Tag: duotone

  • Ode to ALUULA: absolute innovation started for kitesurfing and wing foiling

    Ode to ALUULA: absolute innovation started for kitesurfing and wing foiling

    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.

    Construction ALUULA
    Construction ALUULA

    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.

    Outer layer of ALUULA
    Outer layer of ALUULA

    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.

    Giel Vlugt in action with the Ocean Rodeo Rise equipped with ALUULA.
    Giel Vlugt in action with the Ocean Rodeo Rise equipped with ALUULA.

    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.

    ALUULA composite
    ALUULA composite

    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

  • Wing foiling at 5 knots with the Duotone Downwinder SLS. 8 questions for Mark

    Wing foiling at 5 knots with the Duotone Downwinder SLS. 8 questions for Mark

    A weekend without wind is not a complete weekend. This is quite a statement, but many avid water sports enthusiasts will agree with me: a game of water sports is part of a complete and successful weekend. For example, last weekend I was looking for wind and the possibility of kite surfing or wing foiling. Little wind was predicted so I looked for a period with wind from 10 knots. In this wind I can kite foil with my wing foil board. Unfortunately the forecast of 10 knots didn't come true so I stayed home. Later I saw that Mark had already been wing foiling with the Duotone Downwinder SLS. How cool is that! As far as I'm concerned this is a breakthrough so I called him for clarification.

    Wing foiling from 5 knots with the Downwinder!

    My eye fell on a picture of Mark van der Burg. Mark is an old hand in the business and very involved in the sport. He is also the Benelux Sales Manager for Duotone, ION and Fanatic and is therefore at the forefront of developments in kitesurfing and wing foiling. Mark apparently went wing foiling for the Brouwersdam.

    I was very surprised about the fact that you can already wing foil with 5 knots and asked him some questions.  

    Did you think you could wing foil with 5 knots?

    “If you had asked me this a year ago I would have said this would be impossible. We always thought that kite foiling would be more successful than wing foiling at the lower limit of the wind. We are now a year further and the high-end wing foil material has been developed to such an extent that it succeeds. That's cool!"

    Light wind wing foiling. Mark already wingfoils at 5 knots
    Mark doing 'light wind' wing foiling for the Brouwersdam. Photo by Esther.

    What was your wing foil setup at 5 knots?

    “I started wing foiling with the latest Duotone material. For example, for this wing foil session in low wind I used the new long Duotone Downwinder SLS 115L board in combination with an 82 centimeter SLS carbon mast and a 2145 Glide foil.”

    A 2145 foil?

    "Yes indeed. That is a whopper of a foil with a wingspan of 1.43 meters. So almost 1.5 meters. It took some getting used to to control such a large foil, but it glides beautifully through the water. Especially in the corners, it takes some getting used to with the Duotone Downwinder and such a large foil. If such a large foil chooses its own track, it is difficult to get out of it. So keeping control is extremely important. On the other hand, the foil, once it slides, continues to run very smoothly and that gives a wonderful feeling.”

    Mark with the Duotone Downwinder
    Mark wing foiling at 5 knots with the Duotone Downwinder SLS 115 liter. Photo by Esther

    The development towards long narrow wing foil boards. How do you see this?

    “When wing foiling in as little wind as possible, the board is all about gliding. The board has to slide to get on the foil. You also see this with long-distance downwind foiling with a paddle and race stand up paddling. At a certain point, it was discovered that such types of board shapes are also very suitable for gliding when wing foiling.”

    The glide speed helps to get on the foil. Once you slide, the foil does the job.

    Isn't a long and narrow wing foil board like the Duotone Downwinder wobbly?

    “It sure is wobbly. But with the large foil and wing it was doable. These provide stability, making the whole less wobbly.”

    Were you the only one on the water?

    “I saw 3 more kite foilers on the water. Other than that I was alone. Wing foiling with so little wind is a breakthrough for me and for me personally it was a unique experience. A year ago I would not have thought that this would be possible.”

    For which wingfoilers is this reserved?

