Origami Paddler Users Guide

PDF version of the Origami Paddler Users Guide!

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of an Origami™ Paddler!

Please read this Users Guide in its entirety before launching your Paddler. You will find important instructions for carrying, unfolding, operating, and storing your Origami Paddler so you can enjoy years of Easy Awesome Freedom!

Warning: Failure to follow the warnings and precautions listed herein may lead to serious injury or death. Paddle sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding can be dangerous and physically demanding. Participating in paddle sports may put you at risk of serious injury or death. Origami Paddler specifically disclaims, and does not assume, responsibility for your death or any injuries you may sustain from use of your Paddler. Safety is your responsibility.

You should receive qualified instructions to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety, and first aid before boating.

Guide Contents

Join Our Community!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or on TikTok to stay informed of our latest news, promotions, sales, and updates.

You can connect with other members of the Origami Paddler Family in our Facebook Group, or just type “Origami Paddler Family” in the search bar.

Among these different social media channels, you will have the opportunity to share pictures and videos of yourself and your family using your Origami Paddler, participate in surveys, and receive valuable information on special offers.

If you purchased your Paddler from our website, you are probably already on our mailing list. If not, we strongly encourage you to sign up. You can unsubscribe at any time; we will never use your contact information in any way other than to communicate company updates and special offers.

Safety

Please follow these important Safety Guidelines:

Conditions: Check the weather and water conditions before you put your Paddler in the water. Severe weather seriously affects your ability to steer the Paddler or return to shore. Be aware of, and avoid, all hazardous water, waves and currents.

Floatation: Always wear a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Before going paddling, read the PFD manufacturer’s information and follow their guidelines. Remember that overloading your Paddler decreases its stability and seaworthiness, and note that your Paddler is not intended to be used as a lifesaving device.

Drugs and Alcohol: Never use or consume alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that may affect your coordination, judgement, or ability to make decisions before, or during, your time on the water.

Sound Device: The Coast Guard requires boaters to have a means of signaling other boaters of their presence. You should keep a sound device, such as a whistle, in a location on the Paddler that you have access to at all times. If possible, attach the sound device to your Personal Floatation Device.

Know Yourself: Honestly assess your physical capability regarding how far, and how long, you can paddle and swim without exhaustion. Start with relatively short trips in calm water to assess your strength and endurance. Build up gradually to longer trips. When in doubt, be cautious, rather than optimistic.

Boat Traction When Wet: Always assume you will get wet using your Paddler. Every Paddler can become slippery, so be careful when standing up or getting on/off your Paddler. Use of lightweight water shoes with sturdy, non-slip soles is recommended.

Hypothermia: Accidents in cold water are hazardous. Hypothermia, the loss of body heat due to immersion in cold water, can be deadly. Survival time can be as short as 15 minutes in 35°F (2°C) water. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, wearing a wet or dry suit if necessary. Never think that you won’t get wet on a Paddler. Assume that you will.

Share Your Plans: It is best to have someone with you in case of an emergency or accident. If you choose to paddle alone, be sure to always tell someone your plans, including where you are going, how long you will be gone, and how many people you’ll be with.

Kids and Pets: Never allow minors to use this Paddler without adult supervision. Do not leave pets unattended. Have and use appropriate safety equipment for all children and pets on the water.

Location: Always familiarize yourself with the body of water where you will be paddling. Learn what hours boating is permitted, any known hazardous conditions, and how you can get help in case of emergency or accident.

Drain Plugs, Accessories, and Gear: Ensure that your Paddler’s hinges and drain plugs are secure and properly engaged before launching. You should drain from each hull section any water that has accumulated due to condensation or seepage before use, and again before folding and storing. Check all your accessories for wear and safety. Don’t depend on accessories or watercraft that aren’t water-ready. Ensure you have basic emergency equipment on board, including warning horn, first aid kit, whistle, etc.

Remounting Paddler After a Fall: Following a fall, remain calm and maintain contact with your Paddler and paddle whenever possible. The Paddler provides floatation and is easier for rescuers to locate than an individual swimmer. To remount the Paddler after a fall, approach the Paddler from the side at its midpoint. Hold the Paddler firmly with both hands, kick your feet to help lift your body, and slide your torso onto the Paddler’s center hull. Swing your legs onto the deck and sit or kneel first before attempting to stand or paddle. An ankle leash is available for purchase in our online shop, which will help ensure that you do not become separated from your Paddler in the event of a fall.

