Archives: Press Releases

LEM Helmets, manufacturer of innovative, stylish, and performance head protection for cycling and motorsports, today announces its partnership with the world-class Polygon UR Enduro Race Team. The international pro team just wrapped-up solid performances at Crankworx Rotorua, and will be competing at events around the globe including: TDS Enduro, the Enduro World Series, and Crankworx Whistler, plus others. The team will be wearing LEM’s Flow helmet for competitions and training, and will work with the LEM team on future product development in the mountain bike and gravity categories.

“The riders – and everyone associated with the UR Team – are an amazing and influential crew – both on and off the bike. From the team’s high-level riding to the creative content they produce to their authenticity, we’re excited and looking forward to a great partnership,” said Keith Cozzens, LEM’s Global Brand Marketing Director. “The UR Team is out there doing it and knows the best gear, so engaging with them on product development and testing will be an asset as our partnership grows into the future.”

The trio of Enduro Team riders includes: master shredder Dan Wolfe, smooth operator and team manager Fabien Cousinié, and grom ripper Vinci Vodan.

Check out the UR Team video: HERE.     

The team will wear LEM’s lightweight, comfy, and cooling-ventilated Flow MTB helmet for a majority of the season until a collection of new gravity-inspired helmets are available. New products are slated to launch in late summer. The new helmets will deepen the brand’s mountain bike offerings, and include collaborative design and feature efforts from the UR Team riders.

“At UR Team, we are really excited to start working with LEM Helmets. The company has amazing knowledge in helmet technology, and it’s exciting times to be able to help develop the best products that can benefit the most riders possible,” said Cousinié. “LEM’s current Flow helmet is our favorite trail helmet that we use everyday for training and also for our long-distance races. Keep an eye open for what is coming up – the future is exciting!”

For more about the Polygon UR Team, check: HERE.

For more about LEM Helmets, check:

Instagram: @LEMHelmets

Facebook: @LEMHelmets

YouTube: LEM Helmets

About LEM Helmets

Built on a legacy of innovation, LEM gives riders the peace of mind that comes from knowing their helmet has more than 45 years of safety technology woven into its design. Its approach to product-talk highlights the joy of riding, while tech clearly and confidently compliments the conversation. After all, the purpose of tech is so riders can focus on getting after it. LEM is a lifestyle fueled by the simple belief that life is more fun on a bike. We are on a mission to help riders – novice and seasoned – get the most out of life on two wheels. With clean silhouettes and colorways in the road, mountain bike, commuter, and kids categories, LEM focuses on safety, style, comfort, and performance. LEM inspires you to find your everyday ‘Hell-Yes’ moments. For more: lemhelmets.com.

 

The Alliance Welcomes Environmentally Conscious Bank at Highest Membership Tier

Bank of the West joins The Conservation Alliance as a Pinnacle Member, joining the organization’s effort to fund and collaborate with grassroots conservation organizations in North America. Bank of the West is the first bank to join The Conservation Alliance and the seventh Pinnacle Member of the organization.

Bank of the West’s initiatives align with The Conservation Alliance’s values and mission to protect North America’s wild places, exemplified in policies that restrict the financing of fossil fuels, big tobacco, palm oil and other activities harmful to the planet. Additionally, Bank of the West has committed $1 billion to finance clean, efficient, and renewable energy projects.

In an effort to advance land and water conservation, San Francisco-based Bank of the West initiated membership conversations with The Conservation Alliance in August 2019.  During a six-month vetting process, The Conservation Alliance staff and board reviewed Bank of the West’s policies to ensure the relationship would be in sync with the organization’s mission and funding priorities. The Alliance concluded their due-diligence in January, and announced Bank of the West as a new Pinnacle Member during Outdoor Retailer and Snow Show in Denver, Colorado.

Bank of the West is the first Pinnacle Member to join The Conservation Alliance since 2012.  Other Alliance Pinnacle Member companies include Patagonia, The North Face, Merrell, REI, Clif Bar and KEEN.  The Conservation Alliance aims to grow its grant fund to exceed $2 million in 2020. The Pinnacle Membership program is a key strategy toward reaching that goal.

