3TEX Forms Strategic Alliance with Confluence

Research Triangle Park Area, NC - August 16, 2001 - Confluence, a premier manufacturer of canoes, kayaks, and unique sailing trimarans, announced today at the National Outdoor Retailer Show that it has signed a strategic alliance with 3TEX, Inc. (www.3TEX.com), a world leader in designing and developing revolutionary 3D fabrics and composites.

The National Outdoor Retailer Show, which is one of the world's largest and most important business gatherings of the outdoor industry, is being held in Salt Lake City, UT, August 16-19 2001. The annual event showcases the newest and most innovative products from the world's leading outdoor specialty market manufacturers.

Under the terms of the new strategic alliance, Confluence will use 3TEX's patented 3WEAVE™ to construct revolutionary paddlesport products, such as canoes and kayaks. 3TEX's 3WEAVE™ will improve the overall performance of Confluence's products by making them lighter and stronger. The lightweight composite designs allow paddlers to easily transport their canoe or kayak. The products are also very durable and can withstand harsh water conditions. With the ability to be different shapes, the composite products can be suited for a wide range of paddlers, whether it's a longer design for speed (and easier to paddle over distance), or a shorter design for better mobility (easier to turn).

"Our partnership with 3TEX will allow us to develop an entirely new generation of products," said Bill Medlin, CEO of Confluence. "Confluence is dedicated to creating the most innovative and cutting edge watersports products in the world. Our relationship with 3TEX will allow us to continue our leadership role in this competitive industry."

"We are very focused on partnering with companies that lead product development within their market sector," said Brad Lienhart, CEO of 3TEX. "Confluence is highly regarded in the Watersports industry and is a perfect partner as 3TEX expands its Marine Product Division. We look forward to working closely with Confluence to develop next-generation paddlesport products."

About 3TEX, Inc. - Based in the Research Triangle Park Area, NC, 3TEX is a world leader in designing and developing revolutionary 3-D fabrics and composites. A spin-off from N.C. State University, 3TEX has design, product development, and production facilities in Cary and Rutherfordton, NC. With strategic alliances in place with technology centers and Universities around the world, and more than half a dozen revolutionary design patents approved or pending, 3TEX is developing next generation materials that are stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum. 3TEX was recently featured in Research Triangle Park Metro Magazine and was listed as one of the "High-Tech" 100 manufacturing companies to watch.

About Confluence Watersports - North Carolina-based Confluence Watersports Company-a premiere manufacturer of canoes, kayaks, and unique sailing trimarans-is the parent company for Mad River Canoe, Wilderness Systems, WindRider, Voyageur, and Wave Sport. Voyageur manufactures and distributes the industry's most complete line of canoeing and kayaking accessories including Sidewinder whitewater and other quality paddles, along with personal flotation devices, storage gear and apparel. Mad River Canoe is recognized as the quality leader in the canoe industry. Wilderness Systems manufactures top-quality fiberglass, Kevlar, and rotationally-molded kayaks. Wave Sport is the paddling industry's premier whitewater kayak manufacturer. WindRider is a unique line of sailing trimarans. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Confluence Canada, distributes all the brands in Canada.

Contact: Mae Mohamed, 3TEX
Tel: 919-481-2500, ext. 104
Mae@3TEX.com