About one billion people in the world do not have access to clean water. This is an extremely pertinent issue, which is why I have already written a blog post about it (see below). The snowboarding brand Drink Water is working towards two special initiatives related to water. The brand started because a few professional snowboarders started to see the sport they loved be too influenced by big corporate energy drink brands who were “peddling their products to kids” (1). These profession snowboarders wanted to remind everyone that drinking water was extremely important when performing action sports. Drink water makes clothing and apparel to spread their message, and donates 10% of their profits to Water.org to help solve the global water crisis. They specifically do not sell water, and encourage people to get their water from their taps instead of buying it. Here is a quick message from their website that resonated with me personally.

“It’s not about selling water. We’re actually committed to never sell water. We prefer it from the tap. And if you’re going outside, which we tend to do, fill up a bottle and take it with you” (1).

I am a proponent of drinking water, especially when I’m skiing, surfing, or skateboarding. I see so many of my friends grab a Gatorade to replenish, or an energy drink, and I find that water does the trick for me every time. I support Drink Water’s movement, but I also have to consider the amount that these sports and energy drink brands have contributed to progressing the sports I love. Skiing, surfing, or skateboarding would not be where it is if these energy drink brands did not pay athletes to endorse their products. These brands pay for and host enormous events like X-Games that contribute directly to the progression of the sport. It’s hard to hate on the brands that are giving so much to the sports industry. I fully support Drink Water however, and will always have my Nalgene on me when I am doing the outdoor activities I love.

(1). https://www.wedrinkwater.com/