Adventure footwear brand, Teva® (a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, NASDAQGS: DECK), has announced a partnership with top UK wakeboarder, Matt Crowhurst. Under the terms of the arrangement Crowhurst, a leading figure on the UK wakeboarding and wakeskating scene, will act as UK ambassador and ’;face of’ Teva’s new Gnarkosi– its first ever "Wakeskate" inspired shoe.

The Teva Gnarkosi has been developed in collaboration with cutting-edge wakeskating athletes to deliver maximum water performance with distinctive skate / street shoe styling.

Birmingham born Crowhurst is 30 years old and has been ranked in the top 5 of UK wakeboarders for over 10 years. His many credits include being National Wakeskate Champion, European Junior Wakeboard Champion, Rococo Rail Champion and coming 5th in the European Wakeskate Championships.

Wakeskating is an adaptation of wakeboarding in which riders are not bound to the board in any way, allowing for more technical skateboarding-influenced tricks like kickflips, as well as the use of water obstacles like rails and ramps.

Wakeskaters typically wear skate shoes that provide maximum purchase on their boards but quickly get heavy and waterlogged which is why the Gnarkosi was developed to maximize the wakeskate experience and performance.

According to Crowhurst, "Wakeskaters need shoes that offer superior grip and traction, along with excellent drainage, protection and board feel - which is why I think the Gnarkosi is the ideal wakeskate shoe."
The Gnarkosi boasts impressive water performance qualities in a shoe that’s begging to be worn around on a daily basis. Built from hydrophobic materials, the Gnarkosi will not absorb water and an integrated, die-cut EVA midsole with Teva’s Drain FrameTM perforations in the toe and heel ensures maximum drainage. A completely flat outsole with Teva’s proprietary Spider Original rubber provides maximum surface contact and grip whether you’re on a board or climbing over wet rocks. "We’re delighted to have been able to hook up with someone as credible and respected in the UK and European wakeboard and wakeskate scene as Matt. His belief in the product is a real boost," says Giles Cundell, European Teva Brand Manager.

The Gnarkosi comes in men’s and women’s versions and will be available at specialist retailers and www.teva.co.uk from March 2011.

For further information go to www.pressinformation.co.uk
or contact Brandnation on 0207 940 7170
Rae Young rae@brandnation.co.uk 0207 940 7176
Jenny Scott jenny@brandnation.co.uk 0207 940 7178