    “This is not for beginners like kite foiling with little wind is not for beginners either. You have to master the sport well and of course have the right wing foil material for it.”

    Mark, thank you for the short interview after your cool experience and the inspiration you bring. We will continue to follow you and the developments in wing foiling closely. Good luck and have fun!

  • Duotone kitesurf App: improve your kitesurfing tricks

    Duotone kitesurf App: improve your kitesurfing tricks

    Of you now start kite surfing or as we have been on the water for more than 20 years. Of course you can get tired of kite surfing, like everything else. However, you are never tired of kite surfing! Duotone provides this proof again with the Duotone kitesurf App.

    Practice kitesurfing tricks in small steps

    With kite surfing you can make it as crazy as you want. It is up to you to keep any fear in check without becoming reckless and without crossing your own line.

    Sometimes practicing new kitesurfing tricks is nothing more or less than a splash that stands between doing and not doing.

    There is always a threshold to try new moves. This really applies to everyone. But is that threshold always right? Sometimes it's good not to overtake when in doubt. Sometimes, however, practicing a new kitesurfing trick is nothing more than a splash that stands between doing and not doing it. What can you do to build up a new kitesurfing trick as controlled as possible? For example, you can start practicing your new trick in less wind and/or a smaller size kite to get feeling and timing so you can master the trick. Also make sure you kitesurfing equipment in order is.

    kitesurf-tricks-practice-duotone-kitesurf-app-academy
    Practice kitesurfing tricks with the Duotone kitesurf App

    Duotone Academy App

    De Duotone Academy App contains over 150 kitesurfing videos with kitesurfing tricks, techniques and theory. Both for the novice kite surfer and for hardcore kite surfers. The Duotone Academy App is specially designed to support kitesurfers in learning new kitesurfing tricks. In addition, the app motivates you to improve your kitesurfing level and skills. You see a hooked-in Darkslide on the App, visualize how you can do the trick yourself and try it out tomorrow. Why not?

  • Photo series test day Duotone, Naish and Reedin Maasvlakte Slufter

    Photo series test day Duotone, Naish and Reedin Maasvlakte Slufter

    We helped with the door on Ascension Day Eurofuncenter organized test day on the Maasvlakte Slufter. There were representatives of the kitesurf brands duotone, naish en Reedin present who displayed a lot of kitesurfing material. In addition, we were treated to beautiful kitesurfing weather. The wind only increased during the day. After the test day, we were also able to get out on the water for a while.

    Advice: take your chance and test kites

    Did you miss the chance to test? No point. There are still plenty to come and kitesurf shops often also have test material in the shop to borrow. View the options at the kitesurf shops close to you. On test days you can test different kites, kiteboard and accessories and experience the difference yourself. This way you make the best choice when purchasing new material. Through our information you can probably find out more about kites en kite boards.

    This is how testing works

    It works easily. You chat for advice and so that representatives have the confidence to lend you the material. Then you register and you go on the water under supervision to test yourself for half an hour. In addition, test days are of course also just fun.

    Photo series test day 27 May 2022

  • Duotone magazine 3 is out. Highlights and inspiration

    Duotone magazine 3 is out. Highlights and inspiration

    The annual Duotone magazine is back. After the first two editions it was quiet at the front but now we can enjoy it again. With 121 pages of inspiration, designed in a unique format with varying paper types, it is once again a beautiful magazine. Interviews, reports and information are supplemented with beautiful kitesurf and wingfoil photos. The supporting visualisations, for example with the technical information, are also clarifying.

    Mission Duotone: best material for best experience

    The mission of duotone is to make the best material and put the users first. According to Till Eberie, CEO Boards & More, Duotone is all about motivating kiters to have the best possible time on the water, inspiring them to develop and provide them with as much energy as possible. Till specifically mentions kite surfers here, but the Duotone Magazine also brings wingfoiling under attention.  

    Highlights Duotone magazine 3

    The magazine starts with interviews with the Duotone wave kitesurfing team with a focus on friendship and everyone's interpretation of it within wave kitesurfing. Cool to read how the top wave kite surfers view it and the wave kite surf photos are breathtaking. Then a travelogue about Hood River and the introduction of the young duotone team drivers. Then another cool travel report about Ireland. Later one of Iceland and so on.

