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Chad Grigsby Partner Athletes

Pro Angler Chad Grigsby & family reviews Coolibar

Well, this weather has been crazy. My last tournament at Beaver Lake in Arkansas took place the second week of April and there was snow flurries the first morning of the event. After that miserableness, I needed to get out of town because where I live in Minnesota there wasn’t just snow flurries, there was snow still on the ground! So, the family and I headed to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina for some fun in the sun.

The first full day we got there we were able to go to the ocean. It was my youngest daughter Avrey’s first time and Isabelle’s second (though her first was when she was one and I don’t believe she really remembers it, but you never know!). They loved it! Boogie boards were bought along with noodles and they lived in the water for a week straight. Thank goodness for their Coolibar swim shirts and hats, according to my wife Bridget they were a “lifesaver.”

You see, Avrey had surgery about a month ago that has left a minor scar on her eyebrow that needs to be out of the sun at all times so the scar can heal. Historically, she has not been the most cooperative when it comes to wearing sun hats, but with the Surfs Up All Sport Hats and Reversible Bucket Hats she and Izzy were dolls and wore a hat at all times in the sun.

We all had a great time, saw dolphins, swam in the pool, hung out on the beach and, of course ate too much! I gotta say, I lived in the Pipeline Board Shorts and the short and long sleeved Aqua T-Shirt. Bridget loves the Ruche Swim Shirt, Vera Ruched Hoodie and Summer Wrap. We all can’t wait for the sun to finally shine in Minnesota to get to wear it again! I am off to Oklahoma this week for some practice then on to Lake Eufala in Alabama for a tournament next week. Sun is supposed to be shinning, let’s hope so!!

Chad Grigsby
LFW Pro Angler
www.chadgrigsby.com

Chad Grigsby received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review.

Chad with his daughters Avrey (purple) and Izzy (pink)

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Success Stories SunAWARE Wellness Warriors

Melanoma Survivor Capt. Harry

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Coolibar invites skin cancer survivors to share their stories with us in their own words. Hope, determination and drive to educate others play a major role in these individuals’ lives. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone. Prevention and early detection can be life saving! We hope you share these stories with your friends, family and colleagues. Be SunAWARE this month and all year long. Read Capt. Harry’s story below.

I am fifty years old and run a saltwater charter fishing business out of O’Neill’s Marina in St. Pete, Florida. I had always spent a lot of time on the water, but not like this. In 2005, I started going to the dermatologist two times a year. In March of 2012, the dermatologist told me to keep an eye on a spot in the upper middle of my back, not to worry about it, but just watch it. This spot was in a place that I could barely see, even with two mirrors. I made the mistake of forgetting to tell my wife what the doctor said about keeping an eye on that spot.

While on a vacation in October, my wife noticed that spot on my back and said it did not look right. I went to the dermatologist in early November and the doctor said it was great that my wife noticed the spot. It did not look right to him and a biopsy was done.

I was on a fishing charter just off St. Pete beach when the doctor’s office called and told me that I had a Clark Level 3 Melanoma and to schedule an appointment with Moffitt Cancer Center. I didn’t know what to think. I was scared, angry, nervous and just wanted to get off the boat. As much as I tried not to let my clients know what that phone call was about, I’m sure they noticed a change in my attitude. I was so mad and angry that I told my wife that evening, “I don’t want to tell anyone about this, that it was my business, and it stays between us.”

We were reading everything we could about Melanoma and Clark Level 3 diagnosis. All this information was making the both of us more anxious, nervous, scared, angry and upset. Knowing and keeping this a secret was not the right thing to do. After a week or so, we agreed to tell two of her brothers that live close to us and my dad, and at some point my brother and sister who live in other states.

After Thanksgiving, we met with our team at Moffitt Cancer Center, and they told us what the procedure would be and scheduled the surgery for December 13th. While in a tree stand hunting one morning, I finally came to grips with what was going on and decided it was fine to talk about it, and totally changed my attitude. It took me three weeks to get to that point, but the anger was gone. I was still anxious and nervous, but not mad and angry.

After sitting in that tree for three hours, I got down and took a walk through the woods. I came upon a guy who was spraying invasive plant species to get rid of them. We talked for four hours and while talking he tells me that his wife went through breast cancer and Moffitt Cancer Center helped her beat it. She was cancer free and doing great. After about three hours, I told him I had just come to grips with my diagnosis, and I told him about it. He asked if it was alright with me if I would join him in a prayer for me. I told him it can’t hurt, so we prayed. It really was something that I ran into this man just after coming to grips with my situation.

I went in for the surgery on the 13th, and the first step was to inject a dye around the biopsy area to determine where and if the cancer had gone to any lymph nodes. The dye showed that it had gone to one lymph node in my left armpit and three in my right armpit. The surgery went well and they removed one under my left arm and three under my right. They also removed a large area around the biopsy. They scheduled my follow-up visit for December 31st. It was going to be an anxious two and a half weeks waiting for the lab results. After about ten days, my wife said let’s call and get the lab results. This was an anxious call but a great one. The nurse told me that all the lymph nodes came back negative and all of the area around the biopsy was also negative. Hallelujah! Christmas was so much better.

