Flotation and a free membership. Not a bad combo. MTI and the American Canoe Association have teamed up to promote paddler education and on-water networking by offering a free one-year membership to the ACA when a consumer buys any MTI life jacket.
The “Partners for Safe Paddling” program was tested on one recreational highback model in 2014, and rolled out on all models for Spring 2015. Details about the free one-year membership is outlined on a postcard attached next to the Think Safe booklet.
Purchasers can either register online or mail the postcard to the ACA. The Postcard also includes a QR code that leads to the new Paddle Ready app. A free download on the App Store or Google Play, the ACA Paddle Ready app allows users to get real-time environmental information for various paddling venues, fill out a float plan and easily send it to friends, search for ACA instructors and courses, and have important safety and rescue information at their fingertips.
“Programs like the free membership offer with MTI and the Paddle Ready app empower individuals to take responsibility for their safety on the water, build their paddling knowledge, and have more fun,” sayss Chris Stec, COO of the ACA.
FOR MTI, it’s a simple matter of getting more people involved in the sport. “We want people who buy a new life jacket to become more invested in the sport,” says Lili Colby, Chief PFDiva at MTI. “If someone can learn new paddling skills or connect with a local paddling group, we feel that their purchase will lead to more than just one weekend’s use. That’s good for all product segments in paddlesports, not just for life jackets.”
MTI Adventurewear was recognized by the ACA in 2014 with the J. Henry Ruston Award, presented annually to an organization or other group for outstanding achievements in advancing paddlesport and the mission of the ACA. They are based in Plympton, MA, and will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2016.
Info: www.mtiadventurewear.com
