Kokatat is proud to announce their partnership with World Kayak’s 2010 Hometown Throwdown Series. The series is designed to bring communities of recreational boaters together in the spirit of simple competition with an emphasis on fun. Kokatat, the 39-year-old, independent paddlewear and accessories company, is proud to announce their partnership with World Kayak’s 2010 Hometown Throwdown Series. The series is designed to bring communities of recreational boaters together in the spirit of simple competition with an emphasis on fun.

The series is based on the legendary Maryland Chute Outs, with simple and light-hearted scoring criteria that allows anyone to succeed and for anyone to judge. Points can be earned from front surfs, wathunks, paddle waves and standard playboat maneuvers.

“World Kayak firmly believes that higher levels of fun activity within our communities will make our sport much more visible to those looking in,” said World Kayak Founder, James McBeath. “The Hometown Throwdowns show just how much fun we can have on the river and that fun is addictive to the paddler and attractive to non-paddler.”

To keep the focus on participation, prizes will not be awarded to the top rides, but will be raffled off to give all participants a chance to win. The event series has over $120,000 in donated prizes with Kokatat donating Ronin life jackets for prizes. The Ronin is one of Kokatat’s most popular PFDs and is a low-profile vest that offers full spinal protection. The unique offset front-entry and internal harness design allow for a secure and comfortable fit with maximum mobility and is both safe and unintimidating to beginning and veteran paddlers, alike.

“This series is a fantastic way to help encourage participation by first-time paddlers and to help bring new enthusiasts to the sport,” said Kokatat’s PR & field marketing manager Lisa Kincaid. “Events like the ‘Throwdown’ are very effective in showcasing the most enjoyable sides of paddling to new crowds and as a company, we are fully supportive of the efforts.”

Fifteen cities and towns will be hosting the Hometown Throwdown Series, to see a detailed list and schedule please visit: http://worldkayakblogs.com/throwdown/register/.