Olympic Track Athlete Colleen Quigley Joins Superfeet Team

The Olympian, coach and wellness advocate aligns with Superfeet’s bold new vision to support athletes at every stage of their journey.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Sept. 24, 2025) —  Superfeet, the global leader in performance insoles, is expanding its growing athlete roster by adding Colleen Quigley. Known for her dedication to sport and community, Quigley embodies the holistic athlete ethos at the heart of Superfeet.

Quigley – a 2016 Olympian in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, NCAA national champion, nine-time All-American and 2025 inductee in the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame – has built her career on passion, versatility and perseverance. From her unconventional beginnings as a dancer and model to becoming one of America’s top middle-distance runners, her journey proves it’s never too late to chase the sport’s highest stage through hard work and dedication. Today, she is both a competitor and a community leader, serving as a role model for modern athletes who view peak performance as part of a well-rounded lifestyle.

“This partnership is about more than sport,” says Trip Randall, CEO of Superfeet. “Colleen represents performance with perspective: she’s an Olympian, a mentor and an advocate for mental health and balance. Her story aligns perfectly with Superfeet’s mission: Designed for movement. Built to change lives.”

Beyond her own racing, Quigley is strengthening the sport through Meridia, a women-led, athlete-owned professional track team she co-founded earlier this year. Meridia is reimagining how athletes are supported, offering revenue-sharing, athlete autonomy, and a holistic infrastructure both on and off the track to help athletes succeed.

“Performance isn’t always a straight path; it’s about showing up, adapting, and finding strength in the details,” Quigley says. “I’m excited to partner with a brand that shares my passion for empowering athletes at every level.”

This new partnership comes as Superfeet pursues a renewed mission to serve athletes through biomechanical innovation and intentional design. Quigley joins fellow Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross on the brand’s growing athlete team, reinforcing its athlete-first mindset.

To follow along this new partnership, visit www.superfeet.com and follow on social media @Superfeet.

ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, LLC

Founded more than four decades ago, Superfeet Worldwide emerged from the sports medicine division of Northwest Podiatric Labs and has become a global leader in high-performance insoles. Known for its groundbreaking designs that support athletes in the most demanding conditions, Superfeet continues to advance insole technology to enhance athletic performance. The company donates 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to initiatives that improve access to movement and sport for future generations. For more information, visit superfeet.com.

 

For media inquiries:

Chris Hong

christopher.hong@rygr.us

 

 

Craft Sportswear Named Exclusive Apparel and Equipment Partner of Eugene, Oregon’s New Sporting Cascades Football Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tyler Sims

JAM Collective

craft@jamcollective.net

415-839-7546

 

SEATTLE – Sept. 24, 2025 – Craft Sportswear, global leader in performance apparel, is proud to announce a multi-year partnership as the exclusive apparel and equipment sponsor of Sporting Cascades FC, Eugene, Ore.’s new professional soccer club competing in USL League One.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, all Sporting Cascades FC players, coaches and staff will sport Craft apparel for matches, training and official events, making Craft the team’s premium teamwear provider. The partnership marks Craft USA’s first professional team sponsorship and highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting athletes and communities at every level.

“We are thrilled to partner with Craft,” said Dave Galas, president of Sporting Cascades FC. “They are a well-established brand in endurance sports, with experience partnering with European football clubs, and we are proud to be their first professional club in North America. Craft brings top-tier design, a commitment to sustainability, and long-term support for our region. We couldn’t be happier to have them as our official teamwear and equipment partner.”

As part of the multi-year sponsorship, Craft will receive stadium visibility, digital integration, and on-site activation opportunities that connect the brand directly with Sporting Cascades FC fans across the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include TV-visible signage, LED sideline exposure, branded presence in VIP areas, sponsor activations at home matches, and dedicated digital campaigns across the team’s platforms.

