David Arnaud - Thinkliquid.net

After almost 10 spent paddling Riot boats, I'm now joining Fluid Kayaks. This is of course an important change for me, and at the same time a very exciting challenge. Fluid has appointed me as the new International Team Manager, and this is what will keep me busy most of the time. I will also be involved in various other domains, mostly image-related but also on some "field operations" (and that includes taking care of the turntables at parties, oh yeah!). I'll be promoting Fluid kayaks at a a few European events this season as well. Watch out for the Fluid booth and come say hi!

My new weapons of choice are:

• Solo Medium: Fluid's creekboat (already tested and approved on rivers all over the world)
• Nemesis Medium: a very well-balanced, versatile and performant freestyle boat. Wave or hole, it does it all.
• Element: Fluid's latest boat, designed to tear apart any ocean or river wave... I can't wait to test that one in Hawaii sur Rhone at high flows!

Except for the Element which only exists in Medium size so far, all Fluid kayaks exist in 3 sizes: S, M et L. The Solo also exists in Expedition version, with a hatch. I should also add that they DO exist in other colors than red... let's just say this is my favorite color at the moment ;-)

Below is the press release that describes my commitment with Fluid. And stay tuned, I'm finishing a short video clip from my first winter session in the Nemesis.

Fluid Kayaks appoints David Arnaud as pro-paddler and new International Team Manager

South Africa, February 26th 2008

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.RokxAT.nl www.thinkliquid.net