Kaenon Polarized

EVENTS

Just days before the 2009 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle, Kaenon Polarized teamed up with the Patagonia store in Cardiff, California to host legendary waterman and Kaenon athlete, Jamie Mitchell. As the sun set upon the Pacific Ocean gracing the store with rays of yellow, pink and orange, attendees began to filter though and settle in for an up close and personal experience with none other than Jamie Mitchell.

Jamie Mitchell Interview
Interview by Emily of West Coast Divas of Jamie Mitchell during the Jamie Mitchell Experience.
Humbly retelling his memories, as the audience listened in amazement as the vast diversity of Jamie’s adventures and athletic skills unfolded, slide by slide. Guests were privileged to see video clips of this ultimate waterman plunge down 40+ foot waves across the world from his secret spot in Australia to legendary breaks like Mavericks, Todos Santos, Waimea and other more pristine locations such as Alaska and Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Sharing his memories, (the good, the bad and the ugly), Jamie and guests shared laughs and winced in unison while watching footage of some epic wipe outs and impressive footage of super clean sessions.


And while Jamie can certainly handle his own in the world of big wave surfing, his forte and passion lies within the world of paddleboarding. Coming off his incredible eighth consecutive win in the most prestigious paddleboarding race in the world, Jamie discussed his training regimen as well as the physical and mental strength that is needed to endure and dominate in a race of this magnitude.


When Jamie is not traveling the world in search of big waves or crossing miles of giant seas with nothing more than the tools of the trade, strength and his own endurance, he embraces the ocean and its inhabitants in all forms. From free diving with sting rays to paddleboarding with humpback whales, The Jamie Mitchell Experience goes well beyond one evening of storytelling, it is one of a true waterman to the core.

VIDEO: JAMIE MITCHELL EXPERIENCE

VIDEO: JAMIE MITCHELL INTERVIEW by West Coast Divas

STAND UP PADDLE

The Kaenon team was out in full force at The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez’s Battle of the Paddle. Jamie Mitchell won the Men’s SUP Elite race with a final time of 01:07:45. Shakira Westdorp took first in the Women’s SUP Elite race with a final time of 01:16:00, a total of 4 minutes ahead of her next closest competitor. In the video above, you’ll even notice Shakira passing up many of the men who had a two minute lead ahead of the women. In addition, Team La Hui Kai which consisted of Jamie Mitchell, Shakira Westdorp, Danny Sheard and Billy took first place in the SUP Relay.

Thousands came out to participate and spectate at one of the greatest events in SUP.

Other Kaenon athletes at the event included Jenny Kalmbach who won last years Elite Women’s event, Mick Di Betta,
Thibert Lussiaa one of Kaenon’s top Paddlers from Hawaii, was taken out at the start and blew out his knee. Eric Abbott, and Talia Gangini competed and representing in style.

This video recap by Surf Soul Media beautifully captures the event, the culture and the sport of stand up paddle.

VIDEO INVITE

RETAIL – COSTA MESA, CA
Kaenon Polarized is partnering with Nordstrom South Coast Plaza to put on a trunk show highlighting Kaenon’s entire collection of luxury performance eyewear featuring the latest styles in men’s sunglasses, women’s sunglasses and sport sunglasses. Stop by to see all the styles, get a custom fitting and learn first hand about our SR-91 lenses. Attendees will be entered to win a free pair of Kaenon Polarized Sunglasses. Stop by this Saturday, September 19th from 11am – 3pm to see our entire collection and for your chance to win.

SURF
Puerto Rican Kaenon Team riders Natasha Sagardia – Evaristo Merced – Paola Oliveras – Danny Alvarez & Roberto Ibarra put on a summer surf camp for the kids of Puerto Rico. With a crowd of about 100 people, the Tag Team event, the bbq and prizes for all of the kids, the event went off without a hitch. Many thanks go out to our team riders, co-sponsors and all that were involved for making this a memorable experience.

SAILING

Skippers and leading men of the competing America’s Cup teams, who, as the title says, were formerly best friends and the most decorated teammates in America’s Cup history, are now on opposing teams. Their friendship frayed by real world contention played out on the water and in the NY court system, has them rivaling once again in the America’s Cup.

