LEKI USA Announces Leadership Transition: Chris O’Donoghue Appointed General Manager, Greg Wozer Resigns as President

BUFFALO, NY (July 26, 2024) – LEKI, a leader in innovative skiing, trekking, and trail running poles, announces a significant leadership transition as Greg Wozer resigns as President after 34 years of dedicated service and Chris O’Donoghue takes over as General Manager, effective immediately.

Under Wozer’s guidance, LEKI USA has established itself as a legacy brand, recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation. Throughout his tenure, Wozer played a pivotal role in shaping the organization of LEKI USA and solidifying the brand’s position in the market. LEKI USA achieved remarkable milestones, including doubling its revenue from 2016 to 2023. Wozer will remain an integral part of the LEKI family as a Senior Advisor, where his wealth of experience will continue to support the company’s strategic direction.

To ensure continued growth and success, LEKI USA announces the appointment of Chris O’Donoghue as General Manager. He has been an invaluable member of the LEKI USA team, serving as Director of Sales since December 2022. He brings extensive industry experience and a proven track record of leadership to his new role, previously holding positions as sales manager for Johnson Outdoors, Kulkea, Uvex and Atomic, and product manager for Nordica.

“The entire LEKI family and I would like to thank Greg Wozer for his many years of hard work and dedication to putting LEKI on the map in the U.S. and establishing the company as the premier skiing, trekking and trail running pole brand on the market,” said O’Donoghue. “He led the company with integrity, passion and pride, and made many friends and allies along the way. I look forward to building upon the legacy that Greg created and continuing to grow the LEKI brand with our amazing team at headquarters and top notch sales reps across the country.”

As the originator of the modern ski and trekking pole, LEKI remains committed to innovation and excellence. The company continues to lead the way in creating high-quality sporting goods that enhance the outdoor experience for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

ABOUT LEKI USA

Founded in 1948, LEKI is the leading manufacturer of Skiing, Trekking, and Trail Running poles and gloves that are German-engineered and mostly produced in the company’s Czech Republic factory. This in conjunction with extensive research and independent testing, makes the best products featuring quality, value, and technology. LEKI equips over 1,000 of the world’s best athletes and brand ambassadors in the disciplines of alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain guiding, and alpine climbing. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, LEKI USA, Inc. is the sole distributor of LEKI brand products in the United States. For more information, visit https://lekiusa.com/ or call 800.255.9982.

 

Cathy Herbstler

Cherb PR

206-390-0531

DPS Skis Kicks Off ‘Dreamtime’ Customer Appreciation Event, Launches New Skis

SALT LAKE CITY (July 26, 2023) — DPS Skis, the U.S.-based ski manufacturer pairing aerospace carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes, announces its annual Dreamtime customer appreciation event starting today. Through August 14, DPS will offer a brand-new Carbon Wailer series, and an updated Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL series, along with the current Carbon Kaizen and Carbon Lotus skis, at a discount of $300 off. Additionally, customers will receive an optional treatment of PHANTOM Glide and a binding mount, both free with each ski purchase. DPS gear and accessories will be available at 15% off and all orders will receive free shipping.

“This once-a-year event is a favorite among our loyal DPS riders and we’re very excited about the promotions we’re able to offer during Dreamtime this year,” says Zach Clayton, global marketing manager at DPS Skis. “The inclusion of free PHANTOM Glide treatments and binding mounts in addition to the $300 off of our state-of-the-art skis, is not something to be missed.”

The Carbon Wailers (MSRP $1,299.95, Dreamtime price $999.95) are the latest addition to DPS’ storied Wailer family. DPS product designers set out to create a dedicated frontside ski that will perform in all conditions, from deep western powder to eastern hardpack, while taking advantage of the longevity and liveliness of carbon fiber. With new sizes and shapes, a new core layup and a hybrid carbon-fiberglass laminate, the Carbon Wailers are the dampest, most capable all-mountain version of the Wailer yet. The Carbon Wailer is available in a 90, 100, and brand new 107mm waist width and incorporate DPS’ legendary ease of tight turns while remaining playful and surfy in mixed conditions.

The Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL (MSRP $1,695.95, Dreamtime price $1,395.95) carries on the DPS tradition of backcountry touring skis that charge on the uphill and on the descent. This latest iteration of the Pagoda Tour series achieves both best-in-class light weight and confidence-inspiring stability, while delivering ultimate durability thanks to a new carbon-flax laminate. A new 105mm waist width joins the Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL lineup, which includes 90, 94, 100, 105, and 112mm widths. Progressive shapes, rocker profiles and innovative carbon technology ensure that the Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL thrives in the highly variable ski conditions found in the backcountry.

“With Dreamtime, we’re excited to be offering the latest in the venerable Wailer and Pagoda Tour families of skis. These skis represent the expansion of our unique approach to carbon construction and ski shapes, and are at the best price of the year to kick-off the lead-up to the ski season,” says Clayton. “I’m confident that our DPS fans will appreciate the ways we’re expanding our product assortment with the frontside-focused Wailers and the most capable Pagoda Tour yet.”

For details on the Dreamtime promotion, please visit https://www.dpsskis.com/collections/dreamtime-2024. To learn more about the new Carbon Wailer and Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL skis, as well as the rest of the DPS ski collection, please visit https://www.dpsskis.com/.

For more information on DPS, its Revive program, or any of its other products and initiatives, please contact account manager Ryan Silven at ryan.silven@rygr.us.

About DPS Skis: Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space-age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-impregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one-time application base-coating that forever eliminates the need for waxing skis and snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. www.dpsskis.com

 

 

Camber Outdoors to Cease Operations

Boulder, Colo. (July 26, 2024) – The Camber Outdoors board and leadership have made the difficult decision to cease Camber operations late August 2024 due to continued industry headwinds combined with the fact that outdoor industry companies are moving beyond the focused workplace tools that Camber Outdoors traditionally has provided. While DEI work is by no means complete, the outdoor industry has made gains and progressed with more companies bringing DEI resources in house and investing in national, regional and local DEI consultants. Camber Outdoors is proud to have helped move this work forward in the industry.

For 28 years, Camber Outdoors has worked on behalf of underrepresented groups in the outdoor industry. When Camber started as the Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition in 1996, the industry lacked organizations supporting gender diversity in the workplace. From its inception, OIWC focused on professional development, education, networking, mentoring, and leadership programming that promoted women’s advancement in the Outdoor Industry. On its 20th anniversary in 2016, OIWC was rebranded Camber Outdoors as the nonprofit expanded its focus to workplace DEI tools that prepare the industry to attract and retain underrepresented groups.

Camber is proud of its impact and the progress its partners have made:

  • Over 200 organizations and 15,000 individuals participated in annual Camber programming. There were also over 1,200 mentors and mentees in the Ann Krcik Professional Mentoring program since inception and 50 interns from underrepresented groups placed over the past 3 years.
  • 74% of Camber Partners utilized resources focused on an inclusive hiring process while the workforce’s demographic has shifted from 17% underrepresented groups in 2020 to 41% in 2023, according to the 2023 Camber Survey System conducted with the Claremont Evaluation Center.

Given this recent progress, Camber Outdoors recognizes current and former partners, staff, past board members and those that recently supported this work at a transformational level, including: REI, VF Corp, Keen, Brooks Running, Winnebago Industries, Noto Group, People for Bikes, Burton, Fox Racing, Deckers, and Perkins Coie.

“It has been an honor to help the outdoor industry make strides toward building a more diverse workforce and better serving the increasingly diverse outdoor recreation participants,” said Reggie Miller, President of the Camber Outdoors board of directors. “Since joining the board in 2019, I am pleased to see real commitment to the work, progress being made by many industry leaders, and a wide range of consultants and industry organizations supporting this work. Now is the time for these organizations and workplaces to carry this forward.”

“We are incredibly proud of the progress made over nearly three decades,” said Tiffany Smith, CEO of Camber Outdoors. “The landscape of DEI in the outdoor industry has transformed dramatically, and it has been an honor to be a part of this journey. We celebrate the growth of numerous grassroots and industry-wide organizations that Camber worked closely with and that are now leading DEI efforts. From the Outdoor Industry Association, People for Bikes, Outdoor Afro, Latino Outdoors to the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, these groups and others are driving significant change. Our legacy is the vibrant network of organizations and leaders now championing this cause.”

