National SUP Day to Raise Funds for Cystic Fibrosis

NEXT Swimwear Teams Up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for “NEXT NATIONAL SUP DAY”

Next Swimwear ambassadors on stand up paddle boards.

Tustin, California – NEXT Swimwear – known for integrating swim, fitness, and fashion – is proud to announce it has teamed up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) to declare June 10th NEXT National SUP Day. Surfing’s new sister sport, Stand Up Paddling, is an emerging global sport; the 2012 NEXT Swimwear Collection features silhouettes and styles perfect for the active woman who enjoys SUP and outdoor water activities.

Going on three years, NEXT has closely aligned with CFF and is excited to partner with the organization to promote this special day. The inaugural NEXT National SUP Day will be highlighted with events held in Newport Beach, CA, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and Orlando. At each event, professional and avid stand up paddlers will hold free clinics for children afflicted with CF as well as for the general public. For the 2012 swim season, NEXT Swimwear launched a national awareness effort for the Cystic Fibrosis Pipeline to a Cure Program. Throughout the season, a percentage of NEXT sales are donated to CFF. Also, NEXT hangtags and associated point-of-purchase materials promote how ocean activities like surfing and SUP provide a healing effect for CF patients.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). About five years ago, researchers in Australia discovered that kids with CF who surf had healthier lungs than those who didn’t. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funded research for a hypertonic saline treatment that mimics a “surf session.” Today more than 70,000 people who suffer from CF around the world experience the healing effects of the ocean during treatments in their own homes.

“Stand up paddling and surfing provide such wonderful positive opportunities for people with Cystic Fibrosis. We’re excited to join up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to celebrate SUP on June 10th, and to help raise awareness of the health benefits the sport provides children with CF,” said Lisa Vogel, president and lead designer of NEXT Swimwear. Continued…. “Through the generosity and support of companies like NEXT, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is able to share the exciting benefits of these sports with the CF community,” said Michael Shumard, executive director of the Orange County Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “We are grateful for their support and excited to be part of a national celebration of Stand Up Paddling.”

The events currently scheduled in Newport Beach, CA, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and Orlando will feature free Stand Up Paddle demonstrations and special appearances by professional SUP athletes. For more information about local events or to arrange a SUP Day event in your community, please visit www.NationalSUPday.com.

ABOUT NEXT Swimwear

NEXT Swimwear is an active and swim separates line that caters to the active on-the-go woman’s wardrobe needs – taking her from her morning SUP session throughout her active day in comfort and style. Created by the swimwear experts at Raj Manufacturing — swimwear’s leading house of fashion – NEXT features on-trend tankinis, sport bras, boy shorts, one pieces, rash guards, hoodies, pants, and more in this season’s hottest colors and must-have prints. Every top is available in bra sizes B/Cnd DD, providing the perfect fit and just the right amount of support. All pieces can easily go from the water to a workout class. Each sleek, sexy, sporty piece features a unique blend of materials that is considered swim and active wear, providing the ultimate in breathable fabric technology to help keep you comfortable all throughout the day, while flattering like no other. Not to mention, our signature NextFlex fabric guarantees a minimum UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50 to block 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. The complete NEXT collection is available at fine retailers across the globe, including the online hot spot for all things swim, www.swimspot.com. For more information, visit www.nextbyathena.com.

ABOUT Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. The foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. It has received a four-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. The Foundation’s business model has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and by publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Business Week.