ZEMgear joins AAS for inaugural NAARS adventure racing series

ZEMgear, a manufacturer of minimalist footwear with maximum protection, has been named the official minimalist footwear sponsor of the North American Adventure Racing Series (NAARS) put on by American Adventure Sports in 2013. NAARS is a premiere international adventure racing (AR) series which hold races all across North and Central America. As part of the partnership between these two active and ecologically conscious companies ZEMgear will provide shoes for elite AR athletes as well as prizes for winning teams.

The ZEMgear philosophy begins by “not using” whenever possible and committing to responsible use and conservation of resources. This minimalist approach guided product innovation, resulting in low-impact design and packaging, manufacturing, distribution, shipping and display practices. ZEMgear has a passion for avoiding wastefulness, believing that avoiding waste in the design and concept levels is the most effective way to moderate their carbon footprint. ZEMgear’s operation and production methods reflect their “Minimal all Way” philosophy. ZEM stands for the Zone of Endless Motion and defines a space where we can discover new possibilities for ourselves. ZEM appeals to any age, any stage, on land, in water, whether one is supremely active or serenely still.

Christina Bracken: “Adventure Racing is exciting and a great venue to get close to nature and overcome limitations. It’s very much a “Zone of Endless Motion” activity, a way for people to challenge themselves and grow on many levels while having rugged outdoor-fun together. Being close to nature in an uncomplicated, direct way creates inspiration and gives us energy – something we all aspire to.”

You can take your ZEMs into the woods, have traction when bouldering, wear them kayaking, river walking or enjoy just lounging in ZEM on the cabin couch after a race, all cozy and comfortable. ZEMgear’s Minimal All The Way Philosophy is mirrored perfectly in the American Adventure Sport team’s mission to offer a great program but minimize our impact on nature.

American Adventure Sports was founded in 1997 with the idea to create events and provide products that cultivate a passion for nature and activity. Since then, thousands of individuals have participated in AR events as a way to learn, grow and improve their lives through sport. American Adventure Sports first expanded its offerings in 2009 by opening a retail location in Indiana, PA to provide the tough-wearing outdoor and adventure gear needed by AR participants. The company continued to grow and moved to Greensburg, PA in 2012 where it also now houses a fully functioning in-house video production branch, supports a partnership with local universities, and operates an online store that provides top-of-the-line adventure racing and outdoor gear.

As part of the partnership, the American Adventure Sports store and ecommerce channel is offering a range of ZEMgear footwear products. American Adventure Sports retail location will also offer various footwear styles. These lines offer total versatility in function and design that is simultaneously ultra-lightweight, flexible and durable, making them ideal for travel, outdoor activity and athletics.

“As a minimalist sport with minimalist athletes adventure racers could not ask for a better fitting sponsor in the 2013/2014 season”, said Doug Crytzer, Owner and Founder of American Adventure Sports. “We’re thrilled to expand our green and sustainable sponsor line up in the 2014 North American Adventure Racing Series. This Natural Foot Technology option fits perfectly with our myriad of eco-conscious, sustainable products. Our athletes will have the chance to experience the quality and durability ZEM brings to the table while helping us offer our consumers yet another green product.”

The NAARS Coalition, consisting of dozens of race directors across the continent, is dedicated to creating synergy and positivity within the AR sport and providing opportunities for athletes and sponsors. As a part of that effort, ZEMgear will act as an in-kind sponsor, providing shoes for the winners of the NAARS Prime and Prestige level events and shoes for the athletes of the NAARS endorsed team.

About American Adventure Sports
Established in 1997, American Adventure Sports (AAS) aims to sharpen the mind, body, and soul of both clients and employees. With company headquarters currently located in Greensburg, PA, the focus of AAS is to bring attention to the majestic, natural beauty that surrounds us while raising awareness of the need to and benefit of preserving our natural surroundings. AAS produces some of the most exciting adventure races, triathlons, trail running events, mountain biking races, camps, clinics, and retreats in the world. Despite the incredible growth AAS has seen in the past few years, we remain loyal to our initial mission and values while striving to encourage fitness, improving quality of life and enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer all while taking care of the planet. More information is available at http://www.americanadventuresports.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ameradsports
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ameradsports
Check our blog: http://ameradsports.blogspot.com
NAARS: http://www.northamericanar.com

About ZEMgear
ZEM stands for the Zone of Endless Motion and defines a space where we can discover new possibilities for ourselves. As an authentic natural footwear technology brand, ZEMgear creates Performance Protection for Bare Feet. We deliver minimal footwear with maximum protection for men, women, and children. ZEMs allow your feet to do what they were designed to do best in their natural, barefoot state. While wearing ZEMs you can spread, flex and articulate all parts of your foot, getting everything you need and nothing you don’t.
ZEMgear’s vision for its minimal-all-the-way products and business philosophy: begin by “not using” whenever possible, then commit to responsible use and conservation of resources. More information is available at http://zemgear.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zemgear
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZEMgear