KITEBOARDER JASON SLEZAK JOINS PATAGONIA’S AMBASSADOR TEAM
VENTURA, Calif. (July, 2011) ”” Patagonia Inc., a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories, is pleased to announce that professional kiteboarder Jason Slezak has formally joined the Patagonia ambassador team. After spending time together for years, Slezak and the Patagonia team have forged a relationship with shared ethos and design perspectives.
“We’ve known Jason for years he was a good friend long before we asked him to come on board as an athlete” notes Jason McCaffrey, Patagonia’s surf director, “Jason has been kiting practically since the inception of the sport and is one of the most well-rounded riders out there. Whether it’s wake style, big airs, waves or snow, he crushes it. He’s also an amazing snowboarder, wakeboarder, passionate surfer and used to be an avid whitewater kayaker. He fits into the Patagonia crew perfectly.”
Slezak will work closely with Patagonia to provide kiting-specific insight into the design of surf and water related products. Having Jason on board as part of the Ambassador team will aide the company in creating multi-sport gear perfect for kiting and matches the company’s philosophy of building authentic, long-lasting, multifunctional product.
“I am so stoked to have been chosen to be part of the Patagonia Ambassador program,” says Slezak, “The wetsuits, outerwear, travel gear and clothing are all amazing and the foundation that the company is built on has been something that I have admired for years. I could not be more proud and honored. Having the support of Patagonia, a brand that has that same DNA and is filled with like-minded people with the same outlook on life, makes me ecstatic about the future.”
Patagonia looks forward to working with Jason in incorporating both his competitive kiteboarding sensibilities and design feedback into the company’s ocean-focused product developments. Slezak joins Patagonia’s team of surfing ambassadors that includes Gerry Lopez, the Malloys, Dan Ross, Wayne Lynch, Kohl Christensen and more.
“I have always had a great time hanging, kiting, and surfing with the crew each fall when they journey to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for their annual east coast dealer camp,” finishes Slezak, “The entire crew is so passionate about having fun, sessioning each and every day and making quality products that only make those sessions better. I’m honored to officially be a part of the team.”
About Patagonia
Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. With sales last year of $414M, the company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable thorough its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products. Patagonia was featured as The Coolest Company on the Planet on Fortune Magazine’s April 2007 cover.