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Worldwide Champions to Compete Oct. 31 & Nov. 1

Ventura, California USA, October 27th 2008 --- The United States Waveski Association today announced the 2008 Waveski Surfing Championships to be held Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1 at the C Street break in Ventura, California. Paddlers from all over the world will be surfing on waveskis and competing for the US Open Championship as well as the new US Waveski National Championships.

Filling the Gap for Anglers Who Love Inland Waters

Greensboro, NC USA, October 22nd 2008 --- Native Watercraft has announced the release of “Inland Waters Kayak Fishing,” the first video produced to showcase kayak angling on inland waters. The stories are about fishing, and the vehicles of choice are Native Watercraft Ultimate kayaks.

Canada, October 21st 2008 --- Riot Kayaks is proud to announce the addition of well known Welsh surf kayaker and designer Nathan "Yellowboy" Eades to the Riot World team. Nathan is an experienced surf and whitewater paddler, having surfed and paddled all over the world in locations such as Tahiti, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Southern Africa, and Costa Rica and others. He writes about his travels for paddlesports magazines in the UK and abroad. In addition, Nathan is a skilled surf kayak designer, with several designs to his name.

SOAR Communications selected to manage public relations efforts for Outdoor Retailer, a division of Nielsen Business Media and producer of the leading trade show for advancing the active outdoor marketplace

DRAPER, Utah and SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., October 21st 2008 --- DRAPER, Utah and SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – Oct. 21, 2008 – Outdoor Retailer (OR), a division of Nielsen Business Media, today announced it has signed Utah-based SOAR Communications as its public relations agency of record.

Sultan WA, October 3rd 2008 --- Werner Paddles was honored to once again receive the Accessory Manufacturer of the Year Award presented by Canoe & Kayak Magazine.

U.S.A, September 5th 2008 --- Epic Kayaks is pleased to announce that Dave Kruger has joined its staff as Director of Technology and Manufacturing.

Sultan, WA, August 28th 2008 --- Werner Paddles has launched a completely redesigned web site to better support their dealers and consumers. Additionally, they have launched the Healthy Waters Initative, in which consumers, post purchase, can log onto the site and choose a non-profit to support. Werner will in turn make a donation in the consumers name to the non-profit.

Arcata CA, August 22nd 2008 --- In September 2008 California based British sea kayaker Sean Morley will attempt to break the record for the fastest circumnavigation of Canada’s Vancouver Island.

Kokatat Receives Sea Kayaker Magazine’s Readers Choice Award In Five Categories

Arcata CA, August 21st 2008 --- This past winter Sea Kayaker Magazine, devoted to kayak touring since 1984, conducted an online survey for their prestigious Readers Choice Awards. Readers were given the opportunity to submit their all time favorite paddling products they as paddlers use and love. The goal of this survey was to create an award that reflects what the consumers are looking for and feel is the best product in each category. This is a Triennial Award that will be active from 2008 through 2011.

Recognition Speaks to Brand Strength Built in a Short Time

Greensboro, North Carolina, August 14th 2008 --- Native Watercraft has been voted “2008 Manufacturer of the Year” for boats, an honor announced at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah by the publishers of Canoe & Kayak Magazine. The award was determined by votes cast by store owners and buyers at 384 specialty stores that sell Canoe & Kayak.

Winona, Minnesota, August 4th 2008 --- Wenonah Canoe, Inc. announced the promotion of Bill Kueper to Vice
President of the company, effective 01 August 2008.

Kokatat Sponsors 2008 Kuujjua River/Beaufort Sea Expedition

Arcata CA, July 22nd 2008 --- On July 10th, Jim Baird along with his brother Ted Baird will head for the Arctic Archipelago to undertake the Canoe Beyond Kuujjua River/Beaufort Sea whitewater canoe expedition. Jim and Ted will descend the advanced whitewater of the Northwest Territories Kuujjua River, followed by a long stretch of ocean travel to reach their destination.

Interlaken, Switzerland, July 3rd 2008 --- The teams participating in the Nissan Outdoor Games, Europe’s top outdoor event, have taken over the Bernese Oberland for the past few days. The world’s top specialists in climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, BASE-jumping, hanggliding and paragliding are doing everything they can to provide the film-makers in their respective teams with breath-taking images. Meanwhile, the organisers are constructing the sports activity village at the “Stadthausplatz”, here in the centre of Interlaken. Entirely dedicated to the general public, on Friday and Saturday you can come and take part in several initiations and demonstrations of outdoor sports.

2008 Slate Reflects Increased International Participation

Silver Spring, MD, USA, June 10th 2008 --- The Paddlesports Industry Foundation has announced the 2008 slate of nominees from which six honorees will be elected to and inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) this Fall.