About Camber Outdoors

Camber Outdoors is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers and providing access to women and other underrepresented groups by supporting workplaces as the vehicle of change to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces across the outdoor industry. Camber provides a growing community of corporations, nonprofits and small businesses with programs and tools that accelerate workplace systems-change.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Julie Evans

Verde Brand Communications

julie@verdepr.com

TrainingPeaks Muscles Up with New Strength Feature

Louisville, Colo. (July 25, 2024) – TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, today announced the release of the Strength Workout Builder, a new feature that allows coaches to save time, look pro, and gain valuable insights into how their athletes are performing strength training alongside their endurance workouts.

This new functionality highlights the brand’s commitment to providing the best coaching and training app on the market. Through the TrainingPeaks web app, coaches are now able to build, plan, track and analyze detailed strength and conditioning workouts alongside their other TrainingPeaks programming.

Athletes now have access to a better mobile logging experience and an expansive exercise library containing more than 1,000 videos designed to cue proper form. Athletes can experience the new feature through their coach’s programming or through a supported training plan. Athletes with TrainingPeaks Premium accounts can leverage the new Strength Workout Builder through the web app as well.

“Endurance training and coaching is continuing to evolve,” said Dirk Friel, co-founder and Chief Evangelist of TrainingPeaks. “Increasingly, coaches are incorporating strength into their athletes’ training programs as they understand the importance of dialing in the many pieces that make an athlete successful beyond traditional training. We have completely revamped how coaches can build and prescribe strength-based workouts, warmups, prehab, rehab and cross-training workouts on our platform. This allows athletes to have all of their training on one app, making it easier than ever to follow their plan and improve their performance.”

The Strength Workout Builder is highly customizable, with the ability to build single exercises, supersets, warmups, and cool downs to complement the detailed core endurance workouts TrainingPeaks coaches and athletes are accustomed to. Coaches can choose from more than a 1,000 exercises and video tutorials or create their own custom exercises and add their own videos with supported links from YouTube and Vimeo.

“The future of training hinges on a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional metrics,” explains Friel. “At TrainingPeaks, we’re focused on rolling out integrations that allow coaches and experts to provide guidance for strength, nutrition, and other areas related to endurance performance. These disciplines, which were often considered ancillary in the past, are now viewed as critical to an athlete’s success. The new Strength Workout Builder highlights our commitment to supporting this full-picture approach to training.”

Founded in 1999, TrainingPeaks revolutionized how athletes and coaches approach endurance sports and has become the world’s leading training and coaching platform. TrainingPeaks provides comprehensive tools for workout planning, communication, and data analysis.

The platform is trusted by UCI World Tour cycling teams, Olympians, IRONMAN World Champions, and more than 35 national governing bodies worldwide, such as USA Triathlon, British Cycling, and Triathlon Australia.

Learn more about this feature

About TrainingPeaks

TrainingPeaks creates endurance training apps and solutions that help athletes and coaches reach their goals. Featuring the world’s largest endurance training marketplace, athletes can find personalized training plans, accredited coaches and easy-to-use apps and integrations to track their progress and reach their goals. TrainingPeaks is trusted by runners, cyclists, and triathletes around the world including Tour de France teams, IRONMAN® World Champions and Olympians. Learn more at trainingpeaks.com.

 

 

 

Outdoor Industry Climate Action Corps Releases 2023 Impact Report 

Bold Action, Education, Collaboration and Leadership Bring Progress to Reducing and Removing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

BOULDER, COLO [DRAFT – July 25, 2024] – Today, Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Climate Action Corps proudly released data from its 2023 Annual Impact Report, summarizing the group’s progress in protecting the outdoor experience upon which we all depend. A member-led collective of outdoor brands, specialty retailers, and suppliers both big and small, the 2023 Climate Action Corps consisted of 75 businesses working towards a shared goal of taking bold, collective action against climate change by reducing and removing greenhouse gas emissions across the outdoor industry, carving a new bold path for others to follow.

