Archives: Press Releases

VANCOUVER, December 19, 2023—Norco, the trailblazing mountain bike brand founded in 1964, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Backbone, the premier active lifestyle media agency. Backbone will serve as the official PR agency of record for Norco, supporting the brand’s growth in the U.S. and globally.

“Norco is stoked to join forces with Backbone, a team that shares our passion for riding and growing the mountain bike community,” said Gwen van Lingen, Head of Brand at Norco. “We have some exciting plans for our 60^th year, and Backbone’s proven track record will be invaluable to our marketing strategy.”

“As a team of passionate mountain bikers and marketers, we’ve long admired the Norco brand and its bikes,” said Ian Anderson, Backbone VP of PR. “We’re excited to ride for the brand, build awareness and drive sales for Norco.”

About Norco Bikes

Norco Bikes is a global leader in high-performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the pursuit of trail-blazing excellence. Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, operating out of a chicken coop, the brand has evolved over the years, but hard work, passion, and commitment to innovation has always been at the forefront. The mountains and trails of British Colombia are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. norco.com

About Backbone

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 25 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. For more information, visit www.backbone.media.

 

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. (Dec. 19, 2023) – RECCO, the advanced rescue technology manufacturer, continues to expand its network of RECCO SAR helicopter detectors globally in 2023 and beyond. Recently, RECCO announced helicopter detector placements in France, Switzerland and Spokane, Wash. In total, there are 36 RECCO-equipped helicopter bases worldwide, with 8 in the United States.

The RECCO helicopter system is used to search for missing people in the outdoors year-round. The 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 the exposure to risk for rescue workers during search missions.

RECCO launched its helicopter detector in 2016, which dramatically expanded the applications of the RECCO system to aid in searching for people during all four seasons. The RECCO helicopter detector makes it easier to search for runners, cyclists, hikers, hunters and more by allowing searchers to comb through larger areas more efficiently.

Recent RECCO Helicopter Detector Placements:

• Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland – Operated by Air-Glaciers covering all Cantons in Central Switzerland as well as the Canton Fribourg. With additional placements in Zermatt, Sion, and Samedan, the entire country of Switzerland is now covered by the RECCO helicopter system.
• Morzine and Ancizan, France – Operated by Blugeon Helicopters, these are the first two helicopter placements in France, and they will cover mountainous zones in the Alps and Pyrenees.
• Spokane, Wash. – Operated by Spokane Regional Air Support Unit, this is the second helicopter unit in Washington state.

“The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit are excited to partner with RECCO to deploy this new technology at no cost,” said  Chief David Ellis with the Spokane Valley Police Department. “This new detection system will help save lives, reduce search times, and help keep our search and rescue teams safe. This is a much-needed tool for eastern Washington and northern Idaho.”

Dr. Klaus Burger, Head of Chiemgau Mountain Rescue, has found great value in the Helicopter Detector System, as their region’s terrain makes search efforts very rigorous.

He said, “We have about 9,000 rescue operations every year in Bavaria. About 300 of these are searches for missing persons. In the Chiemgau area alone, we have an average of 50 missing person searches every year, which are very demanding for us.”

To learn more about RECCO and its incredible search and rescue partners, please visit recco.com.

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.

 

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December 18, 2023 – Caledonia, MN – Tactacam, the industry-leading manufacturer of cellular cameras designed to help hunters elevate their experience, proudly announces its partnership with Darby Communications, an Asheville, NC-based PR and marketing agency specializing in the outdoors, active lifestyle, fishing, and hunting markets. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as Tactacam’s agency of record, working to grow brand awareness in the broad outdoor space through PR and media relations services. 

“Darby Communications has proven itself to be a powerhouse in the outdoors space. When you look at their track record of success in the outdoor industry and expertise in the hook and bullet space, I believe we’ve found the perfect partnership,” says Alex Sherbinow, Vice President of Marketing at Tactacam. “I’m incredibly excited about what’s to come.” 

With the addition of the Tactacam Reveal Series of cellular cameras and mobile app, Tactacam has established itself as a true innovator in the game camera market. Consumers experience unmatched photo quality, and consistent capturing of sharp and vibrant images and videos. The app allows for complete mastery over individual cameras with easy-to-view galleries, seamless sharing of feeds, adjustable settings, and critical stats, designed to increase the opportunity for success in the field. 

