Introduction:

At DesignKayaks, sustainability is at the core of our mission to produce high-performance watercraft with a positive environmental and social impact. This year, we are proud to introduce the Unplugged RS at the Paddle Sport Show in Strasbourg – a kayak designed not only to enhance the paddling experience but also to set a new standard for eco-conscious manufacturing in our industry.

Sustainability Innovations and Features:

1.Locally Produced, Recyclable Polyethylene

The Unplugged RS Sea Kayak is made from locally sourced, recyclable polyethylene (PE). Utilizing recycled PE not only minimizes the need for virgin plastic but also reduces our environmental impact, while still delivering the exceptional sailing capabilities and durability paddlers have come to expect from the DesignKayaks Unplugged.

Furthermore, by sourcing PE locally, we significantly lower our carbon footprint by reducing transportation-related emissions, all while supporting local businesses. This sustainable approach to materials aligns perfectly with our broader mission of reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.

2. Local Manufacturing & Community Empowerment

Our factory, located in George, South Africa, is a key part of our sustainability story. By operating locally, we contribute directly to the region’s economy by creating jobs and ensuring that our team is deeply involved in every aspect of the production process.

We take pride in cultivating a workplace that values human dignity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Our employees have a strong sense of ownership, contributing not just to product quality but also to creating a supportive and positive work environment. This focus on worker engagement and craftsmanship ensures that every kayak produced is built with care and pride, fostering a deep connection between our team and the final product.

3. Empowering Women Through Ethical Production Partnerships

In alignment with our commitment to social responsibility, we have partnered with Wild Mongoo, a local non-profit in George, South Africa, for the production of the Unplugged RS’s seat cushions and backrests in recycled materials. Wild Mongoo’s mission is to empower vulnerable women by providing them with skills training, business management education, and emotional support, ultimately helping them achieve financial independence.

Through this collaboration, we are able to contribute to the empowerment of women in our local community while ensuring that key components of our kayaks are produced with care and purpose. Every seat cushion and backrest tells a story of resilience and empowerment, adding another layer of meaning to the Unplugged RS Sea Kayak.

4. Sailing Performance Meets Sustainability

Despite its eco-friendly design, the Unplugged RS maintains the same high-performance sailing characteristics as our Unplugged Sea Kayak. Paddlers will enjoy its speed, stability, and manoeuvrability while knowing that their kayak is part of a more sustainable future for the sport.

Conclusion:

The Unplugged RS Sea Kayak is a product of which we at DesignKayaks are immensely proud – not only for its cutting-edge sustainable materials but also for its profound social impact. With a strong focus on local job creation, ethical production, and community empowerment, we believe that our kayak represents a new chapter in sustainable manufacturing.

By recognizing the Unplugged RS Sea Kayak, the jury would be endorsing a product that combines environmental responsibility, social impact, and outstanding craftsmanship – delivering an unparalleled experience for paddlers, while making a positive contribution to society and the environment.

Technical data:

Hull: made of recycled coloured polyethene

Fittings and seat: made of recycled black polyethene

Seat pillow and backrest: made of recycled nylon and waist foam manufactured in cooperation with Wild Mongoo social project (https://wildmongoo.co.za/about/) 

Model Unplugged RS, Seakayak

Dimensions: 505 x 54 cm
Weight: 24 kg

Https://www.designkayaks.com