January 17, 2011 – (Portland, Oregon, USA, and London, England) – Hi-Tec Sports, a leading outdoor footwear and apparel brand, today announced it is petitioning the International Olympic Committee to have “Liquid Mountaineering” officially recognized as an Olympic sport and considered for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
In 2010, Hi-Tec brought to the world’s attention the thrilling new sport of Liquid Mountaineering. The sport achieves what man has tried to do for centuries: walk, or more precisely, run on water.
“Liquid Mountaineering is a dangerous, competitive new sport for the elite athlete with extensive training in the craft. It’s thrilling to watch, as more than 8 million viewers have already discovered on YouTube,” said Erika Bruhn, Marketing Director, North America for Hi-Tec Sports. “Liquid Mountaineering is a new sport that requires running very fast on the water, hitting the water on a slight curve, and skimming on the water like a rock, with the first step being critical. It takes much more skill than many current competitive sports.”
For nearly a year, Liquid Mountaineering has caused a global ripple effect in online media, such as Facebook and YouTube, with more than 8,350,000 views on YouTube alone. The sport was championed in Europe by Ulf Gartner and brought to prominence by a team of elite athletes including Miguel Delfortrie, Sebastian Vanderwerf, and is now being enjoyed in competitions in North and South America and the Asia-Pacific.
Hi-Tec will be at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market tradeshow in Salt Lake City, Utah, January 20-23, 2011, collecting signatures for the historical petition and to encourage the first group of adventure activists to get involved.
Hi-Tec also announced it is creating a digital petition on facebook.com/HiTecUSA for people to sign and show their support for the sport in 2012. All of those who sign the petition will be entered to win Liquid Mountaineering gear and Hi-Tec prizes.
The first 200 people who show their support at Outdoor Retailer will receive a Liquid Mountaineering starter kit that includes a water bottle and sticker and will be entered to win the official USLMT (Hi-Tec Liquid Mountaineering Team) uniform: a Hi-Tec Men’s Roaring River Softshell Jacket or Women’s Hanks Canyon Down Vest, complete with an official Liquid Mountaineering badge. Drawings will take place daily at the Hi-Tec booth #32119 and a total of eight prizes will be awarded. Winners will be notified at the Hi-Tec booth #32119 and via email.
For more information about Liquid Mountaineering, visit www.facebook.com/HiTecUSA.
About Hi-Tec Sports
Founded in 1974 by company Chairman Frank van Wezel, and with annual sales exceeding $250 million, Hi-Tec created the lightweight hiking category with the introduction of the Sierra Sneaker and Sierra Lite hiking boot. Today, Hi-Tec remains true to its heritage, offering technical footwear and apparel for outdoor adventure. With over three decades of product and performance technology innovation, Hi-Tec is committed to making rugged, durable products for work, trails and life, authentically inspired by the real outdoor experience.
Hi-Tec Sports USA is a subsidiary of Hi-Tec Sports, PLC, London, England. Hi-Tec products are sold in over 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.hi-tec.com and follow us on facebook.com/hitecusa and twitter/hitecusa.
Boulder, CO – July 21, 2010 – The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will host a new addition, the Mountain Biking Hub, in the Endurance Zone at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, to be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Aug. 3-6.
“This new show feature will help dealers discover pathways to connect with customers interested in cycling and tap into partnerships with the brands, outfitters and destinations that provide great mountain biking experiences,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer show director. “IMBA has been a partner at the show for some years, and we’re glad to host this exciting addition to the Endurance Zone.”
Located alongside Runner’s World Magazine in the Endurance Zone, the Mountain Bike Hub will showcase partnership opportunities available to retailers, brands and mountain biking tourism destinations. Attendees can learn about emerging and established mountain bike destinations, sustainable trail design and mountain bike management practices. They will have the opportunity to check out the latest in cycling technology, with bikes and equipment provided by Specialized and Trek. IMBA leadership will also be on hand, representing 20+ years experience in the cycling and outdoor industries, to field questions and explore partnerships.
Retailers can register to win a trip to Moab, sponsored by Western Spirit, and IMBA cycling jerseys when they stop by the Mountain Biking Hub.
“IMBA has successfully partnered with diverse players in the outdoor recreation field,” said Rich Cook, IMBA’s director of development. “Giving back to trails and developing riding destinations is central to IMBA’s work. We look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our connection with OR attendees.”
Research shows that the majority of mountain bikers in the US also participate in camping, hiking and trail running. Mountain bikers also volunteer close to one million hours of service annually to public lands. In research by the Outdoor Foundation, mountain biking has been identified as one of the top “gateway” activities that introduce youth to a spectrum of outdoor activities.
