South African watersports manufacturer Fluid Kayaks and French pro-paddler and filmmaker David Arnaud have joined together to both promote and bring synergy to Fluid's range of whitewater kayaks. By tapping into David Arnaud’s unique kayaking skill set and by supporting his future expeditions and productions, Fluid has positioned David as their new International Team Manager. His mission will consist of recruiting and managing a team of regional, national and international paddlers - “the cream of the crop,” as described by Fluid owner and designer Celliers Kruger. David will also focus on maximizing the positive impact of these team members in their respective areas (i.e. make sure Celliers is kept busy molding boats and shipping containers worldwide, while the team is having a good time on the river).

“In my opinion, a team should be more than just a bunch of talented and passionate individuals. I really want Fluid paddlers to meet and exchange as much as possible,” David says. In fact, Fluid paddlers will gather during an annual Team trip to be organized later in the year, with the emphasis of the meet not focused on competition; but on meeting, paddling, and collaboration. Also, the team will participate in photo and video shoots. David Arnaud really seems to be looking forward to this trip. “The thing is, as a filmmaker I've been looking forward to working with my new camera crane for a long time, but it’s an involved process to set up. However, considering my new position as the team manager, I think the Fluid paddlers might be patient while I dial things in.”

Besides offering leadership to the International Team, David will work closely with European distributor Rokxat, who is based in the Netherlands. “There are a few European countries where the Fluid brand is under represented, and in those particular markets getting Fluid on the map is a very exciting challenge. The great lineup of boats will certainly make our job easier, and I'm confident this will be another very busy year for Celliers at the factory!” Some of the boats that Fluid will use to punch through into new markets: The Nemesis is a high-performance yet versatile freestyle boat that will satisfy even the most demanding play boater. The Element is a state-of-the-art surfing and carving machine that prefigures tomorrow's kayak designs. The combination of a super fast hull and aggressive edges makes the Element the ultimate tool to take your paddling – and your fun – to the next level on any wave!

For more info:

www.fluidkayaks.com
www.thinkliquid.net
www.RokxAT.nl