The Whale Foundation and NRS Partner on Limited-Edition Ninja Pro PFD to Support the Health and Well-Being of Grand Canyon River Guides

Flagstaff, Ariz. — Rooted in a shared commitment to the people who call the river home, The Whale Foundation and Northwest River Supplies (NRS) have joined forces to launch a limited-edition Ninja Pro Guide PFD. This collaboration merges industry-leading safety gear with a deep-seated mission of care. For every PFD sold, $20 is donated directly to The Whale Foundation to fund essential health and wellness services for the Grand Canyon guiding community.

“This collaboration with NRS is a powerful testament to the strength of our river family,” says Sarah Morton, Executive Director of The Whale Foundation. "Our mission has always been to promote, restore and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. This isn't just a piece of gear; it’s a story, it’s a connection and it’s a commitment to ensuring that the guide community remains healthy, supported and resilient."

Since 1996, The Whale Foundation has supported the Grand Canyon river guiding community through ensuring guides have a stable mental, physical and financial foundation through counseling, health insurance assistance, educational scholarships and financial guidance programs designed to care for the whole person. As the Grand Canyon season kicks off, The Whale Foundation aims to ensure that guides never feel alone, and always have a place to turn for support.

“The Whale Foundation does essential work to support the health and wellness of the Grand Canyon guiding community—people who dedicate their lives to stewarding one of the most iconic rivers and landscapes in the world,” says Caitlin Wyman, Wholesale Account Manager at NRS. “This collaborative PFD is not only beautiful, it's a tangible way to show up for guides and help raise vital funds for the incredible work of The Whale Foundation. All-in, this project reflects our shared belief that taking care of the river also means taking care of the people who make these experiences possible.”

The limited-edition PFD features custom artwork created by Grand Canyon river guide and artist Summer Doss. Inspired by the canyon landscape, the design incorporates the Whale Foundation logo subtly embedded within the canyon walls, an intentional tribute to those who the organization supports. The special-edition design combines professional-grade performance with a meaningful opportunity to support river guides.

“I’ve known about the Whale Foundation since my first season guiding in 2019. I’ve used their counseling services, received scholarships for continued education and health insurance stipends, and was the featured artist for their annual Wing Ding auction in 2021,” says Doss. “It’s an honor to use my work to support a cause that I not only care about deeply, but have personally benefitted from. I hope that this PFD elevates the visibility of the Whale Foundation and can further expand on the ongoing dialogue around mental health, stability, and sustainability in the guiding industry. I also hope that people think it looks cool!”

The collaboration will also be celebrated at The Whale Foundation’s 24th annual Wing Ding fundraiser in Flagstaff, Arizona on February 28. A limited-edition PFD will be featured in the auction. Limited quantities of the NRS x Whale Foundation Ninja Pro Guide PFD are available for pre-sale through The Whale Foundation. Product delivery is expected beginning April 2026.

Media Contact: Emily Nuchols // emily@undersolenmedia.com // 360.510.8696

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About The Whale Foundation

The Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing a comprehensive safety net for the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Driven by the mission to promote, restore, and celebrate the well-being of those who steward one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, the Foundation provides critical support services that address the unique challenges of the guiding profession. For more information on services and community impact, visit www.whalefoundation.org.

About NRS

100% employee-owned, NRS is the world’s leading supplier of equipment and apparel for water recreation, safety and rescue. Founded in 1972 with a vision to create a better kind of company, NRS is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of its customers, employees and community. For more information on NRS, visit nrs.com, email the company at service@nrs.com or call 877.677.4327.