The environmental impact of kitesurfing gear
You’re on the beach, kite high, wind in your hair. It's an incredible feeling. But have you considered the journey your gear took before it reached you?
Our sleek kitesurfing equipment has an environmental footprint, stemming from its materials, production, and end-of-life. As we enjoy nature's power, it's worth understanding the impact of our sport.
From polymer to power move: What’s our gear made of?
High-performance kitesurfing gear relies heavily on petroleum-derived materials. While necessary for performance, their production and disposal pose environmental challenges. Here’s a look at common materials:
Nylon: Used in kites (parts), harnesses. (Impacts: High energy consumption, significant greenhouse gas emissions, limited recyclability)
Polyester: Common for kite canopies, lines, harnesses, boardshorts. (Impacts: High energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, potential microplastic shedding)
Dacron: Forms kite leading edges and struts. (Impacts: Energy-intensive production, non-biodegradable, limited recycling options)
TPU: Found in kite bladders and flexible parts. (Impacts: High energy needs, but potentially recyclable through specific processes)
Carbon Fiber: Used in high-performance boards. (Impacts: Extremely energy-intensive to produce, difficult to recycle)
Fiberglass: A common board material. (Impacts: High energy consumption during production, not easily recycled)
Epoxy Resin: Binds board layers together. (Impacts: Moderate energy use, potential pollution during production, non-biodegradable)
This doesn't even include items like wetsuits, board bags, and other accessories we often use.
From factory floor to ocean roar: The making-it footprint
Producing kitesurfing gear, especially components made from plastics and resins, consumes significant energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation of raw materials and finished goods across the globe adds considerably to this footprint.
However, positive changes are happening. Some brands are actively working to reduce their impact:
Facilities like the Brainchild Production, the facility where Harlem Kitesurfing gear is made, operates entirely on 100% solar power, utilize white materials to reduce water consumption from dyeing, and prioritize sourcing raw materials from closer suppliers (e.g., within Europe) to cut transport emissions.
Duotone's "Concept Blue" initiative sets specific goals: Aiming to reduce water usage by up to 46%, achieve energy savings up to 35%, and lower their CO2 footprint by up to 12%.
When the ride is over: The gear graveyard
What happens to gear at the end of its usable life? Simply discarding kites or boards contributes significantly to landfill waste. Materials like nylon and polyester are non-biodegradable, meaning they can persist in landfills for hundreds of years (nylon potentially for centuries, polyester over 200 years), leaching chemicals and occupying space.
Currently, efficient and scalable recycling solutions for the complex mix of materials in kitesurfing gear are lacking. The multi-layered construction makes standard recycling difficult. Addressing this requires innovation in recycling technology, manufacturer involvement (design for end-of-life, take-back programs), and potentially broader industry collaborations to create more circular systems.
Keep your gear flying (and out of the landfill): The power of repair
Before considering disposal, remember that repair is often the most sustainable and economical option. Extending your gear's lifespan reduces the demand for new production and minimizes waste.
Proper maintenance is key:
Rinse gear with fresh water after saltwater sessions.
Ensure it dries thoroughly, avoiding prolonged direct sunlight which degrades materials.
Avoid leaving kites flapping unnecessarily on the beach, as this causes wear.
Regularly inspect lines for fraying or knots, and check that your control bar and safety release system function correctly.
When damage occurs:
Small canopy tears: Often repairable with specialized tape or patches.
Punctured bladders: These can usually be replaced.
Board dings: Can be fixed using epoxy repair kits or by professional services.
Many local shops or specialists (like Kitemana, who offer repair services and sell kits) can help, or you can learn basic DIY repairs. Every fix keeps gear in use longer.
Old kite, new tricks: Give your gear a second life
If gear is truly beyond repair, upcycling offers a creative alternative to the landfill. The durable ripstop fabric from old kites is particularly versatile:
It can be transformed into items like reusable shopping bags, beach totes, hammocks, or even unique windbreakers.
Old boards can sometimes be repurposed into furniture like benches.
Find inspiration and tutorials online on platforms like Pinterest, or connect with artisans who specialize in upcycling kite materials.
Giving old gear a new purpose is a tangible way to reduce waste.
Catching the breeze of change
Kitesurfing inevitably has an environmental impact. But awareness empowers us to make better choices. By opting for gear from sustainable-minded brands, prioritizing repair, maintaining our equipment well, and creatively repurposing old items, we can collectively reduce our sport's footprint.
Every conscious effort helps protect the natural playgrounds – the wind and water – that we cherish.
So next time your kite has an unfortunate encounter, consider its potential beyond the waves. Maybe it's destined to become the most aerodynamic grocery bag ever. Reduce, reuse, ride on!
xox Berito