards | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Requires expensive vehicle roof rack or trailer. | Fits easily inside most vehicles when folded. |
| Carry | Large and heavy. Difficult to manuever around people and obstacles. Difficult to carry for very far and on wooded or hilly trails. | Over-the-shoulder carrier makes it easy and safe to carry for a distance, in crowds, on trails and on unstable terrain. |
| Storage | Rounded shape and length makes storing on floor or against wall difficult. Requires expensive racks and/or hardware. | Stores easily on the floor or on a shelf when folded and in its protective soft-shell case. |
| Price | $1000 - $1500 | $1200 including soft-shell carrier and protective case |
You can toss your Origami Paddler paddle board in the back or trunk of your car. As a matter of fact, you’ll probably be able to take more than one. Each Origami Paddler comes with a soft yet tough carrying case that keeps your clean car clean when transporting it.
No need to hassle with expensive roof racks
When you get to the water, you simply take your board from inside your car. No previous weight-lifting experience required. And since it’s a small square shape, you don’t have to worry about taking chunks out of it, your car or people around you as you’re unloading.
Walking to the water is (shall we say it?) a cake walk. If you have a ways to go, keep the Origami Paddler board in its carrying case so you can make use of the over-the-shoulder strap. Navigating trails and hills are a breeze with the Origami Paddler board.
Unfolding requires no tools. Simply lay the board flat and hand-tighten the four patented straps. Inside of a minute you will be paddling on the water.
On the water you will enjoy the full performance and stability you’d expect from a non-folding board and you don’t have to haul around any tools or a big pump or worry about springing a leak far from shore like you would with an inflatable board.
The Origami Paddler in action
So you can see why we’re so dang excited. The Origami Paddler is to the stand-up paddle board sport what the collapsable fishing rod did for fishing, the portable cooler did for camping and sit-on-top design did for kayaking (yeah, we actually did that last one).
Hi,
Great idea. Wondering about weight? Size? Width?
Hi Jack. Thanks for the kind words. While we are still ramping up production and such numbers are prone to tweeking, the design is for 11.5 feet long and approximately 32 inches wide. When folded it is 10 inches x 32 inches x 46 inches to ship UPS without being oversized Weight will be approximately 49 pounds.
What are the dimensions of the board, and when do you expect to ship them? Also, is shipping included, and if not, how much would shipping charges be to Michigan? Lastly, I’m assuming I’d still need to buy a paddle. What type would you recommend for this kind of board? Thanks!
Hi Sharon.
Thanks for asking. While we are still ramping up production and such numbers are prone to tweeking, the design is for 11.5 feet long and 32 inches wide. Shipping to the continental US is included. The plan is to start delivering in mid July to mid August
Choice of paddle can be a very personal decision. Your strength, where you want to be paddling (e.g. lake, surf, river) and what type of performance you want to achieve (speed/agility vs just paddling around) can all be important factors. All that considered, the most important variable is paddle length. The optimum length for you is determined by your height. It should be about 9 to 10 inches taller than you so when digging the paddle into the water you are able to remain comfortably upright, not leaning over or crouching.
I hope this helps and I hope you’ll be able to take advantage of the production launch discounts now available.
Sounds great. Looking forward to it becoming available. I signed up!
surely worth it though for developing a flexible solution like this)?
Do you allow customers a certain trial period on this board, since there is no way of trying it out beforehand or asking others for their experience with this board (and there is a certain price tag
Marcus,
Your question is a good one. It would be possible to send one out to you and have you try it and if not it would be really easy to have you send it back because the shipping is so much easier than full length boards. When we get closer to production I will get back with you on doing this. We were thinking of a rental program for people who wanted them for a week somewhere.
What is the board made of. What are the layers?
What type of foam, its density, what type of glassing .. just wondering on comparison to the SUP boards I have been researching. I don’t own one yet, bit I’m in the market
Michelle, The board is molded Polyethylene which is much more durable than the fiberglass boards from Asia. They are slightly heavier however since the board folds they are easier to handle than the lighter more fragile boards that ding even when you look at them. The other part of the story is that they are made right here in the US and at a price point comparable to the off shore inflatables or foam boards. Easy shipping is of course a great advantage when putting it INSIDE your hatchback or flying to Europe.
