ZEMgear Joins Forces with the Premiere Adventure Racing Platform

MIAMI, FL— ZEMgear, manufacturer of minimalist footwear with maximum protection, has been named the official minimalist footwear sponsor of the 2013 East Coast Adventure Racing Series (ECARS) and TeamSOG. The ECARS is the premiere adventure racing (AR) Series in the United States and will be expanding internationally in 2013. 2013 will see the series expand up to 25 races in locations including Canada and possibly Belize. The series anticipates putting 2012’s $50,000 cash and gear prize purse to shame in 2013 with the cooperation of its loyal sponsors. As part of the partnership between these two active and ecologically conscious companies, ZEMgear will provide footwear for TeamSOG, the American Adventure Sports crew, as well as prizes for winning teams throughout the ECARS.

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 to create events and provide products that cultivate a passion for nature and activity. Since then, thousands of individuals have participated in the adventure racing events as a way to learn, grow and improve their lives through being active. American Adventure Sports has continued to expand its offerings and in 2012, opened its newest retail location in Greensburg, PA offering only best gear for the multi-sport market. In cooperation with Gnarly Crew Media Productions the location has an in house video production branch, supports a partnership with a myriad of local universities, and operates an online store, www.shopadventuresports.com that provides top-of-the-line multi-sport adventure gear.

As part of the partnership, the American Adventure Sports store and e-commerce channel will be retailing ZEMgear for water sport, training, running, wellness, travel, and bouldering. These lines offer total versatility in function and design that is simultaneously ultra-lightweight, flexible and durable, making them ideal for each of the activities specific models are designed for.
“As a minimalist sport with minimalist athletes adventure racers could not ask for a better fitting sponsor in the 2013 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 2013 East Coast Adventure Racing Series and the AAS retail operations. This barefoot option fits perfectly with our myriad of recycled and sustainable products including Greenlayer Sports, Liberty Bottles, and Darn Tough Socks. Our athletes will have the chance to experience the quality and durability ZEMgear brings on the water and trail.

The continually growing ECARS Coalition 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 ZEMs for the winners of the ECARS events; footwear for all ECARS endorsed athletes.

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 Indiana, 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.

http://www.americanadventuresports.com
http://www.facebook.com/ameradsports
http://www.twitter.com/ameradsports
http://www.youtube.com/ameradsports

About ZEMgear:
ZEMgear LLC was founded in 2009 by Christina Bracken and Frank Woods, two seasoned industry professionals. Their unique line of barefoot-technology footwear integrate the benefits of proprioception, awareness, balance and other health benefits that come along with using your feet as nature intended.
A trendsetter in the minimal footwear industry, ZEMgear creates Performance Protection for Bare Feet.â„¢

While wearing ZEMs you can spread, flex and articulate all parts of your foot, getting everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida ZEMgear currently services around 150 retail stores around the US, including REI. International distribution in 2012 includes Canada, Panama, Japan, Kuwait, The United Arabic Emirates, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand as well as a growing number of European countries (UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland,
and Spain).

http://www.ZEMgear.com
http://www.facebook.com/ZEMgear
http://www.twitter.com/ZEMgear