Russell Coutts is the CEO and Skipper of USA’s Challenger, BMW Oracle, who wears Lewi, Hard Kore, Gauge and Kore

Brad Butterworth is the CEO and Skipper of Switzerland’s 2x Defender, Alinghi, who wears Kore and Hard Kore.

They have been battling in court (rather team owners Larry Ellison (Chairman of Oracle) and Ernesto Bertarelli (former CEO of drug company, Serano), making them now bitter rivals.

As the most decorated in sailing, skipper (Coutts) and tactician (Butterworth) duo in the history of the America’s Cup, when they won the Cup for New Zealand in the early 90’s, then defended it, then skipped town for a huge offer from the then unknown Bertarelli, to come build the first ever challenger from Switzerland. Then they promptly won the cup for the first time (from their old Team New Zealand, who they defected from for Switzerland. The island country and the continent went nuts over this dynamic duo – who had been best friends since childhood.

Skip forward to the 21st Century and the former dynamic duo are the greatest in the game, their friendship hangs by a cordial thread, and they are now the Defender and Challenger of the next America’s Cup to be fought in the most outrageous race boats ever created – slated to start February 8 in UAE.

Kaenon Polarized will be the weapon worn by both Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth in the much anticipated event that will make this next Cup race one of the greatest spectacles on earth.

LIFESTYLE – MUSIC
While thousands were jamming out to the sounds at Rothbury, Kaenon Polarized was treated to its own jam session back in the artist area with Philadelphia’s blues/hip hop/alternative rocker G. Love. It’s not just athletes that are hard kore about their performance and love for the brand. A musician’s passion can’t be confined to the stage, it flows into all aspects of their life. Kaenon truly encompasses more than optical performance, but a lifestyle that is universally embraced. Check out this video of G.Love being mesmerized by Kaenon Polarized.

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT

For the past few years, Kaenon Polarized has been extending its reach beyond the world of sports and athletes through a range of outdoor music festivals. Kaenon Polarized set out to create not just a brand, but a lifestyle of spirit, performance and unstoppable energy, passed from one advocate to another. Through soulful infusions of music, culture, sights and sounds, we aim to bring our performance-inspired collection of premium polarized eyewear to an ever expanding family of Kaenon Polarized enthusiasts.

At this year’s festivals, the list of Kaenon supporters has included: members of Phish – Mike Gordon, Page McConnell, Jon Fishman; Bill Kreutzmann of The Dead; String Cheese Incident; Brett Dennen; Soulive; Matisyahu; Flogging Molly; Ben Harper; Gabriela y Rodrigo; Erykah Badu; The Decemberists; Keller Williams; Robert F. Kennedy, Jr (yes, the environmentalist who is fighting to save the world’s waterways – and an avid fisherman); members of The Daily Show Team – John Oliver, Wyatt Cenac, Kristen Schaal; FUSE TV host – Steven Smith; Grace Potter; MGMT; Citizen Cope; Passion Pit; Andrew Bird; Santigold; The Dillinger Escape Plan and many, many more.

Every year in June for the past 8 years, 80,000 festival goers from all over return to a small farm in Manchester, TN for an annual music pilgrimage known simply as Bonnaroo. This unique 4-day music festival features a diverse collection of over 150 artists showcasing their talents on 8 different stages.

Three weeks later, over the 4th of July weekend, Kaenon Polarized also made a strong presence among 40,000 festival attendees and artists alike at Rothbury. Similar to Bonnaroo in the musical festival aspect, Rothbury differs in that it’s a more intimate setting, nestled on a ranch in Rothbury, Michigan. Featuring headliners such as Bob Dylan, The Dead, Willie Nelson, Damian Marley “Jr. Gong” & Nas, The Black Crowes, along with fan favorites such as Umphreys McGee, The Disco Biscuits, Matisyahu and Girl Talk. Below are just a few shots of Kaenon in action.

Next up is Outside Lands in San Francisco, August 28-29, 2009. Hope to see you there!

FATHER’S DAY

Make Dad feel like the King that he is and allow Kaenon Polarized and FedEx’s reliability to make you look like the hero, in Dad’s eyes, this Sunday! Don’t miss out…place your order NOW to qualify for the US OPEN promotion and to receive FREE Overnight Shipping!

