Dagger 2011 Sponsorships Support Great Causes and Important Industry Events

June 15, 2011 - PRLog -- EASLEY, S.C. – Dagger is proud to sponsor a wide range of events, organizations, expeditions and projects in 2011. As a brand and a collective of individuals, Dagger encourages paddlers to define adventure in their own unique way.  The diverse list of sponsorships represents a multitude of such “definitions,” played out at the most inspiring levels.

“There’s a paddling experience waiting out there for everyone, and Dagger is on a mission to help people discover it,” said Cheri McKenzie, Chief Marketing Officer of Confluence Watersports, parent company to Dagger. “We are inspired by the world class athletes who expand the boundaries of the sport, and we celebrate the thousands of boaters whose paddling aspirations are fulfilled on Class II-III day runs. Above all else, Dagger boats and Dagger philosophies support individual expression of what can be done on moving water. We’re proud to collaborate with a wide range of groups that do just that.”

Dagger Sponsorships for 2011:

Events:
•   Teva Mountain Games (June 2-5, 2011). Dagger is the “Official Kayak of the Teva Mountain Games” in Vail, Colo. Just completing its 10th year, the Teva Mountain Games are the nation’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and mountain culture. Four kayaking events mean boaters from Class II competency to pro have a chance to compete.  Dagger awarded Mamba Creekers to Ultimate Mountain Challenge winners and raffled off a Nomad and other prize packages to benefit First Descents.
•   Outside In Aspen (June 10-12, 2011). Now entering its second year, Outside in Aspen welcomes everyone to enjoy a variety of activities, led by elite athletes. The Dagger booth at the Outside Magazine Adventure Basecamp in downtown Aspen was a popular destination.  Demos and lessons were provided by Team Dagger athlete Brad Ludden and Lead Designer Mark “Snowy” Robertson.  Both also led guided runs down the beautiful Roaring Fork River.
Organizations:
•   American Whitewater. Dagger is a “Class III” Level Sponsor for 2011. Dagger is supporting the organization and donating five boats to American Whitewater fundraisers. The efforts of American Whitewater benefit everyone who loves moving water. Be sure to stop by Dagger booths at Deerfield River Fest (July 30, 2011, in Charlemont, Mass.) and Gauley Fest (Sept. 16-18, 2011, in Summersville, W.Va.).
•   First Descents. Dagger is providing three boats to this extraordinary non-profit that hopes to improve the lives of young adults with cancer, through whitewater paddling and other outdoor adventures. Help support the mission (and possibly win a Dagger kayak) by attending one of First Descents’ annual fundraising events.
•   Girls at Play. Founded by Dagger Team Athlete Anna Levesque, Girls at Play encourages women of all ages to get out on the water. Through kayaking, yoga and camaraderie, Girls at Play is a positive force for movement. Dagger supports the organization and lends kayaks for the Girls at Play fleet.
Expeditions and Films:
•   Frontier, a film by River Roots. Team Dagger athlete Rush Sturges and his crew at River Roots piled up awards and stoke for their 2010 film “Dream Result.” Their new film, already hitting the festival circuit, is sure to do the same. Filmed in five different countries, “Frontier” documents wicked drops and gorgeous waves. Dagger is on board to make sure the exploration and the inspiration never end.
•   EP Films / Epicocity. The Epicocity team, led by Team Wave Sport athlete Trip Jennings and Team Dagger athlete Andy Maser, is well known for its work that blends activism and expedition kayaking. Its upcoming projects are centered on an imminent dam removal on the Elwha River and a hopeful dam removal on the White Salmon River, both in Washington. Collaborating with American Whitewater and American Rivers, EP Films will create a trio of films celebrating free-flowing rivers.
Athletes:
•   Team Dagger. No conversation of Dagger sponsorship is complete without a nod to the individuals who are central to the success and passion of the company. Dagger proudly boasts that its boats are “team approved.” The Dagger team is not only critical to boat design and testing, the members also serve a touchstone for inspiration and a spark to continually push for excellence on water and off.

Check out the "Community" page at www.dagger.com for up-to-date info on all of the events and groups listed above. Also keep up via the Dagger blog and Facebook.

About Dagger:
Dagger doesn’t believe in going part way, or giving “just enough.” In the world of paddling, Dagger is all in, and has been since 1988. From recreational kayaks for slow-moving water to whitewater boats for Class V creeking - and everything in between - Dagger makes a top quality kayak for every type of paddling and every type of water. Located in Easley, S.C., alongside its sister brands under the Confluence name, Dagger represents the relentless pursuit of fun. From the mountains to the sea, the soul of Dagger is in the water. If this sounds like you, join the Dagger Community and check out the kayaks at www.dagger.com.

Dagger · Wilderness Systems · Perception · Wave Sport · Mad River Canoe · Bombe