Archives: Press Releases

[Seattle, WA, June 1, 2023]— Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has developed a high performance, PFAS-free factory-applied Durable Water Repellent (DWR) for synthetic outdoor fabrics. Outdoor Research, Nikwax’s global launch partner, will unveil Direct.Dry on its series for Fall 2024.

“Nikwax Direct.Dry enables us to offer our customers a genuine alternative to conventional DWR treatments, providing them with a high-performing solution that aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible products,” says Alex Lauver, Senior Director of Materials Innovations and Sustainability at Outdoor Research. “Innovation fuels Outdoor Research’s product development, and our collaboration with Nikwax marks an industry breakthrough for PFAS-free outerwear and apparel.”

With key states like California and New York mandating the elimination of PFAS in consumer goods by 2025, many brands are looking for a factory applied industrial DWR that can withstand the demands of outdoor consumers while eliminating persistent PFAS. Direct.Dry achieves 100, the highest possible rating on the AATCC 22 Spray Rating Test. With a high wash durability, Direct.Dry’s rating stays at 100 after five washes, 80 after 20 washes, and will return to 100 after being treated with Nikwax technical washes and waterproofers.

“We have been perfecting PFAS-free waterproofing solutions for over four decades,” said Brian Davidson, President of Nikwax North America. “We are very pleased to be able to apply that expertise to an industrial DWR to help our partners make the transition away from PFAS in their manufacturing process.”

Sustainability and circularity are top-of-mind for many outdoor consumers and brands as recent legislation has accelerated the industry’s quest for PFAS-free solutions. In addition to seeking alternatives to harmful PFAS chemicals, brands are simultaneously looking for ways to maintain high performance while helping the gear last longer. For 46 years, Nikwax has offered brands and consumers a full range of aftercare solutions that are easy to use, PFAS-free, and durable. Now, Nikwax is offering a factory applied DWR that is complimented by a well-known consumer brand. Brands interested in exploring how they too can utilize Direct.Dry to comply with upcoming regulations can contact Brian Davidson at Brian.Davidson@nikwax.com.

For over 45 years, Nikwax has been the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. Since 1977, the brand has been committed to clean chemistry, never using PFAS or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and caps are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 45+ years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

Portland, Ore., (June 1, 2023) – Vimazi, maker of the first ever pace-tuned running shoes, announces today the addition of Scott McCoubrey to the team. McCoubrey will be the National Sales Manager as Vimazi continues to hit their stride in the run market.

McCoubrey has an impressive resume and almost 40 years of experience in various sectors of the run industry, most recently in the retail space with The Elephants Perch in Ketchum, Idaho and prior to that owning Seattle Running Company for 12 years. His sales background includes time at Montrail and Scott Sports where he first worked with Vimazi founder and CEO Scott Tucker. Additionally, he was an  independent sales representative for brands such as K2, Ultimate Direction, Sierra Designs and more. His passion for running and the run community continue beyond work – he was the race director for White River 50 Mile Endurance Run, Cougar Mountain Trail Series and Bridle Trails Winter Trail Running Festival for around 20 years.

“I’m excited for this next chapter working for Vimazi as the Managing Director of Sales and Customer Service, this is the perfect fit for me,” says McCoubrey. “This position will allow me to truly draw from all of my past work experience to help build the brand.  The foundation Scott Tucker and John Zilly have established will make my job a breeze.  I do believe we have one of the strongest teams in the Footwear industry.”

Additionally, Vimazi is continuing to focus on growing its retail presence. Today they also announce the addition of Henry Guzman and Adam Pinkston to its sales team.

Henry Guzman has been a pillar of the Boulder, Colo. running community for over 30 years. His vast experience of retail ownership and product line management is hard to match in the running industry. He is consistently recognized as the number one requested running specialty technician and often leads seminars, conferences and clinics. While working with a number of brands in the industry, Guzman has provided valuable feedback on shoe design, from the initial prototype to the final design. He possesses in-depth knowledge of building loyalty and connection amongst sports, passion, apparel and community members.

“I’m super excited about working with Scott again, I’ve known him for 20 years,” says Guzman. “He’s always been a leader in the footwear industry, and Vimazi is a game changer. Vimazi’s shoes once again prove that there are no limits to innovation!”

Adam Pinkston, based in Asheville, N.C., is a former competitive runner with a wealth of experience in the retail industry. For 20 years, he worked at the successful specialty outdoor retail shop, Black Dome Mountain Shop, where he gained invaluable knowledge in sales, marketing and customer service. Following this, Adam spent 13 years as a sales representative at The North Face, further honing his skills in sales and developing a keen eye for spotting trends in the outdoor and athletic wear industries.