When members join OIA’s Climate Action Corps, they commit to participating in an annual progress report to transparently report on sustainability progress and be held accountable for climate goals. The 2023 Annual Impact Report showcases the collective progress of the Climate Action Corps which continues to make significant and crucial progress on measuring, setting targets, reducing emissions, and advocating for bold policy action in Congress. Progress reports for individual companies are also made available for increased transparency and accountability. 

“The impacts of the climate crisis we observed throughout 2023 underscore the urgent need for ambitious climate action and adaptation measures at local, national, and global levels to mitigate future risks and build resilience to a changing climate,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainability at OIA. “Through industry-leading programs and pre-competitive collaboration, we’re helping our members learn quickly to apply realistic and proven solutions to reduce greenhouse gases, innovate and adopt safer chemicals, and lead the charge for a more sustainable future.” 

Now in its fourth year of reporting, notable highlights from the 2023 Climate Action Corps Annual Impact Report include:
 

  • 94% of Corps members have measured their operational greenhouse gas emissions (measured, estimated, or in progress for scope 1 & 2 emissions) 
  • 89% are measuring their value chain emissions (measured, estimated, or in progress for scope 3 emissions)

  • 70% have set Scope 1 and 2 targets and 59% have set targets for Scope 3 (set or in progress).

  • 19 Corps members are engaged in 6 Impact CoLabs to help accelerate emissions reductions
  • In addition, the Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC) was created to address the growing need for safer chemistry education and legislation guidance

“Amidst the mounting climate and market challenges, the dedication and commitment demonstrated
by our members engaged in driving positive change within the outdoor industry has been commendable,” Brown said. “Not only have OIA members sustained their efforts to reduce emissions, but they have also embraced a new sustainability challenge ingrained in our industry – addressing the need for safer chemistry with the launch of the Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition in summer 2023.”  

“I’d recommend the Climate Action Corps and Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition to any brand looking to advance their climate and responsible chemistry efforts,” said Greg Gausewitz, Senior Manager of Product Sustainability at REI. “OIA is a go-to partner for REI in our sustainability work. They do a great job of bringing together leading brands and sustainability experts, as well as providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for newer and smaller brands looking to make progress in their sustainability work.”   

In addition to the CCMC, OIA’s Impact CoLabs programs continued to expand in 2023, as 19 members collaborated pre-competitively on six different projects to reduce shared emissions in the supply chain. CoLabs help many OIA members meet their sustainability goals in less time and with less cost by working together, focusing on topics such as renewable energy, reduction target setting, electrification, low impact materials, and more.   

“OIA’s Climate Action Corps convenes a fantastic cohort of outdoor industry sustainability professionals, facilitating meaningful conversations and CoLabs. At Columbia Sportswear, we are particularly excited about and pleased with our participation in the Virtual Power Purchase Agreement CoLab, which could play a pivotal role in our scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction strategy,” said Guru Larson, Director of Sustainability at Columbia Sportswear.  

The Impact Report also reveals that 2023 was a watershed year for climate policy with numerous landmark policies enacted across the globe. In 2023, Climate Action Corps members continued to advocate for sustainable change by supporting the establishment of the American Climate Corps and advocating for state level climate and sustainability policies while defending investments in climate and sustainability in the Inflation Reduction Act. 

“Working together we’ve made solid progress in our mission to reduce the outdoor industry’s collective emissions by 50% by 2030, but we still have a lot to accomplish to achieve our goal of net-zero by 2050,” added Brown. 

 Access the full 2023 Annual Impact Report, along with individual companies’ progress reports, on the OIA website. 

  

About the Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org 

National Ski Patrol and North American Rescue Dogs Partner to Reinforce Mountain Safety with Canine Support

LAKEWOOD, Colo. and SEATTLE (July 25, 2024) – National Ski Patrol (NSP), one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry, is proud to announce a collaborative partnership with North American Rescue Dogs (N.A.R.D.), a nonprofit provider of grants for rescue dog training.

This strategic alliance, formed in December 2023, reflects the growing presence of highly trained rescue dogs at mountain resorts. These canine companions play a vital role in supporting patrol teams and in enhancing the safety of ski communities.