Tim
Thanks much. This is a different product and we wanted to show that. Wait till you paddle the actual board that will be even better than the site!
What is the weight limit, I am 6’4″ about 260 or so. I would liketo know if this board is also good for paddle surfing as well.
I put in a pre-production request for 2 Origamis but haven’t gotten any acknowledgment. Should I be concerned, or will you only contact me when distribution in imminent?
Larry, No worries we are just busy making up our production schedule schedule now and should have a delivery date soon.
When I tested the Origami Paddler I put 90 lbs. on it along with myself and I weigh over 180 lbs. for a total of 270 lbs. The boards in Hawaii get water over their decks and I like to have a drier deck. With the 270 lb. weight I have a pretty dry deck. This board is about 70% for flat-water and 30% for surfing because it has a pointier nose that slices through the water. Having said that, I have used it in the surf and it works quite well. If you would like us to email you any additional pictures of how the board sits with the additional weight, please contact me. My email is OnWaterDesigns@gmail.com
Just reserved a pair ! Looks like a great design. Any possible way to get some hooks in place for an optional backrest ? Have you reached to magic number yet ?
What kind of warranty/guarantee will we be able to expect with the purchase of the Origami Paddler? Also for transporting to the water, what will the weight of the board be (not the shipping weight). Will there be a traction pad already installed on the board or will that be something the buyer needs to take care of? Will yellow be the only available color?
Melody, We are giving one year warranty for materials and workmanship a 30 day period to ship the board back if you aren’t satisfied for any reason. Customer pays return shipping costs. We are putting this on the site shortly. The weight should be in the upper 40′s and again they are much easier than many really light boards to handle because they are in a smaller package and they are much more durable which means they don’t ding and you don’t have to be nearly as careful with them. I will probably have them in a school bus yellow and lime green. They are safe colors and the green is because the boards are made here in the US. Did you know that according to the BBC shipping only ONE board from Asia, which is where they all come from, pollutes as much as 1000 gallons of diesel I use in my car. This material is completely recyclable. The inflatable paddle boards are made from PVC which is not eco friendly and not recyclable. We are doing what we can. The best news is that we are competitive with Asia on price made right here in the US.
Alex, We do have enough people to be taking payments for the great early order program. I don’t know how long it will take to fill up but don’t delay. Sorry for the delay I am a board builder and still getting used to this site. Tell me where you want the hooks and I will see what I can do. We used to do this at Ocean Kayak all the time. I am thinking of making a combo sit on top and paddleboard with foot wells but that is a while off.
Larry, You should have got a notice and a way to pay and get in on the early order program. If not put another message in.
I tested the board with 270 pounds and I think I sent you pictures of that on email. Also I like the deck to be much drier than most boards that are half sunk most of the time. I live in the Northwest and in the winter paddle in the ice and I don’t want to be anywhere but on top of the board. I took the board in the surf on the coast and I did fall over a few times in 4 foot surf but went through a lot of waves with no problem. I am not that good with all this social marketing but getting better. Send another message if you didn’t get the pictures.
Michelle, Sorry for the delay as I am still getting used to this site. The board is made from polyethylene which is what I used to make the sit on top kayaks from. It is very durable. They are hollow like the roto molded YOLO board. The glass boards have the foam like surfboards but are very brittle and ding easily although they do have a great shine. Most if not all of the glass boards are made in Asia and to get just one here causes as much pollution as running 1000 gallons through my car because the freighters use VERY dirty bunker fuel. We get the pollution back on the west coast. The inflatable paddleboards are made with PVC which is so ECO UN friendly that REI will not carry them. We can compete with them anyway right here in the US.
Sharon, Thank you for supporting this designer to customer direct program. You save and we make it in the US with less pollution from dirty freighters. We have enough people committed and we are now taking payments for the early order deal that is outlined. Check it out because it could fill up soon. Cheers Tim
Hi I did not see a fin on your board design and would like to know if you plan on putting a box for a single fin? Also do you anticipate putting a traction pad on your boards?