Words to the wise:

I had never heard of Coolibar before having to research melanoma and UPF clothing. Living and boating in Florida, you are going to be in the sun. I think, like myself, a lot of people have never heard of Coolibar. I spend over 200 days on the water, and clients as well as others in my industry, pay attention to what others are wearing. Regular cotton tee shirts just will not hold up, so people need to see others wearing sun protective apparel. Lead by example.

Capt. Harry

Capt. Harry’s Website: Hook Em Harry

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Chad Grigsby Partner Athletes

Chad Grigsby 2013 Fishing Season Kick-off

For those of you that don’t know me, I am Chad Grigsby and I am a professional angler on the FLW Tour – the PGA circuit of bass fishing. I have had the fortune of competing professionally full time for 11 years. That’s right, I fish for a living. I live in Maple Grove, MN, am married to Bridget and have two daughters – Isabelle, who is now five and Avrey, who is now three.

Well, the 2013 season on the FLW Tour got kick started with a great tournament. I ended up 9th. The goal, of course, is to win every time, but when you are up against the best 150 anglers in the world it is always great to be fishing for 4 days (for those who don’t know about tournament fishing, they cut the field to 20 after day 2 and to 10 after day 4). We couldn’t have asked for better weather down in Clewiston, FL where we took off from to compete on Lake Okeechobee.

Chad Grigsby wearing Coolibar Aqua T-Shirt

After spending the last three months in Minnesota the Long Sleeve Aqua T-Shirt came in very handy to protect my Minnesota skin from the Florida sun! It also looked great on me, hey I am just sayin’. The lake was in excellent condition for flipping, which is the technique I mainly used along with some sight fishing. On the final day it is a requirement for me to wear a short-sleeved jersey, thats where the Long-Sleeved Crewneck Swimshirt did double duty of protecting me from the sun and keeping me cool in the mid-80 temps. The next stop on Tour is Lewis Smith Lake in Jasper, AL March 7-10. Be sure to check out FLW Live! to watch the weigh-in and hopefully watch me all four days!

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Inside Coolibar Wear Sun Protection

Coolibar: Seal of Recommendation

Did you know Coolibar was the first sun protective clothing company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s (SCF) seal of recommendation? That’s right, the first! Founded by dermatologist, Perry Robins, the SCF is an independent non-profit organization, focused on promoting the dangers of sun exposure, as well as the importance of prevention.

The SCF states, To earn the Seal of Recommendation, a manufacturer must provide scientific data showing that its product sufficiently and safely aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin.” The scientific data is reviewed by a committee of notable Photo Biologists- experts on the damaging effects of UV exposure.

Coolibar carries the traditional seal of recommendation, which is used for all sun protection products. To receive the seal, products have to pass a number of tests including, having a UPF rating of 30 or higher, meeting acceptable test results according to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists method and our hats must have a brim width of at least three inches.

So, why is the seal of recommendation imperative to Coolibar? Currently, the FDA does not regulate sun protective clothing. In addition to testing performed at independent laboratories, the seal of recommendation is Coolibar’s way of providing customers with peace of mind, knowing that products are guaranteed to block 98% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. We provide quality sun protection, it’s all we do. While wearing our sun protective products, you can go ahead and enjoy your vacation with your family, or play tennis all day.

Is the SCF seal of recommendation something you look for, before you purchase your sun protective products?    

 

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Wellness Warriors

Cancer Be Glammed

Canncer Be Glammed

The words cancer and glamour are rarely used in the same sentence…that is until now. We love the work that Cancer Be Glammed is doing to help women recover from cancer with confidence, self-esteem and style. Lisa Lurie, the company’s co-founder, shares her inspiration for starting this organization. And if you are looking for some good holiday gift ideas for the survivor in your life, Lisa’s team has some excellent suggestions. They even have a personal concierge.

Cancer and Glam are two words that most women don’t associate together.  As a cancer survivor and co-founder of Cancer Be Glammed, I am determined to change that.

Cancer Be Glammed was born from the frustration I felt during my own battle with breast cancer. Following my diagnosis, I underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Like most women who are quickly thrown onto the cancer rollercoaster, I was totally unprepared for the side effects of surgery and treatment.  Side effects that included permanent physical changes, hair loss, weight issues, and skin made ultra-sensitive to the sun.

It was soul destroying for me to look into the mirror. I could barely recognize the tired, bloated woman in the sweatpants, baggy top, and bandana– staring back.

Head scarf from CBG

When I recovered, I co-founded, Cancer Be Glammed.  Our goal–to prepare women for the side effects of surgery and treatment, and to provide them with easy access to fashionable products and style solutions to help them maintain their self-esteem and lifestyle.

