When it comes to sponsorships, Dagger is delivering. The company’s 2014 sponsorships include events, expeditions, films and organizations that inspire adventure, support community initiatives, protect waterways, and promote kayaking at every level.
This year, it will support a diverse lineup, from exploring Arctic waters in Northern Sweden to world class whitewater competition on Idaho’s Payette.
“Our sponsorships for 2014 show a commitment to passionate, motivated paddlers of every type, from beginner kayakers getting out on the river for the first time to professionals vying for the cleanest Class V lines,” says marketing manager Jessica Prescott. “We’re proud to be partnering with organizations, events and expeditions that help communities, protect the environment, promote adventure, and encourage individuals to explore their own boundaries.”
Dagger 2014 Sponsorships:
Events
Banff Mountain Film Festival – South East – Celebrating mountain life and culture, the Banff Mountain Film Festival showcases some of the best adventure films from around the globe. The South East tour includes stops in Columbia, S.C, on March 19, Greenville, S.C., on March 21-22, Savannah, Ga., on April 2, and Athens, Ga., on April, 4. Dagger is the official kayak sponsor of the series and will be providing a Katana to be raffled off at the Greenville event.
GoPro Mountain Games (June, 5-8, 2014) – The GoPro Mountain Games, held in Vail, Colo., are the nation’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art, and mountain culture. Dagger will have a booth at Gear Town with the latest freestyle, downriver, creekboat and crossover kayaks on display, and will be raffling off a kayak over the course of the weekend. All proceeds from the raffle will support First Descents (see below).
North Fork Championships(June 12-14, 2014) – The North Fork Championships, held on the North Fork of the Payette River in Idaho, is a competition built to expose the talent of the best kayakers in the world on an amazing stretch of whitewater. Former top racers vote in applicants to ensure that only the best and most talented kayakers will compete in these challenging courses.
King of New York (July – October, 2014) – The King of New York race series is a collection of New York State’s most exciting grassroots down-river events. The point-based series builds on the tradition of pick-up racing at whitewater festivals across New York State. Points will be awarded for finishes at community organized races on the Black, Beaver, Raquette, and Moose rivers. The winner will be crowned King of New York at the Moose River Festival and will win a Dagger Green Boat.
Green Narrows Race – (November 2014). Known as the most respected, competitive steep creek race in the U.S., some of the best paddlers from around the world flock to North Carolina’s Green River Narrows to test their skills – and luck – on class V drops such as the famed Gorilla rapid. Team Dagger athlete Pat Keller placed first in 2013 and Team Dagger athletes will be competing again in the 2014 competition, which will take place the first Saturday in November. Dagger will be donating a Green Boat to the event to be raffled off among the competitors.
Organizations
Active Nature Adventures – Team Dagger athlete Jason Beakes and fitness guru Kathy Summers have teamed up to create Active Nature Adventures, specializing in integrated fitness training through kayaking and stand up paddle boarding on the Potomac River and surrounding National Parks. Launching this spring, Active Nature seeks to provide exciting and life-affirming outdoor adventures to challenge participants physically and emotionally.
American Whitewater – Dagger has long been a supporter of American Whitewater and its mission to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources. In addition to supporting American Whitewater’s efforts to protect our country’s rivers, Dagger is also donating a boat to AW fundraisers at Deerfield Fest, Feather Fest, and Gauley Fest.
First Descents – Founded by Dagger athlete Brad Ludden, First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.
Girls at Play – Founded by Team Dagger 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 strives to inspire women and enhance their lives by making these sports feel accessible, fun, and adventurous.
Team River Runner – Team River Runner, founded in 2004, works to provide healing adventures to veterans and active duty personnel who have been injured while serving our country. Dagger has engaged in a three-year partnership with TRR to support our troops and provide kayaks to the program.
Films + Expeditions
Mountain Mind Collective – Showcasing the riding skills of Pacific Northwest kayakers and Dagger athletes, Todd and Brendan Wells will release the Mountain Mind Collective webisode series running throughout the spring and summer paddling season.
Wizard’s Eye Project – Led by Team Dagger athlete Tyler Bradt, the Wizard’s Eye Expedition is a five-year journey around the globe to discover the world’s best white water and adventures. Bradt and the crew frequently release webisodes documenting their travels and adventures.
Info: www.dagger.com