“There are significant opportunities for retailers, brands and riding destinations to cross promote each other’s work,” said Cook. “Cycling is growing, and it’s part of the solution to many issues that face us in the industry, such as fighting obesity, building the next generation of environmental stewards and getting youth active in the outdoors.”
For more information about the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010 features, please visit www.outdoorretailer.com. For more information about joining IMBA, please visit www.imba.com
About the International Mountain Bicycling Association
The International Mountain Bicycling Association is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 35,000 individual members, more than 750 bicycle clubs, more than 160 corporate partners and about 600 bicycle retailers. IMBA’s members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries. IMBA’s headquarters in the United States are located in Boulder, Colorado.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer (OR), produced by Nielsen Business Media of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., is a full-service trade show company that creates, markets and produces high-quality expos and educational conferences. OR is the leading outdoor industry business-to-business event management company, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation. Now celebrating more than 25 years of successful events, Outdoor Retailer (www.outdoorretailer.com) gathers approximately 40,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for its Winter and Summer Market shows.
Preview the future of the outdoor industry at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which will bring the best of spring/summer product offerings to Salt Lake City, Utah at the Open Air Demo from August 2, 2010 and the trade show from August 3-6, 2010.
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A group of us went on a fishing and hunting trip to Alaska – we packed in all of our supplies as the float plane dropped us off on the tidal flats of Kadake Bay about two miles from the cabin. About 500 yards away from the cabin was the main artery river lined with bear tracks, rotting, half-eaten salmon and other indescribable stuff. We dipped our buckets and hefted them across the tall grass, over rocks and up the steep incline to the cabin. That is when we pulled out the MIOX. We continued this routine twice a day for four days – until I discovered the spring right behind the cabin on day 5. Did the MIOX work? Absolutely! No one got sick from drinking the crazy germ infested water from the main river. I will always have one of these water filters with me whenever I am camping. We would also recommend having one of these in your 72 hour kit! Be prepared with this MIOX.
If you want large forearm muscles buy a pump water filter – I already have big forearms and prefer the gym for my work outs, that is why I own the MSR MIOX.
]]>The North Face Men’s Varius Guide Jacket is the perfect coat for the upcoming ski season. After researching and trying on and testing several jackets and options, this is the coat that I have purchased for the 2008-2009 ski season. The jacket is a perfect shell with light insulation. I was tempted to get the 3-in-one North Face or even the more insulated Varius guide, but found that this jacket is perfect. True to size fit and not a ton of bulk. It features the North Face HyVent Technology offering wind resistance, breathable and is waterproof.
The Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 3 person Tent has been redesigned with Atlas Scandium SL poles, the Light Wedge 3 offers over 44 square feet of living area for three adults–and that doesn’t include the vestibule space for packs and other gear. Mountain Hardwear recently revised this backpacking tent, reinforcing the pole design with Atlas Scandium SL, a hard alloy built to withstand over 109,000-psi of intense pressure. This enhanced strength allows for thinner pole walls that reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The Light Wedge 3 has a full-size mesh, D-shaped door and two top vents plus a rear window for 4×4 venting on muggy summer nights. The outer fly has a non-yellowing window made from UV-resistant and tear proof UVX film, a proprietary clear material that’s been tested at 27,000 feet and resists clouding like PVC or plastic film. It even stays flexible all the way down to -66 F, not that we’re saying that you should use this durable, three-season tent in those frozen conditions. The durable brow pole over the vestibule adds strength while increasing headroom above the single D-shaped door. Large pockets along the walls and suspended webbing loops help keep your gear in order. This is a great buy for what you get. Buy the Light Wedge 3 Tent
In fact the shoe made the list for the top ‘light-duty” shoe for 2008. The Soft shell upper has no seams for a smooth, no-chafe fit “S3″ for shock, suspension, stability exterior Heel Support Structure is engineered to support the foot on impact, dissipating shock and reducing the chance of ankle twisting. Tri-density anatomical footbed supports the unique structure of your feet Midsole protection plate Specifications:
Upper: Synthetic Outsole: Rubber Lining: Nylon
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz
Cost: $100
]]>1. Grease up. Reduce the friction by applying antiperspirant, anti-fungal power or a skin lubricant such as Sportslick, BodyGlide, or Hydropel before you hike. Reapply every few hours on the trail.
2. Ventilate. Wear the most breathable footwear appropriate for the conditions.
3. Keep them dry. If your feet perspire heavily, remove your boots and socks during rest breaks, apply more anti-fungal powder, and let them air out!
4. Rotate socks. Thats right, pack an extra pair of socks. Change your socks at lunch – or whenever they get soaked-and dry sweaty ones with body heat (in your jacket or pocket) or by hanging them from your pack as you hike.
5. Act early. As soon as you feel a hot spot developing, wrap or cover it with duct tape or moleskin (use tincture of benzoin with the latter to improve stickiness.)
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