    Urban wing foiling

    Then a beautiful piece about urban wing foiling. Very appropriate because wing foiling is possible in many more places than kite surfing. We also notice this well in the Netherlands. It can sometimes just be on the water around the corner and that makes wing foils very accessible and popular.

    Focus on innovation

    As we are used to from Duotone, the magazine always lifts a corner of the veil about innovation of the material. This edition is about the science and laws behind the material. That you can't just replace material because the properties of a type change. Some interesting examples are given here.

    Lite Surf

    'Lite Surf' is the concept we kites on a diet to mention. In addition to becoming lighter, they also become stronger, better and more reliable. Duotone explains the main differences between the standard models, SLS type kites and the new ones D/Lab models. The innovations, together with the six times higher material prices according to Duotone, also drive the price per kite.

    Weight Duotone Neo 10 meters

    As stated; innovations should make kites lighter, stronger and more reliable. That the innovations lead to lighter kites can clearly be seen in the following list.

    • Standard kite: 3,0 kilo
    • SLS kite: 2,8 kilo
    • D/Lab kite: 2,5 kilo

    Conclusion Duotone magazine 3

    In this blog we have only touched on a few things from the beautiful Duotone magazine. It is a unique magazine. I don't know any other magazines kitesurf brands† So, if you have the chance to like me through your favorite kitesurf shop If you want to get a copy, then this is worth it in my opinion. I expect that the magazine will soon also be available digitally on the website of duotone.

  • This is how your twintip kiteboard is made. Insight into the production process

    This is how your twintip kiteboard is made. Insight into the production process

    We were previously guests at Nice boards and we saw the production process of twintip kiteboard up close. This time we were tipped by communication and design agency Meteldert to on Discovery watch the last part of 'How do they do it'. It is an old documentary showing the production process of Nobile kiteboards. This takes place in a factory in Poland. This is how your twintip kiteboard is made.

    Twintip kiteboards have to endure a lot. They should be light, strong and flexible.

    This is how your twintip kiteboard is made

    Definitely look back on Discovery

    If you have the opportunity, we think it's worth watching the Discovery episode of February 1, 2022 at 14.40 pm. You will see the part in which the production process is shown starts around 18:30 minutes. It's an outdated documentary but totally worth it.

    New-fashioned Duotone production process

    In addition to the outdated insight that we could not find online, here's a look at the Duotone factory 2 years ago. Professional kitesurfer Tom Court visits the Duotone Kiteboarding factory in Austria. A completely different story, because the 'Capita Mothership' factory is a state-of-the-art production facility that specializes in snowboards and uses that technology to make twintip kiteboards.

    They could already make 120 kiteboards a day.

    This is how your twintip kiteboard is made. By Tom Court.

    Attention to the climate

    As we have seen at Nice boards also strives Duotone Kiteboarding strives to make the impact on the climate as climate neutral as possible. In this video you can see in this context that non-toxic resins are used and electricity is drawn from the nearby river.

  • Legendary Duotone Rebel in the spotlight with the Rebel SLS

    Legendary Duotone Rebel in the spotlight with the Rebel SLS

    The Duotone Rebel has provided a top service to many kite surfers over the years and still is. That also counts for me. It's a delicious freeride kite for many kite surfers. From wonderful cruising with good low-end performance, which is specifically very nice for heavier kite surfers and with less wind, to extremely long hang time for kite surfers who go for it. The Rebel is extremely reliable and could therefore sometimes be experienced as a bit boring. This is of course perfect for many kite surfers who love it. With the new Rebel SLS, Duotone aims to make the kite a little more lively at the points where this is desired.

    Strong, Light, Superior (SLS)

    SLS stands for Strong, Light, Superior and is defined by Duotone as the top when it comes to kites and kiteboards. With SLS, Duotone indicates that new technologies have been applied in the product concerned, which have improved the properties of the products. Also view more about the Duotone SLS technology incorporated in Duotone kiteboards.