A special recognition to the following Kaenon Pro Dads!
SAILING
Russell Coutts
Brad Butterworth
Kevin Burnham
Cam Lewis
Flavio Marrazi
Freddy Loof
Guillermo Altadill
John Kostecki
Pete Melvin
Peter Isler
Mark Reynolds
Santiago Lange
Terry Hutchinson

BASEBALL
Andre Ethier
Aaron Cooke
Brad Hawpe
Bruce Bochy
Bud Black
Cliff Lee
Duaner Sanchez
Edwin Encarnacion
Eric Wedge
Guillermo Mota
Hiroke Kuroda
Jayson Werth
Raul Ibanez
Jeff Baker
Joe Maddon
Kevin Youkilis
Manny Acta
Mike Lowell
Milton Bradley

SURF
Shea Lopez
Jason Reagan
Zack Howard
Kapono Nahina
Paul Pence

WATERMAN
Guy Pere
Darrick Doerner

STAND UP PADDLE (SUP)
Kainoa McGee

PADDLE
Kai and Lauren Bartlett
Ryan Addison

KITEBOARD
Mauricio Abreu

WINDSURF
Matt Pritchard (soon to be Dad)

FISHING
Aaron Martens
Steve Lassley
Marlin Parker
Kevin Nakamaru
Curt Hamby
Martin Carranza

- From our Kaenon Dads to Yours – Happy Father’s Day, from all of us at Kaenon Polarized!

“The SUP for a PUP Street Fair at Kaenon Polarized was a Huge Success!”

A fun filled day of gratitude, sympathy, love and the thrill of getting a good deal. The Kaenon Crew with some help from some industry friends, Surftech, Hinano, Olukai, and Wahoo’s, all took part in the main event of selling samples to draw people in for dog adoptions, with a portion of the proceeds going to local So. Cal dogs in need and A Wish For Animals, a non-profit humane shelter.  Several other great companies contributed to the cause such as, Surfline, INT Softboards, Stand Up Journal magazine, Pro Bar, Pet Supply, Lara Bar and Voorhees Studios. The outcome resulted in a fun street fair atmosphere in the Kaenon Polarized parking lot that combined music, great food, adorable dogs and killer deals on surf gear, sunglasses and apparel.

During the event, guests checked out all the great deals on Olukai Sandals, hats, shirts, shorts, and dresses from Hinano, SUP boards from Surftech and INT and of course tons of Kaenon Sunglasses. Wahoo’s was on site with killer tacos and Power Bar, Lara Bars and fresh cookies from V.G. Bakery in Cardiff made for great snacks.

Our four legged guests of honor, definitely had center stage and were a huge hit among kids and adults.

SUP FOR A PUP – THE FACTS:
Even though the event is over, (donations and requests for dogs are still coming in) so far a total of 20 dogs found loving homes and we raised over $7000 from the event through donations and sales from proceeds from the company’s involved, customer donations, raffle tickets and adoptions. 

While some people walked out sporting new shades from Kaenon and happy feet wearing Olukai sandals, others loaded up new SUP boards, board shorts and apparel from Hinano. The biggest winners of the day were those who walked out with new owners, eagerly awaiting the short journey to their new homes. Seventeen dogs were adopted at the event and 3 more found new homes on Sunday, with some already making it on Facebook as the newest addition to the family.

The best part was how much FUN it appeared everyone was having at the event.  The day was long, but it went very quickly.  It is incredibly rewarding to meet our customers in person and share an experience such as this, where together we can help others in our community. Lastly, congrats to all of the raffle ticket winners. Brad stopped by Monday to pick up his prize!

Many thanks to all our co-sponsors and everyone who stopped by to partake in the festivities, we can’t wait to do this again next year!

EVENTS

What an amazing event and we couldn’t have pulled it off without help from all our co-sponsors and of course everyone who pitched in to support this cause. Just a quick donation update, we were able to raise over $5000 for A Wish For Animals through donations and proceeds from sales. Keep an eye out for pictures and a run down of the event to be posted later today.