Darby Communications will support new product launches and work to promote Tactacam’s deep lineup of products through consistent media outreach, media event management, and trade show support. The Darby team is eager to capitalize on connections that will introduce the brand to new audiences and deepen relationships within endemic hunting media. 

“It is a true pleasure to work with a brand so deeply focused on elevating the hunting experience,” states agency Vice President of Operations Cory Van Auken. “With our passionate team of outdoor enthusiasts, we’re thrilled to represent the most respected name in the game camera industry.” 

For more information on Tactacam Hunt and the latest product releases, please contact Kade Gewanter at kadegewanter@darbycommunications.com

About Tactacam: 

Since 2013, Tactacam, a U.S.-based technology pioneer, has enriched outdoor pursuits by redefining the landscape of cellular camera technology. Tactacam integrates cutting-edge research, app development, and proprietary digital technology to offer future-proof solutions that are useful, affordable, and innovative. The continued innovation of flagship models like the REVEAL X 2.0 and X-Pro showcase Tactacam’s commitment to user-friendly applications. Tactacam prioritizes customer support above all and empowers its customers to excel in their outdoor passions. You can learn more at https://www.tactacam.com/ or follow on social @revealcellcam. 

Dec. 18, 2023 – The Conservation Alliance (TCA), a coalition of like-minded member companies advocating for the protection of wild places and outdoor spaces, announces the recipients of its 2023 Confluence Grant Program – Alabama River Diversity Network, Battery Island Drive Neighborhood Association, People of Red Mountain, and Northern Chumash Tribal Council. The Confluence Grant Program, designed to support conservation organizations and projects in historically under-represented communities, is awarding $400,000 to the four organizations.

Each grantee will receive $100,000 over a two-year period for their effort to protect land and/or water, and to foster a planet where natural places, wildlife, and people thrive together. The TCA Advisory Committee, composed of individuals from grantee organizations, member companies, philanthropy, and TCA staff, reviewed over 50 applications this year, before making final recommendations. The four projects selected for funding reflect diversity in geography, community, and the type of conservation project they are engaging in.

• Alabama River Diversity Network (Alabama) will lead the creation of a partnership strategy to guide future management decisions of the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, an area with extensive biological and cultural diversity, and strong connections to African American and US history.
• Battery Island Drive Neighborhood Association (South Carolina) will place a conservation easement on a parcel of historically, culturally, and environmentally significant land on James Island, South Carolina, followed by the creation of a community park that will provide vital natural open space to an underserved community.
• People of Red Mountain (Oregon), formed by the descendants of local tribes native to the McDermitt Caldera, will continue to lift up community voices and create a strategic plan to protect the area from lithium mining claims.
• Northern Chumash Tribal Council (California) is a women-led nonprofit and California recognized Tribe that is working to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into the designation and management planning process for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

“The Conservation Alliance is thrilled to be able to support these four organizations that are working at the intersection of community, conservation, and culture, and lifting up local voices in the protection and restoration of natural places”, said Kim Paymaster, TCA’s Grant Program Director.  “The Confluence Program, in partnership with our Advisory Committee, has allowed TCA to grow and diversify its network of conservation partners and we look forward to building meaningful relationships with our newest grantee partners.”

The Confluence Program, launched in 2021, seeks to expand TCA’s network of grantee and business partners with the goal of intentionally connecting to historically and racially excluded people for the protection of natural places. The program is a first step in TCA’s efforts to help create new systems and structures that bring all of the groups, organizations, and businesses committed to conservation closer together.  For more information about TCA and the Confluence Program, visit ConservationAlliance.com.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

Media Contact: Becca Katz I Verde Brand Communications I E. Becca@verdepr.com I C. 360-441-5620

Snow Peak Long Beach Campfield, an extension of Japanese camping brand Snow Peak, will open in early 2024 as the brand’s first campground in the country. Situated on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula and surrounded by lush forests and dramatic coastlines, Snow Peak Long Beach Campfield is a 25-acre campground centrally located between Seattle and Portland, offering 56 tent sites and 14  Jyubako Suites which are camping cabins, in addition to a Campstore, gear rentals, a luxurious Wash House and more, including a Japanese Ofuro Spa opening in late spring.