    Duotone Rebel SLS 2022. New technologies that improve performance

    Main points for improvement Duotone Rebel SLS 2022

    • The traditional Dacron has been replaced by Penta TX. Penta TX is stiffer and lighter. Duotone has thus made the Rebel lighter. This also makes the kite more lively.
    • The use of Penta TX also made it possible to implement a number of other geometric improvements that improve the properties of the kite. You can read a few below.
    • In order to guarantee good properties of the Rebel for all circumstances, the further development of the Rebel is specifically focused on: 1. size 11 meters one smaller; 2. size 12 & 13 meters; 3. size 14 & 15 meters. A lot has been thought of, such as the proportion of the struts, the tension of the cloth in different places and the proportion of the cloth in some places. As a result, the design of the Duotone Rebel SLS 2022 has been adjusted on a number of points.
    • What's the benefit? The Rebel SLS would have faster and more complete depower. They also steer the Rebel SLS faster and smoother and give more vertical lift in jumps. So you would be more likely to be pulled directly up on a jump than more forward.
    • As shown in the video, the Duotone Rebel SLS can be set up especially for kite foiling and wave kite surfing.

    View and read more about the new Duotone Rebel SLS 2022 on Duotonesport.com. We hope to test the new Rebel SLS ourselves soon.

  • Duotone Rebel vs Duotone Evo SLS review

    Duotone Rebel vs Duotone Evo SLS review

    Reno Romeu is a professional kite surfer and duotone team driver. Don't you know him? No problem, because Reno comes from Brazil and that is far away. However, he was at 15e already national kitesurfing champion of Brazil. Recently, Reno shared his personal opinion about the Duotone Rebel compared to the Duotone Evo SLS. Reno explains how he views the Rebel and Evo when it comes to freeride, jumping, kiteloops, kitefoiling, wakestyle kitesurfing and wave kitesurfing. So Duotone Rebel versus Duotone Evo SLS. View the images and the summary in this kitesurf blog.

    Freeriding: Rebel score 4, Evo SLS score 5

    As a Freeride kite to spend hours on the water, Reno chooses the Duotone Evo SLS with full conviction. Reno labels the kite as a kite for beginners, advanced and professional kite surfers. It has a light bar pressure, does well when the wind is less strong and is fast. To really jump high, Reno chooses the Duotone Rebel with the same conviction.

    Reno Romeu's Personal Comparison: The Duotone Rebel vs. Duotone Evo SLS

    Jumping: Rebel score 5, Evo SLS score 4.5

    The Rebel is a 5 strut kite that stays in good shape in strong winds and gusts. The Rebel is seen as a kite for high jumps and a long time in the air: 'big air' and 'hang time'. According to Reno, the Rebel often positively surprises kite surfers in this area. I can confirm this through my experience with the Rebel. Although the Evo SLS is also a nice kite to jump with, a kite surfer will have to have skills to jump as high and long as the Rebel. That is why Reno advises the Rebel for this. The Rebel is also available in large sizes. For example a 15 meter. This while the Evo SLS goes up to 12 meters. Reno gives as an example that at 18 knots he uses the Rebel 14 meters.  

    Duotone Rebel kite: a robust kite with 5 struts
    Duotone Rebel kite: a robust kite with 5 struts

    Kiteloop: Rebel score 3, Evo SLS score 4

    Despite the fact that you can make kiteloops and beautiful downloops with the Rebel, it has not been developed for kiteloops. The Evo SLS does. With the Evo SLS you jump high enough for good kiteloops so that the kite can still catch you well. The Evo SLS is also suitable for kiteloops in combination with other tricks.

    Kite foiling: Rebel score 4, Evo SLS score 5

    According to Reno, this is often asked for: kite surfers who are looking for a kite to jump with but which is also suitable for kite foiling. According to Reno, the Evo SLS is a nicer kite to kite foil with than the Rebel. It flies further to the edge of the wind window and is therefore better for walking or maneuvering at height when kitefoiling. Even with little wind, the Evo SLS is more suitable than the Rebel for kite foiling. The Evo SLS is a lot lighter and that prevents the kite from falling out of the sky or having to be kept in constant motion.

