Chums, eyewear retainer and outdoor accessory brand, announced today the finalists of its Ultimate River Guide competition. After receiving nominations from guiding outfitters across the country, Chums has narrowed down submissions to four semi-finalists and will be putting them to a popular vote via digital platforms in the following weeks.
The Ultimate River Guide contest is a way for Chums to play homage to its beginnings on the river while celebrating the hard-working, dedicated river guides of today.
Chums was founded by a Colorado River guide in 1983 as he sought a way to keep sunglasses off the bottom of the river. The contest brings our focus back to our roots in the river community,
said Chums Marketing Coordinator and former River Guide, James Denhalter. “You rarely see a guide on the river without a Chums retainer – this is where we came from.
We want to tell the river guide story and give back to those who help people to fall in the love with the river.”
Since the invention of the Chums Original Cotton Retainer, the brand has expanded and grown its product offering. Most notably, the new Storm Series, a collection of water proof phone cases and hip bags, which was built to organize and protect the valuables of those who live active, adventurous lives on the water.
The four finalists, chosen based on their commitment to and passion for the river, include:
JoBeth Stamm of Adventures on the Gorge
Tyler Soule of H2O Adventures
Shane Green of Quest Expeditions
Seaver Taylor of White Water Express
These finalists have been awarded with prize packages from partners including: Kaenon, Clif Bar, Stio, Keen, NRS, Yeti and Chums. The final winner, chosen by public vote, along with one lucky voter will both receive a grand prize package from Chums and all Ultimate River Guide contest partners. The river guide will walk away with bragging rights as Chums’ “Ultimate River Guide.”
River guide stories are not often told,” adds Denhalter. “These people go away from social norms, chase their dreams, and help us find our own passion for the rivers. They lead unique and authentic lifestyles. We at Chums hope to shed some light on their stories.”
Stay tuned to Chums’ social media channels over the next few weeks, and vote on www.chums.com for your favorite raft guide.