Recently, Adam came across an article about Scott Tucker starting a new shoe company called Vimazi and knew that the innovative product and story would be a perfect fit for his portfolio of brands. In his role as a sales representative for Vimazi in the Southeast, Adam plans to use his extensive experience to help grow the brand by identifying potential retail partnerships and expanding the company’s presence in the region.

“We are excited to welcome Scott, Henry and Adam to our team at Vimazi, as they will all play a crucial role in expanding our sales territories and brand presence,” shares Scott Tucker, CEO of Vimazi. “Their impressive backgrounds in retail and the running industry make them all an ideal fit for our team, and we have no doubt that they will work tirelessly to help Vimazi continue to thrive and grow.”

To learn more about Vimazi, follow along on social media and sign up for their email newsletter at https://vimazi.com/.

About Vimazi

Founded by industry veterans and life-long marathoners, Vimazi pace-tuned running shoes are engineered to reduce shock and increase energy efficiency because they react to the forces you create at your pace. The technology is backed by physics and provides increased propulsion and better health with every step. For additional information, please visit vimazi.com or email faster@vimazi.com.

 

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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (May 31, 2023) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, recently announced an exclusive program with longtime partner DAC, the world’s leading tent pole manufacturer, to use the first of its kind, DAC E1 recycled tent pole hub, containing 25%-30% post-consumer recycled aluminum. The company will integrate the E1 hub into select tent pole sets in 2023 and expand the program significantly in future seasons.

“We share a vision with DAC for expanding the use of recycled, more sustainably sourced materials and the E1 hub is a perfect example of their tenacity and focus,” said Bill Gamber, Big Agnes co-founder/president. “Big Agnes looks forward to incorporating the E1 recycled hub into our tents starting this year.”

The manufacturing process for recycled hubs cuts down on energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%-90%. The aluminum saved in the first year of the program, based on a conservative estimate, is the equivalent of over 4,000 12oz aluminum beer cans. Taking historical data into account the program should grow exponentially in following years.

“DAC is focused on producing the world’s highest quality tent poles and hardware with the least impact on the environment, said Jake Lah, DAC founder. “We are excited to introduce the E1 hub as it represents a breakthrough in recycled alloy that retains our quality standards at the weight and strength of our original hub. We will expand this program with Big Agnes and our customers to reduce our use of non-recycled alloy in future.

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, insulated apparel, camp furniture and now backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

About DAC: Based in South Korea, DAC is the only high strength aluminum tube manufacturer developing products through both material and process innovation. Working with aluminum heavyweight ALCOA, DAC developed the custom alloy TH72M. This alloy combined with years of experimentation and rigorous production controls creates the right environment for building the finest aluminum tubes available today. For more information, visit www.dacpole.com.

Two brands join forces to present a new collection of apparel and footwear made with the best of nature’s performance materials

DENVER – Timberland and icebreaker join forces for the first time to present a capsule designed for the present, with the future in mind in the Timberland^® x icebreaker collection. The two brands, born on different sides of the earth, are united by a commitment to craftsmanship, nature, and reducing impact on the environment. Embracing icebreaker’s ‘Move to natural’ mindset and Timberland’s work and outdoor heritage, the collection aims to bridge the gap between urban and natural environments with pieces designed to take you from the city to the outdoors, and back again.

“At icebreaker, nature is our biggest inspiration. It influences everything we do, from the fibers we grow to the functional pieces we design and create,” says Jelena Fursman, icebreaker global design manager. “Collaborating with Timberland felt like a natural step – two brands united by a commitment to do better. This collection combines icebreaker’s natural fibers and soft geometry design lines with Timberland’s iconic heritage aesthetic – enabling us to create versatile, timeless, durable pieces for the outdoors and urban adventures.”

icebreaker’s New Zealand-sourced merino wool is featured in all apparel styles, with a nod to Timberland’s rugged heritage and bold designs by blending durable fibers like cotton and linen. Colorways, from Wheat Boot, Vibrant Earth, Sand, Chalk, and Onyx/Black, pay homage to the brands’ respective iconic tones across both the apparel and footwear.

Offered in both men’s and women’s styles, the apparel collection includes a tee, jacket, chino shorts, a polo for men, and a tank top for women. The Timberland^® x icebreaker Merino ZoneKnit™ tee features a breathable, lightweight blend of merino wool and TENCEL™ in ventilating mesh areas. The Merino Cotton Jacket features a durable cotton canvas blend for high abrasion resistance. The Merino Terry Chino Shorts feature 100% merino wool baby terry, while the Merino Linen Top features a lightweight, versatile blend of 70% merino wool and 30% linen.