Arcata, CA, June 10th 2008 --- On the heels of his record-breaking circumnavigation of Iceland in the summer of 2007, Kokatat team paddler Greg Stamer is planning an unsupported solo circumnavigation of Newfoundland, “the Rock”, Canada’s easternmost province, starting from St. John’s in June 2008. This adventure is more than 1,700 miles around one of the most windswept locations in North America. Newfoundland is one of the world’s most beautiful kayaking destinations with Icebergs, seals, puffins, breaching humpback whales, sea caves and a formidable rocky coastline dotted with abandoned fishing villages.

A Fundraiser for Icelandic Sea & Mountain Rescue Organization

Arcata CA, May 19th 2008 --- Starting June 6th 2008, New York City based kayaker Marcus Demuth will depart on a solo circumnavigation of Iceland by sea kayak. This estimated 2 ½ month and 1,450 mile trip has been attempted solo only twice, and has been successfully completed only once.

Arcata CA, May 19th 2008 --- In summer of 2008, Ann Kristin Gjelsten and Tommy Frantzen of Norway will depart on a self-supported sea kayaking expedition to circumnavigate Nordaustlandet, a total distance of 750 kilometres. They will carry food and equipment for 5 weeks with a goal to complete the circumnavigation in 30 days.

Lomo Watersport expand into new premises

Glasgow, UK, April 18th 2008 --- Glasgow’s Lomo Watersport have expanded into new headquarters and opened a new, much larger, outlet store in the city’s up and coming waterfront area.

Sultan, WA, April 2nd 2008 --- Werner Paddles has announced the introduction of the most comprehensive retail training program in the paddle sports industry. The G.U.I.D.E. clinic format takes retail associates through the process of fitting a consumer with the perfect fitting paddle. The G.U.I.D.E. acronym streamlines the sales process and simplifies the Werner line.

NZ, March 25th 2008 --- 2400 kilomteres and 94 days later Babs (Barbro Lindman) returned to Picton after having kept the South Island of New Zealand on her right hand side. Motivation for the expedition was to photograph the coastlines wildlife, landscape and people from a different angle.

Venerable Event Will Combine Comp With 60th Anniversary Festivities

Salida, Colorado USA, March 13th 2008 --- The US Freestyle Committee has announced that the FIBArk Boat Races will host the 2008 National Freestyle Kayaking Championships once again, in conjunction with its 60th anniversary.

Brings Valuable Recent Experience and Enthusiasm for Applauded Course Designs

Denver, CO USA, March 12th 2008 --- The McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group (MWDG) has announced that Nick Turner has joined their experienced team to develop and oversee construction of in-river recreation venues and self-contained river courses in the US and abroad.

South Africa, February 26th 2008 --- South African watersports manufacturer Fluid Kayaks and French pro-paddler and filmmaker David Arnaud have joined together to both promote and bring synergy to Fluid's range of whitewater kayaks. By tapping into David Arnaud’s unique kayaking skill set and by supporting his future expeditions and productions, Fluid has positioned David as their new International Team Manager. His mission will consist of recruiting and managing a team of regional, national and international paddlers - “the cream of the crop,” as described by Fluid owner and designer Celliers Kruger. David will also focus on maximizing the positive impact of these team members in their respective areas (i.e. make sure Celliers is kept busy molding boats and shipping containers worldwide, while the team is having a good time on the river).

Esprit, H2O & Level Six team up to save a river.

Canada, February 10th 2008 --- Feel like taking a vacation? Want to help save one of Eastern North America's great whitewater rivers?

1% for the Planet member, Esprit Rafting, have crafted an amazing deal with H2O Paddles and Level Six to help fight the desecration of one of Canada's most beautiful whitewater rivers.

NZ, January 30th 2008 --- This week Barbro Lindman passed the most southern point of the south island of New Zealand stopping in Riverton near Invercargill after 38 grueling days and 1050 kilometers down the east coast with persistent strong winds and large seas.

London, January 15th 2008 --- Ex RawState is the new sports-style brand that has been born from the passion, vision and goddamn obsession for extreme sports and the surrounding lifestyle. It launches its awesome new collection of apparel and products at ISPO and includes the killer new Ex Rawstate ‘Climate Series’, Ex Rawstate ‘Street’ collection, Ex Footwear, Ex Equipment, Ex Time, Ex Luggage, and Extreme Mob. In addition to this launch is the spanking new Ex Stores Franchise opportunity which means these beauties are brought together for all your retail pleasure, you lucky people!!

