#30 Tech Talk with Sky Solbach - Kite and Surfboard Designer

Duotone Kite Designer Sky Solbach reveals all about the exciting new Rebel D/Lab and the design process behind the kite. The Legendary Rebel being transformed into the revolutionary Rebel D/LAB Join us as we dive deep into the creation of Duotone’s latest groundbreaking kite, the Rebel D/LAB, with Sky Solbach. With over 18 years of experience developing cutting-edge kites, wings, hydrofoils, and surfboards alongside watersports legend Ken Winner, Sky shares his journey and the pioneering innovations that make Duotone the leader in the kiteboarding industry. Discover Sky's extensive experience spanning nearly two decades, working on iconic products from the first Rhinos to the revolutionary Rebel D/LAB today. The Birth of the Rebel D/LAB: Unveil the story behind developing kites using the ultra-advanced material Aluula. Learn about the challenges and milestones in transforming the renowned Rebel into the Aluula-powered Rebel D/LAB. The innovation journey: Get insights on the collaboration between the Duotone R&D team and pro riders like Reno Romeu and Andrea Principi during the testing phase. The unparalleled advantages of the Rebel D/LAB for kiteboarders of all levels, not just professionals. Performance Breakthroughs and big air excellence: Understand how the Rebel D/LAB excels in big air performance, offering incredible jump heights and extended hangtime. The strength of 5 struts: Analyze the benefits of the five-strut design and its impact on stability and performance. Further Sky delves into the benefits of having three seasoned dedicated kite designers and a committed R&D team in combination with the financial capabilities that allow Duotone to experiment and maintain its leadership in innovation. Whether you're a die-hard kiteboarding fan or someone curious about the latest technological advancements in the sport and why Duotone is leading the industry, this episode offers an in-depth view of the exceptional craftsmanship and innovation driving Duotone’s latest success, the Rebel D/LAB. Gain valuable insights straight from an industry veteran and elevate your understanding of what goes into making world-class kiteboarding equipment.

Big air rider Ross-Dillon Player has joined the Duotone Team down in South Africa. At only 24 Ross Dillon Player has been around the big air scene for quite some time, riding for different brands, traveling the world, taking part in photoshoots and competing at a high level. Partaking in 4 Redbull King of the Airs, winning the 2019 RedBull Megaloop in the Netherlands and the 2021 Big Air Kite League event in Cape Town he boasts a healthy competitive portfolio. We speak about the challenges facing young riders from South Africa and why it’s such a top kitesurfing destination. Ross also offers his advice to first time visitors and up and coming kiteboarders. Filling a huge roll, Ross steps into a prestigious position representing South Africa on our Duotone Team.

At only 18 Italian Duotone Rider Adrea Principi has become a 2X World big air Champion and one of the biggest stars in kiteboarding right now. A product of the Duotone youngblood programme, Andrea explains how his connection to his parents and the Dutotone brand is important in his ongoing pursuit of success. Amongst many never been done before tricks, Andrea tells us about his new move ‘The Triple Contra Boardoff’ landed at the DCP pro center whilst training in Mykonos. Yoga, staying focused and free from injury is also important to Andrea and his disciplined approach to keeping in shape is impressive to hear. His current gear set up / quiver makes for a great discussion point and we also find out about his aspirations for the 2023 RedBull King of the Air.

A long term member of the boards and more family, Sky Solbach tells all about his journey on becoming one of the main kite designers for Duotone. Always curious about design Sky tells us about his early modifications adding straps to surfboards with his dad and now shares his excitement of working on the Duotone Kites. Working alongside Ken Winner in Hawaii, Sky has had the perfect mentor and the ideal location in order to develop his design skills. Patri McLaughlin our Duotone team rider plays a big role in testing with Sky who explains that a good relationship between tester and designer is essential for a great product, communicating ‘feeling’ is everything. Concept Blue the new program from Duotone which pushes sustainable design to the limit also makes for a great discussion!

With plenty of years of riding, testing and developing his own gear, Aaron Hadlow is sharing his insights on some important tips and tricks about how to get the most out of your gear - and not damaging it. Year after year, it seems the same topics pop up in conversations at the beach, at the bar, in forums: ”What you really have to do to make your gear work better than the factory recommendation.” Today Aaron tries to clean up the mess and share his thoughts about what works and what not, from the correct bar pressure to how to handle the lines of the bar and much more!

Based in Hawaii, Ken Winner shares his story from being a champion athlete in the windsurfing hall of fame to transitioning to become an innovative designer for windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling. We discover what drove him to become a designer from his interests as a small child all the way to his new found passion for Wing Foiling. Our conversation leads us to talk about the team that Ken works with and his roles with Duotone. We also learn which products that Ken is responsible for and how new materials and technologies have helped Duotone products develop even further.

Liam Whaley, Duotone international team rider, vice big air world champion, vlogger, kite school owner, porsche ambassador and recent winner of the LOTR kiteboarding event. Liam shares with us his jubilation over winning the first GKA big air event of the year in France and how his quest of being world champion has gotten off to a great start. We talk about the impact that the D-LAB kites are having on the sport and how he finds balance juggling a packed schedule in life. Tarifa, the European mecca for windsports is Liam’s home and he explains how that has affected his career. From managing his own kiteschool, working with Porsche, training and producing a very successful vlog, Liam shares his methods for staying in control.

Nuria explains how she changed her life from being a banker to a full time professional kitesurfer and traveler. As a mother of two, living in a converted IVECO van with her husband as well is no easy feat. Nuria explains that the needs of the family have to be balanced carefully with those of her job as a professional kitesurfer. The children have benefited greatly from this experience and it’s enlightening to hear how the trips to various countries have helped the family grow.

Matchu Lopes is on the Duotone team since a very young age, he grew up with the brand, and played an important role in growing the brand in his special way. He’s on the tour since many years, been World Champion 2016 and had to train hard to stay on top of the big air game, but finally again become World Champion in 2022. Besides the competition scene, Matchu is a major factor at photo shootings, at sales and demo tours and as daily ambassador of the sport. Get to know Matchu even better, learn about some ups and downs as an athlete and about the feeling being addicted to riding barrels!!

We catch up with Sander Reneman from Twofiftyk to talk about how kiting for him is his escape from the crazy and incredible schedule he has with all the current events.