NRS, the manufacturer and distributor of paddling gear and inflatable watercrafts, has agreed to acquire WRSI safety helmets. Plans to bring the WRSI product footprint to additional dealers throughout the NRS network means the paddling community will benefit from wider availability of the multi-patented safety helmets.
“NRS has been following the WRSI mission since Gil Turner first envisioned and then pioneered a safer, better helmet for the paddling industry. After years of engineering and testing, a new industry standard for impact and anti-rotational safety was introduced into the market,” states Bryan Dingel, NRS vice president. “NRS was one of the original supporters of the new helmet company and we’re excited to now have a larger role in WRSI’s future growth and expansion.”
WRSI has positioned itself as a leading helmet with unmatched safety and design construction, in the mid range price point category. One of WRSI’s original goals was to build the safest helmet possible, at a price point that the general public would be able to afford. This goal aligns with NRS’s current line-up, and with the company’s dealer/retailer account base. This opens doors for WRSI, which means increased distribution and availability to paddlers.
“I am proud of what WRSI has done to help change the paradigm on whitewater helmets. NRS is an ideal partner to help WRSI to continue to expand that legacy. Our customers, retailers and friends will all benefit from a more efficient supply chain and NRS's deep commitment to whitewater and river recreation,” explains Nick Turner, President at WRSI. “NRS has likely done more to make whitewater accessible and enjoyable to the public than any company in history, and WRSI is proud to be part of that legacy.”
The two companies have agreed to terms and will begin the transition at 2013 OR Summer Market.
NRS is a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance inflatable boats and SUP Boards, and of rugged, innovative gear for anyone seeking adventure on the water. Born in a college professor’s garage in 1972 as Northwest River Supplies, NRS has become a major force in the outdoor industry, inspiring and equipping countless paddlers in the U.S. and around the world.
Working with Johns Hopkins University, WRSI has developed the safest whitewater helmets on the market while making them available at prices affordable to the average paddler.
