High Fives Foundation Announces Eleven New Members to Board of Directors

TRUCKEE, California (January 16, 2023) – High Fives Foundation, the leading adaptive sports and injury prevention nonprofit has appointed eleven new members to its board of directors, including a new board president, Susan Stone.

The foundation has also appointed Jamison Blair (Lake Tahoe Realty), Courtney Laggner (Darn Tough Vermont), Katie Steinharter (Ikon/ Alterra), Sydney Kirby (Smith Optics), Katie Besso (Guild Mortgage), Anthony “Big Ant” Thomas (Personality), Darlene B (Monster Energy Cares), Craig Abruzzo (Morgan Stanley), Richard Lewis (Hightower Advisor), and Tim Burr (Return to Dirt) to the board of directors. All appointments began on December 17, 2022.

The new board appointees are a representation of the diverse groups that support and drive High Fives’ growth and influence. Each member brings knowledge and expertise from their respective field to High Fives programming development and is a passionate member of the outdoor community.

“We are proud and honored to expand our board membership with a powerhouse group of experts and leaders from businesses and industries that have helped shape the outdoors.” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation founder and CEO. “We are also thrilled to have Susan Stone join as our board president, and lend her passion and extensive business and leadership experience to High Fives.”

Stone was named one of Entrepreneur’s 100 Most Influential Women of 2022 and is the current chief executive officer of Ubiquitous Technology, a leading transparent solar energy technology company. Previously, she was the founder and CEO of Sierra Wasatch Capital and managed early-stage investing for Riverhorse Investments in Los Angeles. She brings extensive leadership experience and a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

“I have been an avid fan and supporter of High Fives for years and am honored to join the foundation as board chair and president,” said Stone. “I am excited to work with such an outstanding and passionate team to help expand our programming and make a real impact on our community and the lives of our program participants.”

Stone will take the seat of Board President Emeritus Tyler Lightcap, a founding board member who played a major role in the foundation’s inception in 2009.

“I have no doubt that Susan will lead High Fives with distinction and positivity and guide the organization into its next era.” Said Board President emeritus Tyler Lightcap. “It has been an honor to help lead the High Fives Foundation, and I will be a lifelong advocate and supporter and look forward to its continued growth.”

In addition to Susan’s appointment, the foundation has also announced expanded board positions on the newly formed Empowerment Athlete Committee. High Fives athlete Tim Burr is the first member to join the new committee and the first High Fives athlete to join the foundation’s board of directors. The Empowerment Athlete Committee aims to ensure that the mission and vision of The High Fives foundation continues to advance for athletes, and be guided by athletes.

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About The High Fives Foundation: The High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources and hope to those affected. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has helped over 600 athletes and veterans from 44 US states and Canada. For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.

prAna Sponsors Climbing Ambassadorship and $100,000 Cash Prize for Winner of HBO Max Original Series THE CLIMB

CARLSBAD, Calif. – January 12, 2023 – prAna, a leader in sustainable, active outdoor apparel, announced today that it is the prizing sponsor of the HBO Max Original Series THE CLIMB debuting Thursday, January 12, 2023. The series is created by Jason Momoa through his production company On the Roam, along with legendary rock climber and prAna adventurer Chris Sharma, and The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). Sharma and fellow prAna climbing adventurer Meagan Martin co-host the series.

“Founded 30 years ago in Carlsbad, California, prAna set out to bring street style cool and conscious thinking to the function-first clothing that dominated the climbing world,” said Monica Mirro, president of prAna. “We continue to build on that legacy today and are thrilled to shine light on the sport while supporting emerging climbers in THE CLIMB.”

THE CLIMB is a visually-arresting and life-changing adventure that represents the foundations of rock climbing and exploration of the human spirit. In this all-encompassing competition, amateur climbers are put through a rigorous series of mental and physical challenges, utilizing some of the most intimidating ascents in the world to crown the world’s best amateur climber with a prAna sponsored climbing ambassadorship and a $100,000 cash prize.

View the first three episodes of THE CLIMB on HBO Max starting January 12, 2023. Follow prAna on Instagram for updates and visit prana.com for the brand’s latest sustainable, active outdoor apparel including its climbing collection.

 

About prAna

Born from the experience. Inspired by the spirit of adventure.

prAna grew from the idea that creating high-quality clothing for climbers and yogis, in a way that respected people and the planet, could – and must – live hand in hand. We’ve evolved these past three decades, but remain rooted in these founding values while now providing apparel for climbing, hiking, yoga, swim – or wherever life takes you. Learn more at prana.com.