“The Conservation Alliance was founded and is led by the outdoor industry, but we know there are other like-minded companies, in other industries, that want to help us achieve a bigger vision,” said Hans Cole, Chairman of The Conservation Alliance Board and Director of Environmental Campaigns and Advocacy at Patagonia. “Bank of the West is the type of business we hope to attract as we expand our alliance into new industries: they have a powerful voice and they are taking meaningful actions to protect our threatened wild places.”   

“This is the decade to reverse climate change. Banking decisions can play a key role in the solution,” said Ben Stuart, Chief Marketing Officer at Bank of the West. “At Bank of the West, we are making bold choices about what we do and don’t finance on behalf of the environment, and we are teaming up with organizations, like Conservation Alliance, that are taking action to protect our planet.”

“We were impressed by Bank of the West’s decision to withdraw support for companies that are detrimental to our environment,” said Brady Robinson, Executive Director at The Conservation Alliance. “It is rare to see this level of commitment from a financial institution and we are proud to welcome them as a new member.”

The Conservation Alliance, which makes grants to grassroots organizations working to protect wild lands and waters throughout North America, aims to grow its grant fund to exceed $2 million in 2020. The Pinnacle Membership program is a key strategy toward reaching that goal. 

About Bank of the West

At Bank of the West, we know money deposited in a bank has the power to finance positive change. So we are taking action to ensure our activities help protect the planet, improve people’s lives, and strengthen communities. We are redefining banking for a better future by focusing on areas where we believe we can have a real impact: supporting energy transition, helping enable women entrepreneurs, and financing innovative start-ups. As the bank for a changing world, Bank of the West is committed to sustainable finance along with our parent company BNP Paribas. Through Digital Channels and offices across the U.S., Bank of the West provides financial tools and resources to more than 2 million individuals, families and businesses.

© 2020 Bank of the West. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Doing business in South Dakota as Bank of the West California.

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of like-minded businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas throughout North America. Membership in the Alliance is open to all companies who care about protecting our most threatened wild places for habitat and outdoor recreation. Since its inception in 1989, The Conservation Alliance has contributed more than $23 million, awarded more than 700 grants, helped to protect more than 73 million acres of wildlands; protect 3,575 miles of rivers; stop or remove 35 dams; designate five marine reserves; and purchase 17 climbing areas. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

GERBER, an industry-leading manufacturer of knives and multi-tools, today launched a new customization program featuring several of the brand’s best-selling knives. Made in Portland, Ore., the Fastball, StrongArm, Sharkbelly and US-1 will be among the first knives customers can design using a robust library of lasermarks, handle materials, patterns and blade shapes.

“At Gerber, we know better than anyone that pocket knives are personal. We carry them everyday, and both craftsmanship and utility are paramount. Gerber Custom empowers users to take part in the creation process, pairing the precise engineering and reliable quality of our bestselling knives with a unique aesthetic,” said Todd Bischoff, creative director at Gerber.

Knife makers curate their experience by choosing between customization and personalization. Customization offers an infinite combination of handle materials, colors, patterns and blade shapes with hundreds of illustrations, like landscapes, military insignias, flora and fauna, and more. Personalization offers visitors lasermarked illustration and personal text in a variety of fonts.

While the options for customization are endless, the price reflects Gerber’s commitment to providing premium, highly functional tools at an honest value. All of Gerber’s customized and personalized knives are made, assembled, and lasermarked at their headquarters in Portland.

“A person’s daily carry knife is nearly part of their identity – it says something about them,” said Karrson Koivisto, product manager for knives and cutting tools at Gerber. “A knife’s design and functionality are foundational, but layering on the capacity to select how every single component looks takes great products to the next level. That’s what Gerber Custom is about—helping consumers step up their daily carry in a way that authentically suits them.”

Gerber Custom, newly opened in March, can be found at www.gerbergear.com/custom. To date, the Fastball is available for customization and the StrongArm, Sharkbelly, and US-1 are available to personalize, with more products scheduled for later this year.