Arcata CA, December 27th 2007 --- Kokatat is pleased to announce Sean Morley has accepted the position as Kokatat Sales Representative for the western territory. This territory includes California, Nevada and Arizona. Sean moved from the UK to California in 2006 and founded River and Ocean LLC, a Sales and Customer Service Agency within the water sports industry representing such established lines as Valley Sea Kayaks and now Kokatat Watersports Wear.

Paddlesports leader Confluence Watersports announces the appointment of Sue Rechner to the position of President & CEO, effective December 17, 2007.

Easley, SC, December 10th 2007 --- With over 15 years experience in consumer products, Rechner joins the canoe and kayak manufacturer on the heels of her successful tenure as President of Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., where she also simultaneously served as CEO of Victorinox Swiss Army Watch and Victorinox Apparel.

Zurich, Switzerland, December 7th 2007 --- Playak launched a social network for the worldwide paddling community this week. The new service, called 'Playak.net', can be thought of as a myspace or facebook platform, but unlike such platforms, it is totally dedicated to paddling.

‘In the Footsteps of Eric Shipton’

Arcata CA, September 10th 2007 --- On October 1st, Pablo Basombrio and Juan Basombrio, two Argentinean brothers, will attempt the Patagonian crossing for the first time without external support. This estimated 30-day crossing will take them from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, along more than 660 kilometres of fjords, lakes, and ice-caps.

‘A Source to Sea Journey on the Amazon River’

Arcata CA, September 10th 2007 --- In September of 2007 the Expedition Amazonas team will trek and paddle, totally unsupported, for over 7 months and 7000km, the entire length of the mighty Amazon River. This is a complete traverse of the South American continent from the Pacific Coast in Peru to the mouth of the Amazon River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil. The experienced expedition team includes members from Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Expedition Amazonas has partnered with environmental and indigenous rights action group Amazon Watch, and high-profile equipment sponsors including Kokatat, Teva and First Ascent.

An Exploration, by Kayak, of the Labyrinths of Western Patagonia

Arcata CA, September 10th 2007 --- Eager to protect the dramatic landscapes of Western Patagonia, this September Cristian Donoso will lead an expedition by kayak to this region, one of the most inhospitable places on earth. Spending five months navigating open seas and fjords and pulling their kayaks across glaciers, Donoso and his team will face daunting physical and mental challenges as they gather information that will inform Chile, and the world, about this little-known area.

Frampton, Quebec, September 7th 2007 --- At the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show Esquif Canoes solidified its relationship with Northeast US industry veteran, Don Otey.

Rock Island, TN, August 27th 2007 --- Team Jackson Kayak, already a powerhouse on the river with more national and international freestyle competition titles over the past four years than all other whitewater teams combined, is setting its sights on earning the same reputation at the factory that produces the leading brand of whitewater kayaks.

Charleston, SC, August 22nd 2007 --- Epic is pleased to announce John Radel has been hired as General Manager. . John will manage day to day operations at Epic's Charleston headquarters including sales, marketing, customer service and flow of orders from production through shipping.

Course Challenge Surprises Athletes with Impact of Aesthetics

Denver, CO USA, August 22nd 2007 --- The acclaimed McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group’s Adventure Sports Center course hosted 2,500-3,000 spectators at this year’s US Whitewater Slalom National Championships. The natural hydraulics and appearance of the course surprised elite psalmists, many of whom have competed on the world’s most challenging courses.

All activities relating to Fluid Kayaks in the USA will be handled by the head office in South Africa with immediate effect.

South Africa, August 3rd 2007 --- Fluid Kayaks and Go Big Distribution have agreed that Go Big Distribution will not continue with the distribution of Fluid Kayaks in the USA market.

Easley, SC, July 30th 2007 --- Confluence Watersports announces the restructuring of its sales organization. The new structure features four regional sales managers who will be responsible for the sales representatives and sales activities in their respective territory and will report to Kelley Woolsey, EVP Marketing and Sales. Additionally, Patrick FitzGerald will shift back to handling international sales as VP International Sales and Marketing.

Frampton, Quebec, July 26th 2007 --- At the Summer Market Open Air Demo in Salt Lake City next month Esquif Canoes will introduce two new open canoes to their already impressive line up; the Spanish Fly and the Prelude.

Arcata CA, July 24th 2007 --- Kokatat is pleased to announce that Megan Kress and Kelly Blades will be the new sales reps for the Midwest territory. This territory has been split up into 2 sub-territories. Megan will be covering west of Lake Michigan (IA, IL, MN, and WI) and Kelly will cover east of Lake Michigan (IN, MI, OH). Suzanne Hutchinson will take over as sales rep for the New England territory (CT, MA, NH, ME, RI, and VT).