“Snow Peak believes in the power of camping to reconnect us with nature and each other to restore our sense of humanity. It is for this reason that Snow Peak designs the quality of camp from a product and experience perspective to enable more people to experience the transformative nature of time outside. We see an opportunity to elevate the camping experience in North American and designed this property to bring this philosophy to life,” said Tohru Yamai Chairman and CEO of Snow Peak Inc. “We have seen how our global Campfield locations transformed how our users camp while connecting them to fellow campers. Our customers in Japan have long enjoyed a clean, comfortable, and elevated Campfield experience and are thrilled to bring online a similarly unique offering to the North American camper. We look forward to opening our doors to what will be our 12th global location and welcoming campers of all experience levels to the Long Beach Campfield.”

CAMPING RE-IMAGINED

Snow Peak Campfield will provide an elevated, comfortable, and luxurious environment which allows guests to focus on enjoying time at camp during their stay. This design intent led to larger sites allowing for more spacious set ups. Guests will enjoy clean sanitary facilities with private showers, washing stations, and flushing toilets. There are a variety of ways to stay at the Long Beach Campfield, with options for visitors of all experience levels, from novices to outdoor enthusiasts.

Stay Options (all sites include complimentary Ofuro Spa access):

• Field Sites: designated areas for guests to set up their own camping equipment, offering a Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace, Single Action Table and Folding Chairs. Offered for various party sizes at small and large site options.
• Tent Suites: pre-set campsites outfitted with Snow Peak gear, including a four-person shelter, kitchen, dining table & chairs, and campfire set up. Designed for two guests, tent suites can accommodate up to four with add-on sleeping mat rentals.
• Jyubako Suites: climate controlled micro cabin designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma features a queen bed and linens, a private bathroom, a living area and kitchenette. Designed for two adult guests, the Jyubako Suites can accommodate up to two children with add-on sleeping mat rentals, with dog-friendly and ADA accessible options. Visitors will also receive Snow Peak Folding Chairs, a Pack & Carry Fireplace, cookware and tableware.

CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY

The Campfield is designed and centered around community to provide an immersive retreat to help people be present, reconnect to nature and alleviate the stresses of modern life. Snow Peak designed a number of third spaces where guests can gather to connect with each other. Campers can also participate in regular onsite events such as Takibi Time by the campfire, fresh oysters sold at the Campstore, live music, and ecological programming. The expansive Long Beach Peninsula offers endless outdoor adventures, including coastal hiking, surfing, paddling, cycling, wildlife viewing, fishing, crabbing, clam digging, boating and more.

CAMPFIELD PROJECT APPROACH &  PARTNERS

Snow Peak’s Long Beach Campfield was thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding coastal landscape, with architectural design led by EFA Architects of Long Beach, Washington, interior design led by North45 and landscaping design by Knot Studio, both of Portland, Oregon, and project execution by Helligso Construction of Astoria, Oregon. Construction for the destination retreat was executed with extreme care for the natural environment, restoring four acres of onsite wetlands, bolstering the ecosystem by improving its ecological value.

Snow Peak’s Long Beach Campfield sourced authentically milled and heat treated yakisugi, a wall and ceiling cladding material made exclusively from Japanese cypress, from Nakamoto Forestry. Nakamoto’s Hinoki, Sugi Unoiled and Gendai products, all sustainably harvested, were used in the build out for the Campstore, Gatehouse and Ofuro Spa.

CAMPFIELD OPENING

Campfield opening is planned for February 2024. Reservations are available from February through May 29^th. Additional inventory will be released in early 2024 with grand opening festivities planned for early summer 2024.

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About Snow Peak

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak has been serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed outdoor goods serve as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and New York City, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand’s belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. The brand’s first campground, Snow Peak Long Beach Campfield, will open in 2024. Learn more and shop at snowpeak.com.

 

 

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™ is thrilled to announce new everyday carry (EDC) products for Winter 2024. Built with functionality and durability in mind, these new products are designed to meet the needs of first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday individuals who prioritize preparedness in their daily lives.

“EDC items are essential pieces of gear for anyone who intends to be prepared for any situation or challenge that might arise,” said 5.11’s Matt Page, Vice President, Global Product. “These are items that need to be dependable and durable enough for professional use while also being able to perform without failure in everyday emergencies. Our product team created each of these items to meet those standards without compromise.”