NSP has more than 30,000 members across 630 patrols in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Through this partnership, several ski patrols applied for grants, specifically designated for training and caring for their avalanche rescue dogs. Working together, NSP and N.A.R.D.  awarded Avy Dog Grants to the following eight mountain-resort ski patrols (both large and small): Alpine Meadows, Calif.; Aspen Mountain, Colo.; Crystal Mountain, Wash.; Northstar, Calif.; Lost Trail, Mont.; Sugar Bowl, Calif.; Yellowstone Club, Mont.; and Winter Park, Colo.

Grants varied in amount, from $1,200 to $6,000, based on the needs of each recipient, with a total of $35,700 allocated. Additionally, N.A.R.D. granted $20,000 to NSP for education and programming.

“This partnership is a powerful collaboration. We’re linking NSP’s legacy and longstanding dedication to mountain safety and education with N.A.R.D.’s recent mission and financial resources, to help equip patrols with additional tools – canine tools, that is. Both of our organizations share a deep commitment to safety, a love for outdoor recreation, and a passion for the incredible work of rescue dogs,” said Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol.

“N.A.R.D.’s grants provide invaluable support for patrollers and ski areas, both on and off the slopes. Seven months later, the grant program has quickly helped patrol teams and dogs achieve a ‘rescue ready’ condition. And, as the popularity of mountain sports continues to rise, this additional support is more critical than ever,” she added.

N.A.R.D.’s mission is to streamline search and rescue response times and significantly enhance overall effectiveness. This nonprofit organization is committed to the welfare and training of canine partners and like-minded safety organizations like NSP, as well as the ongoing development and support of volunteer handlers.

“Our primary goal is to empower ski patrol groups to keep their communities safer and better prepared,” explains Hunter Robinson, founder of N.A.R.D. “Rescue dogs are invaluable assets in emergency situations, particularly during avalanches. Their presence can also provide emotional comfort to distressed or injured skiers. By providing these grants, we are ensuring that patrol groups have the necessary resources to train and care for their canine companions.”

“Mountain resorts are experiencing unprecedented levels of activity, placing an increased demand on patrollers and resources. We are here to support them. After all, trained dogs make a significant contribution to the safety of our mountain communities; and that’s good news for everyone,” Robinson added.

About National Ski Patrol

National Ski Patrol (NSP) is a federally-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and membership association. As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, NSP is dedicated to serving the outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. With more than 30,000 members across 630 patrols in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, NSP is one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry. Members include ski, bike and other outdoor industry patrollers, as well as mountain and bike hosts, alumni, associates, and physician partners, working on behalf of local ski/snowboard areas and bike parks to enhance the overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded in 1938, NSP continues to advance its commitment to safety and its vision by leveraging the latest technology, innovation, and education. Visit NSP.org, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

About North American Rescue Dogs

North American Rescue Dogs (N.A.R.D.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to provide financial resources to search-and-rescue services and communities in need by financially supporting trained and certified rescue dogs. N.A.R.D. relies on donations and grants to fund its operations with a focus on community outreach and education to raise awareness and support. Founded in June 2023 and based in Seattle, N.A.R.D. supports local, state, and federal agencies in their rescue operations. Visit www.helpnard.org, and follow on Instagram at @nard_org.

Media Inquiries and Photos

For interview requests with Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol or the Patrol Directors of the patrols that received N.A.R.D. grants, please contact Diane Amdur at Diane@AmdurCommunications.com or 303-521-3305. For interview requests with Hunter Robinson, founder of North American Rescue Dogs, please contact July Zaleski, JAM Collective at july@jamcollective.net or 206-605-5256. Photos available: Avy Dog Grant photos.

 

 

Grundéns Wins Big at ICAST 2024

July 24, 2024 (Poulsbo, WA) — Grundéns, producer of the world’s leading fishing outerwear, footwear and apparel, achieved notable success during the ICAST 2024 show in Orlando, Florida by earning three ICAST Best of Awards for the brand’s Spring 2025 product line. The three categories of achievement were in Best of Fly-Fishing Waders and Wading Boots, Best of Fly-Fishing Technical and General Apparel, and Best of Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Men.

