It's time to think about ocean preservation, says watchmaker Breitling

Nick Watkins - Writer 12:34 29/09/2019
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  • Time to help: Kite surfers from Kite 'N' Surf show off the new Superocean Automatic 46, Black Steel-Blue

    Dubai’s glorious coastline is just one of the reasons tourists flock to the Emirate every year and by the end of 2019 close to 10 million tourists will have visited the city this year alone. With tourists keen to make the most of the winter sunshine, the beaches quickly fill up with people topping up their tan. Dubai’s beaches are known for their safety and cleanliness, but with an increase in tourism comes an increase in potential ocean waste. Next year tourist numbers are set to skyrocket with the highly anticipated Expo 2020 expected to draw in over 25 million visitors.

    Members of Dubai’s kite surfing community have been actively working to preserve the region’s oceans and beaches, something that is being heavily supported by Swiss watchmaker Breitling, who just last year announced a partnership with Ocean Conservation, an organisation dedicated to the global fight for a healthy ocean and clean beaches.

    Rocking out: A kite surfer heads to the ocean

    Rocking out: A kite surfer heads to the ocean

    Breitling are organising beach cleanups around the globe and will be helping to educate children on how they can help restore the health of the ocean and prevent the spread of pollution.

    In Dubai kite surfing community recently took to the ocean, wearing the new Breitling Superocean collection, to show off their skills in the water, along Nessnass beach, before telling Sport360 what they’re doing to keep Dubai clean.

    Taking to the water: Kite surfers showed off their skills

    Taking to the water: Kite surfers showed off their skills

    “Everyone at the beach picking up just one plastic bottle a day would be a step forward,” says Abbas El-Ali. “At Kite ‘n’ Surf we do a monthly beach clean with the stand up paddles and bags, we remove large volumes of plastic and rubbish every time.”

    El-Ali says if people were to educate themselves on what they can do that would also play a big part in reducing the amount of waste in the sea. “It helps to be interested in it. As kite surfers we’re always looking at ocean preservation because it affects our sport, and us so it would be great if people took more of an active interest. There are nice initiatives that we see, like making jewellery out of plastic and thing but really we need a lot more education on ocean preservation as a whole.”

    Strong technique: A kite surfer wears Breathing's Superocean Automatic 42, Steel-White

    Strong technique: A kite surfer wears Breathing’s Superocean Automatic 42, Steel-White

    Kite surfer Dean Seton mentions the benefits of taking up a sustainable water sport to get active and also learn about ocean preservation. “The beautiful thing about kite surfing is it’s environmentally friendly, it just uses the wind, there’s no engines or fumes or anything,” he says. As well as taking part in beach cleans Seton also ensures he takes responsibility for cleaning the beaches and oceans. “A big thing for me is to always try and leave the beaches cleaner than when I arrived. I’ve rescued a few turtles too, one here in Dubai actually, it was covered in barnacles and things so we just cleaned him up a bit.” He added, “I always avoid using plastic as much as possible, we’re lucky that Dubai is quite clean anyway compared to some beaches around the world, but we can always do more. He went on to say he hopes to kite surf in Brazil and help with ocean preservation there too. “I’ve heard it’s a dream location for kite surfers. Cumbuco has some of the best kite surfing in the world so that would be magic.”

    Water resistant: The Superocean Automatic 36, Steel-Blue

    Water resistant: The Superocean Automatic 36, Steel-Blue

    Avid kite surfer Marina Magaña spoke to Sport360 about the great work those involved in the sport do for the environment. “A lot of the time when we’re in the water we see a lot of rubbish in the water so kite surfers are always coming back to the beach with some sort of trash. We’re always picking up plastic bottles, and usually cigarette butts as well.”

    Super surf: Breitling has a new collection

    Super surf: Breitling has a new collection

    Magaña is also encouraging others to get involved in the sport as a way to learn something new praised the mental health benefits. “What I love about kite surfing is how peaceful it makes you feel. It doesn’t matter what’s happened to you during the day or what’s in your head, when you get in the water you forget about absolutely everything and you just enjoy. It’s a way of life and allows you to travel to the most exotic places just to kite surf. It just makes me happy.”

    THE NEW BREITLING SUPEROCEAN COLLECTION: THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

    With its new Superocean Collection, Breitling has up­dated and upgraded one of its best-loved and most successful watch families. Breitling Superocean watches have been highly regarded for their diving prowess for more than 60 years. While the members of the new collection reflect the brand’s deep-water DNA, they are certain to appeal to men and women with active lifestyles. With their clean, sporty design and impeccable performance, these new Superoceans will feel at home on any wrist and in any environment. The new Breitling Superocean collection has been created in five different sizes, ensuring that there is an incredible diver’s watch ideally suited to every wrist.

    Water sport enthusiasts: The crew from Kite 'N' Surf

    Water sport enthusiasts: The crew from Kite ‘N’ Surf

    Breitling CEO Georges Kern points out that the watches reflect more than just the brand’s diver’s watch legacy: “Our Surfers Squad and our partnerships with Outerknown and Ocean Conservancy speak volumes about our affection for the seas. With the new Superocean Collection, we have created watches for people who want to explore the oceans, whether they are active in water sports or in clean-up initiatives. And, of course, they will excite any fan of Breitling’s design values.”

    Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown

    Top watch: The Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 Outerknown, Black Steel-Blue

    Top watch: The Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 Outerknown, Black Steel-Blue

    The Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown celebrates Breitling’s partnership with sustainable apparel manufacturer Outerknown, co-founded by surfing icon Kelly Slater. The watch features a Nato strap crafted from ECONYL yarn, an innovative material created from nylon waste. With its black DLC-coated stainless steel case, bold blue dial, and unique blue strap, it makes a dramatic style statement and creates a powerful link to our oceans.

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