Jepirach

jepirach Va n e s s a C a b r e r a F i g u e r e d o .

Telling stories through sports

At the beginning, in the midst of silence,

created the winds. In the air he started

stillness and loneliness, there was only

running in different directions. With them is

MALEIYA, the sun, the moon and the stars

JEPIRACH, the wind of the north.

for light and clarity; then create MMA, the earth, the water and the air for there to be life. And it was so that the waters in his litter knew the earth and fell in love with it.They showed their power with darkened skies, thunder and lightning, first some drizzles and at the end they unloaded on it to fertilize it.

MALEIYA then made the plants and animals, giving each thing the spirit that corresponded for there to be movements.

All of them were enough by themselves and fulfilled their mission; To the plants he gave them many shapes and sizes so that they would produce flowers, fruits and seeds abundantly and place them in all

MALEIYA decided the place where the

places on earth; also provide the animals

rivers would run and it would be the most

with many shapes, sizes and colors. He told

and for them; PARA, the spirit of water and

them what to eat and where to go.

THE BEGINNING

Book Reference: NOSOTROS LOS WAYUU

Telling stories through sports

WELCOME! This is Jepirach

C

abo de la Vela, a remote tourist

indigenous ethnic group that in the past

destination

of

eight years saw 4,770 of their children die

Colombia, an ethnic group called

due to problems related to hunger and lack

the Wayúu, are seeking to master the art of

to drinkable water. According to reports

kite surfing, a sport that in addition to the

collected by the Inter-American Commission

challenge of competition, has become a

on Human Rights (CIDH).

in

the

far

north

source of income in this impoverished region of the Caribbean. On the shores of the blue and crystalline sea of ​​La Guajira, 15 young Wayuu, between 9 and 22 years old are training to participate in high performance competitions La Guajira, bordering with Venezuela, is one of the poorest regions

B

eing the northernmost point of South America,

the

Guajira

has

strong

constant winds, which makes this

place “inhospitable and forgotten”, but “perfect” to practice kite surfing.

of Colombia and inhabits the Wayúu, an

The Wayúu “are very strong (...) and they are not tall, so they are fast”,

Telling stories through sports

THIS IS JEPIRACH

M

ake alliances with: Foundations like;

healthy tourism in the location, spread the

Amigos del mar is a Foundation

culture, activate the economy of the region

that seek to generate sustainable

and appreciation of the magical stories that

social development projects in Cartagena,

Wayuu have in that area of ​​the country, in

Colombia, through art, culture and water

order for the foreign athletes to understand

sports. and Kite surfing schools & shops.

the principles and meaning of being there,

C

hildrens are part of the workshops of the foundations to develop the products during the practice of

kitesurf and stay in the foundation. The use of local materials and Wayuu techniques, in order to sell the products in stores and make

by taking a piece of the country through these objects.

“

The idea is to help the economy of the

place and get the children out, and also to promote sport in the Wayúu children

of the region”

this beautiful project: the union of sport, culture and Wayúu traditions. Increase the children are the future, agents of change and the next generation of the world

Telling stories through sports

The Bauhaus strives to bring together all creative effort into one whole, to reunify all the disciplines of practical art - sculpture, painting, handicrafts, and crafts - as inseparable components of a new architecture.

Walter Gropius

Telling stories through sports

HOW JEPIRACH BORN? Based on the Wayuu dictionary, Jepirachi means gods of the north east wind

I

born in Bogota, Colombia (capital of the

regions have been responsible for creating their

city), I have always had a great approach to

identity in each craft, showing their talent and

my country, having the opportunity to know

ingenuity to expose the diversification that exists

it in 70%, traveling through it, sharing with

in every corner of Colombia. From La Guajira to

communities in each region, doing social projects

Amazonas and from Nariño to the Orinoquía, our

with indigenous communities, for this and more

artisans are proof of the enormous creativity that

reasons I admire the craftsmanship of my country

characterizes this nation.

that have positioned themselves as merchandise of high quality and variety that constitute one of the letters of presentation we have before the world. Our wide geography and culture, as well as the expert use of materials that our artisans implement, are some of the characteristics that the country has in this sector. The different

To put all of this in perspective, 68.7% of Colombia’s surface is covered by natural ecosystems.

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

T

he choice of composite materials

danger of extinction, while out of 284 species

comes from Colombia’s second place

of land animals evaluated, 41 are critically

in the countries with the greatest

endangered, 112 are threatened and 131

biodiversity in the world, surpassed only by

are considered vulnerable. The Colombian

Brazil. By 2016, 56,343 species are registered

land offers the artisan the possibility of

in Colombia, of which 9,153 are endemic.

creating his objects with different materials;

The country occupies the first position in

at your fingertips you have products such

the world in number of species of orchids

as bamboo, wool, fique, clay, wood, leather,

and birds, the second position in plants,

totumo and precious metals, raw materials

amphibians,

freshwater

that require implementation techniques for

fish, third place in species of palm trees

their finishing. The Colombian creations are

and reptiles and the fourth place in the

a sample of the Taste of our country being

biodiversity of mammals .

the maximum expression of culture and

butterflies

and

idiosyncrasy that surrounds us.

