Previously we were in contact with Ocean Rodeo for testing the legendary Rise. View the Ocean Rodeo Rise review. We recently had contact with our contact persons again. He now also reported that he was working for ALUULA Composites. At the time of the initial blog, on June 11, 2022, Aluula was an innovation only used by Duotone and Ocean Rodeo. This has now changed because the technology has now proven itself and more kitesurfing en wingfoil brands see its added value. In this blog we explain more about Aluula's background based on a press release.
What is Alula?
ALUULA is an invention of a British Columbia (Canada) based team of experienced chemists and engineers who share a common passion. The original goal of their ALUULA project was to develop composite materials that would be better suited to the sports they love.
Started with kite surfing and wing foiling
The first goal was to apply innovations in the kitesurfer en wingfoiling† The material development for kites was at a low ebb at a certain point. Wingfoilen used the same material development as kitesurfing, while that poses different challenges to the material. The enormous interest in kitesurfing and wing foiling or the market growth fueled the need for innovation. A kind of arms race developed to create lighter and stronger materials to improve the performance, durability and safety of both kites and wings.
High demands on material
We all know that kitesurfing and wingfoil equipment suffers a lot. It is exposed to the bright sun and to abrasive beach conditions. So to succeed, the next generation of composites had to meet the highest standards. The team has taken up this challenge.
Aluula became available in 2019
First introduced in 2019, ALUULA's innovative composite textiles quickly changed what was possible. The team had succeeded in creating a product that seemed to achieve the impossible. Not only was it significantly lighter (about half the weight), but it was also significantly stiffer and stronger. Also check out the blog Lite Surf – Kites on a diet.
Double Megaloop and Milestone
A kitesurfer who uses a kite enriched with ALUULA can now kitesurf in much less wind. The kites are also stiffer and perform much better as the wind increases. The very first double megaloop was achieved by professional kitesurfer Giel Vlugt, with a kite equipped with ALUULA. Was this despite or because of ALUULA? Read it in the blog about the double megaloop.
What exactly is Aluula?
ALUULA is a new class of composite materials, constructed of components with a strength-to-weight ratio eight times that of steel, yet lighter than nylon, polyester or aramid.
Using a patented fusion process, ALUULA Composites has developed a unique way of fusing high tech fibers and technical foils together without the use of heavy adhesives. By connecting materials at the molecular level, ALUULA creates one of the lightest, strongest and most durable composite materials ever made.
Still a lot to expect
Wind sports such as kitesurfing and wing foiling in a maritime environment were the perfect natural testing ground for this new generation of light, strong and durable composite materials. However, the possibilities of the benefits go far beyond the original objectives. Simply put, the arrival of ALUULA's lightweight composites would open a door to many new possibilities, across a wide range of industries. The ALUULA team indicates that it has only just started. We are following it closely.
Aluula 2.0
ALUULA 2.0 is now available and has been incorporated for the first time in kites and wings that will become available in 2024. We hope to be able to explain more about this to you soon.
Reference: press release ALUULA