“Sporting Cascades represents everything we stand for at Craft: a commitment to community, a connection to the natural environment, and a pursuit of performance,” said Jake Rawson, chief executive officer of Craft Sportswear USA. “Eugene’s storied athletic tradition reflects the same drive for excellence that defines our brand. As we make our first entry into American professional soccer, we’re excited to partner with a club that shares this DNA of community and performance. Our partnerships with teams in Europe reflect the strong ties between sport, community and nature across the Nordics, and Sporting Cascades brings those values to life here in the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to help bring their vision to life with kits built to perform as dynamically as the team itself.”

More than 100 fans packed the Downtown Athletic Club in Eugene on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, to celebrate the new partnership. SCFC President Dave Galas announced the agreement to an enthusiastic crowd, who also got a first look at Sporting Cascades FC–branded merchandise, including custom jerseys set to debut in late fall 2025.

Sporting Cascades FC will begin pre-season training in January 2026, with the inaugural season kicking off in March 2026. The team is scheduled to play 40 matches, all of which will be streamed live on ESPN+ and CBS Sports. Craft Sportswear’s partnership with Sporting Cascades FC will run through Dec. 31, 2029,

ABOUT CRAFT SPORTSWEAR

Craft is a Swedish brand specializing in clothing and gear for endurance sports where performance and comfort are crucial for optimal results. Working closely with elite athletes and constantly developing new materials and technical solutions, Craft offers innovative training and competition apparel and footwear for World Champions and Everyday Heroes.  For more information, visit craftsports.us, and follow the brand on Instagram @craftsportswear and @craftsportswearus.

ABOUT SPORTING CASCADES FC
Sporting Cascades FC is Eugene, Oregon’s first professional soccer club, set to make its USL League One debut in March 2026. With majority ownership in Vancouver, BC, the club unites communities of the Pacific Northwest, blending elite player development with fan-first experiences. The crest, colors, and identity draw inspiration from the region’s iconic landscapes. Guided by innovation, integrity, and impact, Sporting Cascades is committed to building a sustainable, community-driven club that inspires the next generation of players and supporters from Oregon to British Columbia. For more information, visit sportingcascades.com, and follow the team’s journey on Instagram @sportingcascades.

Wiley X Joins Boot Campaign’s YOU MATTER Initiative to Support Suicide Prevention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Frisco, TX – [September 23, 2025] Wiley X, a global leader in protective eyewear, is proud to partner with Boot Campaign’s nationwide YOU MATTER initiative this September to raise awareness for suicide prevention and remind veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders that their lives matter.

As part of the campaign, Wiley X employees and brand ambassadors will wear YOU MATTER shirts and share tributes to those who serve, helping spread a powerful message of hope, gratitude, and support. Together, Wiley X and Boot Campaign stand united in the fight against veteran and first responder suicide.

For more information about Boot Campaign and the YOU MATTER initiative, visit BootCampaign.org.

For more information about Wiley X and its commitment to first responders, military service members, veterans, and their families, visit www.wileyx.com.

CONTACT:

Thomas Stickley, Backbone Media, LLC

Thomas.stickley@backbone.media

970.847.5463

Zero Motorcycles Powers Up with Backbone as its PR Agency of Record

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Brent Jacoby

brent.jacoby@backbone.media

Santa Cruz, Calif. (September 23, 2025) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric two-wheel transportation and powertrains, has appointed Backbone as its public relations agency of record. The partnership will support Zero’s continued mission to redefine the powersports industry through innovation, electrification, and a bold approach to brand storytelling.

With a legacy of helping premium outdoor and lifestyle brands grow their reach and impact, Backbone will lead strategic communications, media relations, and brand storytelling initiatives for Zero Motorcycles in the U.S.

“Zero Motorcycles is the kind of progressive, design-forward, and category-defining brand that inspires us,” said Ian Anderson, Vice President, Earned Media at Backbone. “We’re excited to support Zero’s mission of transforming the motorcycle industry and look forward to fueling its next stage of growth.”

The move comes as Zero continues to expand through new model innovation, strategic partnerships, and a rapidly growing dealer network. The brand recently launched its X Line of accessible, high-performance, off-road electric bikes, and continues to see increased demand from both riders and dealers globally.