In footwear, the Timberland^® x icebreaker Trailquest Low Waterproof Sneakers are fully waterproof with uppers constructed of both Premium Leather and ReBOTL™ fabric—a material containing at least 50% recycled plastic. The GreenStride^® comfort sole is made from 75% renewable bio-based EVA, while the quarter panel features icebreaker’s signature merino wool.

The collection comes to life through a campaign shot by Milan-based photographer, Teo Giovanni Poggi. The Timberland^® x icebreaker collection will be available globally on May 30, 2023 and can be purchased on icebreaker.com, timberland.com and at select retailers.

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About icebreaker: Founded in 1995 in New Zealand, icebreaker pioneered the ethical and sustainable production of natural performance apparel. Now a part of the VF Corporation, icebreaker continues to challenge the status quo while championing natural, transparent, and responsible ways to do business. icebreaker looks to nature for the answers and for innovative ways to do more with less. Working with what nature provides and adapting as nature does, icebreaker enables consumers to join a movement towards choosing natural and preserving the planet for generations to come. Icebreaker clothing is available in more than 5,000 stores in 50 countries through wholesale, Touch Lab retail stores and e-commerce platforms. www.icebreaker.com 

About Timberland: Timberland is a global outdoor and work inspired brand that’s on a mission to inspire and equip consumers to step outside, work hard together and move the world forward. Based in Stratham, New Hampshire, Timberland also has international headquarters in Stabio, Switzerland and Shanghai, China. Best known for The Original Timberland^® Boot–the iconic yellow work boot introduced in 1973 to take on the harsh elements of New England–Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel, and accessories. The brand is widely recognized as the arbiter of boot culture. At the heart of the Timberland^® brand is a vision for a greener and more equitable future. This comes to life through a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world.  Built for Adventure. Built for Impact. Built for the Bold. To share in Timberland’s mission, visit a Timberland® store, timberland.com or follow @timberland or @timberlandpro. Timberland is a VF Corporation brand. 

About VF Corporation: Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest active-lifestyle companies which connects people to the activities and experiences they cherish most through a portfolio of outdoor, active, workwear and streetwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We connect this purpose with a relentless drive to succeed to create value for all stakeholders and use our company as a force for good. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

LONG BEACH, California (May 30, 2023) — “Marine conservation and the scuba industry go hand-in-hand. The strength of our industry relies on the strength of our environment,” said Mark Young, Scuba Show Producer. This sentiment sets the stage for Scuba Show 2023, the largest consumer scuba diving expo in the United States, which splashes down at the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend, June 3rd and 4th.

To kick off the weekend, Scuba Show will host its first annual cleanup at its adopted beach, Alamitos Beach, on Friday, June 2nd. Collection bags and gloves are provided by the California Coastal Commission through the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department of the City of Long Beach.

Recognizing the vital role of nonprofit organizations in the scuba diving industry, Scuba Show serves as a platform for these organizations to raise awareness, engage the public, and garner support for their initiatives. This year’s participating nonprofits include: Shark Stewards and Fins Attached, both working to protect sharks; Ocean Sole combating plastic pollution through art; Reef Check Foundation promoting stewardship of sustainable reef communities worldwide; Diveheart empowering those with disabilities to build confidence and independence through diving; and others, including Get Inspired, Aquarium of the Pacific, Marine Genome Project, Dive into the Pink, the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, and more.

Scuba Show 2023 will also feature presentations on marine conservation and citizen science programs, further highlighting important work being done in the field.

“We are thrilled to showcase these incredible organizations at Scuba Show 2023,” said Young. “Their dedication to ocean conservation, education, and community development is truly inspiring. Through their work, they are fostering a deeper understanding of the marine environment and empowering individuals to become active participants in safeguarding our oceans for future generations.”

Adding to the excitement, Scuba Show will welcome a special guest — DiscoShark. Created by New York City artist and conservationist Kevin McHugh in 2014, DiscoShark gained fame at Coachella and has since traveled the globe, raising awareness and funds for marine conservation. This vibrant, glittering presence will captivate attendees and further highlight the connection between art, music, and the preservation of our oceans.

All show-goers are invited to attend the Saturday Night Party, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, a cash bar, a fundraising raffle, and the presentation of the California Scuba Service Award. Proceeds from the party will benefit a marine conservation charity selected by the CSSA honoree’s family.

