AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION FOR THE FUTURE OF SURFBOARD CONSTRUCTION: HONEY ROOTS TECHNOLOGY FROM KANOA

Thilo von Osterhausen, founder of KANOA Surfboards and Head of Research & Development at Gunsails, has been honored with the prestigious JEC World Innovation Award. The JEC is the world's leading trade fair for fiber composite technologies and the award can be regarded as the Oscars of lightweight construction. The prize was awarded for the development of Honey Roots Technology (HRT) - a new construction method for recyclable surfboards that intelligently combines sustainability, durability and performance.

The award underlines the high degree of innovation of HRT and shows the importance of the technology beyond water sports. KANOA SURFBOARDS is the subsidiary brand of GUNSAILS GmbH and is therefore part of our company.

Kanoa Honey Root Technology

HONEY ROOTS TECHNOLOGY: NEW DIMENSIONS IN SURFBOARD CONSTRUCTION

After eight years of intensive research - in cooperation with two leading German universities - KANOA has developed a revolutionary surfboard construction with HRT. A unique three-dimensional laminate which is manufactured using one of the most advanced fiber composite processes. The result: a board that not only performs outstandingly, but is also ecological and durable.

Kanoa Honey Root Technology

WHAT IS BEHIND HRT?

The technology is based on three combined innovations:

  • A patented 3D structural laminate that is particularly stable, vibration-damping and durable
  • Sustainable material combinations made from recycled or natural components
  • A RE-fused one-shot infusion process that dispenses entirely with consumables

THE THREE CORE ADVANTAGES OF HRT BOARDS

Kanoa Honey Root Technology

Durability
The 3D honeycomb structure ensures high compressive strength, flex stability and prevents delamination - for a significantly longer service life.

Kanoa Honey Root Technology

Sustainability
The boards are made from recyclable bio-resin, recycled and bio-based cores and semi-synthetic natural fibers - they are recyclable and produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Kanoa Honey Root Technology

Consistent performance
Thanks to the improved connection between the core and laminate, the board's flex properties are maintained throughout its entire service life. At the same time, the construction creates a unique rebound and liveliness without stiffening the board. An unprecedented riding experience.

MADE IN EUROPE

HRT surfboards are manufactured in the KANOA micro-factory in the French Basque Country. The selected materials come almost entirely from Europe. We have developed a process that enables consistency and reproducibility, avoids production waste and closes the first loops on the way to circularity. The result is a surfboard with minimized CO2 emissions.

Kanoa Honey Root Technology

"Every HRT board I've surfed has this unique liveliness and more speed - it lasts much longer than boards I've had before."
Félix Morau (Teamfahrer)

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF WATER SPORTS: HY-CORE

Based on Honey Roots Technology, we have developed a hybrid sandwich material that combines the advantages and properties of 3D structural laminate. Made from 100% recycled PET and designed for use in circular composite components, this semi-finished product impresses with its sustainability, functionality and outstanding mechanical properties. Accessible to all and ready for a wide range of applications in areas such as transportation, shipping, camping, automotive and many more.

Hycore Technology