We’ve seen some interesting watercraft of late, including a fold up row boat and now there is the Origami Paddler – a stand up and fold up raft! The idea here is to provide a solid paddle board that is more stable than the inflatable type but is still easy enough to transport. Unlike the FoldBoat we profiled recently, the Origami Paddler won’t exactly fit in a backpack, but it is small enough to fit in most car trunks.
Designed by Tim Niemier, who invented the sit-on-top kayak, the Origami Paddler is still in concept and he’s working to raise funding for what could be a bit of a game changer for those looking to paddle up stream. The version that Niemier has designed can be carried like an over-sized suitcase and weights in at about 50 pounds. It can be unfolded quickly with locking hinges, providing an 11.5 foot board that is basically ready to go. Video after the jump
Fold up boats aren’t really that new. The military devised folding bikes for more than 100 years, and these broke fairly small. But the Foldboat takes folding to a new level as it offers a boat that can fit in a backpack and yet be assembled into one-man row boat. So while we’re sure why a hiker might need a boat, now there is boat for those who think they might need to cross a stream or river!