    Duotone Evo SLS more suitable for kite foiling than the Rebel
    Duotone Evo SLS more suitable for kite foiling than the Rebel

    Wakestyle: Rebel score 2, Evo score 3

    The Rebel has been developed for 'big air', 'hang time' and 'air style'. High jumps and long stays in the air, so that the kite surfer has plenty of time for tricks. Wakestyle tricks are possible. However, despite the fact that the Evo SLS is not a wakestyle kite; it can be done with it and will go a lot better than with the Rebel, Reno says.

    Duotone kite Evo SLS presented as an all-round kite
    Duotone kite Evo SLS presented as an all-round kite

    Wave kitesurfing: Rebel score 2, Evo SLS score 3

    The Rebel has a lot of bar pressure and a heavier, stiffer construction than the Evo SLS. The Rebel has less drift than the Evo and that makes it less suitable for wave kite surfing than the Evo SLS.

    Conclusion Duotone Rebel vs Duotone Evo SLS

    Duotone Rebel vs Duotone Evo SLS: the scores according to Reno Romeu
    Duotone Rebel vs Duotone Evo SLS: the scores according to Reno Romeu

    If you go 100% for 'big air', 'air time' and 'air style' with tricks like the board off, grabs, table tops, old school rotations etc., then the Rebel is very suitable. The Rebel is also more suitable for heavier kite surfers. After all, it is also available in larger sizes than the Evo SLS. If you are a kite surfer who also goes for other sailing styles such as kite foiling, wave kite surfing, kite loops, then the Evo SLS is a better alternative according to Reno. The Evo SLS also jumps nice and high, but is also good if you want to combine other sailing styles with it.

  • New kitesurf shop Brouwersdam Alohallo

    New kitesurf shop Brouwersdam Alohallo

    You don't hear that a new kitesurf shop is being added every day. That there are several kite shops on one kitesurf spot certainly not. Still, we have a bite on both counts. In the spring we hope to have a kitesurf shop on the Brouwersdam richer: Alohallo.

    More than a kitesurf shop

    In addition to the kitesurf shop, Alohallo also has a kitesurf school and thus provides kitesurfing lessons, kitefoil lessons, and wingfoil lessons. You can also power kiting, street surfing and paddle boarding. Alohallo also has beachwear, cool accessories, souvenirs and a surf shop. 

    Kitesurf shop Alohello opening

    Kitesurf brands Duotone and ION

    With Instagram it is slowly becoming known which brands will be used. In any case, a real beachwear clothing line with cool accessories and souvenirs. Brands we come across are Loard of the Board, Superdry, Deus, Reef, Havianas, O'Neill, Poederbaas, Penny, Ichi and Tooco Beachwear. We are of course curious about the Alohallo kite shop. In any case, we come across collaboration with Duotone and ION.

    Kitesurf shop Brouwersdam Alohallo

    We wish Alohallo the best of luck with the last mile of construction. Naturally, we would like to visit you in the spring. Oh yes, Alohallo's address is Paal 15 next to beach pavilion Brouw. The complete address is Brouwersdam Buitenzijde 20, 3253 MM in Ouddorp. Follow the progress yourself via the website of hello.

    Overview all kitesurf shops in the Netherlands

    We have added kitesurf shop Alohallo at the Brouwersdam to our overview of kitesurf shops in the Netherlands. In it you will find all kitesurf shops in the Netherlands.

    Kitesurfing Brouwersdam

    It is clear that the Brouwersdam offers kite surfers a lot of fun. It is a beautiful kitesurfing spot. No matter how busy, there is always a place to do what you want. Whether it concerns kite surfing, kitefoiling, wing foiling, wing surfing, blokarting, buggy kiting and / or power kiting. Something for everyone at the Brouwerdam activity beach. Read some kitesurf spot Brouwersdam has to offer in Zeeland.