“At Zero, we’re constantly looking forward, innovating, and finding ways to connect with more riders,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “Partnering with Backbone gives us the firepower to share that vision more broadly and authentically, connecting with riders and media who believe in performance, sustainability, and pushing the limits.”

Backbone Media will work closely with Zero’s marketing and brand teams to amplify launches, press activations, and thought leadership as the company accelerates into a new era of electric mobility.

 

About Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric two-wheel transportation and powertrains, combining Silicon Valley innovation with traditional motorcycle DNA. Since its founding, Zero has pioneered the category with industry-leading technology, uncompromising performance, and a growing global dealer network. Today, Zero continues to shape the future of transportation with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and leadership in EV mobility.

About Backbone Media

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 28 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado.

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Wintersports Hardgoods Pioneer HEAD/Tyrolia Partners with Verde Brand Communications as Agency of Record

BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 23, 2025)HEAD, the storied leader in winter sports equipment and high-performance skis, has selected Verde Brand Communications as its agency of record, effective immediately. This new partnership will help HEAD amplify its brand messaging across key markets in North America, energize its global community of athletes and outdoor adventurers, and support the rollout of its latest product innovations.

Founded in 1950 by aeronautical engineer Howard Head, HEAD broke ground by introducing the “metal-wood” composite ski, the Head Standard. The design revolutionized how skis were built and how they perform on snow. Over the decades HEAD and Tyrolia have continued to lead in winter sports, producing state-of-the-art skis, bindings, boots, helmets, goggles, and more. The company’s sustained success is driven by innovative technologies and a genuine connection with the ski community.

HEAD’s 2025/26 season product highlights include the all-new KORE TI line, which pushes freeride and all-mountain versatility with a brand new construction featuring new materials, including two titanal layers and flax, and fully updated geometry with new rocker profiles and sidecuts. The brand is also introducing the KALIBER ski boot featuring double BOA®-Fit technology for enhanced precision, custom fit and unmatched usability. The brand has also revamped its junior offerings, including the Monster & Unicorn series, to make skiing more accessible for kids and families through a re-designed sidecut that allows small, growing bodies better balance and control on the slopes.

Tyrolia also gets the spotlight with the introduction of the new ATTACK HYBRID binding, designed to combine ultimate ascent performance with uncompromising downhill characteristics, delivering the best of both touring and freeride worlds. In addition, Tyrolia adds fresh new Sand, Green, Grey, and Pink colorways for the ATTACK 14 GW and ATTACK 17 GW bindings.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Verde Brand Communications,” said Andrew Couperthwait, VP Product & Marketing. “HEAD has always been about pushing boundaries from performance and design, to the athletes we partner with. Verde’s strengths in authentic storytelling and strategic digital communications align seamlessly with our vision as we look to accelerate our presence globally, and deepen connections with ski enthusiasts, from professionals to newcomers alike.”

Verde Brand Communications brings expertise in outdoor and performance brand strategy, comprehensive public relations, influencer and content campaigns, and visibility strategies for the shifting digital landscape of media and consumer engagement. Verde will work with HEAD to craft and amplify the narratives around the newest product drops, athlete team, technological innovations and its role in shaping the future of skiing.

This announcement marks a new chapter for HEAD in its journey to educate consumers and elevate visibility in 2025 and beyond.

For more information on HEAD and its full range of winter sports equipment, visit head.com and follow them on socials:

@head_ski

@tyroliabindings

@head_freeskiing

@head_rebels

@head_snowboards

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About HEAD

HEAD is a leading global manufacturer of premium sports equipment, specializing in skiing, snowboarding, and related winter sports, as well as racquet sports, swimming, and diving. Founded in 1950 by engineer Howard Head, the company introduced revolutionary ski design with its Head Standard model — combining metal and wood to create skis that are more maneuverable, durable, and high-performance. HEAD continues to innovate through its product lines for freeride, all-mountain, junior, and luxury performance, pushing technical boundaries while delivering an exceptional experience to athletes and outdoor lovers around the world.

