Support An Athlete, Save the planet!

MY new brand Dakota racing and its purpose

Global warming seen first hand

I’ve been traveling around the globe for most of my adult life to compete on the World Cup tour for Snowboard Cross. We often visit the same glaciers for either training or races and the impacts of global warming season after season are painfully visible. Glaciers that used to be covered and snow caped are melting at impossibly high rates, with rocks and crevasses now showing through. It has gotten to the point that venues that have been on the circuit for longer than I have are no longer able to host for lack of snow and races are getting pushed further and further back into the season.

Lets make a change to save our winters

It might seem like a big thing to take on, the globe has been changing temperatures and going through different erras for as far back as we know, but that doesn’t mean our actions don’t have an impact. Branching out from the “norm” and the “easy” to find ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle has more of a ripple effect than you might think. By doing so you educate yourself, have more meaningful conversations, spark an interest in those around you, and supporting people wanting to make this world a better place.

Environmental goals for Dakota racing

This brand has a few short term goals that I’m hoping can morph into long term change. The idea to come out with merchandise came from my need to financially support my SBX career, but wasn’t going to do so at the expense of the environment.

For the fist roll out I’m super excited to be working with Ungalli, a Canadian company committed to creating a new style standard and raising awareness of the negative impact the mainstream clothing industry has. With their help all Dakota Racing products will be made with 50% recycled bottles and 50% organic cotton, so you can make a positive impact while wearing your favourite cozy hoodie or T-shirt.

This may not be the most lucrative way to go about it but it’s the right way; and my goal with the support of people like you is to move into using 100% hemp fabrics. Hemp has been known for centuries as one of the most sustainable and functional materials out there, unfortunately due to the war on drugs (a whole other story) hemp products were banned in 1937. Now they are making a come back in amazing ways and we now have more information on hemps many benefits.

Ultimately I want to give the adventure enthusiasts and environmental conscious folks fun designs and comfortable apparel that they can be proud to rep.

Financial goals for dakota racing

So as I said initially the goal was to fund my SBX career and that will still be the first step but not the last. Profits from Dakota Racing sales will go to training, travel, racing and other sport specific expenses. But I’m hoping to surpass this and be able to move these profits to supporting others. These plans are still in the works but I promise that as the brand grows I will prioritize giving back and will keep you all updated.

Check out all the good things Ungalli have done and their commitment to sustainability.