Scuba Show 2023 promises to be an exceptional event, combining the excitement of scuba diving with the opportunity to make a positive impact. Don’t miss the chance to connect with nonprofits, learn from industry experts, and immerse yourself in the world of scuba diving this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center.

For more information about the City’s Adopt-A-Beach program, call (562) 570-1745.

For more information about Scuba Show 2023, including the beach cleanup, Saturday Night Party, and tickets, please visit: scubashow.com

 

About Scuba Show

The 36th annual Scuba Show, organized by the publishers of California Diving News, takes place on June 3-4, 2023, at the Long Beach Convention Center. The show will present divers and the scuba-curious from the Southern California community and beyond the opportunity to experience the vast world of scuba diving. The show will feature over 260 exhibitors from around the world, a pool to try scuba diving, seminars from industry experts, and more. Reserve your tickets now.

SALT LAKE CITY (May 30, 2023) – White Duck Outdoors, a leading supplier of all-season canvas tents and quality products designed to help make the great outdoors more enjoyable, has announced the release of its latest product, the Regatta 360 Bell Tent.

An expansion of the brand’s popular Regatta Bell Tent Collection, the Regatta 360 is designed to offer premium comfort and convenience with high-quality, fully-mesh walls that combine with the door to offer up to 360 degrees of improved airflow and ventilation. It also features a spacious yurt-style design that is simple to set up and creates enough room to stand and move around comfortably.

“The Regatta Bell Tent Collection has been a longtime favorite of our customers and we’re beyond excited to extend the lineup with the Regatta 360,” said Moez Faruqi, Head of Marketing at White Duck Outdoors. “We’ve put a lot of thought and care into designing a tent that not only looks great but also provides enhanced comfort and convenience for campers to truly enjoy their time in nature.”

In addition to comfort, the new tent is crafted for durability using White Duck Outdoors’ sustainable 8.5 oz. DYNADUCK cotton canvas that’s treated with a PFC-free finish that’s water, mold and UV-resistant to offer safe and long-lasting protection from the elements. It’s also equipped with a waterproof 7.5 oz. PE floor, ensuring users stay dry even in the wettest conditions.

Additional strength is provided by double-stitched seams, top-grade zippers, and a proprietary shock-absorbing grounding system. Each tent comes ready for use with poles, pre-attached reflective guy lines, a waterproof storage bag, and a tool kit complete with stakes and a mallet.

The tent is offered in 13-foot and 16.5-foot sizes. The 13-foot model ($889.99) will comfortably sleep 6, while the 16.5-foot model ($1,079.99) will sleep 8.

To shop the Regatta 360 lineup or to learn about White Duck Outdoors and its full product offering, visit www.whiteduckoutdoors.com.

 

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About White Duck Outdoors
White Duck Outdoors offers a varied collection of high-quality, stylish camping gear, ranging from different types of canvas tents to bags and dog beds. With an emphasis on sustainability, durability, and consumer-centric design, White Duck aims to provide gear that will allow anyone to get outside for any purpose. In addition, the company’s White Duck Cares initiative puts customers at the forefront of the brand with free shipping, no-hassle returns, and 24/7 support. Visit www.whiteduckoutdoors.com to learn more about the company, its products, and its sustainability efforts.

 

 

Durango, Colo. (May 29, 2023) – The 2023 edition of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic brought more than 2,000 bike enthusiasts to Durango this weekend to ride the classic Coca Cola Road Race and McDonalds Citizen’s Tour, which raced the train from Durango to Silverton. Racers also enjoyed mountain bike and gravel events.

“We had a beautiful day for the ride and race to Silverton as the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic heads into its next half-century as an event,” said race director Ian Burnett. “Then on Sunday the gravel riders and mountain bikers had a great time racing in the dirt.”

The weekend kicked off Friday night with Michaela Thompson and Toby Hassett taking wins in the 20-minute-long pro short track races.

On Saturday, the peloton set off for 50 miles with more than 5,000 feet of elevation gain. A group of about 20 riders stayed together for the first half of the men’s race before the group splintered on the climb up Coal Bank Pass. Team California’s Caleb Classen soloed across the line with a time of 2:07:18.

In the women’s road race, Sarah Sturm, Kira Payer, and Thompson escaped off the front early on. On Coal Bank Pass, it was Sturm vs. Payer, with Payer gaining an advantage due to a dropped chain from Sturm. Despite a determined chase from Sturm, Payer crossed the line solo with a time of 2:30:28.

