Returning to its whitewater roots, footwear brand Teva has signed multiple World Freestyle Kayak Champion Dane Jackson as an official team athletes.
“We are excited to welcome @danejacksonkayak to the Teva team” writes the brand in its announcement. “Easily recognizable from his signature pink kayak, Dane is a whitewater kayaker, photographer, and videographer. You can find him always in search of the best whitewater and waterfalls this world has to offer. Swipe to get a glimpse of Dane in his element and the adventures we are looking forward to being a part of.”
For his part, Jackson (though he doesn’t swim much, and therefore likely won’t be testing the sandals’ stay-on-ability too often) is similarly excited about the footwear partnership. “I’m stoked to start my partnership with an amazing brand that is rooted on the water and continues to pursue the best for those that live their lives for adventure like myself,” says Jackson of the alliance.
The signing also didn’t go unnoticed by others in the industry, glad to see Teva re-commit to its whitewater origins.
“Welcome back to kayaking @teva. Whoever recognized it was a good idea to get back your roots deserves a raise,” commented expedition paddler Scott Lindgren of the announcement.
“Excited to have Teva back in the mix,” added filmmaker Rush Sturgess, who counted Teva among his many sponsors for both expeditions and films.
The original sport sandal emerged from the shores of the Grand Canyon back in 1984 when, tired of sandals getting lost to the river, river guide Mark Thatcher strapped two Velcro watchbands to a pair of old flip-flops. Like that, Teva was born, now growing from its river-running roots into a complete footwear brand across all lifestyles. Showing its ongoing effort toward sustainability, in 2020, it transitioned 100% of its straps to traceable verifiable recycled plastic using REPREVE® yarn.
Sponsored by REdBull, Jackson Kayaks, Kokatat, and more, Jackson, 31, dominated nearly every junior world title early on in his career and by 2011 he’d started winning pro-level contests, including the Whitewater Grand Prix and the IFC Freestyle World Championships, distinguishing himself as more than just his father’s son. Launcheing first descents of waterfalls in Mexico and beyond, he has racked up more than 80 first-place finishes in freestyle kayaking competitions and has explored rivers in Chile, Zambia, Mexico, Canada and other countries around the world. He also become the first athlete to complete the famed Green River Race in under 4 minutes – a milestone moment in his sport which he achieved in 2022.View post announcement here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF0LOodNXU_/?igsh=Ynd6eGliY2ZkMTZt&img_index=4