Outdoor Research Helps the Kamchatka Project

This summer, Outdoor Research, manufacturer of functional solutions for human powered adventure, will help a team of whitewater kayakers on its expedition to explore the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia and draw international attention to this threatened area and its wild salmon.

Partnering with scientists, conservation NGO’s and funded by a grant from National Geographic Society’s Expedition Council, the Kamchatka Project aims to collect valuable scientific data for researchers and bring much needed attention to protect Kamchatka’s river drainages and the salmon that depend on them. Kayaks will allow the least intrusive, most intimate and only way to explore many sections of these wild rivers.

The 600‐mile long Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East is the spawning ground of roughly one fourth of all Pacific salmon, a species that plays an integral role in the livelihood of communities around the world. Yet this environmentally rich and pristine wilderness is severely threatened by a changing landscape, including an increase in poaching for caviar and industrial land use designations, putting this iconic species at risk.
 
The Kamchatka Project team is comprised of six skilled whitewater kayakers with diverse backgrounds in science, education, video, and web production, allowing them to tackle the issues that face Kamchatka with an educated and informative perspective.
 
Throughout the summer, OR will document this expedition real-time through photos and interviews on VertiCulture, a website where outdoor adventurists can find fuel for their passions through inspiring stories, informative articles, and a calendar of outdoor events from the OR community of employees, product testers and ambassadors.

Once the expedition ends in August, the Kamchatka Project team will generate an online educational platform, edit an adventure documentary, create print media pieces and organize a speaking tour.

“Exploratory kayaking provides a compelling platform to raise awareness for a more important cause,” said Kamchatka Project expedition leader Bryan Smith. “Kamchatka’s salmon‐based ecosystems are unparalleled by anything on the planet, and we hope our efforts will help inspire the international community to make sure this abundant source of natural capital is not destroyed.”

Smith, an OR Brand Ambassador and producer of several award-winning adventure films has led major expeditions throughout North America. The 32-year-old currently calls Squamish, British Columbia home.

“I’m very excited that OR has been able to help out the Kamchatka Project on this expedition both financially and with product! Our entire team will benefit from the expedition travel apparel, rain wear and dry storage gear,” said Smith.

“This is such an amazing undertaking,” said OR spokesperson Christian Folk. “As a paddler, I’m thrilled OR is able to support Bryan and other members of my community in this endeavor. I’m looking forward to following their progress and broadcasting it to the outdoor community through VertiCulture.”

About Outdoor Research
Based in Seattle WA, Outdoor Research designs and manufactures functional solutions for human powered adventure. Outdoor Research offers technically innovative and superior Apparel, Headwear, Handwear, Gaiters, Storage and Shelter Systems. Product testing and high-quality construction is backed up with OR’s Infinite Guarantee®. Outdoor Research enthusiastically supports the outstanding conservation, access, and educational efforts of a variety of organizations and encourages our customers to do the same.

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