Sustainable kitesurfing: Ride greener
Kitesurfing lets us frolic with the wind and dance with the waves—nature’s ultimate playground. But hey, are we playing nice? It’s easy to forget that we’re guests out there, not owners. By tweaking a few habits and making smarter choices, we can keep the waters and beaches we love from turning into trashy exes. Let’s dive into some tips and ideas for a greener ride.
Choose sustainable gear
Not all kites are born equal—some are built for sustainability, others just for show. Here’s how to pick your gear without ghosting Mother Nature:
Eco-friendly materials: Some brands are actually trying! Duotone’s Eco Series kites are made with recycled fabrics, proving you can shred without shame. But let’s call a spade a spade: big brands like North Kiteboarding might talk about eco-values, but do we really need a zillion new kites every year? Let’s not be the shopaholic of the kite world.
Longevity over trends: A solid kite that lasts is like a loyal friend—less drama, more fun. CrazyFly makes durable kites that will stick with you for seasons, unlike that ex who vanished after summer. Pro tip: try before you buy! Falling in love with the wrong kite is like marrying someone who hates the ocean.
Second-hand market: Used gear is the thrift store treasure hunt of kitesurfing. Check out second hand markets or local Facebook groups. Sure, new kites are shiny, but they’ll still be shiny next year. And who doesn’t love a good bargain with a side of environmental kudos?
Eco-wetsuits: Patagonia’s Yulex wetsuits are the equivalent of organic kale—good for the planet and makes you feel virtuous. Surface’s Eco line is another option, so you can surf guilt-free and stylishly snug.
Sustainable boards: Companies like North Kiteboarding and Kold Shapes are creating boards with recycled plastics and sustainably sourced wood. Basically, your board can now have a better backstory than your last vacation.
Adopt green habits
Gear is one thing, but being an eco-friendly kitesurfer isn’t just about your shopping cart. It’s also about how you ride the waves of life:
Respect local ecosystems: Nobody likes a party crasher. Avoid sensitive areas like dunes and coral reefs. If a seagull starts squawking at you, take the hint.
Pack out trash: Think of it as a reverse treasure hunt—pick up litter while you’re at the beach. Bonus points if your friends join in. Monkey see, monkey do! Before you know it, everyone’s out there playing eco-hero.
Optimize your transport: Carpool, bike, or hitch a ride with a fellow kite buddy (preferably someone with good snacks). Rolling up in an electric vehicle? Even better. Fewer emissions, more karma points.
Reduce plastic use: Bring a reusable water bottle and snack containers. Single-use plastics? Ew, no thanks. You’ll be hydrated and guilt-free when landing that perfect jump.
Support sustainable brands and organizations
Put your money where your wind is! Back companies that actually care about the planet:
Duotone: They’ve dipped their toes into recycled materials.
Patagonia: Not just wetsuits; they’re practically the OG of eco-conscious brands.
Cabrinha: Working on reducing packaging waste and making sustainability sound cool.
Also, throw some love (and maybe cash) to organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, Surfrider Foundation, and Sea Shepherd. They’re out there doing the heavy lifting while you’re busy nailing that backroll.
Repair, reuse, recycle
A busted kite isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to level up your DIY skills. Learn to repair, or hit up your local repair shop. A fix costs less than a new kite and earns you bragging rights. Plus, recycling old kites into bags or even art is peak eco-chic. Let’s face it, patching your gear isn’t glamorous, but neither is explaining why you’re broke from buying new kites every year.
Spread the word
Be the eco-guru of your kite crew. Post your tips online, organize a beach cleanup, or drop casual wisdom mid-session: “Hey, did you know this wetsuit is basically a hug from the planet?” Lead by example, and soon everyone will be in on the green game.
The bigger picture
Kitesurfing connects us with nature in ways city life never could. By going green, we’re not just preserving the planet—we’re saying thanks to the wind, water, and waves that make it all possible. Let’s keep this love affair going for generations to come.
xox Berit