About Gerber: Gerber is a leading global supplier of activity specific knives, multi-tools and problem-solving gear. Built on the pillars of craftsmanship, innovation, and an unrelenting commitment to quality and service to others, the trusted brand features a diverse portfolio of equipment for recreational and professional end users. For more information please visit www.gerbergear.com.

2020 local and national grant recipients announced

 FERNDALE, Wash. (March 10, 2020) – Superfeet, a 100% employee-owned company, continues to build on its commitment to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Each year, the company donates 1% of sales and more than 1000 volunteer hours to non-profit organizations working tirelessly to make the world a better place.

In alignment with the company’s purpose to shape strong foundations, and their vision to bring out the awesome in everyone, it seemed a natural fit to announce this year’s Superfeet grant recipients today, March 10^th, universally recognized as the official International Day of Awesomeness. 

 
Superfeet is proud to partner with the following national 2020 grantees, all who exhibit awesomeness day in and day out by doing important work with far-reaching impact:

• Fisher House | Fisher House provides free temporary housing for military families with loved ones in medical care.
• The Conservation Alliance | The Conversation Alliance works to protect and restore wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational uses.
• Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra | This organization works to make the outdoors more accessible by offering year-round outdoor sports and activities to children and adults with disabilities.
• Our Hearts to Your Soles | Provides homeless individuals with free essential foot care, new socks and warm winter boots via a series of nationwide events.
• Medical Teams International |  Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for communities in crisis around the globe.
• Camp Corral | Weeklong transformative summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen military heroes.

The company also looks to make an outsized impact close to home, awarding grants to organizations based in the Pacific Northwest, home to Superfeet headquarters for more than 40 years.

A complete list of the local grant recipients can be viewed here.  

“We continue to pursue ways to ‘be the awesome we want to see in the world,’ whether that’s through partnerships with national organizations, financial support via local grants or by rolling up our sleeves to volunteer in the community,”  says Linda Balfour, VP of Marketing for Superfeet Worldwide. “On this International Day of Awesomeness, we’re proud to announce our commitments to these awesome organizations.”

The Superfeet corporate giving program supports organizations that do work in at least one of four categories, all of them essential tools for a strong foundation:

1.     Basic needs
2.     Protecting the environment
3.     Self-confidence and pride through activity
4.     Education

To learn more about how Superfeet purchases make a difference in locations near and far, visit the Superfeet giving page. Tune in for updates on our celebration of International Day of Awesomeness on Instagram and Facebook: @Superfeet.

 

ABOUT SUPERFEET: For more than 40 years, Pacific Northwest-based Superfeet has been creating innovative products featuring the Superfeet® shape, helping millions of people worldwide experience unparalleled comfort, pain relief and performance. Today, through Fitstation and the latest advancements in 3D-printing technology, Superfeet is taking insoles and footwear from mass-produced products to personalized, made-for-you solutions. A 100% employee-owned company, Superfeet gives 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to help others shape a strong foundation for a healthy future. For more, visit superfeet.com.

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Great American Outdoors Act includes critical outdoor recreation infrastructure bill and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 09, 2020 – Today, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) members lauded the Senate for introducing a bipartisan bill, the Great American Outdoors Act, that prioritizes the $20 billion maintenance backlog facing our public lands and waters and finally fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). It includes the Restore Our Parks Act (ROPA), which would help improve key outdoor recreation related facilities like docks, restrooms, campgrounds, trails, roads and more – many of which have needed updating or repairs for years. 

ORR members led the extraordinary effort to ensure the inclusion of other agencies, beyond the National Park Service, in this legislation. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), among many others, the U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will receive maintenance backlog funding. We are thrilled with this outcome that will ensure adequate infrastructure for all types of recreation on our public lands and waters can support rural communities and economies. 

LWCF funds can be a lifeline for communities in need of recreation access to local, state and national parks, wildlife habitats, working forests and more. This important program has only been funded at the fully authorized amount of $900 million twice in history. This bill would achieve the decades-long goal of fully and permanently funding LWCF into the future while allowing for more recreation access projects on local, state and federal lands that will support a thriving outdoor recreation economy for years to come. 