Follow the Law: Always abide by all Coast Guard regulations and state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and rules concerning boating and boating safety. Check with the Coast Guard and state and local authorities concerning proper boat handling and the proper equipment to be carried on board, such as lights and sound-producing devices.

For additional Boating Safety Guidelines and Tips, see:

Warning: This product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and congenital disabilities, or other reproductive harm. For more information visit P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specifications

Unfolded

Length: 8’ 11.5”
Width: 31.5”
Height: 8”

Folded

Length: 35.5”
Width: 31.5”
Height: 13.5”

Weight: ~45 lbs, excluding paddle and other accessories.

Recommended Maximum Capacity: 230 lbs, depending on water and weather conditions. The Paddler is less stable under a heavy load than under a light load, and less stable in rough water than in calm water.

Warranty

Your Paddler comes with a non-transferrable 1-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Origami Paddler will repair or replace, at its sole option, any section of the Paddler, or paddle, that fails because of poor quality in either materials or workmanship. If we deem that the failure was caused by abuse or misuse, the component may be repaired or replaced, but at the owner’s cost.

This warranty does not cover normal wear resulting from use, abuse, alterations, unauthorized repairs, or usage in ways not intended by the manufacturer. Retain the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, along with your original purchase receipt, in a safe and secure place in case they are needed.

All claims must be submitted in writing to the address provided on our website. Neither Origami Paddler nor any of its representatives assumes any other liability in connection with this product. This warranty gives you certain legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights provided by your state or country.

See our FAQ page for additional information about warranties, shipments, returns and exchanges.

Hull Identification Numbers

We are required by the US Coast Guard to have a unique Hull Identification Number (HIN) for each of our Paddlers. This is a special purpose serial number used to identify each individual Paddler.

Be aware that some states require you to register your Paddler with the HIN before operating it on waters within the state.

There are two identical HINs for each Paddler. The primary HIN is on the starboard side right above the fin and the secondary / hidden HIN is on the face of the stern section where it butts up against the middle section. It is hidden when the Paddler is in Usage Mode, but visible when the Paddler is in Storage Mode.

You must stop at all Watercraft Inspection Stations, common in Canada and the U.S.A. It is your responsibility to check with your relevant state agency before launching your watercraft to ensure you are complying with all regulations.

Diagram

Stern hull scuppers
1. Allow the water to drain off the craft and provide additional structural strength; may be used for clips and tie-downs like our Deck Tie-Down Kit, available for purchase in our online shop.
Middle hull scuppers
1. Allow the water to drain off the craft and provide additional structural strength; used for attaching the Foam Cushion and/or our optional Standard Seat.
Recessed area for Foam Cushion and/or optional Standard Seat
Cupholder
Footrests for use while sitting/kayak mode
Gen2 Click Hinges, with D-ring shackles that allow for shoulder strap and/or optional Standard Seat strap attachments
Stern bungee loops
Fins
Factory-sealed pinhole covers
Drain plug holes, with drain plugs included
HIN tag placements

Folded Origami Paddler showing HIN tag placement

Operation

Unfolding

To unfold the Paddler and prepare for usage:

(1) Lay the folded unit on the back of the middle section with the Origami Paddler name right side up.
(2) Release the two bungee loops securing the Origami Paddler closed for transportation and storage.
(3) Unfold, lift and rotate, the stern/back section until the Gen2 Click Hinges click into place and engage.
- Hinge levers will automatically be pointed toward the center of the Paddler.
- Make sure there are no straps, sand or dirt particles, debris, or other objects preventing the sections of the Paddler from coming together.
(4) Unfold, lift and rotate, the bow/front section until the Gen2 Click Hinges click into place and engage.
- Hinge levers will automatically be pointed toward the center of the Paddler.
- Make sure there are no straps, sand or dirt particles, debris, or other objects preventing the sections of the Paddler from coming together.
Because some ground surfaces may be uneven, step on the nose/bow of the Paddler to slightly lift the stern end with a gentle bounce to ensure the hinges are fully engaged.

