text: MONTANE® Athlete Andy Kirkpatrick US Speaking Tour - SNEWS
  Asheville, NC -- (Sept. 26, 2014) ––Sport Hansa LLC, an importer and distributor of niche European outdoor brands and product lines, is pleased to announce the MONTANE® US Speaker Series featuring world famous British mountaineer and award winning author, Andy Kirkpatrick.
  Not your average rock climbing slideshow, Andy is one of the most sought after international speakers and writers on the circuit. He has appeared on Ted Talks, contributes to Climbing Magazine and his book, Psychovertical won the Boardman Tasker Award for mountain literature. Andy has a gift for relating to audiences in a way that is accessible to both seasoned climbers and non-climbers alike. His vivid depictions and total embodiment of the climbing lifestyle allows audiences to experience the risk, tension and exhilaration of big wall climbing close at hand.
  "I talk to all over the world and I'm lucky enough to be seen as one of the best mountain speakers at the moment," notes Kirkpatrick. "The reason for this is I don't talk about climbing! I'm interested in sharing the human elements of my adventures, both my own and my partners. All I can say is some people cry, most go away with a lot of ideas, and everyone laughs!
  In support of independent specialty dealers and to engage with consumers, the MONTANE Forum makes three stops on its inaugural US tour:
  • Sept. 26 – 6pm - Fountain Square Outfitters - Glens Falls, NY
  • Sept. 27 - 7 pm - Rock & Snow – New Paltz, NY
  • Sept. 30 - 5:30 pm - Bill & Paul's Sporthaus - Grand Rapids
  Topics include teams under pressure, risk management, mental robustness and getting stuff done against the odds. Just in time for peak climbing season, MONTANE will debut its Fall 2014 apparel and outerwear collection, plus swag, raffles, refreshments and a free athlete poster signing with Andy.
  For more information, please contact Theresa Blake at Theresa@treehousepr.com or matthuff@sport-hansa.com.
  From Europe to America, Sport Hansa imports and distributes authentic, innovative outdoor brands and product lines. Serving over 240 specialty retailers in the North American market, Sport Hansa represents European brands Helle (Norway), Kupilka (Finland), Montane (England), Pronto Café (France), Terra Nova (England,) and Wetterlings (Sweden). Each brand offers a unique yet complementary product mix combined with a compelling brand history that stands out in terms of performance, authenticity and innovation. For more information, please