EVENTS

SUP for a PUP is already striking a chord with the Kaenon community!  Still one day to go and we’re already receiving donations for A Wish For Animals!  Special thanks to all of you who have supported this cause and we hope to see everyone tomorrow.  We’ve had a number of adoption requests and monetary donations already from folks who aren’t in the area or can’t make it but would like to help out.  Keep an eye on the meter – we’ll update this throughout the weekend.  Submit a comment if you can’t make it but would like to donate.

EVENTS

Just a few shots from the Kaenon Polarized Yacht Party…stay tuned for more images and highlights!
 
Guests enjoyed music, sunglass fittings and getting up close and personal with several of Kaenon’s Professional Athletes, including Long Beach Grand Prix racer Danica Patrick.

Danica Patrick, IndyCar Racer and Jamie Sterling, Big Wave Pro Surfer

Arie Luyendyk, Jr. and Versus commentator Lindy Thackston stop for a photo with Steve Rosenberg

Bev Patrick and Danica Patrick try on the latest styles, many of which were inspired by Danica

Top Deck – where many on board went for refreshments and fresh views of Long Beach Harbor

Ryan Briscoe, Steve Rosenberg and Taryn Owens

Guests were lining up to try on some of the new colors unveiled during the party

Aft view of the party

Serving up more than new styles

Jamie Sterling and Steve Rosenberg

EVENTS

Stop by Kaenon Polarized, Saturday, April 25th for the 1st Annual SUP for a Pup. Help raise money for A Wish For Animals or adopt your new best friend. Take advantage of amazing deals on a number of surf accessories, from co-sponsors of this unique event. Surftech, Olukai, Hinano, and others will have accessories, apparel, surf gear and more. Come on by, check out the great deals plus we’ll be doing a pet adoption and special raffle with tons of cool prizes. Killer grub provided by Wahoo’s Tacos, so come by, help a pup in need and get geared up for summer.

SURF

RON JON’S AUTOGRAPH SIGNING EVENT – COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA
As part of Ron Jon’s year long 50th anniversary celebration, Kaenon Polarized pro surfers Shea Lopez, Kyle Garson, Danielle Marvin, Jason Reagan and Scott Marvin appeared at the Cocoa Beach Ron Jon’s store to commemorate this epic event and launch Kaenon Polarized Sunglasses in this unique surf shop and retail destination.

The kids were stoked on the posters and the pro surfers.

EVENTS

Play to Win a pair of Kaenon Polarized Sunglasses! The tournament is open and players are swinging their way to the top of the leaderboard. Try your hand at the best virtual golf game offering high definition imagery of world-class courses. Enter the Kaenon Polarized Open and play to win a pair of Kaenon Polarized Sunglasses worn by professional golfers worldwide. Six possible winners, plus all entrants receive a $25 redemption code for use on Kaenon.com. Play to win…just don’t get too addicted.

Play the Kaenon Open Now!

EVENTS

Download Complimentary Entry Form

PADDLE

Kaenon Polarized will be a sponsor for the upcoming Kahala Challenge. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the youth program at Lanikai Canoe Club. To register for this event, go to active.com or visit www.kahala.com for more information.

Want to be on the invite list? Send an email to feedback@kaenon.com

EVENTS

Blue Bird conditions at the industry-only Outdoor Retailer Demo Day at Brighton Mountain presented perfect blue sky weather. Kaenon Polarized brought Luxury Performance previewing some of the hottest colors to appear this spring in new products that will begin to ship in March. The SR-91 polarized lens was in high demand, resulting in a great showing for the brand. On hand to serve up the best “eye-relief” on the mountain was our southern California sales rep John Gramig (in white shirt) and customer service rep Matt Casserly (in black T). While on right, event DJ (Georgia Black G12) spins an array of sounds on par with the vibe generated from OR and the Kaenon Polarized team.

EVENTS

Congratulations to Paul Casey of Los Angeles, CA. As the first lucky winner of our Enter to Win Shopping Spree, Paul was able to pick out his favorite pair of Kaenon Polarized Sunglasses, Jetty Tobacco C12. On vacation in Hawaii – where he happened to be when he got our “You Won” email, Paul sent in these pics to share. While he may be living it up island style, we can’t wait for Paul to return to LA to try out his first pair of Kaenon sunglasses. Congrats Paul!

