Principal Sponsor

New York State, Division of Tourism

We are delighted to have the full backing and support of NY State, Division of Tourism for this iconic adventure.  They are hosting us through communities along the way, showing us the many iconic sights and locations and opening a great many doors. We are grateful to them for making this exciting project and opportunity of a lifetime possible.

New York State web http://iloveny.com/

Major Sponsors

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines are taking care of the team’s travel requirements from the UK to America and also supporting the UK competition for two people to join the team on expedition for 3 days.

Delta Airlines http://www.delta.com/

Travelbag

Travelbag are providing a NY city break for the UK competition winners so they not only enjoy an amazing once in a lifetime experience on expedition with the Spare Seat but also get a few days relaxing in the Big Apple.

Travelbag's website http://www.travelbag.co.uk/

Inspired Life

Inspired Life was set up to inspire young people and communities to follow their dreams, adventures and embrace possibilities in their lives. Inspired Life will be completing daily interviews with people along the route and those joining in the Spare Seat.

Visit http://www.inspiredlife.org/

Technical Sponsors

Many of these sponsors are existing supporters of Richard’s Big 5 Kayak Challenge.  This kit is tested in harsh and extreme environments and has passed with flying colours. Richard helps provide technical feedback to help with product development.

Vango Force 10

Vango are providing a top of the range tent, camp mats and sleeping bags to the UK competition winners and also some runners up prizes of 3 of their expedition rucksacks. Richard and Glenn will also be using their equipment for the Spare Seat Expedition.

Visit the AMG Group Website to see Vango and all their great brands http://www.amg-group.co.uk/

Nigel Dennis Kayaks

Sea Kayak UK and Nigel Dennis Kayaks - NDK boats are world renowned for their expeditionary capabilities. The Spare Seat Team is pleased to be paddling the legendary NDK Triton, the most rock solid expedition tandem available.

Long term Big 5 Kayak Challenge supporter Olympus Cameras have been part of Richard’s challenges since the beginning.  Photos documenting the magic moments, stunning locations and many adventures have been captured with Olympus Tough Cam range.  Olympus are providing 3 of their cameras as runners up prizes for the competition.

Olympus Cameras http://www.olympus.co.uk/

Paramo Clothing

Paramo Clothing have also been a long term supporter of the Big 5 Kayak Challenge so it comes as no surprise that they were happy to help and get involved. They are also providing prizes from their brilliant clothing range.

Visit the Paramo website to check out their amazing kit http://www.paramo.co.uk/

Aquabound Paddles

Aquabound have put simply paddled many thousands of miles with the Big 5 kayak challenge and will be the paddle of choice for the Spare Seat Team.  We are utilising a mix of their Full Carbon paddles and blades and also some of their glass/carbon mix.

In the UK visit Avoncraft at http://www.avoncraft.co.uk/

Leatherman Multi-tools

Leatherman make amazing multi-tools for the outdoor and everyday life.  They are ideal for expedition life and a long term supporter of our expeditions.

Leatherman tools are provided by www.whitbyandco.co.uk/

Reed Chillcheater watersports clothing

Reed Chillcheater make superb kayaking and watersports clothing and accessories. We are delighted that they have joined our illustrious list of sponsors and look forward to a long term partnership. Reed Chillcheater have pioneered their own fabrics which keep paddlers dry and warm in ALL conditions.

Check out Reed Chillcheater's website http://www.chillcheater.com/

Bamboo Clothing

Bamboo clothing have been long term supporters of the Big 5 kayak challenge and have stepped up to support The Spare Seat. Bamboo clothing is a great product with anti-bacterial properties, a silky luxurious feel...ppperfect, particularly after a tough day.

For a little slice of luxury visit http://www.bambooclothing.co.uk/

Kayak Waveology

Greg Paquin and Kayak Waveology are the leading providers of Kayak Training and NDK sales in the New England region, ranging from NYC to Maine.  Greg will be providing the team with technical support and possibly joining up with the team towards the end of the trip for one or two clinics as they head into NYC. Kayak Waveology is not only a leading NDK dealer, but also a reseller for Reed Chillcheater gear, one of our other major sponsors.

Please note that the team are not paid for completing this expedition. Our sponsors enable us to get to the start line and complete this iconic trip and jounrney.