“We were eager to demonstrate the strength of our 2025 product line across multiple Grundéns categories at ICAST, which proved to be the perfect platform,” says Bryan Trullinger, Grundéns’ VP of Marketing. “Winning one award, let alone three, was a significant achievement for our product development team and the entire Grundéns family. The positive response and validation of the new product from the fishing industry further reinforces our brand’s dedication to delivering best-in-class outerwear, apparel and footwear for all fisherman.”

New Product Showcase Award:

  • Fly-Fishing Waders and Wading Boots: Grundéns Vector Zip Stockingfoot Wader
  • Fly-Fishing Technical and General Apparel: Grundéns Portal GORE-TEX Wading Jacket
  • Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Men: Grundéns Tough Sun Masked Hoodie

The award-winning Portal GORE-TEX Wading Jacket will be available this Fall, and the Vector Zip Stockingfoot Wader and Tough Sun Masked Hoodie will be available Spring of 2025, at specialty retailers across the country and at www.Grundéns.com. For further questions about the new products please contact Max Krapff at max.krapff@backbone.media.

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About Grundéns:

It began nearly 100 years ago on the west coast of Sweden, in the small fishing village of Grundsund when Carl A. Grundén began producing waterproof oil skins to protect North Sea fishermen from the hostile weather that often accompanied their jobs. Today, some things have changed but Grundéns commitment to supplying and supporting commercial fishermen, sport fishing enthusiasts and bass anglers remains. The brand offers the most versatile lineup of award-winning fishing outerwear, sun protection, footwear, and accessories available. Guided by “We Are Fishing,” the brand operates globally from Poulsbo, Washington and Boras, Sweden. Learn more at grundens.com

Media Contact:

Max Krapff

Backbone Media

Max.Krapff@Backbone.media

970.963.4873 ext. 1174

 

REI Co-op launches first sponsored “Opt Outside Steps Challenge” on Strava

To continue its year-round Opt Outside commitment and build inspiration, REI Co-op will lead a Strava ‘Steps’ Challenge to inspire more people to move outside by logging at least 15,000 active steps between July 31 – August 14. To track their efforts, new and existing Strava users can sign up for free to join the challenge, track healthy habits, share efforts with their community, and earn a Strava challenge completion badge.

“Although many people would like to get out more, it can be challenging juggling work, traffic, childcare, and other daily responsibilities. One of the best ways to change a habit is to start with small steps and set new goals,” says Paolo Mottola, REI marketing divisional vice president. “This step challenge is meant to track steps that go beyond the average daily movement through a fun and easy tool to help people shift their habits by encouraging them to get out of the chair and intentionally Opt Outside.”

According to t the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adding extra steps to the daily routine can enhance mental clarity and creativity. The CDC recommends individuals strive for at least 10,000 steps per day to maximize health benefits. However, the Mayo Clinic claims that the average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day. Studies also consider anything below 5,000 steps to be considered “sedentary.” To help make this challenge fun and manageable in the heat of the summer, REI experts shared four tips to help keep cool in humidity and hot weather.

  1. Wear lightweight clothing that won’t cling: Woven fabrics such as REI Co-op Sahara Solid Long-Sleeve Shirt or those with some texture and a looser fit will naturally drape off the body.
  2. Choose fabrics that move moisture away from the body: look for garments that advertise moisture-management features like absorbency or “moisture-wicking,” such as the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie that wicks moisture as well as keeps the sun off arms, neck, and the face.
  3. Wear quick-dry clothing: the lighter the fabric, the quicker it will dry. REI Co-op’s Swiftland collection is a great example of clothing that wicks moisture, dries quickly and breathes during all kinds of activities outside.
  4. Open the vents: technical clothing often has vents and/or mesh panels built in. This helps increase airflow to improve dry time and aid in evaporation.

REI and Strava have previously collaborated on fitness challenges. The most recent was earlier this year to launch an ‘Active Days’ challenge that inspired more than 120,000 REI members and customers to complete 20 minutes of activity for seven days, over two weeks, through various activities like walking, running, fitness, or cycling.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

60 Years of Riding! Norco Marks the Milestone with a Celebratory Video

PORT COQUITLAM, British Columbia (July 24, 2024) – Norco Bikes is proud to celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of innovation and excellence in the world of cycling. Founded by Bert Lewis in British Columbia, Norco started with a vision to create better bikes. Bert’s dedication to sourcing the finest bikes and parts from Europe and Asia quickly set Norco apart from the competition.