The Colombian side of the Amazonian jungle alone is home to 10 per cent of the world’s biodiversity and produces 15 per cent of the world’s oxygen.

D

uring 2 years I had the opportunity to acquire the professional experience of working with a multinational

company that handles composite materials and during the studies in the master I identified how I could combine this

A

biodiversity of my country in a product,

ccording to a WWF report, about

taking advantage of the characteristics of

half of the ecosystems that exist in

composite materials.

Colombia are in critical or endangered

condition. Likewise, of 1853 species of plants evaluated, 665 (36%) are threatened and in

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

“La ciudad de la eterna primavera” (the city of the eternal Spring) says plenty about the beauty of Colombia’s second biggest city, Medellín. Once known as the home of the ruthless drug lord Pablo Escobar, its thriving textile industry has helped shed its past reputation and replace it with a growing fashion industry. Medellín hosts two important annual fashion-related events: Colombia Moda and Colombiatex.

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WHY KITESURF? Water sports were always my passion, I was 5 times national champion of Wakeboard.

C

olombia is a country that is slowly

comforts. It takes a minimum of time for

developing in the kite and offering

this kind of trip, the access conditions are

superb

sailing,

quite complicated. But behind it is a trip

especially on the Caribbean side, in the

that is definitely worth it. Cabo de la Vela is a

north of the country. The most famous spots

flatlapped spot. The wind is really consistent

today are Santa Veronica, located between

in this area, and blows almost all year round.

Cartagena and Barranquilla, and Cabo de

A small wing (6 or 7 depending on the

la Vela, a more distant spot located in the

template) is almost mandatory, and a 9/10

far north of the country. The spots are still

can complement the quiver.

conditions

for

poorly developed, Do not expect to find 50 schools and all the necessary infrastructure.

It is rather in a plan at the roots even if the accommodations offer all the necessary

Civilization has been a permanent dialogue between human beings and water

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

WHYBIOCOMPOSITES?

M

ost sport boards are almost entirely made from petrochemical products and resins.Efforts have been made

to help improve this chemically-driven and environmentally-detrimental

process,

B

iocomposite materials made from natural fibers and/or bio-based resins are making inroads into markets ranging from

automotive and building materials to clothing

by

and sporting goods. According to Lucintel, the

switching up materials, creating bio-based

global biocomposites market should grow by

alternatives, and recycling existing foam, for

7.9 percent from 2018 through 2023, reaching an

example the biocomposites are These kind of

estimated $7.6 billion in value. The benefits of

materials often mimic the structure of the living

using natural fibers for composites begin with

materials involved in the process keeping the

their optical and haptic properties, according

strengthening properties of the matrix that was

to Partanen. Natural materials allow composites

used, but always providing biocompatibility.

to cool much sooner, reducing the cycle time in

The matrix phase is formed by polymers

injection molding. In general, natural fibers can’t

derived from renewable and nonrenewable

achieve the strength of carbon fiber composites

resources. The matrix is important to protect

and they don’t have the same tensile or impact

the fibers from environmental degradation and

strength as GFRP. Natural fiber composites are a

mechanical damage, to hold the fibers together

better environmental choice than GFRP because

and to transfer the loads on it.

they have a 20 to 50 percent lower carbon footprint.

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WHAT IS BIOCOMPOSITES?

B

iocomposite (bio from Greek ‘alive’)

crops (cotton, flax or hemp), recycled wood,

is a composite material formed by

waste paper, crop processing byproducts or

a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement

regenerated cellulose fiber (viscose/rayon).

of natural fibers. These kind of materials

The interest in biocomposites is rapidly

often mimic the structure of the living

growing in terms of industrial applications

materials involved in the process keeping

(automobiles,

the strengthening properties of the matrix

military

that

packaging)

was

used,

but

always

providing

biocompatibility. The matrix phase is formed

due

by

cheap,

polymers

derived

from

renewable

to

railway

applications, its

and

aerospace,

construction,

fundamental

great

recyclable,

coach,

benefits and

and

research,

(renewable,

biodegradable).

and nonrenewable resources. The matrix

Biocomposites can be used alone, or as a

is important to protect the fibers from

complement to standard materials, such as

environmental degradation and mechanical

carbon fiber. Advocates of biocomposites

damage, to hold the fibers together and

state that use of these materials improve

to transfer the loads on it. In addition,

health and safety in their production, are

biofibers are the principal components

lighter in weight, have a visual appeal similar

of biocomposites, which are derived from

to that of wood, and are environmentally

biological origins, for example fibers from

superior

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

Characteristics: The differential for this class of composites is that they are biodegradable and pollute the environment less which is a concern for many scientists and engineers to minimize

the environmental impact of the production of a composite. They are a renewable source, cheap, and in certain cases completely recyclable.[4] One advantage of natural fibers is their low density, which results in a higher tensile strength and stiffness than glass fibers, besides of its lower manufacturing

We humans have become dependent on plastic for a range of uses, from packaging to products. Reducing our use of plastic bags is an easy place to start getting our addiction under control.

