Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Patagonia – Clothing For Adventures!



Pointing at True North


Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

 "Form follows function" – this first rule of design could easily be outerwear company Patagonia's slogan.


Known for its durable, go-anywhere clothing that can stand up to the harshest elements from the Arctic to Antarctica, Patagonia makes its clothing to last a lifetime and enable the wearer to function comfortably in any situation from climbing a mountain to trekking in the desert or surfing a killer wave.



Founded in 1973 by mountaineer Yvon Chouinard, Ventura, CA-based Patagonia field tests everything it makes to ensure that it’s fit for the purpose and can withstand whatever conditions it’s likely to encounter.


Chouinard, an outdoorsman who became an entrepreneur, chronicles his life journey in his book, Let My People Go Surfing – The Education of a Reluctant Businessman. Charting a less-traveled path, he succeeded in building a global business while focusing on the environment and creating a company where people want to work.            

 
Regardless of changes in the economy or fashion tastes, Patagonia stays true to its values of creating high performance products that do minimal damage to the environment and are made with passion and soul.



Demonstrating its commitment to the environment, Patagonia has even gone so far as to tell people not to buy its products.
 

The reason for this is that it wants to discourage overspending and conspicuous consumption. The feeling is: "If you don't need it, don't buy it." An unexpected point of view from a company, but one that is representative of what Patagonia stands for. 


Along with this, Patagonia gives 1% of its total sales revenues to support environmental causes. Through its 1% For the Planet program, started in 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of its sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment – some $70 million dollars in donations. Plus it has also formed an alliance with other businesses to encourage them to make similar pledges. 


 Patagonia's concern for the environment extends to how its most basic products are made, such as denim for blue jeans. To minimize pollution it uses eco-friendly dyes and 100% organic cotton grown without pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. It also verifies that fabrics are stitched with Fair Trade-certified sewing methods.


Patagonia shows concern for its employees, too. Workers at its Ventura headquarters are allowed to set their own hours and given breaks during the day to go surfing when the waves are good. 

 

On-site daycare is provided and healthy food and snacks are available at the company's cafe. Employees can take a yoga class or grab a scooter or skateboard to take out for a spin.   
 

Along with this, Chouinard has organized rock climbing trips to Yosemite, fly-fishing trips to Wyoming and other outdoor adventures.
 

With an internal compass pointed at True North, Patagonia is "committed to the core" – its core values, core products and core customers.

  

Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.


Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.


Saturday, October 10, 2015

Pedego Bikes Cruisin’ Surf City




Go, Go, Go with Pedego!

A Surfrider Sponsor Story


Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Nothing beats pedaling down PCH on a brightly-colored bicycle on a perfect SoCal day...except riding a Pedego electric bike. It lets you switch over to the bike's power to coast up hills or give your legs a rest on long rides.


Combining the best of both worlds – exercise and relaxation – Pedego Electric Bikes, just off Main Street in Huntington Beach, let's you pace a day of beach sightseeing, exploring or hanging out with friends.


Pedego Electric Bikes owner Tom Bock, who is a Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter sponsor, explains that the bikes "combine style and function to open up cycling to anyone who might not be getting the benefits of bike riding." Whether it's a desire for convenience or because of health or injury reasons, not everyone can easily enjoy cycling.


With a Pedego bike you won't have to worry about riding out too far and then having a long ride back. Or having to push the bike up a steep incline. 


SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel grew up riding bikes everywhere and know the freedom and fun of being able to hop on a bike and go where your fancy takes you.


With Pedego Bikes you can see the beach up close and personal, greeting people along the way or stopping to take photos or grab an ice cream cone.   
 

The bikes rent from $14 - $25 per hour, depending on the style, and can go at speeds of up to 20 mph.


Plus, if you want to bring your pet along, go ahead! Pedego provides baskets for pets up to 5 lbs. and bike trailers for bigger animals.    
  

Pedego even has cargo-style bikes to carry heavy packages and gear, bicycles built for two and bicycles with child-safe seats. 


Along with its standard rentals, Pedego offers cycling tour packages and has bikes, batteries and accessories available for sale. Pedego's team members can get you outfitted and on the road.



 

And, if you're a wine enthusiast eager to sample the latest vintages, head down to Pedego Electric Bikes in Temecula for a day of cycling and wine tasting. SurfWriter Girl Sunny's brother David Magdaug owns the Pedego store there and will be happy to steer you in the direction of the best wineries.
 



So, whether you're in the mood for sunshine or Chardonnay, get on board at Pedego and peddle out!  


Please post your comment below. Comments will appear the next day.


Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.