NOC Announces 2010 Paddlesports Manufacturer Awards

WESSER, NC — Nantahala Outdoor Center announces the recipients of the 2010 “Paddlesports Manufacturer of the Year” awards, Britain’s Pyranha USA, Inc. as top kayak manufacturer and Northwest River Supply of Moscow, ID as top paddlesports accessory manufacturer.

Pyranha is recognized as “Kayak Manufacturer of the Year” for its design innovation as well as exemplary dealer and customer support. The high-performance Molan playboat is one of the most successful new freestyle boats in recent years, and the Fusion crossover kayak is the category favorite among Nantahala Outdoor Center’s (NOC) paddlesports staff. Together, these boats have created considerable hype in the industry and amongst paddlers in 2010.

Northwest River Supply (NRS) is selected “Paddlesports Accessory Manufacturer of the Year” for its high quality products and strong dealer support. In 2010, NRS has steadily supported NOC retail efforts and the company’s key paddling events, including the NOC Freestyle Shootout, NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival, more commonly known as GAF, and the inaugural Canoe Club Challenge.

Chris Hipgrave, NOC’s Retail Director, comments, “Pyranha and NRS have proven their support of NOC and the whitewater paddlesports industry in the 2010 season. Both are brilliant sponsors and have shown stellar support of NOC retail staff and our instruction programs.”

Nantahala Outdoor Center congratulates the 2010 award winners and looks forward to continued support from all paddlesports manufacturers in 2011.

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Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a half million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 80 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel to 12 foreign countries with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its four restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held, employee-owned company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 22 Olympians and Olympic coaches have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation’s Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE. For more information, please visit www.noc.com, or call NOC’s Media Contact Melissa Pennscott @ (800) 232-7238 ext. 7185.