The ’70s and ’80s were transformative decades for Norco, as they introduced the first BMX bikes to Canada with models like the Spitfire, Force 3, and Starfire. This era also saw the release of Canada’s first production mountain bikes, cementing Norco’s place as a pioneer in the industry. The ’90s and 2000s brought further innovation with the VPS series and the “Kranked” VHS series, showcasing the talents of Ryan Leech and the Norco Trials and Factory Freeride Teams. In the 2010s, Norco continued to lead with groundbreaking bikes like the Aurum DH and the VLT electric mountain bikes, while introducing the Ride Aligned technology for personalized bike setups. Today, Norco remains family-owned, with the Lewis family recently assuming full ownership of Live to Play Sports Group Inc., the parent company of Norco Bicycles.

As they celebrate 60 years of riding, Norco honors their past achievements and looks forward to the future. From the first BMX bikes to the latest in MTB suspension and E-bike technologies, Norco has been a formidable force in the world of bikes—always pushing the boundaries and raising the bar of progression.

Here’s to another 60 years of innovation and unforgettable rides!

Ride Through History: Join us in celebrating six decades of innovation. [Link to Full History]

-The Norco Family

 

 

 

Nite Ize Secures Rare Shape Trademarks for Famous S-Biner Dual Carabiner

BOULDER – July 23, 2024 – Nite Ize®, a leading manufacturer of solution-based products, secured two rare 3D design trademarks for its proprietary S-Biner® Dual Carabiner in stainless steel and plastic from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). The S-Biner was first invented and trademarked in 2007, earning early recognition and praise for its distinct, yet practical “S” shape containing dual spring gates. S-Biner quickly became a staple among everyday key carriers and outdoor enthusiasts for its progressive dual-purpose use, enabling users to attach and access keys and gear from one end, clipping the other to a belt, backpack or anchor point. Today, millions of S-Biners have been sold, with Nite Ize providing over 50 versions of the carabiner in a variety of materials, sizes, colors and locking features.

“Securing this 3D design trademark is a real testament to our innovation,” said Nite Ize founder and CEO, Rick Case. “Trademarks like these are only awarded for truly unique, famous product designs; we are honored to be recognized by the USPTO for our invention. We’re still building on its success today, with more original innovations always on the horizon.”

Known as a shape trademark, this type of intellectual property is rare and difficult to obtain because, unlike regular trademarks for logos and names, 3D trademarks apply to the visual appearance of the product itself. To prove that the shape of the S-Biner was famous and worthy of a trademark, the Nite Ize legal team compiled over 1,000 pages for its July 2021 filings, relying on examples of the S-Biner in the public eye. Examples included its appearances in The Hunger Games film and a Superbowl ad starring Jay Leno for Acura, used by military professionals, industry awards and publication features dating back to its original 2007 launch. Nite Ize is in good company with its esteemed shape trademarks, with other notable examples including the Apple® iPod®, Coca-Cola® Bottle, Converse® All-Star Shoes and Hershey’s® Kisses and Chocolate Bar.

Since its initial design patents expired in 2022, copycat S-Biners have been on the rise. With the universal S-Biner shape trademark now secured for both the stainless steel and plastic versions, Nite Ize can now defend against any ‘S’ shaped carabiner products in the marketplace in perpetuity.

This win continues their years-long commitment to protecting their patents. In 2018, Nite Ize won an exclusionary order from the International Trade Commission to stop counterfeit Steelie® magnetic phone mount shipments from passing through U.S. Customs. The following year, the brand partnered with Amazon in a landmark federal lawsuit against those counterfeit sellers, advancing their pursuit to protect their intellectual property.

About Nite Ize 

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Nite Ize designs, manufactures and globally distributes innovative, inventor-driven products that creatively solve everyday challenges. Nite Ize offers more than 500 products across various channels including: Waterproof Protection, Mobile, Tie-Downs + Bungees, Key Accessories, Illumination, Bike + Fitness and Pet. Led by original founder Rick Case, Nite Ize team members are passionate about their products, customers, partners and the environment. For more information, visit NiteIze.com.