David Suzuki

costs. As such, biocomposites could be a viable ecological alternative to carbon, glass, and man-made fiber composites. Natural fibers have a hollow structure, which gives insulation against noise and heat. It is a class of materials that can be easily processed,

Telling stories through sports

and thus, they are suited to a wide range

Products made from composite materials can offer significant

of applications, such as packaging, building

environmental benefits because of their characteristically low

(roof structure, bridge, window, door, green

weight, good mechanical properties, excellent resistance to

kitchen), automobiles, aerospace, military applications, electronics, consumer products and medical industry (prosthetic, bone plate, orthodontic archwire, total hip replacement, and composite screws and pins)

corrosion and the possibility of being sustainably sourced.

Telling stories through sports

Telling stories through sports

WHY WAYÚU ´ S?

L

ocated

deep

in

the

La

Guajira

desert, close to the Colombian and Venezuelan border, is a traditional,

historical, indigenous community who are

T

he Wayuu tribe occupy 4,170 square miles

(10,800

square

kilometers)

within the desert covering a large area

in both Colombia and Venezuela. In 1997

known as the people of the sun, sand and

there were around 144,000 individuals from

wind – the Wayuu tribe. Arriving in La Guajira

the tribe residing in the Colombian region,

from the Amazon rainforest and Antilles in

and in 2001 there were 294,000 located in

150A.D. to escape the hostile environments

the Venezuelan region.

and find a new home, the Wayuu people have battled, the Government and, currently, mother nature – to keep their traditions alive.

Telling stories through sports

T The indigenous Wayuu tribe have been fighting for their rights for centuries, and now their way of life is becoming threatened through no fault of their own, with mother nature destroying their habitat.

he a

Wayuu number

traditions

tribe of and

has

predominately in huts called

ancient

rancherĂ­as made from cactus

rituals

or

palm-leaf-thatched

roofs,

they keep alive, living in small,

yotojoro (mud, hay or dried cane)

isolated communities, of which

walls with basic furniture which

there are around 10 in the La

includes hammocks for sleeping

Guajira department of Colombia

and a small fire pit for cooking.

and Venezuela. In the past living in

these

small

communities

was to prevent the mixing of goats, cows and crops. They live

Telling stories through sports

The world is full of amazing rivers and lakes, but how many are as colorful as Caño Cristales? It’s commonly referred to as “the river that ran away to paradise.”

Telling stories through sports

M

artĂ­n Vega, who opened a training school on the spot six years ago, in which he has trained three

generations of indigenous people. Vega, born in the Caribbean municipality of Puerto Colombia, explained that some of them even dictate classes of this sport to tourists to sustain themselves.

Telling stories through sports

T

he expert organized the III Kite Addict Championship, which at the beginning of July brought together

75 Colombian, Australian, Swiss and German competitors, and had as guest of honor the ten times freestyle world champion,the wayĂşu Joal Freyle was crowned as the best in the Intermediate Slalom category, while in advanced freestyle won the Cartagena Luis Fernando Vera, in Slalom Ladies the Swiss Cristina Varveris and Slalom Novatos the Colombian Francisco de la Espriella.

Telling stories through sports

P

art of my project talks about to Tell stories as

through

sports,

it

started

project of Colombian culture

recognition,

alternative study of different

locations of Colombia where Kitesurf is practiced and indigenous weaving traditions live. During the research i found some inshights, the firs one is:

S

ame place where the kitesurfers resides to practice the sport is the same place where the artisans live.

8 W

0% of the population practicing this sport in Colombia are foreigners.

earing a helmet when

they

practice kiteboarding could save their life. Dozens of people relate

their stories over the years and they have been certain the importance of the helmet, if not would have been seriously injured or even died.

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Then i ask yo my self ‌ how might we ‌ keep the Colombian tradition within a totally foreign sport

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K IC C S

ey performance indicator. : Initially

nvite professionals to live the experience (poster)

KPI KPIs the company enables the team to make smart business decisions about the direction of all current projects

reate an annual product ( unique per year)

reate alliances with 2 shopcenter in la guajira to sale the product pread the message

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T

hen: Replicate the strategy to develop another product by artisans of the region (board,

handle, ropes, belt, bags). Develop with high teck the helmet. Create seasonal products. Alliances with ArtesanĂ­as de colombia and Marca paĂ­s. Find sponsors( Redbull, LiquidForce, QuickSilver, DC shoes)

F

uture: Have a product in the 5 sectors where kitesurfing practiced the sport in Colombia.

Be present in more than 1 countries

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Telling stories through sports

Prototypes and exploration of materials on surfaces

THANK YOU Vanessa Cabrera Figueredo