Old Town, Maine (February 12, 2007) Old Town®, a leading paddlesports brand steeped in the tradition of making the on-water experience comfortable, enjoyable and accessible for all, is pleased to announce that their new Dirigo™ Tandem Plus™ kayak has been named one of Paddler's Picks in the annual Paddler Magazine Buyer's Guide. This recognition, combined with a Paddler's Pick award for the Old Town® Dirigo™ 120™ in 2005, clearly illustrates the Dirigo™ series' unparalleled comfort, stability and performance on the water.

Featured in the Buyer's Guide recreational kayak section, the Dirigoâ„¢ Tandem Plusâ„¢ is the first ever kayak designed for a family of four. Paddler Magazine applauded the Dirigoâ„¢ for its two separate super-sized cockpits, polyethylene hull design and for providing all the comfort, control and outstanding primary and secondary stability that the Dirigoâ„¢ line has become known for.

“We are incredibly honored to have the Dirigo Tandem Plus™ recognized by Paddler Magazine, a publication known for its commitment to paddling enthusiasts worldwide,” said Chris Jacobs, Director or Marketing for Old Town® Canoes & Kayaks. “Innovation is Old Town's number one priority and that translates into bringing the most user-friendly watercraft to market to help make paddling more comfortable, more enjoyable and more accessible for everyone. That is our passion, and also our promise to paddlers everywhere.”

Further recognition given to the Dirigo™ Tandem Plus™ as a Paddler's Pick surrounds a myriad of “family friendly” features including the comfortable, three-way adjustable Extrasport® seats, adjustable foot braces, convenient “dashboard” for storage, paddle keepers, easily accessible day hatch and rear Space Hatch™ with bulkhead. Other Old Town® kayaks and canoes listed in the Paddler Buyer's Guide included the Loon 15 Tandem™, Cayuga™ 110 & 130 and the new Koru ™canoe.

The Dirigo™ Tandem Plus™ is now available at authorized Old Town® dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Available colors include Sunrise, Cloud, Red, Yellow and Green. SRP: $1,099 standard; $1,299 with rudder. For more information about Old Town® and its family of canoes and kayaks, please log on to www.oldtowncanoe.com.

Old Town® is part of the Johnson Outdoors family of innovative, market-leading brands. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of top-quality products for the global marketplace across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment. Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Ocean Kayak™, Necky® kayaks, Old Town® canoes and kayaks, Extrasport®, Lendal™ and Carlisle® paddles, Escape® electric boats, Minn Kota® motors, Cannon® downriggers, Humminbird® fish finders, Scubapro® and UWATEC® dive equipment, and Eureka!® tents. The company has 23 locations around the world, employs 1,300 people and reported annual sales of $396 million in 2006. Visit Johnson Outdoors online at www.johnsonoutdoors.com.

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