On our website, www.CancerBeGlammed.com, women can shop for practical yet stylish products like beautiful headscarves and wraps, skin care that pampers and heals treatment sensitive skin, and great sun protective hats, clothing, and accessories.

In addition, we feature ideal gifts like journals, eReaders, soothing teas, and more that a woman going through treatment will use and appreciate.  Our Personal Concierge can help a woman choose items for herself or make gift recommendations to family members or friends.

Through our blog, Facebook, Twitter and other media, we are bringing together a community of women sharing their own advice on how to “Recover In Style.”  Cancer treatment is so hard, looking and feeling better — shouldn’t be.

Lisa Lurie

Lisa Lurie co-founder Cancer Be Glammed

 

 

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Chad Grigsby Coolibar Athletes

Fishing Season Update from Coolibar Athlete Chad Grigsby

For those of you that don’t know me, and am I sure there are a few, I am Chad Grigsby and I am a professional angler on the FLW Tour – the PGA circuit of bass fishing. I have had the fortune of competing professionally full time for 10 years. That’s right, I fish for a living. I live in Maple Grove, MN, am married to Bridget and have two daughters – Isabelle, who is 4 and Avrey who is 2.

This year the season kicked off in January on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, FL. Okeechobee is one of my favorite lakes, as I tend to do well competitively there; however, this year wasn’t my best performance- I finished 58 out of 164- but I am excited to go back and won’t complain about being in the Florida sun in January. (Photo: Me in a Coolibar long sleeve protecting me from the Florida sun during practice).

Next I was off to Lake Hartwell in Columbia, SC where I struggled again and finished 120…on to Table Rock in Branson, MO where I finally cracked the top 50! (Photo: Me with my largest bass from Table Rock before weigh in with Isabelle, Coolibar shirt underneath the jersey – amazing that the long sleeves keep you cool and dry when fishing all day in 85 degree weather).

 

After Table Rock, I was able to head to Scottsdale, AZ with my family, where we celebrated Easter and had fun in the sun! (Photo: My daughter Isabelle after her Easter Egg Hunt wearing a kids Coolibar zip up to protect her Irish skin from the sun rays!)

Next up Beaver Lake in Rogers, AR, which is also a favorite of mine for a couple of reasons. I tend to do well there and that is where I met my wife (I am originally from Michigan- Go Big Blue!).

Well, I will check in again after Beaver, hopefully with a great story of my fantastic performance.

Stay cool. Chad

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Sun Protection Clothing Wellness Warriors

Fishing in the Amazon

Jack Ip, also known as JIP, is the Senior Editor of Tackle and Tour, an online source of tackle news and reviews, and he makes it his business to seek some of the best fishing in the world. Last November, he traveled outside his hometown near the shores of Lake Sonoma in California, to the Amazon to fish for one of the world’s toughest freshwater species — Peacock bass. While carefully thought-out bait was essential to the success of the trip, tackle wasn’t the only thing he brought with him to the treacherous waters of Barcelos, Brazil.

“This was my first trip to the Amazon and my first time catching Peacock bass. As much as the tackle is important on a trip like this, keeping yourself in tip-top shape and providing yourself protection is just as critical … Wearing protective gear to keep the sun exposure to a bare minimum is important if you’re fishing 6 days straight for 10+ hours per day.

“Coolibar has been producing sun protective clothing since 2001 and today all their apparel are rated UPF 50+, the highest rating you can have in clothes. So the Coolibar Sunblock Fishing Shirt was a must have for my trip to the Amazon. There was no way the harmful UV rays, even the harsh ones in Brazil, would penetrate the Sunblock fishing shirt. I received no sunburns or evening a darkening of my skin during the entire trip in South America.

“Due to venting it provided coolness while fishing all day. The Sunblock shirt, when wet, also dries quickly especially if you’re running the boat. The fishing shirt has many features designed just for anglers such as a collar that you can unfold to provide neck protection or the Velcro pole tip holder just to name a few. Overall a good fishing shirt that’s UPF 50+ rated and useful features that any angler would welcome.

“Fly thousands of miles away, you won’t want to leave home with just mediocre tackle as this is mostly a once in a life time trip for many anglers … And apparel, it must provide good protection or you’ll come back lobster red and hurting. UPF rated, 40+ or 50+ is recommended. Plus a hat to cover up is almost a must have.”

JIP in Coolibar Fish Shirt Casting Off
JIP casting off in Coolibar Fish Shirt

To view details about the Sunblock Fishing Shirt JIP used during his Amazon fishing excursion, see the Sunblock Fishing Shirt made from Coolibar’s dri SUNTECT® fabric.

To view details about Coolibar’s New and Improved Fishing Shirt, see the Fishing Shirt cut from Coolibar’s 3D dri SUNTECT®, a new lighter weight, moisture-wicking fabric that offers superior sun protection and comfort. This shirt still contains all of the original technical features you love including: Velcro pole tip holders, roll-up sleeves, a protective collar flap, bellowed breast pockets and 6” vertical Napoleon zipper pockets.

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