Customers in search of a reliable pocketknife can look to the Braddock DP Full ($50). Ideal for EDC and nimble enough for daily tasks, it features a 3.5-inch, drop-point blade constructed with edge-retaining D2 steel that includes a swedge for reduced point thickness. Its 2.7-mm thickness provides blade durability and the G10 handle ensures solid grip for years of daily use. The liner-locking folder measures 8.125 inches when open but folds to a pocket-friendly 4.875 inches. It also offers a reversible deep-carry pocket clip.

A more compact option is found with the Braddock DP Mini ($40). It utilizes the same materials but offers a 3-inch blade and measures 7 inches when open, but folds to a pocket-friendly 4 inches and comes with a deep-carry pocket clip that can be installed on either side.

The Halon FR Glove ($50) is made with inherently fire-resistant goatskin leather in the palms for abrasive tasks and fire-resistant Polartec® Power Grid™ FR on the back for increased flexibility, warmth, and breathability while also reducing the glove’s weight. The hook-and-loop fasteners at the wrist provide a snug seal. With a comfortable fit, extreme dexterity, and touchscreen capability, users will never feel the urge to take these gloves off.

For extreme durability and functionality, the Patrol CR Insulated Glove ($60) is constructed with goatskin leather in the palm and back of the hand and features a level 3 cut-resistant liner at the palm. Touchscreen compatibility and 40 grams density of warmth-retaining PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation on the back of the hand make it a comfortable, warm and tough option that’s ideal for duty and tough tasks outdoors when the temperature drops.

The Adiron Insulated Glove ($60) is built to keep users warm and dry with 170g Primaloft® Gold Insulation in the back of the glove and 100g insulation in the palm, plus the 5.11® Tac Dry® membrane that is waterproof, breathable and bloodborne-pathogen resistant. A brushed-fleece lining adds additional comfort and warmth. It also features touchscreen-compatible palms and fingers and an elastic wrist with a cinch strap.

For those in search of versatile hand protection in frigid conditions, the URSA 3-in-1 Glove ($110) and URSA 3-in-1 Mitt ($105) are two outstanding options. Both options include a removable, touchscreen compatible Polartec® FR Dry five-finger liner glove that delivers dexterity, fire-resistance, and ring-cut feature. When the temperature really drops, the gauntlet-style outer shells made from 5K/10K waterproof and breathable nylon and PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation ramp up warmth. All-day comfort is created by the keystone thumb, pre-curved ergonomic fit, and soft, brushed polyester lining. The Tac Dry® waterproof/breathable/bloodborne pathogen-resistant membrane keeps hands dry and safe while the goatskin leather construction on the palm and fingers makes them touch-screen compatible and durable. For ease of wear and comfort, they both feature one-handed closure/release systems plus retention loops.

5.11 Tactical remains committed to providing individuals with the tools and gear they need to face any challenge confidently. With the launch of the new EDC items for Winter 2024, the brand continues to set the standard for innovation, quality, and performance in the everyday carry category.

To explore the Winter 2024 collection and learn more about 5.11 Tactical, visit their official website at www.511tactical.com.

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About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create Purpose-Built Gear™ to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical, Always Be Ready, and Purpose-Built Gear™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

Louisville, Colo. (December 14, 2023) – TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, today released a new integration with Apple Watch that allows users to send structured bike and run workouts from TrainingPeaks directly to the Apple Watch Workout app.

This integration brings together the proven effectiveness of personalized training and coaching through TrainingPeaks with the powerful workout capabilities of Apple Watch.

“Apple Watch has become an even more in-demand training device for TrainingPeaks athletes,” said Dirk Friel, co-founder of TrainingPeaks. “We’ve heard from a lot of users who want to see TrainingPeaks and Apple Watch working more closely together. Specifically, to have their planned TrainingPeaks workouts available within the powerful Apple Watch Workout app.”

Now with a simple tap, athletes will be able to easily send their workouts from TrainingPeaks directly to the Apple Watch Workout app, making it simple to follow and complete every step of their training right on their device. And through the magic of Auto Send, they can view the next week of workouts from their coach or training plan right on their watch, making the experience even more seamless.

“This integration with the Apple Watch is not just a technological advancement, it’s a leap forward in making high-quality training accessible and practical for both elite athletes and everyday enthusiasts,” explains Friel. “It perfectly encapsulates our vision of bringing expert instruction to more athletes through user-friendly technology.”

TrainingPeaks’ new Custom Workout integration with Apple Watch requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10.2, paired with iPhone Xs or later, running iOS 17.2.