Infrastructure – especially solving the agencies’ deferred maintenance needs and expanding access for all forms of outdoor recreation – is the main issue that brought ORR together and unites our dozens of sectors. ORR members have worked tirelessly over the years educating leaders in Washington, D.C. and other outdoor recreation partners in order to get both of these key recreation bills to this point. Our strong membership will not stop their work on behalf of all outdoor recreation enthusiasts until this measure is signed into law. 

“Today is a huge step for outdoor recreationists, the industry and the $778 billion outdoor recreation economy,” said Jessica Wahl, executive director of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “We have supported these issues for a long time and are thrilled to see movement on them as they will help to further fuel the outdoor recreation economy across the country. We appreciate the sponsors’ dedication to these bills and the huge outpouring of support from ORR members and partners to achieve the inclusion of BLM, USFS, and FWS in the Great American Outdoors Act.” 

“Nearly 13 million American families and households use the nation’s trails to ride horses and will benefit from robust trail maintenance programs. The horse industry supports passage of the Restore Our Parks Act (S. 500) and Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act (S. 1081) to enrich the outdoor experience for the country’s recreational riders,” said Julie Broadway, president of the American Horse Council. “The American Horse Council (AHC) applauds the leadership of Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) for introducing a bipartisan package that combines these two important measures that will improve access to America’s trails.” 

“America’s public lands are at the root of the multibillion-dollar outdoor economy. It is critical that our country invest in addressing backlogged maintenance at our national parks, as well as our other federal lands, in order to ensure these shared spaces are accessible for Americans and visitors to enjoy,” saidMary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a critical funding stream and passing the Restore Our Parks Act would be a significant step towards ensuring our national parks get the attention they need. In addition, however, we encourage the Senate to consider means to address deferred maintenance at such agencies as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The young adults enrolled in America’s Service and Conservation Corps stand ready to assist resource managers in restoring our public lands.” 

“Some of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse areas are found underwater in National Parks such as Biscayne National Park in Florida and the Channel Islands National Park in California”, said Tom Ingram, President & CEO at The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association. “Divers observe firsthand this amazing diversity, and want to preserve these submerged resources, including historic shipwrecks and war monuments. The recreational diving community and the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) fully support the passage of S. 500, the Restore Our Parks Act.We urgently ask for your support in passing this important legislation which will ensure access to these incredible submerged resources for generations to come, while supporting local economies and building healthy communities.” 

“The Land Water Conservation Fund and the Restore our Parks Act are essential to increasing access to the public lands and resources our industry depends on,” said Marine Retailers Association of the Americas President, Matt Gruhn. “The over $30 billion backlog in federal conservation projects, and upwards of $11 billion backlog in maintenance and repair projects in our National Parks, significantly affect rural economies, and recreational boaters’ and anglers’ ability to take part in the activities they enjoy. We thank Senators Gardner and Manchin for supporting our industry and ask Congress to fully fund these important programs.” 

“Maintaining our public lands is critical for continued access to recreation for motorcycles, ATVs and ROVs (sometimes called side-by-sides),” said Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President, Government Relations at the Motorcycle Industry Council. “We commend the authors for including Forest Service and BLM lands in the bill. Proper maintenance is critical for responsible management of riding areas and healthy public lands.” 

“With such a large, bipartisan group of elected officials coming together in support of legislation that makes a significant investment in our public lands and waters, it is abundantly clear that the outdoor recreation industry, led by boating and fishing, has earned our seat at the decision making table and we’re here to stay,” said Nicole Vasilaros, senior vice president of government and legal affairs at the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “Without raising a dime in new taxes, this bill will repair, restore, and protect our cherished recreation resources for generations to come. There are no good reasons for Congress to delay its passage one more day.”

