Sponsorships are often shrouded in mystery. Perhaps because our society glorifies monetary worth, professional athletes in action sports tend to hide their business because economically it can be slightly embarrassing. These days few kayakers make enough to live on, and with one of the better contracts in the industry I was making just under what a full time minimum wage job in California pays.

I see two paths one can take in professional action sports. One path derives its name from the film Zoolander. In the film male model character Hansel describes his work: "I care desperately about what I do. Do I know what product I'm selling? No. Do I know what I'm doing today? No. But I'm here, and I'm gonna give it my best shot." As a sponsored person this means getting the best contracts possible, flitting from sponsor to sponsor, proclaiming the superiority of each current sponsors gear. Strangely few notice the superficial nature of this type of endorsement, and in a strictly business sense it is the most financially viable option.

The alternative is knowing who we represent and why. Maintaining integrity and clarity in business. Being open about great things and problems too. I've always striven to be sponsored by companies that I would buy gear from. Friends raised concern over what my other sponsors would think about my recent post about Eddie Bauer. I am confident my current sponsors have no problem with me having integrity and clarity in business. On top of that I'm sure they are operating under similar standards as myself.

Before I get to these sponsors I feel a need to talk more once more about Eddie Bauer. The contract came at a pivotal moment, I had moved from Mount Shasta where I'd been working in the outdoor industry, to Davis where my better half  is engaged in getting her Phd. Davis is in the Central Valley of California and doesn't exactly offer a plethora of outdoor industry jobs. After a year in the flats my bank account was also at a low elevation. A combination of my finances and EB's adept marketing speak had me in; they did a wonderful job highlighting the grass-roots history of EB while ignoring the modern corporate aspect. I'm a sucker for grass roots, and have bills to pay like any other person. Retrospectively my time at Eddie Bauer was a good learning experience. I think it's a good thing there was no choice to make about renewing the contract. I doubt I'd have have been able to turn down the stability of a good contract, yet renewing would have compromised my values. 

Moving on to why I'm proud to be sponsored by these great businesses:

Jackson Kayak makes not only their kayak hulls, but all their outfitting in the United States. They have an innovative bulk-head, which offers unparalleled safety for pitons. Their creek boats are also the lightest and they are always seeking to improve every aspect of each kayaks performance.

Kokatat makes their drysuits and drytops in Arcata, California. They also repair what they sell, extending the products lifetime and easing environmental impact. Kokatat also uses solar power at their plant. On top of all that it's the driest gear I've ever used.

WRSI was created to supply an affordable, safe helmets to kayakers of any ability. Their mission statement sums it up: To improve recreation safety and save lives by disseminating knowledge and improving equipment. Safe helmets at a great price.

Bomber Gear: To date the K-Bomb is the best skirt I've ever used. Three years with no implosions and the durability is superb. No implosion bar needed, which is nice when you are as short as I am.

Jake Greenbaum - Koosah Falls on the McKenzie River