Confluence Outdoor will have a big presence at the GoPro Mountain Games this weekend in Vail, CO. Its whitewater kayak brands Dagger and Wave Sport will serve as the kayak sponsors at this year’s Games, while its Bomber Gear apparel and Adventure Technology paddles brand will be exhibiting.


 

Held June 5-8, 2014, the 12th annual Mountain Games features seven kayak, raft and SUP events, hosting competing paddlers from beginner to pro. Known as North America’s biggest celebration of adventure sports, music, and the mountain lifestyle, the Games also includes biking, climbing and fishing competitions, gear demos and musical performances. With Gore Creek, Homestake Creek, Eagle River, the Colorado River, and the Vail Whitewater Park all right in its backyard, Vail is the perfect venue for this large-scale whitewater event.

 

 

Celebrating everything that’s great about being on the water, Dagger kayaks will present the Steep Creek Championship, the 8-Ball Kayak Sprint and the Down River Sprint competitions, while Wave Sport kayaks, the core brand for whitewater paddlers, will present the Kayak Freestyle competition.

 


“While the Mountain Games is certainly a premier sporting event, it is also an effective platform to introduce people to the world of adventure sports, including kayaking and SUP, in a fun, exciting and interactive way,” said Jessica Prescott, marketing manager for Dagger, Wave Sport and Bomber Gear. “Confluence Outdoor is dedicated to pushing the limits of our sports and connecting new people with the outdoors and the water, so our continued brand involvement in this event feels like a perfect match. We are excited about an action-packed week in Vail and look forward to seeing everyone on the water!”


 


GoPro Mountain Games whitewater events



  • Steep Creek Championship – In 2003, the Mountain Games took Homestake Creek nationwide as some of the world's best paddlers huck down drops like “Leap of Faith” and “Piece of S**t.” Race rules are simple, the fastest time to the finish line of the one-fourth mile creek wins.
  • Kayak Freestyle – Each kayaker has a timed run to show his or her best freestyle moves in an attempt to impress the judges and the crowd for the highest combined score. Each competitor will have one minute to use their skills and athleticism in the park to try and score the most points possible.
  • 8 Ball Kayak Sprint – After a floating start at the Covered Bridge, as many as ten kayakers will push, shove and jostle their way through a 200 meter sprint in the narrow confines of Gore Creek. Along the way, boaters must avoid being knocked off by the 8 Ballers- loathsome kayakers in full body armor waiting patiently to attack the sprinters and slow them down throughout the course.
  • Down River Sprint – A grueling four-mile class II-III paddle from East Vail to the Covered Bridge in Vail Village. With a rally race format, kayakers drop at timed intervals racing against the clock, fastest time wins.

Attendees can also stop by the “Gear Town” demo area to check out the latest in kayaks, paddle technology, apparel and outerwear, and enter to win a paddle from Adventure Technology and a Blitz Splash Top from Bomber Gear. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit First Descents.


Confluence Outdoor, which is based in Greenville, SC,  also owns the Wilderness Systems and Perception kayak brands, Mad River Canoe and Harmony paddlesports accessories. W