Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak by Tamas Fekete

Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak by Tamas Fekete is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award i Guld in Sportartiklar, Fitness och Fritidsutrustningsdesign Competition Category.

GuldSportartiklar· 2025

Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak

by Tamas Fekete

Client: Openend Design Ltd.

A' Design Award i Guld Winner in Sportartiklar Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Colors

The Design

About Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak

Subkayak D46 är designad för både turpaddling och racing, med fokus på prestanda och estetik. Den visuella designen kännetecknas av en optisk uppdelning i två distinkta sektioner, vilket ger den ett igenkännbart utseende. Kajaken erbjuder olika anpassningsmöjligheter genom användning av 3D-printade komponenter. Element såsom roderluckor och flagghållare kan produceras på beställning, vilket möjliggör justeringar i form, färg eller varumärkesanpassning. Detta tillvägagångssätt gör det möjligt för användare att anpassa sin kajak enligt individuella preferenser samtidigt som övergripande funktionalitet och design bibehålls.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award i Guld

Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak är vinnare av A' Design Award i Guld, ett oerhört prestigefyllt erkännande som tilldelas förstklassiga, underbara och enastående designverk. Guldvinnare är utomordentligt innovativa, visionära och glamoröst bländande skapelser som speglar sina formgivares briljans, visdom och skicklighet. Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak förväntas vara en högt prisad, trendsättande och monumental uppfinning som levererar oöverträffat värde. Detta vinnande verk i A' Design Award i Guld är ett spektakulärt, respekterat projekt som i hög grad gagnar och flyttar fram gränserna för konst, vetenskap, design och teknik. Subkayak D46 Tävlings- och Turkajak skapar intensiva känslor av längtan, väcker passion, uppmuntrar kreativitet och fascinerar oss.

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