Rondeau Joins Confluence Product Development and Engineering Team

EASLEY, S.C. (February 16, 2009) – After one year of working with Confluence Watersports on a contract basis, Louis Rondeau has joined the company in a full-time capacity as the director of product development and engineering.

“Over the past year, Louis has made significant contributions to our composite program, brought us infusion technology, and led the development of the concept boat program,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “I am pleased to announce his appointment. With his expertise and input, I look forward to growing the composite and thermoform sectors of our business, and pushing the bounds of traditional performance expectations.”

Rondeau will oversee all aspects of product development and engineering processes from final design to production. He will work closely with the design team, headed by VP, Design, Bob McDonough.

With over 25 years of experience in boat manufacturing, Rondeau brings a wealth of materials knowledge and business savvy. He helped to launch LR Sailboards in 1981, acted as president and director of research and development for Enterprises Nautiques Rondeau, Inc., and was most recently president of HTM Kayaks, a specialty wholesale manufacturer of composite canoes and kayaks.

Rondeau’s influence in the Confluence concept boat program, which was introduced at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008, was paramount to its successful reception. The program centers on four, limited edition carbon fiber/Kevlar boats based on popular Confluence-branded models. Rondeau was responsible for creating the material lay-ups that would offer the ultimate in performance, weight, strength and beauty, with the end goal of growing the paddlesports industry. He delivered; and these boats have drawn interest from core paddlesports entities, design enthusiasts, and lifestyle proponents alike.

About Confluence Watersports:

Located in Easley, S.C., Confluence Watersports is the result of blending the unique watersports brands: Wilderness Systems®, Perception®, Dagger®, and Wave Sport® kayaks, Mad River Canoe®, Adventure Technology® paddles, and Harmony® accessories. With a full representation of canoes, and kayaks ranging from touring and recreational to high-performance whitewater boats, the Confluence brands are well suited to outfit all paddling enthusiasts. People passionate about the outdoors run the company today: advocates who are dedicated to bringing more people to the water. For more information, please visit: http://www.confluencewatersports.com.