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Interlaken, Switzerland, July 3rd 2008 --- The teams participating in the Nissan Outdoor Games, Europe’s top outdoor event, have taken over the Bernese Oberland for the past few days. The world’s top specialists in climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, BASE-jumping, hanggliding and paragliding are doing everything they can to provide the film-makers in their respective teams with breath-taking images. Meanwhile, the organisers are constructing the sports activity village at the “Stadthausplatz”, here in the centre of Interlaken. Entirely dedicated to the general public, on Friday and Saturday you can come and take part in several initiations and demonstrations of outdoor sports.

2008 Slate Reflects Increased International Participation

Silver Spring, MD, USA, June 10th 2008 --- The Paddlesports Industry Foundation has announced the 2008 slate of nominees from which six honorees will be elected to and inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) this Fall.

Arcata, CA, June 10th 2008 --- On the heels of his record-breaking circumnavigation of Iceland in the summer of 2007, Kokatat team paddler Greg Stamer is planning an unsupported solo circumnavigation of Newfoundland, “the Rock”, Canada’s easternmost province, starting from St. John’s in June 2008. This adventure is more than 1,700 miles around one of the most windswept locations in North America. Newfoundland is one of the world’s most beautiful kayaking destinations with Icebergs, seals, puffins, breaching humpback whales, sea caves and a formidable rocky coastline dotted with abandoned fishing villages.

A Fundraiser for Icelandic Sea & Mountain Rescue Organization

Arcata CA, May 19th 2008 --- Starting June 6th 2008, New York City based kayaker Marcus Demuth will depart on a solo circumnavigation of Iceland by sea kayak. This estimated 2 ½ month and 1,450 mile trip has been attempted solo only twice, and has been successfully completed only once.

Arcata CA, May 19th 2008 --- In summer of 2008, Ann Kristin Gjelsten and Tommy Frantzen of Norway will depart on a self-supported sea kayaking expedition to circumnavigate Nordaustlandet, a total distance of 750 kilometres. They will carry food and equipment for 5 weeks with a goal to complete the circumnavigation in 30 days.

Lomo Watersport expand into new premises

Glasgow, UK, April 18th 2008 --- Glasgow’s Lomo Watersport have expanded into new headquarters and opened a new, much larger, outlet store in the city’s up and coming waterfront area.

Sultan, WA, April 2nd 2008 --- Werner Paddles has announced the introduction of the most comprehensive retail training program in the paddle sports industry. The G.U.I.D.E. clinic format takes retail associates through the process of fitting a consumer with the perfect fitting paddle. The G.U.I.D.E. acronym streamlines the sales process and simplifies the Werner line.

NZ, March 25th 2008 --- 2400 kilomteres and 94 days later Babs (Barbro Lindman) returned to Picton after having kept the South Island of New Zealand on her right hand side. Motivation for the expedition was to photograph the coastlines wildlife, landscape and people from a different angle.

Venerable Event Will Combine Comp With 60th Anniversary Festivities

Salida, Colorado USA, March 13th 2008 --- The US Freestyle Committee has announced that the FIBArk Boat Races will host the 2008 National Freestyle Kayaking Championships once again, in conjunction with its 60th anniversary.

Brings Valuable Recent Experience and Enthusiasm for Applauded Course Designs

Denver, CO USA, March 12th 2008 --- The McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group (MWDG) has announced that Nick Turner has joined their experienced team to develop and oversee construction of in-river recreation venues and self-contained river courses in the US and abroad.

South Africa, February 26th 2008 --- South African watersports manufacturer Fluid Kayaks and French pro-paddler and filmmaker David Arnaud have joined together to both promote and bring synergy to Fluid's range of whitewater kayaks. By tapping into David Arnaud’s unique kayaking skill set and by supporting his future expeditions and productions, Fluid has positioned David as their new International Team Manager. His mission will consist of recruiting and managing a team of regional, national and international paddlers - “the cream of the crop,” as described by Fluid owner and designer Celliers Kruger. David will also focus on maximizing the positive impact of these team members in their respective areas (i.e. make sure Celliers is kept busy molding boats and shipping containers worldwide, while the team is having a good time on the river).

Esprit, H2O & Level Six team up to save a river.

Canada, February 10th 2008 --- Feel like taking a vacation? Want to help save one of Eastern North America's great whitewater rivers?

1% for the Planet member, Esprit Rafting, have crafted an amazing deal with H2O Paddles and Level Six to help fight the desecration of one of Canada's most beautiful whitewater rivers.

NZ, January 30th 2008 --- This week Barbro Lindman passed the most southern point of the south island of New Zealand stopping in Riverton near Invercargill after 38 grueling days and 1050 kilometers down the east coast with persistent strong winds and large seas.

