For the past nine years, Astral has released a limited edition GreenJacket PFD. For the Limited Edition Program’s 10th anniversary, Astral debuts the River Roots version co-designed by kayaker, producer, rapper and longtime member of the Astral family, Rush Sturges.
“The artistic expressions of kayaking, style, rhythm and flow, are no different from the methods used by a musician, a painter or a filmmaker. Kayakers may not use a paintbrush, but the river provides an open canvas by which we can express ourselves, forge ever lasting friendships, and find connection with the truly untouched. The opportunity to create the River Roots LE was a fun chance to combine my love for art with my passion for whitewater,” Sturges says.
The front of the PFD is a spin on the River Roots company design, and the back represents Mt. Hood looking down on the Columbia River Gorge. Sturges notes that, “In the end, I’ve always felt that combining my love for rivers, film, and music was a fun way to bring the art form full circle. I know the folks at Astral feel the same way, and hopefully some of that passion trickles into this Limited Edition.”
VP of Sales & Marketing, Christie Dobson notes, “This collaboration has soul. It hits close to home for me, as I’ve known Rush since he was a kid touring around with his school. It’s been amazing to watch him develop his career, paddling style and now this PFD and shoe – it’s been nothing short of an honor.”
For the first time ever, Astral will pair the Limited Edition 10 with the release of a limited edition shoe, the LE Rassler 2.0, built for hardcore river users. The Rassler 2.0 is an exceptionally grippy and rugged, yet lightweight boot that dries fast and drains quickly. The sole is redesigned for improved durability, while the mid-cut upper provides extra protection and support.
Dobson says, “We celebrate 10 years of Limited Edition PFDs by including our first LE shoe, the River Roots Rassler 2.0 in Rudy Red, alongside the LE PFD. This is by far, our best LE program yet, combining our favorite PFD with our most core whitewater shoe in a River Roots theme.”