Demonstration of stepping on the bow to ensure hinges are engaged

Click here for tutorial video
Lift the bow and stern sections independently to ensure that the hinges are locked.
Lift the ends of the bow and stern sections independently to ensure that the hinges are locked and Paddler does not fold.
Remove the paddle, broken down into four pieces, and assemble for use.
(5) Once on the water, turn fins down into the water if desired for better tracking and maneuverability.

Diagram of turning fins down once padder is on the water

Paddling Tips

Before you leave shore with your Paddler:

Lift the bow and stern sections independently to ensure the hinges are locked.
- Do not use your Paddler until you have confirmed all four hinges are securely tightened and engaged.
- The T25 Screwdriver included with your Paddler purchase can be used to tighten hinge assemblies on your Paddler, if needed.
Ensure drain plugs are firmly pressed into drain plug holes.
Check fin bolts and tighten if needed.
Secure all personal articles to avoid loss.
Make sure any materials used to fasten the Origami Paddler during transportation are removed or stowed away, and that any leashes are in a safe area and are connected properly.
Your Origami Paddler can get damaged from sharp rocks on the bottom of streams or rivers, or from running aground during boating; take precautions and avoid bouncing or dragging your Paddler.

Gen2 Click Hinges

The hinges have two modes:

Storage Mode: with the levers flipped manually to point toward the nearest end section, either bow or stern, which disengages hinges to allow you to fold your Paddler.
Usage Mode: with the levers pointed inward toward the center of the Paddler, which happens automatically when the Paddler is opened to engage the hinges for use on the water.

Rinse your hinges with fresh, clean water after every use to keep them free of debris and clear of saltwater.

Should any components of your Gen2 Click Hinges need adjustment or replacement, please follow this diagram or contact us for assistance at info@origamipaddler.com.

Fins

A fin on each side of the stern section helps to increase stability and directional integrity in water.
Leave the fins in the storage position, parallel to the Paddler, until you are in the water.
Ensure fin bolts are snug; tighten as necessary.
When you are ready to remove the Paddler from the water, or are about to enter water with a depth of less than 12”, be sure to rotate the fins back into the storage position to avoid damage.
Put the Paddler in a minimum of 12” of water; rotate the fins downward to your preferred angle.

Should any components of your fins need adjustment or replacement, please follow this diagram. Replacement fin kits are available for purchase in our online shop.

Folding

Lay your Paddler face up.
Disassemble the paddle and place blades under foam cushion, or in Standard Seat pocket, sold separately.
(1) Manually flip Gen2 Click Hinge levers to point away from the center hull section until you hear them click, which disengages hinges to allow for folding.
(2) Fold in the bow section first and then the stern section (3) to fully close Paddler (4).
- Once you have folded each section past a 45-degree angle for closing, you should hear another click to indicate the latch pins have been reset to lock into place the next time you open your Paddler.
(5) Secure closed for transportation and storage by using the bungee loops on stern end; loop bungees around exposed nubs of Gen2 Click Hinges.
- Alternatively, you can thread the bungee cord through the hole of the bow hinge nub and secure with a carabineer, not included, as shown in Option B.

Option A: No carabineer

Option B: With carabineer

Draining

Each of the hull sections has a drain hole with a drain plug, which will allow you to empty any water that may collect in hull sections from use or condensation.

After each use, we recommend loosening the drain plugs from your folded Paddler, setting the Paddler with the drain plug holes facing down, and allowing all of the water to flow out. Leave drain plugs loose for storage, but be sure to firmly insert them back into the drain plug holes prior to getting out onto the water.

Cleaning

We recommend that you clean and dry your Paddler after each use, including all accessories such as paddles, seats, straps, etc. Waterways and shorelines contain organic substances that you do not want in your car or home. Some states and Canada may require you to stop at Watercraft Inspection Stations, and a clean Paddler is your best bet for keeping the stop brief and hassle-free.

At a minimum, rinse hinges and wash down your Paddler before transporting and storing.

Carrying and Transporting

We do not recommend using transportation accessories not specifically made and approved by Origami Paddler.