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

The platform is trusted by professional cycling teams like INEOS Grenadiers and EF Easypost, IRONMAN World Champions, and more than 30 national governing bodies around the world such as USA Triathlon, British Cycling and Triathlon Australia.

While the platform is a staple for elite athletes, it is also used by everyday active individuals, both on their own and with a coach. TrainingPeaks is designed to help anyone reach their potential, whether that is finishing their first 10K, aiming for a podium finish at a local triathlon, or achieving personal health and fitness goals. The platform’s cutting-edge tools allow coaches to be more efficient and precise in their training prescriptions and help athletes stay motivated and on track.

Click here to learn more about this integration.

About TrainingPeaks

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

 

 

NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia – December 14, 2023 – Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance outerwear and equipment, is announcing its three-year partnership with Natural Selection as the Official Outerwear Sponsor of the Natural Selection Tour starting in 2024. The first year of the partnership will see Arc’teryx outfit the Natural Selection crew with durable, high-performance outerwear throughout the winter as the team works in the backcountry to prepare safe, dynamic venues and produce the events.

Co-founded by professional snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour is backcountry snowboarding’s biggest stage. With an innovative format designed to reveal riders’ full creative expression and deep knowledge of all-mountain conditions, the tour brings together the top riders to compete on the world’s most diverse and challenging terrain.

This partnership marks a monumental milestone for Arc’teryx as the brand commits to supporting those driving the progression of backcountry snowboarding.

“I am super excited to see Arc’teryx partner with Natural Selection for the next three years. This event is all about highlighting progression, style, and pushing the boundaries,” said Elena Hight, Natural Selection Rider and Arc’teryx Athlete. “This aligns so well with Arc’teryx brand values around product design. I believe this partnership is the ultimate opportunity to continue to elevate snowboarding.”

In addition to outfitting Arc’teryx team riders, the 2024 Natural Selection Tour will see the brand outfit Natural Selection’s behind-the-scenes crew with high-performance outerwear geared towards backcountry environments to provide optimal protection as they operate in the extreme conditions of the tour’s backcountry locations.

“The crew that produces Natural Selection Tour events are some of the burliest in snowboarding. Often located deep in the backcountry, our venues are chosen for the terrain, snow conditions and what will be best for snowboarding, never for comfort or ease of access,” said Liam Griffin, COO of the Natural Selection Tour. “With that we rely on gear that will keep the crew warm and dry for intense 12+ hour days; setting up the venue, building features and running all the production gear. Arc’teryx is built for the conditions we work (and play) in and we’re thrilled to work together in the years to come.”

The Natural Selection Tour, a manifestation of snowboarders’ wildest dreams returns in 2024 with two live head-to-head competition days and YETI Natural Selection DUELS. The Tour also ups the ante this season with two all-new Canadian venues: one, a sport-progressing, naturally enhanced venue at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and a second in glorious, natural backcountry terrain within Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing’s tenure; and six new, global DUELS locations.

About Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering unrivaled durability and performance in extreme conditions. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes experiences better.

About the Natural Selection Tour

The brainchild of Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders, from Olympians to big mountain film icons, all competing on the planet’s most exciting natural and naturally enhanced terrain. The 2024 Tour features three stages, as riders move through Natural Selection DUELS, the YETI Natural Selection Selkirk Tangiers and YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke events. The best all-mountain freestyle riders in the world will come together for the crowning of a men’s and women’s champion after the final day of live competition in Revelstoke. The Natural Selection Tour’s mission is to inspire people to forge a deeper relationship with Mother Nature. NaturalSelectionTour.com

 

 

 

 

PORTLAND, OR. (December 14, 2023) – Gerber Gear, the leading outdoor gear manufacturer dedicated to crafting problem-solving tools, is excited to announce the addition of Ash Williams as the brand’s new Head of Marketing, effective December 4, 2023. Williams is an accomplished outdoor industry marketing leader with an excellent track record of building high-performance teams and implementing innovative and impactful strategies. He brings decades of experience to Gerber and will play a vital role in the brand’s continued growth in the outdoors.

“We are focused on becoming a leading outdoor brand with ambitious goals for the future, and Ash brings the right breadth and depth of industry experience that perfectly aligns with our goals,” said Keith Carrato, Vice President/GM of Gerber Gear. “Ash has built a reputation in the industry for building strong teams and driving results, and we’re excited to add his leadership and expertise to Gerber.”

