We are closing our online store on Friday, November 29th, and giving our global team and paddlers the day to go out and enjoy nature on or near their local waterways to kickstart a year of focus and action to make a difference for our own vitality, mental health and to protect and conserve what we love.
We are taking a stand against mass consumerism, which has led to the overuse of plastic, which ultimately ends up in our oceans and landfills. This mass clutter also affects our mental state. We believe that we need to return to our roots, and that reconnecting with water is a conduit to vitality.
Water is life. We are made of over 70% water, and Earth is covered by about the same amount. It’s the lifeblood of our bodies and our planet. Spending time on, in, or around water is therapeutic. On #BlueFriday, we encourage people to spend time around water. Go for a paddle, walk along a beach or a river, have a bath, or just find a place to swim or soak in nature.
On top of improving one’s own wellness and vitality, we believe that people connected to water will be the water keepers - the humans that care for and are the stewards of our waterways. Let’s enjoy our connection with water this November 29th, and always. Let’s do #BlueFriday
Patrick Heun - Edinburgh, Scotland
“Thinking about my relationship with water on this “Blue Friday”, I would say that rivers, lakes and the sea have always had a calming effect on me. Similar to the beautiful simplicity of a desert or a snowy landscape, waterscapes provide a sanctuary from the complexity of our urban environments. Moving about in these places allows me to reset.” — Patrick
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Jeff and Kathy Schmidt - Chicago, IL
“Water gives us the freedom to travel to some of the most beautiful and interesting places on earth, many of which are only accessible by water. Water provides the means to explore nature and get up close and personal. Some of our most memorable adventures have been due to our connection with water. And finally, nothing beats an ice cold glass of water, (with or without scotch)! :)” — Jeff & Kathy Schmidt
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Seán Eamon MacRuairí - Ireland
“My name is Seán Eamon MacRuairí. I was born on a blue friday in 1953. My mother brought me home to Cluain Tarbh (field/meadow of the bull) on the north side of Dublin bay in Éire/Ireland. The house was half a mile from the coast - its the furthest I have ever lived from the sea! The seas ebbs flows, rises, falls, flow, roar, depth and all colours and moods have immersed me, informed me and set the tempos of my life. I have lived in Wicklow town on the Irish sea coast most of my adult life; I see the sea from my kitchen, I walk by it, swim in it, kayak over it, meet friends and kindred spirits there. May meet you there some blue day.” — Seán
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Michael Mazor - NYC
“Well, I have always been on or near the water. There is something spiritual and healing about large bodies of water. I would never be comfortable being landlocked. Kayaking has opened the water up to me in a new way, being able to spend time out there with friend or by myself just gathering my thoughts, it's healing. I used to sail with my father (who passed this October) and those memories are always with me. I loved that I had reconnected with the nautical side. I volunteer at the downtown boathouse where we put the public on the water on sit on top kayaks, this was my first experience with kayaking and I have been hooked ever since. Trak, since the beginning was always intriguing to me and I love the knew design. Stay connected, keep the water flowing clean and always remember water is free and yours…” — Michael
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Dan Ryan
November 26, 2019
well done. Blue Friday it is. A paddle and no work in my calendar