June 28, 2023– Asheville, NC – Astral is proud to introduce a limited edition GreenJacket Rescue PFD in collaboration with world-renowned athlete and Astral Archetype Nouria Newman. Dubbed the “Wild Things” GreenJacket LE, the design features abstract illustrations by California-based surfer, painter, muralist, and illustrator Bret Brown. This is Astral’s 14th limited edition life jacket since 2009, representing a unique effort to push the limits of innovation at the intersection of performance, design, and creativity alongside athletes, artists, and non-profits.
The Wild Things GreenJacket LE is inspired by Newman’s desire to pursue flow state experiences in nature and return home safely to her loved ones. On the front, back, and inside of the PFD, Brown’s artwork tells a playful and curious story of our innate call to the wild, using the colorful monsters and elements of nature he is known for. “I guess we all have our own monsters. Our own crazy dreams, fears, and doubts but [it is] also what motivates us. We tried to make friendly-looking monsters because going to places that scare you isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” shares Newman.
“This LE collab is a symbolic expression of returning. A returning to our human experience… [and] that inside each of us is a scary, wild, unpredictable calling that deserves being listened to,” shares Brown. “I’m all about supporting that call to the wild, the unknown, to the scary depths, and to be a part of a project with Astral and Nouria that spoke to that calling was perfect.”
“This LE is inspired by Maurice Sendak’s children’s book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’. It’s about dreaming, overcoming fear, and going on all sorts of adventures, as well as coming back home to a warm meal and to your loved ones. For me that embodies a lot of what I love most in kayaking,” states Newman.
“Astral is honored to collaborate with Nouria and Bret to design a limited edition rescue PFD that champions having a present mind during wild experiences in Nature,” shares Philip Curry, founder and CEO of Astral.
The Wild Things GreenJacket LE shares the same platform, architecture, and features as the industry-leading GreenJacket Rescue PFD. It is available online at astraldesigns.com and at select retailers.
With all of Astral’s LE programs, a portion of proceeds will be donated to organizations and projects that protect soil and water or provide youth access to Nature. Astral will donate 5% of online sales from the Wild Things GreenJacket LE to Tri-Haut pour l’Everest, a sustainability project working to reduce the amount of plastics and waste that enter the soil and water of the Himalayas, that was selected by Newman as the recipient. “I’m stoked to support this student project because they need it,” says Newman. “They’re not just making noise and raising awareness, they are actually out there making a difference.”
For more information on Astral, please visit www.astraldesigns.com or contact Mindy Smith at [email protected].
About Astral
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.
