O.A.R.S. Press Release

O.A.R.S.  (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists)
CONTACT:  Steve Markle
TEL: 209-736-2407 ext. 716
EMAIL:  stevem@oars.com
WEBSITE:  www.oars.com
SKYPE:  stevem_oars

O.A.R.S. ANNOUNCES A ONE-OF-A KIND SERIES OF RAFTING
AND PRODUCT-TESTING EXPEDITIONS WITH PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR INNOVATOR TEVA

January 31, 2008 – O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) and Teva teamed up for two wildly successful product-testing trips on the Main Salmon River in 2007, prompting additional such itineraries in 2008.  The premier whitewater rafting outfitter in the country announced today a one-of-a kind series featuring three Teva product-testing and rafting expeditions in California, Colorado and Utah.

Trips lead by O.A.R.S.’ professional guides feature a pristine wilderness experience, fun Class III or IV whitewater, the unique opportunity to meet the Teva Product Team and test footwear designed for comfort and function in, on, and around rivers – and free shoes.

Each of the three trips, the California Guide School, held April 20-26, the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, May 18-23, and the Green River through the Gates of Lodore, August 1-4, offer reduced prices for students 18-23 years with a valid college ID.

Product representatives from Teva will be on the trips to actively solicit feedback from participants, and each passenger will be asked to participate in two surveys (one during and one after the trip) and in two on-river focus groups.  Teva Marketing Director, Jill Ireland, says, “We’re excited to have the opportunity to reach out to our core customers and offer them the chance to tell us what they’re looking for in a sport sandal and at the same time provide them with an opportunity to experience how a world-class outdoor brand briefs, designs and develops its products.”  According to Teva, additional 2009 prototype footwear will be provided to participants who have women’s size 7 or men’s size 9 feet.

In 1984 Teva's Founder, Mark Thatcher, invented the first sport sandal while working as a Grand Canyon river guide.  Since their inception over 20 years ago, Teva remains committed to both innovation in footwear and the protection of waterways around the world.

O.A.R.S. and Teva previously collaborated on the MacGillivray Freeman Films 3D IMAX film 'Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk'.  Confident in O.A.R.S.’ abilities to manage monumental logistics, Teva and MacGillivray Freeman Films approached the California-based adventure travel company in early 2005.  O.A.R.S. agreed to provide production support as well as promotional support in the form of a national sweepstakes with a chance to win a 15-day Grand Canyon rafting trip for two.   Teva is actively promoting the sweepstakes on their website and throughout U.S. retail outlets where their products are sold.

CALIFORNIA / Guide School / April 20-26
$900  /  $795 for students 18-23 years with a valid college ID
Train with the O.A.R.S. guide crew in California on multiple rivers in the Sierra Nevada, including the South Fork of the American River, Merced River and depending on the water levels and the group, the Class IV Tuolumne River and/or the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.  Course content includes swift water rescue and navigation, boat rigging, care for gear, the art of camping – O.A.R.S. style - and, in this case, some sweet footwear from Teva.

COLORADO / Green River through the Gates of Lodore / August 1-4
$675  /  $595 for students 18-23 years with a valid college ID
Surging through the Gates of Lodore, the Green River is an open-air archive of far-out fossils and some of the most amazing river scenery in the country. Moderate Class III whitewater, dozens of side hikes and relaxing nights on the beach make this trip the perfect Teva testing ground for four days of pure fun in some fancy new footwear.

UTAH / Colorado River through Cataract Canyon / May 18-23
$1506  /  $995 for students 18-23 years with a valid college ID
This trip is timed to virtually guarantee an adventure of epic proportions on the Colorado River.  The group will hike and raft through Utah’s dramatic canyon country in the wake of John Wesley Powell and discover multi-million-year-old rock formations in the heart of Canyonlands National Park.

What’s Included?

• Four to seven days of rafting and camping
• All meals from lunch on Day One through lunch on the last day
• Top-quality rafting and expedition equipment, personal flotation device, wetsuit (when required) and waterproof bags to hold your gear. (Tents are included in Cataract Canyon, and are available to rent on the Green River and for California Guide School.  Sleep kits are also available to rent for an additional charge).
• Skilled professional guide services
• A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the evolution of how a world-class outdoor brand briefs, designs and develops its products
• Two complimentary pair of Tevas

Other Important Details:

• Trip price does not include pre- or post-trip travel or accommodations
• Product representatives from Teva will be on the trip to actively solicit feedback from participants
• Each participant will be asked to participate in two surveys (one during and one after the trip) and two on-river focus groups
• Additional 2008 prototype footwear will be provided to participants who have women’s size 7 or men’s size 9 feet

Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world.  O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.  For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures, including a free 84-page color catalog, call O.A.R.S. at 1-800-346-6277, email the company at info@oars.com or visit www.oars.com