Duotone Magazine No. 06

One time we passed by massive cargo ships transporting logs on the river – an enormous amount of trees. Everyone on our boat fell silent in that moment. We had no words left. It so obviously stressed the acute crises that prevail in the Amazon, it was hard to take. This trip once more reminded me that if we want to preserve our playgrounds – whether it’s the Amazon, the ocean, or our local lakes – for future generations, we must act now.” Julia “My first impression was the overwhelming scale of the Amazon rainforest, the main river, and the countless tributaries that stretch like an endless network through the landscape. The vastness of the waters made it look more like an ocean than a river. Upon our arrival in Santarém, thick smoke hung in the air. Apparently, a fire had spread, likely caused by the burning of cleared land. Marcia told us, these fires often get out of control, especially due to the increasing dryness. In the first few days, the sky was so heavily overcast that we could barely see the sun. Everymorning, we set offby boat fromAlter doChão, a picturesque little place known as the “Caribbean of the Amazon”, located on a side arm of the river, in search of windy spots. The diverse landscapes – rainforest, trees, sand dunes, grasses – made winging a very unique experience. It was an incredible way to explore a place in this manner and perceive nature in a whole new way. Reno “The Amazon is such a powerful place – it’s the biggest river in the world by volume of water. And there’s so much life in the rivers and the forest. Riding such a totally remote, peaceful – almost sacred place, felt overwhelming. The certainty that after our session we would leave this place untouched, just as we found it, created a deep sense of satisfaction. On theother handwesometimes felt like intruders.Weencounteredsome indigenous people who seemed to be afraid of us. When talking to them it became clear they had never seen anything like a kite or wing and didn’t know what to make of it. They feared we were there to harm them or their land. That we were simply there to enjoy nature was the least they expected. As kiters, or wingers or basically any watersports person, we are enjoying nature intensively. Rarely before has it been clearer to me that if we want to continue doing what we love, we need to do it with responsibility.” Duotone Concept Blue Initiative The Duotone Concept Blue initiative is a forward-thinking effort aimed at enhancing sustainability and innovation within the watersports industry. This initiative emphasizes eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes, without sacrificing performance. Building on this commitment, in 2024 / 25 Duotone expanded the Concept Blue philosophy into the SLS segment with the introduction of the Rebel SLS, Evo SLS, and Unit SLS. Key attributes of Concept Blue kites and wings: × Undyed Fabrics: Use of natural, undyed materials massively reduces water and energy consumption during production. × Bio-based Bladders: Incorporation of bio-based bladders minimizes reliance on fossil fuels and enhances sustainability. × Recycled Plastic Components: Utilization of recycled plastics in various components decreases waste and promotes a circular economy. 117 C O N C E P T B L U E DUOTONE