Verta Athletes Gear up for the 2010 Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race

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Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

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Kanesa Duncan

Scott Gamble

Verta Athletes Gear up for the 2010 Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race

Honolulu, Hi (July 23, 2010) As anticipation grows for the 2010 Molokai to Oahu paddleboard and standup race, Vertra Suncare paddlesports athletes are tapering down and gearing up for the thirty-two mile open-ocean course. Armed with a stock or unlimited paddleboard, athletes will navigate the Kaiwi Channel and round China Walls as they paddle their way to the finish line inside Hawaii Kai on Oahu.

This year Vertra Suncare will be supporting a talented group of elite athletes paddling in the both the prone and standup divisions.

Prone Paddlers

• Brian Rocheleau
• Jackson English
• Marc Rocheleau
• Mikey Coté
• Kanesa Duncan
• Mitch DeGeus
• Eric Abbott

SUP Paddlers

• Scott Gamble
• Riggs Napolean

“We are excited to see our athletes perform well in the channel this year,” commented Vertra’s President Bobby Higa. In the past Channels, Vertra’s athletes have performed top notch. In the 2009 channel crossing Mikey Coté crushed the stock record while winning his second straight channel title. Kanesa Duncan championed the women’s division by capturing her 7^th world title. Brian Rocheleau took 2^nd overall in the men’s unlimited paddleboard division. In the unlimited standup division Guy Pere and Scott Gamble placed 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Jackson English did not race in 2009, but in 2008 he placed 2^nd overall, and is considered a contender for the title in this years channel.

The channel conditions are looking favorable with a rising tide and strong winds predicted. The finish line will be at the bathhouse in Moanalua Bay. The front leaders will be rounding China Walls in less than five hours.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

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Guy Pere is Battle Ready!

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Contact:

Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com

Photo Guy Pere Facebook

Guy Pere is Battle Ready!

Honolulu, Hi (June 10, 2010) Vertra Suncare’s Guy Pere is battle ready for the 2010 Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii. As a celebrated Hawaiian waterman over the last decade, Pere has consistently found success in Hawaiian waters. Prior to making the switch to standup paddling, Pere was a champion prone paddler winning the prestigious Molokai to Oahu paddleboard race. As a proficient waterman, the move to standup paddling became a natural addition to his extensive repertoire of ocean activities. “I really enjoyed prone paddling, but with standup paddling evolving in Hawaii and abroad, I wanted the opportunity to try new things,” Pere commented. At the 2009 Molokai to Oahu standup race, Guy finished second overall.

This year for BOP Hawaii, Pere will be a competitive force in both the elite surf race as well as the distance race this weekend. Pere, who has paddled the “Hawaii Kai” course hundreds of times, will have local knowledge in choosing the best route for this Sundays elite distance race. Knowledge in wind and wave direction will separate the proficient paddler from the elite. “It is going to be tough competition in both race” Pere mentioned, “but you always strive to do your best and have fun!” Guy has been a tremendous and revolutionary athlete in the paddling disciplines working on perpetuating the sport with revolutionary board designs and concepts.

Be on the look out for Guy and other Vertra athletes this weekend. Swing by to Vertra and Wet Feet tent to check out the latest in Vertra Suncare products and well as talk with Vertra’s athletes.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Vertra Team Paddler Scott Gamble gears up for Battle of the Paddle Hawaii

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Contact:

Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com

Vertra Team Paddler Scott Gamble gears up for Battle of the Paddle Hawaii

Honolulu, Hi (June 10, 2010) Vertra Suncare’s team paddler Scott Gamble is geared up to do battle this weekend in the inaugural Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii Standup Paddling event. Over the weekend Gamble will compete in both elite races as well as the SUP surf team relays on Sunday afternoon. After a strong showing at the 2009 BOP in California, Gamble is excited to race on his home turf in the warm pacific waters of Waikiki.

Equipped with his new Joe Bark 12’6 SUP battle board for the elite surf race and the Bark 17’0 Molokai Unlimited SUP board design, Gamble will prove to be a competitive force in both races. “It is a special event, and I am excited Rainbow Sandals brought the race to Hawaii as well,” Gamble commented. The sports largest cash purse of $25,000 will be up for grabs over the weekend. However, for many athletes including Gamble, it’s not about the money, but rather the opportunity that Rainbow Sandals provides to race the best standup paddlers in the world at one time. The distance race will be held on the nine mile technical Hawaii Kai run. “I am looking forward to the distance race,” Gamble commented. “The elite race is exciting and hectic, but the distance race for me is a better race because that is the type of paddling that got me into standup. Picking a fast course and reading the ocean swells is what paddling is all about!” With strong winds forecasted, having home court advantage for many of the Hawaii local paddlers like Scott will be a big advantage.