“Concessioners have helped park visitors enjoy great experiences for more than a century. We believe the nation should demonstrate a new and enduring commitment to connecting all Americans with their parks and other Great Outdoors places – a commitment that includes elimination of a chronic maintenance shortfall and of inadequate places and infrastructure to host the visits of our growing population,” said Scott Socha, chair of the National Park Hospitality Association. “We applaud today’s action by Senate champions and the Administration on the Restore Our Parks Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. 2020 is an appropriate year for visionary action – great clarity for steps that will make park visits safer, more enjoyable and providing economic sustainability to gateway communities across the nation.”

“Today marks a milestone achievement for the Outdoor Industry Association and outdoor enthusiasts across the country,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association.“Our shared public lands and waters are the foundation of the huge and growing outdoor recreation economy, and we are thrilled to see our elected officials coming together in a bi-partisan way to deliver on full funding for LWCF and to commit sustainable funding to address the maintenance backlogs in our national parks. Both of these efforts will go a long way in continuing to grow the outdoor economy and assisting our continued effort to get more Americans into the outdoors.”

“The Restore Our Parks Act offers innovative solutions and sustainable funding that will address the deferred-maintenance backlog on federal lands, which is critical to improving and expanding national campgrounds,” said Craig Kirby, RV Industry Association President. “Campgrounds on federal lands are currently showing distressing signs of wear: crumbling roads and bridges; deferred maintenance needs; and limited camping availability, jeopardizing not only the RV industry but the entire outdoor recreation industry. We are encouraged by the support of this legislation and ask Congress to pass this bill without delay.”

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The oceans are vast. The beautiful, strange, and plentiful marine life calls this their home. When one is asked to describe their visualization of the seas, they may close their eyes and imagine a pod of dolphins racing through the depths or a blue whale calf tagging along with its mother. For generations these images were wholeheartedly accurate as the inhabitants of the seas were largely left to themselves (maybe for the occasional fisherman). Today, however, human impact is more apparent than ever in our oceans with the acceleration of the waste increasing by the year. Said waste is slowly suffocating marine life and must be combated for the good of our planet and all creatures that call it home. 

“It is estimated that 6.4 million tons of fishing gear are lost in the oceans annually” (MacFayden et al. 2009). This gear (specifically fishing nets) is infamously referred to as “ghost nets”. Although this number makes up less than ten percent of human-made pollutants in our oceans, the effects of free-floating fishing gear is more directly apparent in marine life. Threats posed by fishing nets include loss of freedom of movement, lacerations, and permanent entanglement drastically decreasing the overall health of our oceans. Over 600 known species are affected by man-made marine waste (Thompson, et al. 2012). These numbers will surely increase as synthetic fishing nets become cheaper to fishermen and more durable as they will inevitably wander through the waters entangling wildlife indiscriminately for years. The encroachment of ghost nets into marine habitats has not been met without resistance, though.  

An initiative has been undertaken by many brave souls across the globe. Volunteers have retrieved ghost nets from the waters and disposed of them. Others, specifically GhostNets® Australia, have promoted the retrieval of ghost nets and the creation of GhostNets® Art. This program has repurposed nets into useful domestic items and expressions of art that have been created to spread awareness of the problem. A similar task has recently been undertaken by PolyCore™.  

Here at PolyCore™, we value those who make the long-term health of our planet a priority. To aid in the cleanup of pollutants in our oceans, we have created a sustainable fabric from retrieved ghost nets appropriately named Ghost Nylon. This sustainable 350D Nylon, coupled with the coating of our environmentally friendly water-based polyurethane, provides a fabric created from pollutants and repurposed for the sake of solution for this problem. We are proud of this product and hope that others join in on the efforts to give the oceans back to the marine life it once belonged.  

360 Adventure Collective, the trusted member association that has brought focused, regional events for sales reps and retailers for over 40 years, kicked off 2020 with two successful On Snow Demo events held at Pico Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont and Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire.

These premier season kickoff events held on January 22-23 and February 11-12, respectively, offered retailers the opportunity to demo 2021 equipment on snow for the first time and complete preseason ordering before the hardgoods deadline. This is the second year 360 Adventure Collective hosted On Snow Demo events, and the organizational cadence of “See it, Try it, Buy it” continues to work well for both members and retailers. This year’s events saw a 16% increase in participation over last year, with several hundred of New England’s best specialty ski/snowboard and outdoor shops taking part.