Thanks for coming up with this great solution.
Quentin, there are two fins in the rear outside of the board that swing down. They work very well and fold easily. Fin boxes are time consuming and have parts that get lost in the sand. I wanted something that took under a minute to set up and put in the water. I will have a traction pad in the standing area and could have more later as options. The board is Polyethylene and virtually indestructible from dings. It is also fully recyclable and made in the US competitively price wise with the inflatables which are made from PVC which is NOT Eco friendly. REI doesn’t carry anything PVC for that reason. This board is easy to handle once folded and seems much lighter and glides very well. PS WE MET OUR MINIMUM AND ARE TAKING a limited number of PREORDERS!! This is Consumer driven and designer direct. Thanks for your energy.
Thanks..I will place my order by the deadline. Also, do you have a time line for when you will be shipping out the boards.
Quentin, We are planning for delivery to be Mid July to Mid August. The plan for the molds is all laid out. I designed all the Ocean Kayaks and they have the same kind of molds. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
I’m curious about the split in the back — is that design or function?
Also, is there a warranty / exchange policy?
thanks, looking forward to a purchase
Adam, The split form in the back is for three functions.
One The split enables the board to fold into itself completely,
Two The split gives more stability by having more flotation on the outside
Three The split lets the water release or exit the tail of the board for better glide.
I just placed my order. Was wondering if you thought about a decal or sticker for those of us who believed in your board design that would indicate we were part of the founders?
Good luck! YOU CAN DO IT:)
thank you– I see above that you listed the warranty/exchange policy under Melody’s 6/5 comment.
Also, I agree with Quentin’s comment on 6/9 about a decal. In addition to founders, you should put a logo denoting that this product is Made in the US of Eco-Friendly components (as you point out in another post)
just ordered 2, looking forward to it!
Any update on start of shipping and expected length of backlog
Do you have an eta on the start of production and the wait time for existing order backlog? I ordered three, but being in NJ, I have a short summer coming up.
We are still holding firm on our original promise of delivering between mid-July and mid-August. There are some variables that can affect this hence the month-wide window. Thank you for your support and patience.
Hi,
Your design is very cool. A few questions:
1. What’s the weight limit of the board? 220 lb? or more? or less? I believe that determines how many people may sit on it? I would love for myself and my kid to be able to do the boarding together.
2. What’t the thickness of the board — looks like it varies from 2 to 3.5 inches?
3. Do you’ve a fiberglass layer on the board to cover the polyurethane foam?
4. I am very intrigued by the ease of transportation – driving/flying.
5. I am interested in trying this out first. How does this work? One option is to take advantage of your 30-day return policy? Please let me know if you’ve other options available.
6. If I place the order now, when can i expect the board? You said mid-July to mid-Aug. Have the dates firmed yet?
Thanks again, keep up the good work!
Mahesh
Hi Mahesh,
Thank you for your interest and your questions. The Origami Paddler has been field-tested with 250 lbs on board and performed admirably. We haven’t established a maximum recommended weight yet.
I’m not the technical person involved with the manufacturing but I believe the construction is made entirely of polyurethane with the exception of trim and the texture standing platform, but no fiberglass.
Our 30-day no questions asked return policy is intended to provide people like yourself with an essentially risk-free way to try out this new product.
We are still locked into delivery between mid-July and mid-August.
We hope you and your friends will be able to take advantage of these very low prices as we introduce this revolutionary new paddle board to the market.
Happy paddling!
Thanks Tim, for your answers. I have two more questions.
1. After unfolding, i saw you tighten a few straps to keep the board from folding. How really tight are they? You need something strong to keep them from folding back again don’t you? are they metallic strips or what?
2. About the fins, i don’t see the fin deployment in the video. In your earlier replies, you said they are easy to deploy, and difficult to lose. Correct?
thanks!
mahesh
I ordered, and paid for, two Origamis over a month ago. If I wanted to add a third board to my order, could I still get the $600 price? And if so, how do I go about that?