Be on the look out for Scott and other Vertra athletes this weekend. Swing by to Vertra and Wet Feet tent to check out the latest in Vertra Suncare products and well as talk with Vertra’s athletes.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Danny Ching heads to Battle of the Paddle Hawaii Vertra’s

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Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com

Photo: Danny Ching Facebook

Danny Ching heads to Battle of the Paddle Hawaii Vertra’s

Honolulu, Hi (June 10, 2010) Vertra Suncare’s Danny Ching makes the trip across the Pacific once again to test his skill and ability in the Hawaiian Waters. This time he will be leaving the outrigger canoe on the beach and grabbing his 12’6 404 standup paddleboard for the elite surf race and paddling a Naish unlimited standup board for the distance race This coming Saturday and Sunday marks the inaugural event of the Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle event being held in Waikiki. After a successful showing at the 2009 BOP California winning the elite distance race, Ching is looking to continue his success here in Hawaii.

Placing second a few weeks ago at the OluKai Footwear Festival in the SUP unlimited division, Danny is considered to be amongst the favorites in this years BOP Hawaii. Ching who trained the majority of the season on the OC1, has been mixing in some SUP training over the last few months, taking first place at the Hobie Hennessey’s SUP race in Doheny last weekend. “I am excited to come out and race in Hawaii again. The culture, the people, the event, all make for a fun weekend,” Ching commented. Danny will compete in both the 12’6 elite surf race on Saturday as well as the elite distance race on Sunday. “The elite surf race is more exciting and it’s the one everyone wants to win,” Ching mentioned. Athletes need to be versatile in distance endurance as well as wave skill in order to be successful in both of the events.

Be on the look out for Danny and other Vertra athletes this weekend. Swing by to Vertra and Wet Feet tent to check out the latest in Vertra Suncare products and well as talk with Vertra’s athletes.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Vertra Sunscreen’s Paddlers Ready Themselves for Battle of the Paddle Hawaii

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Contact:

Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com

Vertra Sunscreen’s Paddlers Ready Themselves for Battle of the Paddle Hawaii

Honolulu, Hi (June 10, 2010) The inaugural Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii takes place this Saturday and Sunday in Waikiki. Top standup paddlers from around the globe arrive in Honolulu this week, to compete for the sports largest cash purse of $25,000. Amongst these athletes is Vertra’s standup paddling team.

Vertra Suncare’s paddling team that will be represented at this years Battle of the Paddle:

Hawaii Team:

Scott Gamble

Kai Lenny

Guy Pere

Mikey Coté

California Team:

Danny Ching (BOP Distance Champion 2009)

Matt Becker

John Becker

The elite paddlers will have three racing opportunities this weekend to take home top honors at this years Battle of the Battle. On Saturday the Ka Heihei Kulani (elite) 12’6 standup surf race will run on Duke Kahanamoku Beach in front of Fort DeRussy. This will be a challenging and spectator friendly surf course. On Sunday athletes will race the Ka Ala Kai Loa distance standup race. The start will be in Moanalua Bay, Hawaii Kai and will end nine miles down the coast at Fort DeRussy. Characteristic to the “Hawaii Kai” paddling course, strong winds will make this a technical but fast course for paddlers. Later that afternoon, the SUP surf team relays will take to the beach in front of Fort DeRussy.

Make time to swing by the Wet Feet tent at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday. Meet the Vertra team and view the full range of suncare products at the Wet Feet tent.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Lauren Bartlett is back in the Kaiwi Channel...Again!

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Contact:

Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

wailupeabbott@gmail.com

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com

Lauren Bartlett is back in the Kaiwi Channel…Again!

Image by Stephanie Brown

Honolulu Hi, May 13^th, 2010- The 34^th annual Molokai to Oahu surfski channel crossing is set for this Sunday, May 16^th. The history of this channel dates back to one paddler crossing the channel in 1976, to over a hundred competitors in the 2009 EPIC championships. Vertra Sunscreen’s Lauren Bartlett one of the most decorated Hawaiian paddlers, is back in the channel again for this years crossing paddling on an EPIC V10L surfski.