 

THE CLIMB Credits: THE CLIMB is executive produced by Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Erin Gamble, and Matt Shanfield, and Fred Pichel on behalf of The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a part of Sony Pictures Television. Jason Momoa, Brian Mendoza, and James Mendoza serve as executive producers for On the Roam, as well as Chris Sharma and Jonathan Retseck.

Outdoor Retailer owner, Emerald, acquires consumer event specialists, Lodestone Events

We are excited to announce the acquisition of consumer event specialists Lodestone Events, producers of the hugely successful Overland Expo series of adventure travel consumer shows. Lodestone is also Outdoor Retailer’s strategic partner on Outdoor Adventure X, Emerald’s first outdoor consumer event. Emerald and Lodestone share a mission to promote, encourage, and celebrate outdoor recreation.

All Lodestone employees will join the Emerald team, with Lodestone founders Lindsay Hubley and Jessica Kirchner joining Emerald’s management team and continuing to lead the Overland Expo series. In addition, they will oversee Outdoor Adventure X, debuting this June 17-18, 2023, at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, Utah.

Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for adventure travel enthusiasts and stages four consumer shows annually, one each in Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Virginia. Last year, the events attracted nearly 80,000 consumer attendees, 1,300 exhibitors, and 250 journalists. In addition to a wide variety of camping and product demonstrations, attendees had access to 1,700 hours of classroom-style education, roundtable discussions and hands-on instruction across 1,380 sessions.

“Bringing the Overland Expo series of four premier events and Outdoor Adventure X together creates an expansive offering of consumer experiences not seen before in the outdoor community,” said Jeff Davis, group vice president, Emerald. “We look forward to the synergy these iconic gatherings bring to our collective events while creating even greater value for the entire outdoor ecosystem, from manufacturers to retailers and consumers. With the growing demand for outdoor experiences, we are excited to increase the opportunities for consumers to engage directly with their preferred products and brands, as well as discover new gear and opportunities to support their outdoor pursuits.”

“Overland is a growing market segment, recognized and valued by the outdoor industry at large. Overlanders are outdoor enthusiasts and explorers who outfit their vehicles for backcountry adventures, which often include hiking, camping, paddlesports, cycling, and climbing,” said Lindsay Hubley, Managing Partner of Lodestone Events.

“We’ve spent the last four years enhancing the attendee and client experience at Overland Expo events, developing the brand’s daily digital content offerings, and syndicating the event series into high-demand markets. Our team is more than just consumer event experts; they are passionate about gathering communities of enthusiasts to get trained, outfitted, and inspired for their outdoor adventures. In addition, we are inspired by Emerald’s commitment to connecting enthusiasts with the brands they love in live event environments. We look forward to continuing to enhance the client and attendee experience at events and applying the core business philosophies that have made Overland Expo successful in developing Emerald’s B2C properties,” Hubley added.

Overland Expo joins Emerald’s action and outdoor portfolio of events that includes Outdoor Retailer Winter, Outdoor Retailer Summer, The Summit by Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Adventure X, Surf Expo, and Shop-Eat-Surf.

Carbon, Altitude, and Innovation Highlight La Sportiva’s Footwear Collection for Fall 2023

BOULDER, CO (JAN 11, 2023) – La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announces its exclusive new footwear line for fall 2023. The new collection is designed for the adventurous, offering cutting-edge products for runners, climbers, mountaineers, and skiers. These items represent an evolution of winter gear, with advanced technologies that provide innovative solutions for demanding athletes looking to push boundaries.

“High altitude mountaineering is one of the most perilous activities that an athlete can embark on,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “The combination of frigid temperatures and a low concentration of oxygen makes for an incredibly inhospitable environment where warmth and reliability from your footwear is essential for survival. The new G-Summit is designed to meet the needs of the mountaineers that dare to tackle these treacherous objectives.”

Weighing in at a mere 830 grams, the $849 G-Summit sets a new benchmark for high-altitude technical mountaineering. La Sportiva set out to fulfill two needs in the climbing community with this boot. The first was to create a warm single boot for high-altitude climbing, and the second was to create a precise double boot for extended expeditions in challenging climates. To achieve this, the Italian brand included an additional liner that turns this lightweight offering into a double boot for increased warmth in sub-zero temperatures. The G-Summit comes equipped with a Vibram Dura Step compound that offers exceptional grip in low temperatures and wet terrain. Precision is paramount in the alpine, and this novel boot includes an integrated Boa fit system that can be adjusted while wearing gloves in arctic temperatures.