“360 Adventure Collective is proud to provide a support system to build strong relationships between retailers and vendors through these cost-effective events in intimate, localized settings,” says Stacey Gellert, incoming executive director of 360 Adventure Collective. “Hosting Demos at two venues contributed to higher attendance by allowing for staff scheduling flexibility and a secondary option in case of poor weather conditions. Between the exclusive on snow access to new equipment and the camaraderie of our après events, we were able to deliver unforgettable experiences for our partners.”

While the On Snow Demo events are done for the year, 360 Adventure Collective has a strong lineup of events for East Coast sales reps and retailers. For a full schedule of events, visit their online calendar.

To learn more about 360 Adventure Collective, visit https://360adventurecollective.org/ or email Mandy Giles at mandy@darbycommunications.com.

 

About 360 Adventure Collective

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) and NESR (New England Sports Reps) united in 2017 to create 360 Adventure Collective, a greater organization boasting a combined 40 years of success in connecting the most comprehensive offerings in outdoor and ski apparel, footwear, accessories, and hard goods to the industry’s retailers who matter the most.  By hosting smaller, more conveniently located expos and markets than the national alternatives, 360 Adventure Collective is the traveling sales rep’s most trusted support system for maximizing connections with retailers and vendors.  360 Adventure Collective has over 675 members with 14 annual shows, and services over 2,900 retailers.  For more information or to become a member, visit https://360adventurecollective.org/.

Klymit, a comfort innovator in advanced outdoor technology, expands its tent line with the addition of the Cross Canyon tent series. The Cross Canyon 2, Cross Canyon 3, and Cross Canyon 4 are a two-person, three-person, and four-person tent respectively. 

The Cross Canyon tent series is designed to deliver comfortable interior living space with exceptional storage options at a great value. The series features quality materials and premium aluminum poles. Two entry doors and dual overhead ventilation keep the tent cool and condensation free. The series features a single pole chain structure and is easy to setup and take down. All of the Cross Canyon tents feature Klymit’s signature tent storage sack that unrolls to double as a floor mat in front of your tent door. 

The Cross Canyon 2, Cross Canyon 3, and Cross Canyon 4 are all fast fly capable with the purchase of a Cross Canyon Footprint. 

“At Klymit, we’re passionate about spending time outdoors with the people you care about,” says Klymit President, Cory Tholl. “The Cross Canyon tents are perfect for families that want a spacious, easy-to-use tent at an exceptional value.”

The Cross Canyon tent series is designed for three-season comfort and all three tents are available now on Klymit.com.  

Klymit Cross Canyon 2

MSRP: $199.95

Capacity: 2-person 

Packed weight: 6 lbs

Pack size: 20.5 x 6.5 in 

Floor dimensions: 88 x 53.5 in 

Peak height: 46 in

Pole construction: Aluminum 

Warranty: 2 years 

Klymit Cross Canyon 3 

MSRP: $229.95

Capacity: 3-person 

Packed weight: 7.6 lbs

Pack size: 20.5 x 7 in 

Floor dimensions: 86 x 75 in 

Peak height: 52 in

Pole construction: Aluminum 

Warranty: 2 years 

Klymit Cross Canyon 4

MSRP: $249.95

Capacity: 4-person 

Packed weight: 10.7 lbs

Pack size: 20.5 x 9.5 in 

Floor dimensions: 100 x 86 in 

Peak height: 65 in

Pole construction: Aluminum 

Warranty: 2 years 

Meet the Old Town Sportsman Line – seven boats, three ways to travel, one passion. Old Town leverages 122-years of boat building innovation with something for every active water-lover.

“The new Old Town Sportsman Line was born from extensive consumer research,” says Ryan Lilly, Brand & Product Manager of Johnson Outdoors Watercraft (Old Town). “Understanding what motivates fresh and saltwater anglers drove us to innovate a lineup of truly amazing products.”

