For 2011, Team Dagger welcomes 13 returning athletes, and adds former ambassador Laura Farrell as the newest team member. Easley, S.C. (April 26, 2011) – For 2011, Team Dagger welcomes 13 returning athletes, and adds former ambassador Laura Farrell as the newest team member. The well-rounded individuals who comprise this team have come together again this year to create a force of energy for the good of the sport and the good of their communities. With this unique momentum intact, the 2011 Team Dagger sets out to promote kayaking through the pursuit of their individual passions.

This year, Dagger is helping its athletes make their passions come to life through the brand’s sponsorship of projects, which include: Rush Sturges’ film “The Frontier”, Andy Maser’s Epicocity Project, Brad Ludden’s First Descents, Anna Levesque’s Girls at Play and the addition of a team supported Whitewater Tour.

“To say a Team Dagger kayaker is a world-class athlete just scratches the surface of what each individual contributes to the community,” said Cheri McKenzie, Chief Marketing Officer of Confluence Watersports, parent company to Dagger. “Team Dagger athletes can’t be characterized in a single word. We have competitive athletes, expedition kayakers, philanthropists, humanitarians, teachers and visionaries. As a brand, Dagger encourages paddlers to define their own experience. Our athletes embody that philosophy on and off the water. What they achieve athletically, which is significant, is only a fraction of what they give back in good will,” she said.

Andrew Holcombe returns as Team Dagger manager for the third year. He’s looking to further solidify his reputation as one of the fastest downriver boaters in the world and to extend his winning streak from 2010. Holcombe is a multi-faceted paddler and a tireless advocate for the sport.

“I've never been more excited to work with not only a great group of kayakers, but also a group of people that is so dedicated to the sport,” said Holcombe. “Team Dagger consistently pushes all the boundaries of kayaking both on the water and off. The programs they are involved in are equally as inspirational as their kayaking skills,” he said.

The 2011 Team Dagger athletes: Andrew Holcombe, Andy Maser, Anna Levesque, Brad Ludden, Chris Gragtmans, Christie Glissmeyer, Corey Volt, Jason Beakes, Laura Farrell, Pat Keller, Rush Sturges, Tao Berman, Tyler Bradt. Dagger also welcomes back returning ambassadors for 2011: Iker Beristan (Mexico), Brendan Wells (Wash.), Todd Wells (Wash.) and Ken Hoeve (Colo.)

New to the team is Laura Farrell, the phenom from North Carolina, via the Florida flatlands. Laura has been laying down sick lines and fast times in creek races around the country. When she’s not on the road exploring, Laura is welcoming others to the sport as a kayak instructor. Laura was a Dagger ambassador last season and is a full team member for 2011.

Dagger is proud to sponsor all of these remarkable athletes whose accomplishments are not limited to on-water pursuits. Check out the "Community" page at www.dagger.com to read their bios. Keep up with the athletes via the Dagger blog and Facebook.

In an effort to bolster support for the whitewater community, both paddlers and specialty dealers, Team Dagger members will be hosting a Whitewater Tour near popular kayaking destinations across the country for 2011. These laid-back events will offer a place for instruction, fellowship and fun, while connecting paddlers to popular whitewater communities and to the local retailers as well as to the Dagger brand. Locations and dates will be posted on the Dagger website.

About Dagger:
Dagger doesn’t believe in going part way, or giving “just enough.” In the world of paddling, Dagger is all in, and has been since 1988. From recreational kayaks for slow-moving water to whitewater boats for Class V creeking - and everything in between - Dagger makes a top quality kayak for every type of paddling and every type of water. Located in Easley, S.C., alongside its sister brands under the Confluence name, Dagger represents the relentless pursuit of fun. From the mountains to the sea, the soul of Dagger is in the water. If this sounds like you, join the Dagger Community and check out the kayaks at www.dagger.com.

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