Danielle McKenzie explains her decision to join Epic

New Zealand's celebrated paddler, Danielle McKenzie, a 2019 World Champion, made a significant and somewhat surprising decision to join Epic just one week before the prestigious Shaw and Partners WA Race Week. Despite the challenging timing, McKenzie is optimistic that this transition will spark immediate success in her career. She had been a dominant force on the racing circuit for years using Fenn surfskis but felt the moment was right for a change.

Reasons for the Bold Move and Sponsorship Shift

McKenzie expressed considerable enthusiasm for her new partnership, having sought a change for some time and being delighted with her choice. She acknowledged the difficult timing of changing equipment so close to a major event but remains unfazed, having already completed several successful downwind paddles in her new ski. Her move was not due to dissatisfaction with previous Fenn surfskis, which she appreciated. Instead, her primary motivation was a fresh beginning, believing Epic's V11 and V12 models offer potential to elevate her performance.

The catalyst for this shift began months earlier with McKenzie's separation from her long-standing sponsor, Shaw and Partners. As all Shaw and Partners-backed athletes exclusively use Fenn surfskis, this parting, while not forcing a switch, made it the most beneficial path for her future. McKenzie expressed gratitude for initial support from Dean Gardiner, who introduced her to the sport, and later from Shaw and Partners. Ultimately, she felt her previous arrangements no longer aligned with her personal aspirations.

This realization prompted McKenzie to undertake an extensive evaluation process, testing numerous surfskis to understand different equipment, having exclusively used Fenn skis previously. Despite rumors of lucrative offers from other manufacturers, McKenzie clarified that her priority was always the feel and comfort of the ski. This meticulous search led her to Epic, where she will now...

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