Men’s Road Race Results

1. Caleb Classen (2:07:18)
2. Howard Grotts (2:08:56)
3. Jack Odron (2:11:22)
4. Tayne Andrade (2:12:21)
5. Jess Clapier (2:12:23)

Women’s Road Race Results

1. Kira Payer (2:30:28)
2. Sarah Sturm (2:31:13)
3. Michaela Thompson (2:35:59)
4. Sofia Waite (2:39:10)
5. Erin Osborne (2:39:26)

Full results from the road race are available here.

On Sunday, gravel racers set off for a day of rolling hills in the rural countryside east of Durango. The long course riders completed 95 miles and 7,700 feet of climbing. Full results from the gravel race are available here.

Men’s Gravel Long Course Results

1. Guy Leshem (4:50:49)
2. Jess Clapier (4:50:49)
3. Tyler Lock (4:53:22)
4. Sam Riess (5:00:00)
5. Ian Mcpherson (5:02:00)

Women’s Gravel Long Course Results

1. Sarah Sturm (5:06:37)
2. Ellen Campbell (5:42:54)
3. Terry Casey (5:57:22)
4. Sunny Gilbert (6:34:55)
5. Danika Brabec (7:14:37)

Racers in the Subaru Mountain Bike Race battled each other on a five-mile lap that featured nearly 600-feet of elevation gain per lap. The course started at Chapman Hill and raced up Lion’s Den Trail, around Rim Trail, and back down through the Chapman Hill Flow Trail.

Howard Grotts and Michaela Thompson both opened substantial leads early in the race, taking victories in both the mountain bike race and the overall omnium competition which combines points scored during the road race and mountain bike race.

Men’s Mountain Bike Results

1. Howard Grotts (1:41:26)
2. Toby Hassett (1:44:26)
3. Ivan Sippy (1:45:20)
4. Dane Grey (1:45:50)
5. Jack Spranger (1:47:54)

Women’s Mountain Bike Results

1. Michaela Thompson (1:35:16)
2. Lauren Aggeler (1:40:03)
3. Erin Osborne (1:43:15)
4. Jen Gersbach-Venzara (1:44:44)
5. Trish Thomas (1:46:32)

Full mountain bike results can be found here.

To learn more about the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, please visit: https://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com.

About Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a 3-day cycling festival, which includes a 47-mile bike race and tour over two 10,000’ passes from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. The tradition began in 1971 when Tom Mayer challenged his brother Jim to see if he could ride the route faster than the train. Today the Iron Horse includes mountain bike and gravel events as well as numerous other cycling festivities around town.

 

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Charlotte, NC – May 25, 2023 – Let Me Run has named Richard Sexton as its new executive director, effective immediately. Sexton replaces Emily Battle, who has helmed the nonprofit physical and emotional wellness program for boys since 2019, leading the organization through organizational changes, COVID-19 and impressive national growth.

“I’ve loved the opportunity to lead this organization over the past four years and am proud of all that we have achieved as an organization through a difficult time,” Battle said. “I’m thrilled to be passing the baton to Richard, who understands firsthand the power of running in breaking down barriers, forming lifelong connections, and boosting both physical and emotional health. I look forward to seeing the impact that Let Me Run continues to have on boys around the country and hope to stay involved as a volunteer within the Charlotte community.”

Sexton has devoted much of his career to building organizations, from his own retail company to world-class enterprise sales and marketing teams within AAA, MicroD, and Williams-Sonoma. He has been equally committed to service to his community, with a long history of volunteerism with organizations such as Cub Scouts, Little Brothers, Discovery Place and the Cabarrus County school system. In 2021, Sexton ran across North Carolina carrying a 25-pound slamball to raise money for Champion Autism Network and autism awareness, covering a marathon a day for 30 days. With eight years of substitute teaching under his belt, Sexton is well attuned to the physical and mental health challenges faced by boys in today’s post-pandemic world.

“Running and movement are core to who I am as a person, and I understand the transformational power of running, both from a conditioning perspective and a mental well–being perspective,” said Sexton, who has more completed than 100 marathons and ultramarathons and six iron-distance triathlons. “Running has provided me with a lifelong support system in the friends I’ve made and conversations I’ve shared. Let Me Run directly addresses one of the most fundamental needs of boys today: the need to connect and express their authentic selves through the release of running and movement.”

Sexton will focus on building a national network of Let Me Run regions, supported by paid and volunteer staff and underwritten by national sponsors whose messages align with Let Me Run.

To learn more about Let Me Run, please visit www.letmerun.org. For media inquiries, please contact ashleigh@darbycommunications.com.

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About Let Me Run

Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional, and social health, in addition to their physical health. Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games, and activities. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys’ personal growth.