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Here’s a recent ad from Budweiser American Ale that appeared in the December issue of National Geographic Adventure.
We’re happy to see EJ enjoying his American Ale (and his Willis).
above, Tyler in Corsica sporting his new Greenjacket
With the large numbers of paddlers gathered in Corsica it is no wonder the locals and tourism board of Corsica took notice. This year the largest amount of kayakers were recorded paddling on the island in history. To help the cause of introducing more Corsica inhabitants of the value of kayaking tourism the National newspaper COUSE MATIN showcased a very large article in the news print. Of course I managed to claim the front cover of the paper, which impressed my mother as well as all the kayakers gathered on the island and hopefully left a kayaking imprint on Corsica.
check out more photos of Tyler’s trip on the Corsica Gallery
If you are a whitewater paddler and own an Ipod or computer then you should really check out the In Between Swims podcast. This installment dubbed “Back to the Core” features an Interview with Astral’s founder and president Philip Curry, where Philip talks about what it was like to sell Lotus to Patagonia, Coast Guard PFD certification, and the future of PFD’s. Also on this issue Immersion Research’s John Weld swims The Potomac’s Horseshoe and Shane Benedict joins from Zwick’s on the Green River to talk boofing.
Listen to the BACK TO THE CORE MP3
learn more about this podcast at the In Between Swims Homepage
or get the In Between Swims Itunes Download
If you have had the chance to paddle with the V-Eight then you will undoubtedly know the benefits of this breathable lifejacket. It greatly reduces that clammy feeling you get on a hot day of boating. On top of that its lightweight, low profile, and made from the best raw materials available. The good people of Canoe and Kayak Magazine got their hands on it for the 09 Buyer’s Guide, and selected it as “The Chosen One” for 2009 PFD’s. Here’s a preview (click image for larger photo):
For Immediate Release
Date: 11/7/08
Asheville, NC - The Astral Buoyancy Company officially announced that the new Greenjacket has been approved by the US Coast Guard. This highly anticipated whitewater rescue jacket continues Astral’s legacy of producing truly innovative and environmentally considerate buoyancy products for the core market. Originally slated for release in Spring 2008, the testing process had been extended until October when the jacket passed as a pullover entry. Today the final paperwork arrived at Astral’s Asheville, NC headquarters.
The Greenjacket is the successor to Astral’s popular Aquavest 300 and Wonderpro series, and is designed on the platform of Foam Tectonics where the front buoyancy panels are split into two parts. This separation enables the paddler to have unrestricted freedom of movement as well as the ability to customize the height of the front panel. The Greenjacket is offered in three size options, providing an excellent fit to both women and men. The Greenjacket provides increased back protection over previous models and Astral’s signature safety features like an integrated throwbag pocket and spectra safety loop.
Philip Curry, owner of Astral ecstatically commented that “November 4, 2008 will be a day we happily remember for a long time, the Coast Guard finally approved our kickass new rescue jacket, and the people of USA chose Barack Obama our next president.”
The Greenjacket is constructed without toxic PVC and carcinogenic neoprene. All excess raw materials are recycled.
For additional information on the Astral Buoyancy Company visit www.astralbuoyancy.com
MSRP $209.95
Paddler Magazine’s editorial intern Melina Coogan recently put the V-Eight under her microscope.
Check out this review of the world’s first breathable PFD: The Aerated Lifejacket
This spring Astral has had some lovin’ in a few print publications. With the release of the new V-Eight, the world’s first breathable PFD, we had a spot in the June issue of Popular Science Magazine under the “What’s New” column. We really enjoyed thumbing through this mag and reading about all the new inventions. Check out the cover featuring the “Uno,” a 40 MPH electric Unicylcle!
(Click images below to view larger size)
Next up is this years Colorado Kayak Supply catalog where we collaborated to feature the new “State of the Art” ad. It features Tyler Curtis running a really nice waterfall on the Lower Rauma River in Norway. This one came our really beautiful thanks to the photography of Mariann Saether and the graphic design skills of CKS’ Heather Gorby.
Last up our friends from Canoe and Kayak’s Whitewater Magazine featured a trip report from this fall’s SWA trip to Ecuador. Thanks to Kate Stepan for writing a really good article about the trip and to Chris Menges for providing some great photography of Darcy and Bryan sporting their Aquavest 300’s on the Rio Jondachi.
For Immediate Release
Asheville, NC
April 8th 2008
Astral Buoyancy Company begins shipment of the highly anticipated V-Eight, the world’s first breathable lifejacket. Developed for recreational and touring paddlers in warm climates, the V-Eight introduces Astral’s patent pending Airescape technology which eliminates excessive build up of body heat and perspiration. The principal components of Airescape include special contoured foam which reduces the body-to-PFD contact by 70% in combination with strategically placed vent ports which allow hot air to escape and fresh air to enter. The V-Eight also features a mesh back design making it ideal for paddling in boats with high seatbacks and facilitates airflow within the back panel, keeping your entire torso cool while paddling. “Airesecape represents a paradigm shift for the recreational PFD market.” says President and Lead Designer Philip Curry. “After 3 years of development, we are proud to bring the rec market a PFD that has a tangible performance superiority at a fair price.” The V-Eight is constructed with 100% PVC-Free Gaia and PE Foams to minimize its impact on the natural environment.
Look for the V-Eight at your local Astral dealer. MSRP $108.95
For a full product description CLICK HERE
Each year Sailing World magazine reviews different sailboats as they choose their nominees for “Boat of the Year.” This year the judging committee approached Annapolis Performance Sailing for recommendations on a good sailing jacket to wear during the testing. The jacket of choice was the Astral Norge which has proven itself on the open water.
Read the full review here:
Asheville’s Mountain Xpress recently ran a feature on Astral’s Philip Curry and his use of the Kapok fiber in PFD’s entitled The Divine Gift.
