Cardboard Kayak

A challenge that leaves no environmental footprint

Our initial challenge was to design a boat-type cardboard kayak that was as respectful as possible with the environment as it was built with recycled and recyclable raw materials. We have been making several attempts, all fruitful but applying improvements in each version. Finally, our idea came to life, never better said.

Another reference, in this case,e more playful, is the ‘cardboard races‘ Ocardboard boat racing, which for some years has been becoming popular. In them, the competitors are grouped into teams, make their cardboard designs and cover a certain distance in the shortest time possible without being shipwrecked in the attempt. early examples They date from the ’60s in the United States. They are currently developing graces of this type in many countries, organized by institutions, clubs,s or as a team building for businesses.

There are many other interesting references on cardboard boat design, or folding boats that allow folding and being transported lightly. Foldboat or also Orukayak are some examples of this.

Waterproof, resistant, and easy to assemble

Corrugated cardboard, as long as the papers used in its manufacture are of good quality, is a material much more waterproof than we think. We get the best results when we use it taking advantage of flat surfaces and protecting edges, since once the water enters through the ends, the material deteriorates in a few seconds. The waterproofing of the cardboard is achieved through 2 primers of Ecological natural latex water-based varnish. To protect the exterior joints between pieces and the visible edges of the cardboard, we have made a seal with a transparent silicone cord and in some cases too white duct tape. All of these materials can be easily found at any DIY store.

The first adventures on the water

And from the sea we went to a swimming poolforn our second aquatic test. This cardboard kayak prototype was enjoyed live and direct during the FestivalTranstropicalia (Alicante), where we were invited to give one of the brief presentations of the day.

 #SalvemoselMarMenor

We use our cardboard kayak to navigate the fountains of the city of Murcia in campaign support #Let’s save the Mar Menor. Our objective: to draw attention to the deterioration that it suffers and make visible the mobilizations that different groups promote. Following the push of the citizens’ initiative, over the years it has become the first lagoon in Europe with a legal personality.

During the visit that the program‘Reduce your Footprint’, from RTVE, made our facilities we had another opportunity to draw attention to the care of our little sea. We talked about their problems while we explained the process of creating the Kayak, and we even started sailing with the presenter, Adela Úcar, from Cabo de Palos.