2017 Pacific Paddle Games Presented By Salt Life Partnering With Sustainable Surf To Designate The Competition A Deep Blue Event

DANA POINT, Calif. (September 20, 2017) – The 2017 Pacific Paddle Games presented by Salt Life announced a partnership with Sustainable Surf to be designated a Deep Blue Event. Deep Blue Events address impacts associated with waste, energy, local community, climate change and transport. With the support of key Deep Blue sustainability partners Harmless Harvest, Earth Technologies and Raw Elements, the 2017 Pacific Paddle Games will be the first paddle event in the U.S. to earn this distinction.

“We couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Sustainable Surf to make PPG2017 a designated Deep Blue Event,” said Christian Thomas, Experiential Events Director at The Enthusiast Network. “The minimization of the PPG’s impact on the environment is a top priority, and it is crucial to have the support of Sustainable Surf to help guide important operational decisions as they relate to achieving that goal.” 

Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell added, “Salt Life is glad to see the addition of the Deep Blue team to this year’s Pacific Paddle Games. We work hard with various conservation groups in the U.S. and abroad annually. Whether it is a beach clean up, reef protection or promoting awareness and education, conservancy is a backbone of our mission statement. We love the 'Salt Life' and work hard to help preserve nature’s treasure.” 

To be designated a Deep Blue Event, the Pacific Paddle Games developed a comprehensive sustainability strategy from pre-event to post-event, including onsite solar energy generation, eliminating plastic straws and providing recycling bins and water refill stations. During the event, Sustainable Surf will host a “Deep Blue Zone” that will feature ECOBOARDS from Starboard, Infinity, NSP, Surftech and Earth Technologies, as well as demonstrations of the latest innovations in sustainable SUP board production and disposal.

“We are stoked to partner with the Pacific Paddle Games, making them the first paddle event to go Deep Blue in the U.S.,” said Brett Giddings, program manager of Sustainable Surf. “We hope that this event will be a catalyst for a shift to more sustainable practices in the paddling community as a whole. In addition to helping The PPG to reduce its environmental impact, being a partner at the event allows us to connect with attendees, athletes and brands to spread the message about how we can work together to protect our 'ocean playground' by living a 'Deep Blue Life.’”

The 2017 Pacific Paddle Games presented by Salt Life will take place September 30 through October 1 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. Follow @supthemag and stay tuned to www.ppg.supthemag.com for more information and updates. #PPG2017  

Thanks to Deep Blue Event sponsors Harmless Harvest, Earth Technologies and Raw Elements.

Thanks to PPG2017 event supporting sponsors Nexen Tire, Croakies, California State Parks, Chronic Tacos, Maui Jim, Ford, Kona Brewing Co, Quest Nutrition, and Victory KoreDry.  

About Sustainable Surf:

Sustainable Surf is a California-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on transforming surf culture into a powerful force for protecting the ocean playground. The organization works with partners and ambassadors to re-invent the surfing life as a sustainable lifestyle choice. They take an integrated “systems thinking” approach with their innovative programs and campaigns, which engage both individuals and businesses together in partnership to solve the most pressing environmental issues facing our oceans – See more at: http://www.sustainablesurf.org  

About Salt Life:  

Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the “Salt Life”. Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says, “I live the Salt Life”. From its first merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown to more than $30 million in annual sales, with distribution in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and sporting goods retailers. 

Salt Life, LLC is operated as an operating subsidiary of Delta Apparel, Inc., where it has been managed since 2011. The flagship Salt Life retail store, which opened in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 2012, serves as a vision for retail customers to see product placements they can utilize in their stores and across multiple platforms. Salt Life's corporate office is located in Columbus, GA and their distribution center was recently relocated to Fayetteville, NC. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. (http://www.saltlife.com/athletes/)   

About SUP magazine: 

SUP magazine is part of The Enthusiast Network (TEN) and is the leading multi-media publication in the standup paddling world. With a progressive and approachable style, SUP strives to get readers out on the water, no matter what type of paddler they are. By blending engaging print and destination features, gear coverage and in-depth instructional pieces with in-house video and event coverage on SUPthemag.com, as well as executing the biggest events in the sport, SUP magazine gives readers the most comprehensive view of the sport in the industry, all while getting them out paddling. For more information, please visit SUPthemag.com.  

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network: 

TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world’s premier transmedia network of enthusiast brands, such as MOTOR TREND, AUTOMOBILE, HOT ROD, SURFER, TRANSWORLD SKATEBOARDING, and GRINDTV. With more than 60 websites, 50 publications, 50 annual events, the Motor Trend OnDemand subscription video-on-demand service, as well as the world’s largest automotive and action/adventure sports media platforms, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit enthusiastnetwork.com

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