Chaco Presents “The Time Travelers” Film, Premiering Nationwide in March

Film documents attempt by the U.S. Men’s Whitewater Raft Team to break the Grand Canyon speed descent record

(ROCKFORD, Mich.) February 15, 2017 — Chaco, the outdoor footwear brand, will premiere its feature film, “The Time Travelers” by renowned creatives Forest Woodward and Brendan Leonard, at select REI stores in March. Created in partnership with REI, the film documents an audacious attempt to break the Grand Canyon speed record by the U.S. Whitewater Raft Team. The premiere events, which will include appearances by members of the raft team, will take place at REI stores in Seattle, Atlanta, Washington, Bloomington, Minnesota, and Denver, March 3-9.

“This film is about eight ordinary guys, juggling jobs and families, trying to do something extraordinary—it’s a story that’s relatable and inspirational,” said Josh Weichhand, brand manager at Chaco. “Forest and Brendan are two of the most compelling and authentic voices in the outdoors right now, and we can’t wait to share what they’ve captured.”

After nearly a year of planning, on January 13, 2017, the U.S. Men’s Raft Team set off from Lee’s Ferry in a 48-foot experimental boat, with the goal of rowing non-stop through all 277 miles of the Grand Canyon and breaking the 34-hour speed record. Prior to the trip, the team had competed in whitewater raft races around the globe, but had never attempted anything like this. The trip required countless hours of training and a completely custom boat designed for speed. It proved to be the journey of a lifetime for the team.

“The Time Travelers” reunites Woodward, Leonard and Gnarly Bay Productions, the dynamic team behind the 2015 award-winning film, “The Important Places.” Woodward is a globe-trotting professional photographer, and Leonard is the author of two books and the popular “Semi-Rad” website. Gnarly Bay is a Rhode Island-based team of filmmakers recognized for their passionate approach to storytelling and their ability to capture images in epic places.

REI will host five premieres of “The Time Travelers” at select stores across the country. Each of the premieres will begin at 6:30 p.m. local time and will include a film screening, a moderated discussion and Q & A with members of the team, a gear raffle and free food and drinks. All events are free and open to the public with raffle proceeds going to American Rivers. The events are scheduled as follows:

• Friday, March 3, atREI Seattle, 222 Yale Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109 
• Tuesday, March 7, atREI Washington, 201 M St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
• Wednesday, March 8, atSweetWater Brewery, 195 Ottley Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Thursday, March 9, atREI Bloomington, 750 W American Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55240
• Thursday, March 9 atREI Denver, 1416 Platte St., Denver, CO 80202

“The Time Travelers” will be available for free viewing on Chacos.com and REI.com beginning March 13 followed by its film festival debut at 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale, Colorado on April 19. 

Watch the trailer for The Time Travelers

About Chaco
Born on the river in 1989, Chaco builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. As a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ footbed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Please visit us on the web at www.chacos.com, on Facebook, on Instagram and Twitter.