We offer several options for carrying and transporting your Paddler:

An adjustable shoulder strap comes standard with every Origami Paddler purchase, which attaches to the D-ring shackles on your Gen2 Click Hinges.
Our Freedom Cart, available for purchase in our online shop, allows you to easily transport a Paddler using durable wheels.
- You can even store a Freedom Cart on board while you paddle using our Deck Tie-Down kit, sold separately.
You can also separate the three sections by removing the D-ring shackle and rotational pin from each of your Gen2 Click Hinges, and carry the 15-lb sections separately.
- When separated, we recommend reinserting the rotational pin through the hole in the lever and securing with D-ring shackles on center hull hinge assemblies to ensure lever and nubbed cable remain secured to the hinges.
- Be sure not to lose the rotational pins and D-ring shackles, which are critical components to connect your Paddler sections.
Origami Paddler will fit in the trunk or back seat of most cars.
Dragging your Origami Paddler across the ground or rocks could damage the Paddler.

Storing

We recommend that your Paddler be stored out of the sun, rain, and snow to ensure a long life of all of the components. Before storing, make sure it is clean and that any accessories are completely dry. Pay special attention to any accessories to make sure they are also completely dry.

If you choose to store your Paddler outside, please cover it. The hull surface, much like the exterior finish of a car, will better retain its appearance if not exposed to the sun while in long-term storage. Do not leave straps or ropes tightly around the hull for an extended period of time, especially in warmer weather, as this could cause hull deformation.

Each of the three sections has a drain plug that acts as a pressure relief valve – they keep the water out but let air in and out. Water may accumulate in a hull section as a result of paddling, rain, or condensation. This is not a defect. Follow the instructions above for draining your Paddler prior to storage. Leave drain plugs loose for storage, but be sure to firmly insert them back into the drain plug holes prior to getting back onto the water.

Never store or use the Origami Paddler on sawhorses.

Usage Tips

You can use your Paddler in either Paddleboard or Kayak mode and alternate between them while you are out on the water. Don’t use your Origami Paddler for anything besides a boat in the water. It might be possible, but could also damage the craft. Do not use your Paddler as a bench.

It is your responsibility to check with your relevant state agency before launching your watercraft to ensure you are complying with all regulations.

Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Mode

In Paddleboard Mode, we recommend that you stand in the center of the middle section in a manner that is balanced and comfortable for you. Be aware that the Paddler is less stable in Paddleboard mode because the center of gravity is higher. If you prefer a T-style handle while in Paddleboard mode, we offer a SUP Handle for our Standard Origami Paddle in our shop, which lengthens the shaft and offers a comfortable grip.

Kayak Mode

In Kayak Mode, you simply sit down on the foam pad or our optional Standard Seat, sold separately, to paddle. If you purchase our Standard Seat, the strap ends on the seatback clip to the D-ring shackles on your Gen2 Click Hinges to keep the seatback in the upright position. The adjustable straps on the seat sides allow you to choose the best seatback angle. Choose the foot rest that is most comfortable for you.

Stability and Seaworthiness

It is your responsibility to know your skill level. The greater the wind and the higher the waves, the less stable the Paddler will become. Stability also decreases with increased weight on the craft. Do not operate your Paddler in water conditions beyond your skill level.

If you choose to paddle in rough water, we recommend you paddle with a friend and use an ankle leash, sold separately, to make sure you do not become separated from your Paddler. Origami Paddler is not designed to be used as a whitewater craft.

We recommend that you initially try out the Origami Paddler and get comfortable with it in calm water. Your abilities should determine where and how you use your Paddler. Always be aware of and vigilant about the water.

Mooring/Docking Recommendations

Always moor your Paddler away from rocks and sharp objects. Set your foot in the center of the Paddler when boarding from a dock to ensure it remains stable. Never moor your Paddler against a dock that is not equipped with hull-protecting bumpers.

Additional Warnings

Failure to follow the warnings and precautions listed herein may lead to serious injury or death. Paddle sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding can be dangerous and physically demanding. Participating in paddle sports may put you at risk of serious injury or death. Origami Paddler specifically disclaims, and does not assume, responsibility for your death or any injuries you may sustain from use of your Paddler. Safety is your responsibility.