Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak by Tamas Fekete

Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak by Tamas Fekete is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Goud in Sportartikelen, Fitness en Rekreaasje-apparatuer Ûntwerp Competition Category.

GoudSportartikelen· 2025

Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak

by Tamas Fekete

Client: Openend Design Ltd.

A' Design Award yn Goud Winner in Sportartikelen Category

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Colors

The Design

About Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak

De Subkayak D46 is ûntworpen foar sawol toeren as racen, mei in fokus op prestaasje en estetyk. It fisuele ûntwurp hat in optische skieding yn twa ûnderskate dielen, wat it in werkenbere uterlik jout. De kajak stipet ferskate oanpassingsmooglikheden troch it gebrûk fan 3D-printe komponinten. Eleminten lykas roerutkloppen en flaggeholders kinne op bestelling produsearre wurde, wat oanpassingen yn foarm, kleur of branding mooglik makket. Dizze oanpak stelt brûkers yn steat om harren kajak te personalisearjen neffens yndividuele foarkarren, wylst de algemiene funksjonaliteit en ûntwurp behâlden bliuwe.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Goud

Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Goud, in ekstreem prestisjeuze erkenning foar earste-klas, prachtige en treflike ûntwerpen. Goudwinners binne tige ynnovative, fisionêre en glamoureus ferbjusterjende skeppings dy't it sjeny, de wiisheid en de feardigens fan har ûntwerpers wjerspegelje. Fan Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige priizge, trendsettende en monumintale útfining is dy't unferlykbere wearde leveret. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Goud is in spektakulêr, respektearre projekt dat grutte foardielen bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Subkayak D46 Race- en Fretiidstoerkajak makket yntinse gefoelens fan begearte, stekt passy oan, stimulearret kreativiteit en fassinearret ús.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The D46 kayak offerst a two-section design offering enhanced customization options despite being made of a single composite material. Additionally, it incorporates 3D printed components, such as a rudder hatch cover and flag holder, which can be customized according to the buyer's preferences, including logos and a choice of colors. These parts are made-to-order and provide a level of personalization for the owners to express their style while maintaining the functionality of the kayak.
Dimensions & Packaging: 5200 mm x 460 mm x 310 mm

Crafted using vacuum infusion that ensures even resin distribution.
Incorporates foam, fiberglass or carbon fiber, and epoxy-vinylester, balancing durability with light weight.
Customization option from simple color selections to complex paint jobs. Customizable 3D printed components (race number holder, rudder hatch cover), available in any colors and with debossed graphics.

3D Printed parts:
SLS 3D Print: Nylon PA12, Dyed black
MJF 3D Print: Nylon PA12, Any color
Tags: Kayak Design, Racing Kayak, Leisure Kayak, Touring Kayak, 3D Printing, Watercraft, Boat Design, Watersport, Carbon Fiber, Speed
Production Technology: Starting with 3D scanning and reverse engineering one of Subkayak's hand-built kayak for millimeter-precise hull replication to match its hydrodynamic performance. Further development included mood boards, concept sketches, renders and numerous small-scale 3D printed draft prototypes before making the final CAD file with G3 surface continuity for a sculpted aesthetic. CNC machining of a full-size foam model followed, forming the foundation to create the master moulds to manufacture the D46.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was translating a physical kayak's precise hydrodynamics into a digital format with millimeter accuracy, essential for competition eligibility and performance. Using 3D scanning for the complex hull surface and integrating the new design features within strict size regulations required precise A-class surface modeling. The project's success depended on a single 1:1 scale CNC-d foam prototype emphasising the need for precise CAD deliverable to achieve a hand-sculpted look.
Research: Our research included surveys to understand amateur and professional kayak users' preferences in design aesthetics, customization, and cockpit ergonomics. Engaging with kayakers through both direct and online methods, we gathered insights via open-ended questions. Findings reveal a strong desire for customization options to express personal style and the need for a wider cockpit for better fit.
Inspiration: The design of the D46 kayak was inspired by the complex surface and material transitions seen in racing boats and sports cars. The aim was to visually break away from the uniformity aesthetics of single-piece kayaks by using form and color to split the kayak into two distinct sections.
Project Duration: The project started in March 2022 in Budapest and finished in January 2023 in Budapest. Since then It was exhibited in Budapest in the Hungarian Design Awards in October 2023.
Operation Flow: The kayak, being lightweight, is easily carried to the water and placed in. The user then sits in the cockpit, securing their feet on footrests and grasping the paddle with both hands. Propulsion is achieved through alternating paddle strokes on each side, while steering is managed by foot pedals controlling the rudder. This setup enables precise navigation and efficient gliding through the water, allowing for a smooth and responsive kayaking experience.
Team Members: Tamás Fekete
Image Credits: Image Credits: Tamás Fekete