London, January 15th 2008 --- Ex RawState is the new sports-style brand that has been born from the passion, vision and goddamn obsession for extreme sports and the surrounding lifestyle. It launches its awesome new collection of apparel and products at ISPO and includes the killer new Ex Rawstate ‘Climate Series’, Ex Rawstate ‘Street’ collection, Ex Footwear, Ex Equipment, Ex Time, Ex Luggage, and Extreme Mob. In addition to this launch is the spanking new Ex Stores Franchise opportunity which means these beauties are brought together for all your retail pleasure, you lucky people!!

Arcata CA, December 27th 2007 --- Kokatat is pleased to announce Sean Morley has accepted the position as Kokatat Sales Representative for the western territory. This territory includes California, Nevada and Arizona. Sean moved from the UK to California in 2006 and founded River and Ocean LLC, a Sales and Customer Service Agency within the water sports industry representing such established lines as Valley Sea Kayaks and now Kokatat Watersports Wear.

Paddlesports leader Confluence Watersports announces the appointment of Sue Rechner to the position of President & CEO, effective December 17, 2007.

Easley, SC, December 10th 2007 --- With over 15 years experience in consumer products, Rechner joins the canoe and kayak manufacturer on the heels of her successful tenure as President of Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., where she also simultaneously served as CEO of Victorinox Swiss Army Watch and Victorinox Apparel.

Zurich, Switzerland, December 7th 2007 --- Playak launched a social network for the worldwide paddling community this week. The new service, called 'Playak.net', can be thought of as a myspace or facebook platform, but unlike such platforms, it is totally dedicated to paddling.

‘In the Footsteps of Eric Shipton’

Arcata CA, September 10th 2007 --- On October 1st, Pablo Basombrio and Juan Basombrio, two Argentinean brothers, will attempt the Patagonian crossing for the first time without external support. This estimated 30-day crossing will take them from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, along more than 660 kilometres of fjords, lakes, and ice-caps.

‘A Source to Sea Journey on the Amazon River’

Arcata CA, September 10th 2007 --- In September of 2007 the Expedition Amazonas team will trek and paddle, totally unsupported, for over 7 months and 7000km, the entire length of the mighty Amazon River. This is a complete traverse of the South American continent from the Pacific Coast in Peru to the mouth of the Amazon River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil. The experienced expedition team includes members from Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Expedition Amazonas has partnered with environmental and indigenous rights action group Amazon Watch, and high-profile equipment sponsors including Kokatat, Teva and First Ascent.

An Exploration, by Kayak, of the Labyrinths of Western Patagonia

Arcata CA, September 10th 2007 --- Eager to protect the dramatic landscapes of Western Patagonia, this September Cristian Donoso will lead an expedition by kayak to this region, one of the most inhospitable places on earth. Spending five months navigating open seas and fjords and pulling their kayaks across glaciers, Donoso and his team will face daunting physical and mental challenges as they gather information that will inform Chile, and the world, about this little-known area.

Frampton, Quebec, September 7th 2007 --- At the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show Esquif Canoes solidified its relationship with Northeast US industry veteran, Don Otey.

Rock Island, TN, August 27th 2007 --- Team Jackson Kayak, already a powerhouse on the river with more national and international freestyle competition titles over the past four years than all other whitewater teams combined, is setting its sights on earning the same reputation at the factory that produces the leading brand of whitewater kayaks.

Charleston, SC, August 22nd 2007 --- Epic is pleased to announce John Radel has been hired as General Manager. . John will manage day to day operations at Epic's Charleston headquarters including sales, marketing, customer service and flow of orders from production through shipping.

Course Challenge Surprises Athletes with Impact of Aesthetics

Denver, CO USA, August 22nd 2007 --- The acclaimed McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group’s Adventure Sports Center course hosted 2,500-3,000 spectators at this year’s US Whitewater Slalom National Championships. The natural hydraulics and appearance of the course surprised elite psalmists, many of whom have competed on the world’s most challenging courses.

All activities relating to Fluid Kayaks in the USA will be handled by the head office in South Africa with immediate effect.

South Africa, August 3rd 2007 --- Fluid Kayaks and Go Big Distribution have agreed that Go Big Distribution will not continue with the distribution of Fluid Kayaks in the USA market.

Easley, SC, July 30th 2007 --- Confluence Watersports announces the restructuring of its sales organization. The new structure features four regional sales managers who will be responsible for the sales representatives and sales activities in their respective territory and will report to Kelley Woolsey, EVP Marketing and Sales. Additionally, Patrick FitzGerald will shift back to handling international sales as VP International Sales and Marketing.