Make sure you are entered to win, the next drawing will be held Thursday, February 12th. No purchase necessary.

ENTERTAINMENT

Last night’s premiere of Bride Wars in New York City was just the beginning of a nationwide ramp up for the highly anticipated comedy starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, who play friends turned fueling frenemies during the pre-wedding plans for their dream weddings. As part of the movie promotion and in partnership with 20th Century Fox, Kaenon Polarized hosted two lucky winners at the Bride Wars Premiere in NYC and is being featured in print and radio contests for the movie, nationwide throughout the week. From LA to New York and all hot spots in between, grand prize winners will receive a free pair of Kaenon Polarized Limited Edition Sunglasses, the same Ivory Leila sunglasses worn in the film. In theaters everywhere beginning January 9th, check your local newspaper or tune in for contest details and theater listings. To enter to win, send your full name, age, address and email address to feedback@kaenon.com, subject line “Enter Me in the Bride Wars Contest.”

COMMUNITY

In a Time of Giving, Kaenon Polarized Helps to Build Hope at the Eddie Guardado Foundation Charity Poker Tournament

Success stories can come in many different ways, shapes, and forms, and for Kaenon Polarized, one such story of success was generated last weekend at the 4th Annual Eddie Guardado Poker Tournament held in the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Led by Major League Baseball relief pitcher ‘Everyday Eddie” Guardado and with over 30 other MLB players in attendance, the inaugural charity event supports individual families affected by Autism by reducing their out of pocket expenses for therapy and treatment. One of a number of special events held throughout the year, the event included a private VIP reception at The Palazzo Las Vegas where Kaenon Polarized displayed its state-of-the-art sunglass collection and participated in the silent auction, with the proceeds benefiting the Eddie Guardado Foundation. Kaenon Polarized was proud to be involved in such a successful event. To learn more about the Eddie Guardado Foundation please visit http://www.eddieguardadofoundation.org/.

COMPANY NEWS

Welcome to the latest evolution of Kaenon.com!

In the spirit of forward movement that defines optical excellence, Kaenon Polarized is pleased to debut the new look of www.Kaenon.com. As our company and products have evolved, so has our window to the world. With a representation akin to the standards of those who choose to make Kaenon Polarized part of their performance and style, the new Kaenon.com extends the evolution of quality, class and poise to the online world.

In addition to a new look, you can enjoy many new features that present enhanced visitor interaction offering a perfect balance of sophistication, style and performance; what we call Luxury Performance™.

• If you want to see all that Kaenon Polarized has to offer, you can take a look at our collection of styles and head over to our Products page. Here you can leverage our helpful Sunglass Guide to help you find the best Kaenon style for you or someone you know based on gender, fit, sport, and environment.
• Not quite sure what polarization means? Check out the Polarization section where you can learn about the importance of Kaenon Polarized lenses and the superior advantages of Kaenon’s patented SR-91 Technology. Learn about the benefits and even separate the myths from reality. Find out why all polarized lenses are not created equal. There’s no smoke and mirrors here, just excellence, quality and value in their most true form.
• Get up close and personal with our SR-91 Polarized Lens Technology and set your sights on an unrivaled visual experience. See what differentiates SR-91 Technology from the rest and learn why Kaenon is revolutionizing the performance eyewear industry.
• Visit the Kaenon Online Store to shop online securely and with convenience or access our Dealer Locator to find a convenient Kaenon location near you.
• Check out our Performance page to see today’s movers and shakers in sports and entertainment use Kaenon Polarized eyewear to achieve superior performance.

As our passion to evolve optically and drive progress continues, Kaenon Polarized brings forward the most advanced polarized lens technology and eyewear design on the planet. With the new site, you can visually see the difference and experience the technology, sophistication and style that are the essence of Kaenon Polarized.

These are just a few of the features designed to enhance the lifestyle that Kaenon enthusiasts have come to identify with. As with our superior eyewear, our goal is to make your experience nothing but the best. More style, clarity in action and performance based value represent just the tip of the iceberg. The real fun has yet to come!

Take a peek, browse at your leisure and let us know what you think. Be a part of the ground swell movement from the start and get the latest news, information and updates. Sign up today to be a part of the Kaenon lifestyle!