Williams most recently served as the VP of Marketing at Grundéns, a leading manufacturer of fishing apparel and foul weather gear based in Poulsbo, Washington. In addition to his work with Grundéns, Williams has served as the Senior Director of Marketing for KEEN footwear, Head of Brand Marketing for adidas North America and Head of Marketing for Amer Sports Group in North America. In his time with Amer Sports Group, Williams managed category-leading brands Salomon, Atomic, Suunto and Arc’teryx.

In addition to Williams’ marketing leadership, he also proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Outdoor Afro. Williams lives in Portland with his wife and two teenage children. He and his family live the outdoor lifestyle by spending their free time camping, hiking, skiing and cycling.

About Gerber:

Gerber is a global outdoor brand founded in 1939 that builds knives, multi-tools, and problem-solving gear for wherever the pursuit may lead you. For over 80 years, Gerber knives and tools have been used by mountain climbers, trail hikers, backpackers, kayakers, and more. Gerber products are at home on a hunt in the middle of nowhere, and patio campsites right outside the home. All Gerber products are backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, please visit www.gerbergear.com or follow on social media on Instagram and Facebook.

 

VONORE, Tenn. (December 14, 2023) – MasterCraft Boat Company, the world’s best-selling towboat brand, today announced a multi-year partnership with High Fives Foundation to become the exclusive towboat for 2024 and beyond.  Each summer, MasterCraft will gift a new boat to High Fives Foundation to help create lifelong memories and empower those impacted by life-altering injuries through adaptive wake surfing and other water sport experiences on Lake Tahoe.

High Fives Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a universal shift in adventure sports that expands what is possible for those who have faced life-changing injuries. Through this partnership, MasterCraft will add wake surfing to the list of adaptive sports available to High Fives athletes, giving them the ultimate on-water experience.

“We’re honored to be partnering with High Fives Foundation and support their efforts in connecting friends and families through adaptive sports,” said Krista Schipner, Vice President of Marketing for MasterCraft. “At our core, we’re more than a towboat manufacturer – we’re a vehicle for creating lifelong memories. And through this partnership with High Fives Foundation, we’re proud to open the door for more people to get out and experience wake surfing and other watersport activities.”

“Over the years we’ve been proud to grow High Fives Foundation and further expand our adaptive sports capabilities,” said Roy Tuscany, Founder and CEO of High Fives Foundation. “Today, through an exclusive partnership with MasterCraft, we’re beyond excited to add wake surfing to the list. Not only do MasterCraft boats look and feel premium with the highest of quality, but the boat’s SurfStar System will allow our adaptive sports athletes to customize the wave to their preference for an approachable and fun experience as they’re first learning to get behind the boat again.”

For more information about MasterCraft and High Fives Foundation please visit  https://www.mastercraft.com/ and https://highfivesfoundation.org/

About MasterCraft:

MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company’s goal remains the same – to continue building the world’s best ski, wakeboard, wake surf, and luxury performance powerboats.

About MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) is a leading innovator, designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium recreational powerboats through its three wholly-owned brands, MasterCraft, Crest and Aviara. Through these three brands, MasterCraft Boat Holdings has leading market share positions in two of the fastest-growing segments of the powerboat industry – performance sport boats and pontoon boats – while entering the large, growing luxury day boat segment. For more information about MasterCraft Boat Holdings, please visit Investors.MasterCraft.com, www.MasterCraft.com, www.CrestPontoonBoats.com, and www.AviaraBoats.com.

About High Fives Foundation

High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to focus on preventing life-changing injuries and provide resources and hope if they happen. Since its inception in 2009, High Fives has supported over 700 athletes with life-changing injuries on the road to recovery and improved quality of life. The foundation works to prevent accidents by educating athletes of all ages on mountain safety and awareness, provides financial support and healing resources to life-changing injury survivors, and enables individuals to reintegrate into outdoor sports and recreation.

MasterCraft Media Contact:

Mandie Albert

The Brand Amp

MasterCraftPR@TheBrandAmp.com

Investor Contact:

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.

Bobby Potter

Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations

(423) 884-7139

investorrelations@mastercraft.com

High Fives Foundation Media Contact:

Brandon Martinez

Backbone Media

Brandon.Martinez@backbone.media

 

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