Frampton, Quebec, July 26th 2007 --- At the Summer Market Open Air Demo in Salt Lake City next month Esquif Canoes will introduce two new open canoes to their already impressive line up; the Spanish Fly and the Prelude.

Arcata CA, July 24th 2007 --- Kokatat is pleased to announce that Megan Kress and Kelly Blades will be the new sales reps for the Midwest territory. This territory has been split up into 2 sub-territories. Megan will be covering west of Lake Michigan (IA, IL, MN, and WI) and Kelly will cover east of Lake Michigan (IN, MI, OH). Suzanne Hutchinson will take over as sales rep for the New England territory (CT, MA, NH, ME, RI, and VT).

Arcata CA, July 24th 2007 --- On August 16th 2007, New Zealand’s Adventure Philosophy team members Graham Charles and Marcus Waters will embark upon another ground-breaking adventure – a 1300 kilometer ski and sea kayak journey through Greenland’s frozen wilderness.

Racine, Wis., July 11th 2007 --- Johnson Outdoors Inc. (Nasdaq: JOUT), a global leader in innovative outdoor recreational products, today announced the Company has reached a settlement agreement with Confluence Holdings Corp. that will end a long-standing intellectual property dispute between the two companies.

Southern California, June 26th 2007 --- Danuu Kayak & Canoe Covers is proud to announce the establishment of a European Distributorship in France.

The Nissan Outdoor Games assumes film festival airs as it announces the composition of the jury

Interlaken, Switzerland, June 21st 2007 --- As an established sporting event, the Nissan Outdoor Games by Columbia are anchored around the original concept of combining sporting competition and film competition. With just a few days to go before the start of the third edition of this innovative event, organisers have announced the names of those making up the jury in 2007.

McHenry, MD USA, June 5th 2007 --- The nominees for the 2007 International Whitewater Hall of Fame have been selected.

Arcata CA, May 24th 2007 --- Kokatat athletes Ruth Gordon and Dan Burke are crowned World Champions at the 2007 Freestyle Kayaking Championships, held on the Ottawa River in Canada first week of May. The competition was held at "Bus Eater" wave, which is the biggest wave the World Championships has ever been held on.

Arcata CA, May 8th 2007 --- In June of 2007, Joe O’Blenis will embark on a solo sea kayaking circumnavigation of British Columbia’s rugged Vancouver Island, an expedition of roughly 1150 kilometers (just over 700 miles). Joe will attempt to complete the fastest circumnavigation of the Island thus far by solo kayak, breaking the current record of 28 days (held by Leon Sommé). His goal for this expedition will be to complete the journey in a time of 21 days or under, a very ambitious endeavor considering the conditions he will face.

Adventure Sports Center Sets a New Standard for Engineering Design

McHenry, MD, April 27th 2007 --- The Adventure Sports Center whitewater course has delighted novice rafters and experienced paddlers alike with its ‘natural’ look and feel and the landmark features. Testing is underway at the McHenry, Maryland’s 575 acre campus for paddling, climbing, and mountain biking that will open May 25, 2007.

Record Attempt

Arcata CA, April 16th 2007 --- On May 10th, 2007 Keirron Tastagh (Isle of Man) with paddling partner Jeff Norville (US), will attempt to circumnavigate Vancouver Island in a Sea Kayaking UK ‘Triton’ double kayak. Their goal is to complete the 700 mile journey in 14 days setting a new record (present record of 28 days in a single kayak held by Leon Sommé).

The more you offer the world, the more it offers you.

Durango, CO, March 28th 2007 --- On the Road in Southern Chile – Having successfully navigated an overland journey throughout Central and South America running a converted Japanese fire truck entirely on Bio-fuels (soy, palm, fish, and pig oil) without a single drop of petroleum while pro-actively spreading alternative fuels information to local populations, the Oil + Water Project (O+WP) focuses on the near completion of Leg 1 of their tour by arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina (the Southernmost point of South America) in March 31st.

Paddlesports Industry Association applauds the collaboration between paddlesports business owners and paddlesports enthusiasts in the state as an excellent example of how working together gets things done.

Springfield, VA, March 23rd 2007 --- Paddlesports companies and paddlers in New Hampshire are breathing easier after the New Hampshire Senate voted on Thursday to defeat SB 255, the Canoe and Kayak Tax bill. The bill went down unanimously on a motion by Senator David Gottesman of Nashua. The vote deemed the bill “inexpedient to legislate.” Observers indicate that the bill was strongly opposed by the public and generated quite a bit of mail to individual senators.

A logo representing the image of the new organization was recently created.

Springfield, VA, March 19th 2007 --- The new PIA logo represents the organization's efforts to build a strong organization that fulfills our mission of improving the business of paddlesports while building participation.