Outdoor Retailer, the bi-annual industry gathering of the $46 billion outdoor industry, announces the annual Open Air Demo, Aug. 6-7, 2008, where buyers and media can try next year’s outdoor equipment first hand.


Categories represented include paddling, trail running, climbing, GPS navigation, sunglasses, footwear, and now climbing.  Taking place during the two days before Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, where product will officially be unveiled, the Open Air Demo is being held at a new location within the Pineview Reservoir (Port Ramp Property) in Eden, Utah, convenient to downtown Salt Lake City.

“The Open Air Demo gives decision makers a hands-on experience with next year’s offerings,” said Kenji Haroutunian, show director of Outdoor Retailer. “We are so excited to bring the added elements of Whitewater and Rock Climbing to the demo; buyers can climb, get out in a kayak, try trail running gear or put a GPS device to the test. Having this first-hand experience gives them the knowledge they need to make their visit to the show more efficient and informed.” 


New for this year, the Wasatch Whitewater Chute-Out event provides the paddlesports industry with an opportunity to showcase product in a true whitewater environment.  The Chute-Out is being held Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 10 a.m. to noon on the Ogden River, down river from the Open Air Demo at Pineview Reservoir. The format is a cross between a drag race and a “demolition derby on water.”  Kayakers will paddle down a Class III+ rapid, where along the way, sponsored athletes will lie in wait to create obstacles. The competition is open to strong paddlers, as well as professionals and qualified media. To get details on the first ever Wasatch Whitewater Chute-Out go to www.outdoorretailer.com or email lee@brandamp.com.


Professional alpinist, Jeff Lowe and Ogden Climbing Parks, in cooperation with Snowbasin Mountain Guides, will conduct Rock Climbing Clinics on Wednesday, August 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Thursday, August 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Climbers of all levels will be shuttled from the Pineview parking area to Snowbasin, where they will ride the gondola up to the Needles Lodge to participate in four moderate pitches of high country quartzite slabs.  Each pitch will be top-belayed by one of Ogden Climbing Parks’ certified guides; all gear will be provided by Ogden Climbing Parks.  More information on climbing at OAD can be found at www.outdoorretailer.com.


The Magellan® GPS Treasure Hunt will take place both days of the Open Air Demo.  Attendees can use the latest Magellan GPS units or bring their own to participate in geocaching to search for specific sites and collect a ticket from each site. The more tickets the participant collects, the bigger his/her prize. 


The SkirtChaser Trail Run 2008, hosted By Vasque® and SkirtSports®
will take place at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, August 6, 2008.  It is modeled after the National SkirtChaser Tour, where women will start first and men “SkirtChasers” start three minutes later. Guest pro-athletes will lead the adventure, including Ironman champions Nicole and Tim DeBoom. A “Queen of the Skirts” and a “King of the SkirtChasers” will be crowned at the end of the event. 


Open Air Demo hours are Wednesday, August 6, from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 7, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Shuttle transportation to and from the Open Air Demo is available and is strongly recommended.  Attendees can also take Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX to the Salt Lake Station and catch the new FrontRunner train to Ogden (www.rideuta.com). Transportation is free with an OR badge. There will also be Open Air Demo shuttles picking up and dropping off at the Ogden station continuously throughout both demo days.