 

About Verde Brand Communications

Founded in 2002, Verde Brand Communications is a Colorado-based public relations and digital marketing agency that specializes in the outdoor and active-lifestyle spaces, as well as adjacent specialty markets. Verde provides customized brand communications strategy, media and influencer relations, and a range of digital marketing services. With offices in Durango and Boulder, Colo., and Jackson, Wyo., Verde’s market-driven approach stems from a nimble, close-knit team of creative thinkers. For more information about Verde, please visit www.verdepr.com or follow our adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

Media Contact:

Becca Katz, becca@verdepr.com

On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Reimagine the Modern Outdoors

Swiss performance meets Tokyo style and REI outdoor heritage in a globally minded exploration capsule

SEATTLE, TOKYO, and ZURICH (September 22, 2025) – Joined together by a shared love of the outdoors, On, BEAMS, and REI Co-op have unveiled a limited-edition collection that combines Swiss innovation with the reimagination of American outdoor heritage through a Japanese lens. Starting September 25, the capsule will be available online at Beams.co.jp, On.com, and REI.com. Select retail locations for each brand will also sell the collection. The partnership between the leading premium Swiss sportswear brand, Tokyo lifestyle retailer, and American specialty outdoor retailer bridges continents for a collection of apparel, gear, and accessories that weaves together contemporary style and high-performance for untold adventures.

The On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Collection includes a full range of head-to-toe apparel and gear designed to blur the line between technical performance and everyday style, from shoes and jackets to tents and camping essentials. The three-way collaboration builds upon the success of the original On x BEAMS collection launched in 2024, and is designed to move seamlessly between outdoor adventure and style.

To create the limited-edition collection On, Beams, and REI selected iconic products in their respective lines that help everyone explore outdoors with a focus on performance. For the design, the three mountains graphic is a tribute to the iconic peaks in the native regions of each brand – the Matterhorn in the Alps, Mt Fuji in Japan, and Mount Rainier in REI’s home state of Washington. REI’s Living Archive was leveraged for inspiration and to research examples of timeless colorways. Faded denim and earthy neutrals in the apparel, gear, and accessories give the collection a classic, well-loved appeal.

“At On, our goal is simple: to inspire the human spirit through movement. Our brand collaborations give us unique opportunities to amplify this mission—reaching new audiences and exploring fresh expressions of movement, all while staying true to the spirit that drives us,” says Julia Sieter, global head of collaborations at On. “With the BEAMS and REI capsule, we’ve brought together three distinct brands to create something special. The collection delivers performance without compromise: a jacket built for relentless rain yet refined enough for the city, and shoes engineered for rugged trails that feel effortless on the street. Its versatility is designed for a life that moves without limits.”

“The On x BEAMS x REI Co-op collection takes the best of all three brands and reflects a fresh take on outdoor culture through the lens of camping, running and lifestyle,” says Isabelle Portilla, REI vice president of Co-op Brands. “For 87 years, REI has inspired and equipped the community with high-quality gear and apparel that carries the REI name and many other leading and up-and-coming brands. Camping and hiking are core to our rich history as the activities remain enduring for authentic connections to nature as part of an active life.”

“With this collection, On, REI, and BEAMS wanted to express the unique outdoor experience each of us has learned from our different environments,” says Keita Kobayashi, BEAMS Men’s Casual Buyer. “We created this collection with the hope that by wearing this product lineup—a mix of On’s latest technology, REI’s classic style, and BEAMS’ fashion perspective—people will enjoy the outdoors in their own way across a variety of scenes.”

The collection includes:

Footwear

  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Cloudultra 3 Trail Running Shoes, $210 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes, $190 US

Apparel

  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Explorer Sock Knee High, $40 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Performance Cap, $60 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Studio T-Shirt, $80 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Club Hoodie, $150 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Trek Jacket, $310 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Trek Pants, $160 US

Camp

  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Speed Pack 18L, $140 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent, $499 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Flexlight Camp Chair, $79.95 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag, $199.95 US
  • On x BEAMS x REI Co-op Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad, $169 US

To bring the campaign to life, On partnered with photographer Erinn Springer, whose work offers a more intimate, human view of the outdoors. Centered on the idea of “untold adventures,” the imagery shifts focus away from extreme pursuits and instead celebrates the quiet, everyday ways people connect with nature—reflecting the ethos of a collection that balances utility with expression.

