More details to come shortly, but check out our new hull graphics design contest going on this month at Core 77!

Wave Sport Kayak Hull Trip-Tech Contest

Wave Sport has partnered with Core77 to create a new generation of boat graphics for their Fuse 56 river running / freestyle kayak. The Top 5 designs will be displayed at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show in Salt Lake City in July 2009. Winners will also receive a kayak with their own design.

Wave Sport Team member Tyler Curtis isn’t waiting around for Spring to get ready for the whitewater season. He sends us the note below.

Question - What are YOU doing to get ready? Drop us a comment.

Waiting for Water

It is the time of year when paddlers are starting to crave the melt and see water flowing in the rivers instead of ice. We are only a short few weeks away from paddle season in Canada and time is never to be wasted. In order to stay mentally sane and keep fit for the paddling season I have been spending a few days shredding the slopes before the snow turns to water!

I know it is not paddling but the fact we can use the snow before it slowly turns to water to give us play in the rivers is actually quite amazing.

Here are a few pics to check out.. guess where they are taken???

- Tyler Curtis

From April 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009, Wave Sport (a Confluence Watersports brand) will roll out a brand new program designed to support local organizations, introduce more people to paddling and establish a platform for a long-term sustainability initiative. The program is called “Paddle It Forward.”"Paddle It Forward” is a simple concept in which everyone gives a little, and receives a lot. Donate your used hard-shell kayak or canoe to any 501(c)(3), outdoor or environmental educational organization and bring the proof of donation to a participating Confluence dealer. With this proof of donation, you will receive nearly 20-percent off the cost of a new kayak or canoe.

Participating local retailers will give an immediate 10-percent discount off the price of a new Wilderness Systems, Dagger, Perception or Wave Sport kayak, or a Mad River Canoe. A mail-in rebate to Confluence will garner an additional, manufacturer-sponsored, 10-percent discount off the net purchase price.

“‘This program engages the whole paddling community in supporting local charities and schools that may otherwise be seeing a dip in donations right now,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “It offers us a unique opportunity to support the re-use of boats and directly influence the growth of the sport at the local level. We’re very excited for the community-wide charitable potential; and we also believe consumers and our dealer partners will benefit. It as a winning proposition for everyone.”

Confluence has an unyielding commitment to encouraging a sustainable participation in all forms of paddling. “Paddle It Forward” can be a major proponent for this initiative, all while supporting the charitable efforts of local and regional not-for-profits.

To participate in the “Paddle It Forward” program, please contact your local specialty retailer.

Wave Sport proudly sponsors the National Paddle Film Festival coming this February in Frankfort Kentucky. Be sure to check it out. Awesome images and for a great cause. Details below.

• Event Description

The NPFF is here, and we’ve got a big one for you this year!

For 25 years, the NPFF, along with American Whitewater, has raised thousands of dollars for river conservation efforts. The NPFF is an all-volunteer organization – all money raised goes to organizations such as AW, the Green River Access Fund, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and many more, and to continuing the Festival for the next year.

For NPFF 2008, we’ve moved to the Clubhouse at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY. With over 5,000 square feet available to us inside, and a full wraparound covered porch, there’s more than ample room. There is also ample parking for Festival attendees.

We’ve got hours and hours of film for you to watch. This year has seen a strong showing in the Accomplished and Professional categories, and, as always, some really good Amateur films.

Last year’s Guest Host John Grace from Lunch Video Magazine will be returning this year for an LVM Premier.

NPFF- National Paddle Film Festival Feb 20th-21st
Place - Buffalo Trace Distillery
1001 Wilkinson Boulevard
Franklin County, Kentucky 40601
Website- http://www.surfky-bwa.org/NPFF/