Posted: Feb 19, 2008
Walker Bay® Boats Inc. is proud to announce that it has once again won the Innovation Award organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 67th Annual Miami International Boat Show, this time for the Airis Inflatable Kayak. “We are thrilled to be recognized by our peers as the recipient of this prestigious award,” said Stefano Rista, Product Development Manager. “Innovation is the corner stone of Walker Bay and we are always seeking new ways to improve upon concepts and find ways to get more people out on the water having fun.” Airis was the winner of the Inflatables, Small Boats Up to 15’ and Tenders category.
Airis Inflatable Kayaks are made using AirWeb™ High Pressure Construction (patent pending), formed from a heavy duty seven layer polymer coated fabric that is joined inside by thousands of drop-stitch fibers, much like an elaborate web. AirWeb Construction allows the kayak to be inflated to more than 6.5 PSI or 0.45 bar, resulting in a rigid and stable hull that is lightweight yet compact enough to be carried in a backpack (included). Judge Trulio commented that, “This construction method has produced the most portable kayak I’ve ever seen.”
Winning companies received their 2008 Miami Innovation Awards during the Miami Media Breakfast, held Thursday, February 14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of receiving the award.
“This year, a total of 50 products were entered in eight different categories,” said Zuzana Prochazka, Miami Innovation Awards chair and member of the BWI Board of Directors. “There were some exceptional entries this year, and it made the judging process a challenge. We not only had winners in every category for which we received entries, but determined several additional products worth ‘Honorable Mentions.’ We also gave out an Environmental Award for a grand total of nine awards.”
In addition to Prochazka, BWI members rounding out the judging panel include: Jim Barron, technical editor and writer, Trailer Boats magazine; Ben Ellison, electronics editor of Power & Motoryacht and SAIL magazines and author of the electronics blog Panbo.com; Jan Mundy, co-founder and editor of DIY Boat Owner magazine; Lenny Rudow, freelance writer, author and boating editor of Texas Fish & Game magazine; Matt Trulio, editor-at-large of Powerboat magazine and powerboat editor for boats.com; and John Wooldridge, executive editor of PassageMaker magazine.
About Walker Bay Boats For over 10 years, Walker Bay® has redefined the benchmark for small boats by combining the perfect balance of performance, aesthetics and engineering. Manufacturing an award wining line of exceptionally crafted motorboats, sailboats, rowboats, RIBs, inflatable air deck rollups, and inflatable kayaks, Walker Bay® continues to push the boundaries of innovation with boats that are durable, versatile, practical and easy to use. With over 60,000 boats in use, Walker Bay® is available in over 50 countries around the world and can be found on the web at www.walkerbay.com or www. airiskayaks.com.
About NMMA National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.
Posted: Feb 19, 2008