For more information about this collaboration, please visit the collection landing page at https://www.rei.com/b/on-beams-rei-co-op-collab.

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About On: On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fourteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.

On is present in more than 60 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.

On Media Contact:

Alixandra Matos, alixandra.matos@on.com

About 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 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear 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. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

REI Media Contact:

Megan Behrbaum, mbehrba@rei.com

About BEAMS: BEAMS opened its first store in Harajuku, Tokyo, in 1976. As a pioneer of the select shop model, BEAMS has led the way by sourcing and proposing a wide range of fashion and lifestyle items from around the world. BEAMS also has extensive experience as a creative group, generating new value through collaborations and providing creative solutions across various genres, extending far beyond the realm of fashion. 

BEAMS Media Contact:

Minami Dodo, dodo.minami@beams.jp

Rise of the Texas Outdoor Economy Calling all Outdoor Business & Industry Leaders

This is your inside tract to a statewide Rise of the Texas Outdoor Economy, and the trail begins in Fairview. Join us for a day of reinforcing bridges between Texas’ iconic outdoor spirit and its role as a leader in economic innovation.

An Exclusive Luncheon with Changemakers, Industry, Economic and Community Leaders

On October 9th, we are co-hosting an exclusive Outdoor Economy VIP Luncheon with our partners at the Fairview Economic Development Corporation and Day One Experts.  This will be an informative and impact driving lead up to the inaugural Texas Outdoor Economy Summit being held at the Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in April 2026.

Click Here for Luncheon Itinerary

Outcomes for Attendees

Attendees get premier visibility and leadership positioning at the inaugural Texas Outdoor Economy Summit — a first-of-its-kind gathering spotlighting this untapped economic powerhouse. In addition to:

  • Discovery of the power in the Texas outdoor economy and its untapped potential
  • Connections on outdoor-centric economic strategies with visionaries and leaders
  • Gain practical tools to explore, build, and attract thriving local businesses.
  • Revitalized inspiration from small business stories of resilience and showcases

Luncheon Participation

Option 1

Limited Sponsorship Access – Contact Jane Witowich, jane@d1experts.com, for more information or QuickPay below to grab your spot.  Benefits include promotional marketing, exclusive interviews, and limited early access perks for the Spring Summit.

Option 2

Request a Ticket – All requests are reviewed on a first come first serve basis before approval and confirmation is made. Seats are going quickly – limited to 40 total.

Option 3

Are you a Small Business or Entrepreneur? Apply now and let your story lead the way: Click to Apply

We are putting the spotlight on standout stories, and we want you in the room with us on Oct 9th.

 

Selected SB Applicants Receive:

  • Invitation to Oct 8 Storytelling Gathering with TxORA & partners
  • Feature by outdoor writer Dan Oko
  • Access and showcase at the exclusive Oct 9 event
  • Promotion across blogs, social media & event content
  • Exclusive partner opportunities
  • Event swag & merchandise

Basics About the 2026 Summit

Date: April 9, 2026

Location: Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

This purpose-driven summit will unite small business owners, economic developers, industry leaders, and visionaries who know Texas’s outdoor spaces are more than scenic—they’re a powerful engine for economic vitality.

Featuring influential keynotes, expert workshops, leadership panels, small business showcases, and a vendor market set among the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary, the summit is a high‑impact platform to invest in the people, places, and products powering Texas’s outdoor economy

Get in Contact:

Outdoor Industry, Business & Recreation: Alex Brown, Co-Founder, Managing Director │alex@txora.org

Economic Development & Local Sponsors: Jane Witowich│jane@d1experts.com

 

RECCO expands global search-and-rescue network with first SAR Helicopter Detectors in New Zealand

 New search-and-rescue Helicopter Detector placements in New Zealand cover the North and South Islands.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (September 19, 2025) — RECCO, an international leader in advanced search-and-rescue technology, this month announced continued expansion of its global RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector network with the first placements in New Zealand.