Hi -
My girlfriend and I are just getting into SUP and have been really conflicted on what type of board to get. She liked the portability of the inflatables and I wanted a solid board for the ability to add accessories and not having to pump it up every time to get it to the right pressure for riding. The Origami fits our bill perfectly !! I ordered 2 a few minutes ago – can’t wait to get on them
Is there any built-in way to attach a bungee system to the board ? Or any other accessory mount points ? I’m starting to get into fishing as well and would love to use this board there too (it looks like it has great stability, especially in the dock launch video)
Really amazing innovation !! I think I’m going to be hopping around until I get mine.
Best,
Ushesh
I just found your website today and my husband and I are very interested. Are you going to make yellow and green in the initial production or just yellow? If possible my husband and I would prefer not to have identical boards…but we could always add some stickers. Since it is now mid-July, do you still expect shipments to arrive by mid-August at the latest? It is hard to understand from the video how the securing devices can keep the boards from folding – is there any issue with moving pieces when going over wakes or smaller waves? Do you consider the board more of a stable board for beginners or a faster board for intermediate? My husband is about 250 lbs and rented a 12 ft fun shaped board last weekend…
Thanks!!
What is the weight of your board?
Hi Tim awesome idea and timely product. As a stand up paddler of 3 years i definitely see a place in the market for this board. I am in New Zealand and am very interested in introducing this board to our market.
Is there any way you can help with getting some of these shipped to NZ.
Summers just around the corner and would love to get these out there.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards, Kelvin Harper.
You are really on to something good here with this design… kudos. I would be especially interested to see if you could add an accessory like a backrest/seat with a couple attachments of some kind. That said, I still think there is room for improvement here. The weakest points of the structure are obviously the straps which keep the board firmly flat. They need to stand up to considerable stresses, especially in the surf. The straps’ sturdiness appear to be reliant on the strength of the person tightening them (and the strength/pliability of the strap itself). Why not make the set up even easier and FASTER by using tension-sprung locking swing arms (about 6″-8″) that slide into a long groove at the seam once the board is unfolded? When locked in place, the arms would be parallel with the length of the board. In other words, when the board is unpacked and straightened out, flat METAL swing arms would rotate into their seating and pop in flush with the surface of the board, GUARANTEEING it will NEVER fold in on itself… even in the heaviest surf or with the heaviest rider. If I’m not making this clear visually, think of a dining table leaf that swings up to be flat and is supported underneath with a flat metal bar which pivots into place. Adding a spring inside the board would pull the metal bar in flush with the board surface. This would have several benefits: 1) a metal arm would have MUCH more strength than hand-tightened nylon straps (which often stretch when wet), 2) there would no longer be any holes on the side of the board for toes to get jammed into. The surface of the board would be completely flush as the flattened swing-arms would be flush with the board.. safer! 3) The set up would literally take a total of 10 seconds because instead of reaching in to pull a strap and be stuck with 4 dangly, unsightly and potential toe-unfriendly straps/holes, you will have a clean, 100% smooth surface, and finally 4) you’ll likely save yourself some money in manufacturing! Please email me at the address above with your response. Thanks.
Hi Tim so in answer to the rest of my previous question regarding getting some of these out to New Zealand is this a possibility.
Cheers.
It is now July 30th and I would like to order 2 boards. Is the offer still good for 2 boards
delivered for $1600? When is the expected delivery date?
Andrea
Is there a way you could also ship a paddle in the shipment…preferably a break apart
paddle for ease of storage?
any update on production timing?
thanks
Ushesh,
I think I may have already responded to your request via email. I have designed in 12 hold downs on the board. There are 4 on each of the 3 sections. The hold down cord or bungee will have to be removed I believe because it may interfere with the folding of the board.
