Give them big bonafides. Big Adventures, consisting of brands Native Watercraft, Liquidlogic Kayaks and Hurricane, recently announced a merger with Bonafide Kayaks, a leader in fish kayaks. The announcement was made on October 31, 2019.
“Bringing these businesses together does so many positive things,” Big Adventures CEO Don Grigg said in a press release. “We’re confident that the collective in both people and brands will be a significant and positive force in the industry for years to come.”
Grigg will serve as the new company’s CEO as well, with Bonafide founder Luther Cifers serving as president. Longtime industry veteran Kelley Woolsey will serve as vice president of sales and marketing.
“This partnership is ideal,” said Cifers in a statement. “It not only represents seamless philosophical alignment, but also brings together a diversity of strengths that will make this new business even stronger than the sum of its parts. Native and Bonafide are both known for offering unique and compelling products, and this merger allows us to combine our strengths, while building on the distinctiveness of each brand to develop industry leading product technologies that enhance the kayak fishing experience.”
Bonafide Kayaks was founded in 2017, quickly becoming a leader in the fish kayak and rec market. Big Adventures operates Native Watercraft, Liquidlogic, and Hurricane Aquasports.