Lauren Bartlett is about to call the Kaiwi channel her new home. This will be Bartlett’s third channel crossing in four weeks. After winning the 2010 Molokai to Oahu OC1 world champions in late March, and the Kaiwi Channel OC1 relay with partner Andrea Moller two weeks ago, Bartlett will gear up for another 32 mile solo crossing. This time she will be loosing the ama and gaining a double sided paddle as she prepares for the EPIC Molokai Championships.

Barlett who is known for her skill and paddling ability in the OC1, is no slouch when is comes to paddling in the surfski. After a successful career on the United States Olympic kayaking team and representing the USA at Athens in 2004, Bartlett has continued her success on the surfski at home in Hawaii and abroad at some of the surfski world cup events. Bartlett won the EPIC solo in 2008 and placed third in 2009, and is looking at coming back strong again in this years crossing. With favorable 15-20 mph winds forecasted, Bartlett will find these conditions more favorable than last years flat channel. “The Molokai Channel is about big swells and strong gusting winds. And as of right now, that looks like what we are going to get- I’m excited” Bartlett commented. Paddlers, who can harness the speed from the ocean swells, will find success in the Kaiwi channel crossings.

The EPIC Solo will depart Kalua Koi Hotel on Molokai and end inside Moanalua Bay on Oahu. The top male competitors will be arriving about 3.5 hours after the 11am start as well as the top female competitors about 4.5 hours after the start. The finish will be at the bathhouse outside of Koko Marina.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

About Vertra Sunscreen

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products posses the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Ching heads to Maui for the OluKai Footwear Ho’olaule’a Downwinder

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Contact:

Keoni Watson

Eric Abbott

wailupeabbott@gmail.com

Vertra’s Paddlesports Marketing

www.vertra.com

Image by Cody Silvester

Ching heads to Maui for the OluKai Footwear Ho’olaule’a Downwinder

Maui Hi, May 13, 2010- Vertra Sunscreen’s Danny Ching, heads back to the Hawaiian Islands for the 2010 OluKai Footwear Ho’olaule’a downwind Standup paddle and OC1 race. The races take place on the world-class downind course starting at Maliko Gulch and ending 8 miles down the coast at Kanaha Beach Park. On Saturday the elite standup paddle racers compete and Sunday will be the elite OC1 race. Both race days start at 11 o’clock and male and female athletes will be competing for top prize and 1,500 dollars.

The OluKai festival draws the best paddlers from Hawaii and abroad. One of these paddlers is California’s Danny Ching, the 2010 Molokai to Oahu OC1 world champion and the 2009 Battle of the Paddle SUP distance champion. Ching has once again made the trip back to the islands to test his skills and speed on the quick and fast Maliko downwind course. “It’s a great festival, and a fun way to close down the OC1 season,” Ching commented. Although the projected 20 mph winds are a welcomed sign by paddlers, athletes will still have to be on top their game to cross the finish line first. “It’s a mix of surfing skill, and endurance,” says Ching. Danny will race both days, paddling an Unlimited SUP on Saturday and his OC1 on Sunday.

Ching arrived back on Maui earlier this week, and has been passing the time training on the Maliko run and enjoying some well deserved downtime as he switches gears in the OC6 season. “Just came in from a Maliko run,” Ching commented, “I was doing bottom turns on open ocean swells on my F17 unlimited SUP.” Danny will also have a chance to reconnect with his crewmates from Team Primo. Danny was one of nine guys selected to Team Primo’s 6-man outrigger canoe crew last season. In the 2009 Molokai Hoe, Team Primo placed second overall.

The Olukai Ho’olaule’a is a, “celebration of ocean and the cultures that surround it.” In addition to the competitive races taking place over the weekend, free Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands, free Sailing Canoe Rides, and live Hawaiian Music and hula will also be a major attraction. Part of the proceeds will benefit the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program, a program that benefits the Maui Cultural Lands and the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard program. For more information on the event go online at: http://www.olukai.com/OlukaiHoolaulea.aspx

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Paddlesports team, Contact: Eric Abbot at: wailupeabbott@gmail.com. Or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/vertrapaddlesports

About Vertra Sunscreen

Vertra Sunscreen embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products posses the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!