Paddlesports is the Focus in Sierra's May/June 2009 Issue

For Immediate Release,
May 19, 2009
For editorial information contact:
Bob Sipchen at (415) 977-5542 or
Email: bob.sipchen@sierraclub.org
For advertising information contact:
Kristi Rummel at (608) 435-6220 or
Email: kristi.rummel@sierraclub.org

Paddlesports is the Focus in Sierra’s May/June 2009 Issue

San Francisco, CA – Sierra appeals to its one-million-plus readers’ avid interest in all types of paddlsports with the 4th Annual Paddling Section, once again written by Darren Bush of RUTABAGA, the largest paddlesport retailer in the United States. Along with this inspirational account of his solo paddling experiences on the Wisconsin River, Sierra’s 3rd Annual Paddlesport contest entices readers with the prospect of winning a TRAK kayak, a Kokatat Watersports Wear paddling outfit, or a paddling getaway offered by The Beaches of Fort Myers-Sanibel Visitor’s Bureau.

From the striking cover that features stand-up paddle boarding in Waimea, Hawaii to the other lead paddling stories, “Baby on Board,” on page 52 by Doug Fine on paddling Utah’s Green River with mom and infant son and “Marsh Madness” on page 56 by Dan Oko on kayak fishing in the Louisiana Delta, the May/June Annual Paddling Issue delivers a complete package of human-powered recreation on the water.

“Heightened Observations” on page 60 by Steve Hawk extols the special perspective gained by stand-up paddle boarders. Editor-in-chief Bob Sipchen’s column, “Spout,” reports on champion whitewater kayaker Beth Rypins at a fund-raiser for GirlVentures, a non-profit that introduces adolescent girls to outdoor adventure. As the girls listened closely to this woman who kayaks waterfalls, Rypins encouraged them to “overcome your fears and you can face any challenge.” Sipchen quotes Peter Gleick, President of the Pacific Institute, “Water is connected to everything we care about.” Sipchen’s conclusion—“Conserving it, therefore, is important. Enjoying it is too.”

When not paddling, Sierra readers enjoy a good glass of wine so “Enjoy|The Green Life” on pages 18-20 reviews red and white wines that are produced sustainably to please palate and planet. “Explore|A Wild Place” on page 26 reveals the underground light show in New Zealand’s Waitomo River caves. “Comfort Zone|Smart Designs for Pleasure and Planet” on page 72 shows off an exceptionally “green” ranch-style home in Texas. “Mixed Media|Deep Thoughts and Oddball Interpretations” on pages 74-76 includes reviews by Richard Conniff of books and documentaries that explore our fascination with the animal kingdom and a conversation between Reed McManus, Sierra Senior Editor, and Jonathan Thompson, Editor-in-chief of High Country News, a small paper that makes big waves in the environmental community.

Sierra’s May/June issue always features Sierra Club Outings Domestic Open and Selected Foreign Adventure Travel trips that include literally dozens of paddling opportunities in canoes, rafts and kayaks in the United States and around the world.

ABOUT SIERRA:
Go to sierraclub.org/sierra to view the May/June 2009 issue online. Our on-line media kit is available at sierraclub.org/sierra/mediakit. A bimonthly, Sierra is published by the Sierra Club, the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in America, with more than 700,000 members nationwide. In 1893 the organization issued the first Sierra Club Bulletin, which became Sierra in 1977. The bulk of Sierra’s paid circulation comes from readers who spend an average of $36 for membership in the Sierra Club. A recent study found that Sierra readers consider the magazine to be the number-one benefit of club membership. With multiple readers per copy, Sierra reaches a total audience of more than one million readers.
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