“Old Town’s new line-up of fishing crafts provides seven different models for sportsmen and women of all abilities and interests. Whether you’re a weekend warrior who loves the access of a small watercraft, an avid angler who demands hands-free fishing, or someone who just wants to take advantage of nearby water access, the Old Town Sportsman Line has a model that suits your pursuits,” Lilly continues.

The flagship model in the Old Town Sportsman Line is the exciting, all-new Autopilot^TM, a state of the art fishing kayak that delivers the ultimate hands-free fishing experience. Available in two sizes, the Old Town Sportsman Autopilot^TM 136 & 120 use fully integrated Minn Kota 45 lb thrust saltwater-safe motors with GPS Spot-Lock virtual anchoring to put the craft exactly where you want it. Controlled with the touch of your thumb using the iPilot remote, your hands remain free to catch fish. In varying tide, current, or wind conditions the Old Town Sportsman Autopilot^TM 136 & 120 will change the way you fish from a kayak. 

Also new to the line-up, the Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota delivers a plug-and-play, easy-to-use motorized kayak experience. This 10 ft 6 in hull, based off of the popular Old Town Topwater 106, features a seamlessly integrated Minn Kota electric motor console. Simple and intuitive, the Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota features an all-new throttle style thrust control for simple forward and reverse maneuvering and speed control. Additionally, the foot brace rudder steering ensures an intuitive hands-free fishing experience. The shorter hull and lower weight make this kayak a breeze to car top and transport.

Built on a legacy of quality and innovation, the Old Town Sportsman line is manufactured in Maine. All models from the Sportsman line boast a lifetime hull warranty and share an impressive array of features. EVA foam floor pads and upgraded breathable seats provide all-day comfort and support whether you’re sitting or standing. At least one forward-facing rod holder and a branded tackle box makes changing your lure or landing a fish a breeze. Full-length accessory tracks paired with intuitive storage options allow for full customization and accommodation of your favorite accessories.

To learn more about the new Old Town Sportsman Autopilot^TM, 106 Powered by Minn Kota, the fun and zippy Salty PDL 120, Discovery Solo 119, or any of the Old Town Sportsman line visit oldtowncanoe.com or demo one at an Old Town dealer near you.

About Old Town:

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS WATERCRAFT RECREATION includes Old Town canoes and kayaks, Ocean Kayak, and Carlisle paddles. Old Town canoes and kayaks have created genuine watercraft with innovative designs for over 120 years.

Earth Day’s Great Global CleanupTM Open for Cleanup Registrations

Thousands of Cleanups Activating Four Million Volunteers To Take Place in U.S. Cities and States

Washington D.C. (March 4, 2020) – The Great Global Cleanup, in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, is the most ambitious volunteer event in history. The Cleanup’s goal is to remove a billion pieces of trash from our parks, beaches, cities, waterways, and wherever waste is found.

Organizers across the U.S. and the world are being urged to join this movement, with prominent visibility of their events and organizations on The Great Global Cleanup map. Cleanup event organizers registrations are now open here.

“Participation in the Great Global Cleanup reflects the expanding network of the cleanup movement. Together we’re tapping on the enthusiasm to make communities clean and address out-of-control waste. It’s inspiring to see people of all ages, backgrounds, and locations demonstrating their commitment to a waste-free future,” said Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers.

Improved health and positive growth can be achieved once people gain the expectation that their community will be clean. Communities large and small, rural and urban, global and domestic, are all taking the reins and setting that expectation by cleaning places they live, work and play this Earth Day.

Cleanups begin later this month and will continue through early May. If you don’t see a cleanup near you, learn how to organize a cleanup of your own here. 

The Great Global Cleanup is made possible thanks to a vast network of partners including Let’s Do It World, World Cleanup Day, National Cleanup Day, Keep America Beautiful and many others.

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network’s mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), Earth Day Network works with more than 100,000 partners in 190 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Learn more at earthday.org

About National CleanUp Day

National CleanUp Day is a call to action. National CleanUp Day is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to keeping our nation’s urban, rural, and outdoor public spaces free of litter and trash. Learn more at nationalcleanupday.org