The Jackal II GTX is the perfect winter companion for every runner. This well-cushioned $195 trail runner features a wide, high-volume fit and a FriXion XT 2.0 rubber compound that provides fantastic grip on icy roads and snowy trails. The new iteration keeps what worked from the first version, adding a new eco-friendly lightweight upper that increases breathability and helps the shoe to shed nearly an ounce of weight. A Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit liner with Gore-Flex® protects runners’ feet from the elements without altering the fit of the shoe, while a unique combination of EVA and Infinitoo PU inserts in the midsole provides responsive cushioning to propel runners over any distance.

Built off the award-winning TC Pro platform, the $299 TC Extreme is a high-performance climbing shoe made for sending challenging routes in frigid conditions. This all-day workhorse comes equipped with added insulation and a weather-resistant gaiter to provide the protection necessary for athletes to perform in the most extreme environments. A supported midsole is combined with a P3 patented system to maintain the shoe’s shape over time, while a Vibram® XS Grip2 rubber compound provides perfect performance in cold conditions.

La Sportiva is releasing two new lightweight ski boots for the 2023 season, the Stratos VI and the Raceborg II. The $2500 Stratos VI is the reference point for every other product in this category. The 530-gram full-carbon boot is handmade in the company’s Italian factory and employs an innovative construction that helps to reduce weight without sacrificing durability. Dampening inserts reduce vibrations in the shell at high speeds to create a boot that can perform in the most intense race situations.

The Raceborg II is a 735-gram hybrid Grilamid® and carbon fiber boot that walks and skis like a dream. One of the lightest boots on the market, the $1800 Raceborg II is a high-performance machine that combines light and elastic plastic materials with responsive carbon fiber. This race-ready boot can be punched and stretched to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes and includes a new locking system, which was derived directly from the state-of-the-art Stratos VI.

The new collection will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the fall of 2023. Select samples for media will be available prior to the release of the line. Contact La Sportiva PR representative Sean Van Horn at sean.vanhorn@backbone.media for more information.

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With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit https://www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/LaSportivaNA/ .   

Tailwind Nutrition 2023 Athlete Team Headlined by Bandera 100k Winner Courtney Dauwalter

Team highlights Tailwind’s commitment to numerous endurance sports by including professional runners, cyclists, Nordic skiers, and triathletes

DURANGO, Colo. (Jan. 11, 2023) – Tailwind Nutrition is proud to announce its 2023 Tailwind Athlete Team which includes 22 athletes whose specialties range across the spectrum of endurance sports. The team includes 5-year Tailwind athlete and ultrarunning icon Courtney Dauwalter, who recently won the 2023 Bandera 100k race in Texas on Saturday, setting a new women’s course record in 8 hours and 59 minutes.

Dauwalter’s win earned her an automatic spot to compete in this year’s Western States 100. Fellow Tailwind athlete John Kelly ran in the front group for much of the race, ultimately finishing 6th in the men’s field.

“Starting the year playing on the trails of Texas was fun, and very tough,” says Dauwalter. “My legs are sore! I’m super excited to have the opportunity to run Western States this summer!”

In 2022, Dauwalter won the Hardrock 100 (also setting a course record) and she set a new fastest known time on the Collegiate Loop in Colorado. Next up for 2023, she will focus on the Transgrancanaria in February. Dauwalter will then set her sights on the elusive Western States/Hardrock double; two of the country’s most prestigious 100 milers set just three weeks apart.

Dauwalter and Kelly are just two of the 22 elite athletes that Tailwind is supporting in 2023. The team includes a cast of runners, cyclists, skiers, and triathletes who trust Tailwind Nutrition products to support their fuel, hydration and recovery needs throughout training and competition.

“We are both excited and proud to have such a talented and genuine group of athletes representing Tailwind for the 2023 season,” said Maggie Guterl, Tailwind Athlete & Events Manager. “We are constantly impressed by the work they put into their achievements. Tailwind is honored to be supportive of athletes that make changes not only in their sport but the communities that make those sports what they are.”

Tailwind Nutrition 2023 Athlete Team Roster

In 2022, the Durango-based brand celebrated its 10th anniversary. For more information on Tailwind Nutrition and to keep up with Tailwind Nutrition athletes, please visit: www.tailwindnutrition.com, Tailwind’s blog and follow their adventures on Instagram (@tailwindnutrition) and Facebook.

 

About Tailwind Nutrition

Since 2012, Tailwind Nutrition has been manufacturing all-natural endurance nutrition products that are free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, are easy to digest, and support an athlete’s fueling and recovery needs during exercise. Owned, operated and manufactured in Durango, CO, Tailwind Nutrition’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. Tailwind is all you need, all day. Really. For more information visit tailwindnutrition.com

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