Recycled and Socially Responsible – Unplugged RS
At DesignKayaks, sustainability is at the core of our mission to produce high-performance watercraft with a positive environmental and social impact. We are proud to introduce the Unplugged RS – a kayak designed not only to enhance the paddling experience but also to set a new standard for eco-conscious manufacturing in our industry.
Locally Produced, Recyclable Polyethylene
The Unplugged RS Sea Kayak is made from locally sourced, recyclable polyethylene (PE). Utilizing recycled PE not only minimizes the need for virgin plastic but also reduces our environmental impact, while still delivering the exceptional sailing capabilities and durability paddlers have come to expect from the DesignKayaks Unplugged. Furthermore, by sourcing PE locally, we significantly lower our carbon footprint by reducing transportation-related emissions, all while supporting local businesses. This sustainable approach to materials aligns perfectly with our broader mission of reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.
Local Manufacturing & Community Empowerment
Our factory, located in George, South Africa, is a key part of our sustainability story. By operating locally, we contribute directly to the region’s economy by creating jobs and ensuring that our team is deeply involved in every aspect of the production process. We take pride in cultivating a workplace that values human dignity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Our employees have a strong sense of ownership, contributing not just to product quality but also to creating a supportive and positive work environment. This focus on worker engagement and craftsmanship ensures that every kayak produced is built with care and pride, fostering a deep connection between our team and the final product.
Empowering Women Through Ethical Production Partnerships
In alignment with our commitment to social responsibility, we have partnered with Wild Mongoo, a local non-profit in George, South Africa, for the production of the Unplugged RS’s seat cushions and backrests in recycled materials. Wild Mongoo’s mission is to empower vulnerable women by providing them with skills training, business management education, and emotional support, ultimately helping them achieve financial independence. Through this collaboration, we are able to contribute to the empowerment of women in our local community while ensuring that key components of our kayaks are produced with care and purpose. Every seat cushion and backrest tells a story of resilience and empowerment, adding another layer of meaning to the Unplugged RS Sea Kayak.
Sailing Performance Meets Sustainability
Despite its eco-friendly design, the Unplugged RS maintains the same high-performance sailing characteristics as our Unplugged Sea Kayak. Paddlers will enjoy its speed, stability, and maneuverability while knowing that their kayak is part of a more sustainable future for the sport.
Create your own stunning appearance on water
Configure your Unplugged RS by changing, lines, hatches and bungee colors. Did anyone say that appearance did not matter? Of course it matters especially since all the basics of the kayaks are perfect. If you need an extra front deck “glove compartment” you can buy a 3.5 liter Day Box from Kajak Sport as an add-on. It is also possible to add a rescue system with YKK buckles to keep your paddle fixed when doing a self rescue. If needed we can mount a stainless steel lock brace to keep your new kayak less interesting to potential thieves. We can also mount a SmartTrack rudder with inside cabling if that suits your needs. If you want to ensure even better contact with your kayak, you can choose the SmartTrack Transitional footrests as an add-on option also (If you choose the rudder, the SmartTrack Footrests are included).
Size guide
Unplugged is available in two sizes: Regular and Large. Your height, weight and especially the girth around your thighs and hip are defining whether you’ll fit a regular og a large.
Regular: 160-185 cm up to app. 90 kg.
Large: 170-210 cm from 90 kg and up.