Tim
Jess,
We haven’t decided on colors but for you (aren’t you special) we can do the yellow and lime green. I am building in a shock absorber system which is designed to give when there is an unusual shock to the board which is otherwise locked flat. We incorporated a place for the paddle in the folded part of the board and the tie down loops which pushed the delivery date out to the end of August. We will keep you posted better in the future. The board is both stable yet faster (in my opinion) than say an inflatable. Width of 32 inches is quite stable and the fish tail adds more stability and the bow slices the water for greater speed. I would say it is a stable intermediate board. Your husband should be fine on the board at 250 pounds because I tested the prototype with 270 pounds.
Tim
Michele,
The weight of the board will be 49 pounds and the weight of the paddle will add a pound or two more. If for any reason we find that the weight will be more we will let you know. In the folded position it seems like you are lifting much less because it is more compact.
Tim
Kelvin,
I started Ocean Kayak and they were manufactured and distributed there so I am familiar with the process. Let me get the first ones out of the mold so you can order some (unless you already have) and then we can look into shipping you some more or making them down under.
Tim
Dax,
Maybe you could send some drawings. It is hard for me to visualize from printed matter. This design is pretty locked in but I am always up for new designs.
Tim
Kelvin,
Thanks for your inquiries and I think I covered this question with the response to your first question. I am very excited about opening up your market especially because it would require a trip to your wonderful country.
Tim
Adam,
I will know more accurately in a week or so but now it looks like the last week of August.
I will try to show reports with pictures that show what I am doing for the near future.
Tim
Options for including a paddle are being evaluated right now. We will keep you informed.
1) You can place your order for two at $1600 total at http://origamipaddler.com/founders/ . This will be turned off soon so don’t delay.
2) We will know more accurately in a week or so but now it looks like the last week of August.
Tim,
Here is a youtube video which essentially captures the essence of the mechanism I’m referring to. The slide in the video can be spring loaded so that it naturally locks in place, preventing the paddle board from folding in on itself while in use. It’s a much stronger hinge system than using hand-tightened straps which DO stretch when wet. Also, the set up will be even faster than your current design. Let me know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2NZXrcjBp8&feature=related
I see in your previous comments that the board can handle 250lbs. Can the board accomodate two people as long as the combined weight is less than 250 lbs?
What is the status on production/shipping? Will you start shipping next Monday as stated earlier?
Yes.
We will not be shipping next Monday. Watch for more posts here detailing our progress, letting you watch the process and keeping you up-to-date on your boards’ status. The molds have been finished by our AMERICAN mold maker and we are excited for the first run now that the molds will be in Bellingham.
I’m getting ready to order 3 boards. I would like different Colors as well as spots to hook on kayak seats. Is all that possible? Thanks.
Actually I was trying to order my boards and the price would not reflect the discount as I was ordering. Did I miss that by just a few minutes or am I going crazy???
The Origami Paddlers are available in Lime Green or School Bus Yellow. While there are some hold downs, without knowing what seats you want to use, we cannot ensure that they will work.
An email has just been sent to you regarding this.
I am in the same boat, so to speak…I sent via email a question about ordering 3 boards and didn’t get a reply, and when I logged on just now to order them (without the answer to my question) the pricing changed! Did I just miss it by hours??
I’m really sad about this, I cannot afford one otherwise and my aunt and cousin are looking forwards to boards as well. Please check your email for my original messages.
Just sent you an email regarding this.
Thanks, just placed my order for 3!
Lana,
I am really glad you made it under the wire and we can help you. We are very close to production and it is really exciting. This is the first time that I got funded by the public and it feels really good.
Tim
Hi,
Can you please let me know if the board will perform on small waves?
Does it just come in the 11ft? Are there smaller sizes?
Also, will you ship internationally??
Thanks and congrats on a product that looks great!
Hi Surfpuppies,
I am not recommending this board for waves until I test it more in them. The good news is that in small waves any damage should be to the hardware and should able to be replaced. I really designed it for lakes and flat water because 98% of all the paddlers are in that environment. I did take off on some boat wakes on my nearby lake and it did just fine. I can ship internationally. Thanks for the compliment. This board has made it easier for me to get out on the water so I do it more. The other day I tried wheels and towed it with my bicycle.