The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector is a system that can help search-and-rescue teams find RECCO-equipped hikers and other outdoor users quickly and efficiently in the event they become lost. The RECCO SAR was launched in 2016, expanding the system’s applications from finding victims involved in avalanches to all-season search-and-rescue missions year-round.

Two RECCO SAR units have now been deployed in New Zealand, each centrally placed on the North and South Islands, and are now available for the use of search-and-rescue teams throughout the country.

“We’ve been quietly working away in the background for some time now to get the RECCO SAR into New Zealand and it’s awesome to see it finally deployed and available to rescuers.” said Andrew Hobman of Avalanche NZ Ltd, who is also a RECCO representative and instructor in New Zealand.

The unit on the North Island is placed at The Central North Island Emergency Management Center at Waimarino, Te Whare Whakaora o Waimarino. Having the RECCO unit based at Tongariro National Park will provide a central deployment location for search-and-rescue teams across the North Island.

“This technology adds another level of capability to our specialist SAR teams. Where a person is equipped with a RECCO reflector, this system has the potential to help us quickly locate missing people in challenging terrain, whether in the bush, alpine environments, or even under avalanche debris,” said Senior Constable Conrad Smith, New Zealand National Park Police, adding: “It’s always important to be prepared, carry the right gear, take a personal locator beacon and other communication device, and let others know of your intentions.”

RECCO reflectors are not a replacement for personal locator beacons (PLBs), and should be seen as a compliment to them, providing an additional way of being searchable that does not require a battery or need to be turned on. RECCO also recommends that people inform others of the equipment they are carrying, which can be valuable information to rescue teams in case of an emergency.

Andrew Hoyle, leader of the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation based at Waimarino in the central North Island, said the RECCO system will not only help find missing persons but also help to reduce risk to rescuers responding to a callout, since it can help reduce the number of people exposed to risk during field missions.

“We used it successfully this week at the local SAREX [Search and Rescue Exercise] and managed to locate at least one target in areas that couldn’t be searched safely.”

The unit on the South Island is placed at the GCH Aviation’s Christchurch Rescue Helicopter base, where the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopters are located.

“This could be a real life-saver when we are searching for people in the bush or in an avalanche,” said Rick Knight, Air Rescue Crew Chief at GCH Aviation. “Right now, Christchurch will be home to the only South Island detector, making it a critical asset for South Island operations.”

Regional rescue teams in Nelson, Greymouth, Wanaka, Queenstown and Canterbury underwent training in September, and the South Island unit is now operational and available to support search-and-rescue missions year-round.

The detector arrived on the South Island on Sept. 5 and was immediately deployed the next day to help the SAR Response Team in Greymouth try to locate a missing man on the West Coast.

“The arrival of this technology represents a major step forward for search and rescue in New Zealand, strengthening the ability of SAR teams to respond swiftly and effectively in life-threatening and time critical situations”, said Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, West Coast SAR Coordinator, adding: “It’s a game changer.”

The RECCO SAR helicopter detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and risk exposure for rescue workers during missions.

“Since the 1990s, our handheld detectors have been used for avalanche rescue operations in New Zealand ski areas, and now we’re excited to expand RECCO’s capabilities to year-round search and rescue. With two operational helicopter detectors now in service, we’re proud to support rescue teams across the country,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO.

RECCO Reflectors are integrated into apparel, helmets, backpacks, running vests, shoes and climbing harnesses by more than 150 brand partners, including brands like Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, POC and Camelbak. A complete list of partner brands is available at recco.com. Reflectors are also available as stand-alone products to be attached to a helmet or a backpack or worn as a belt.

“The two-week training and deployment campaign in New Zealand has been a great success and we’d like to extend a huge thanks for the overwhelming support and positive response from rescue teams throughout the country.” said Craig Donovan, Head of Detector Operations at RECCO.

There are currently 45 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 14 located in North America, 28 units across Europe, one unit in Nepal and now two in New Zealand.

Images are available here

About RECCO

 RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

 

Media Contact:

Verde (NA)

Julia Granhed (Rest of world)