Trade Talk Tidbits
Posted on Monday, October 28 2002
TIDBITS
Seattle, Wash.’s Cascade Designs won this year’s Moving Mountains Award, presented annually at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. Cascade was nominated for the award by the Washington Trails Association (WTA), which works on behalf of wilderness trails throughout Washington State. Cascade Designs has provided WTA with both financial support and thousands of hours of volunteer time over the past decade.
Designed to spread the “passion for paddling,” Dagger recently unveiled its national “Paddle with the Pros” freestyle clinic program. The free event took place at 27 locations across the country through Oct. 20, 2002. “Our Team D athletes love spending quality time with people who just want to get out there and paddle,” says Dagger’s Mike Steck. During the clinics, paddling enthusiasts and retailers gain experience from the pros for enhancing their freestyle skills. “It’s great to get everyone behind the counter involved on the water,” says Team D’s Ben Selznick. “Everyone at the clinics seems really stoked.”
REI announced it will be the exclusive online gear store for MountainZone.com, the Seattle-based Web site featuring news-style content on climbing, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and hiking and live reporting from the athletes themselves. Now visitors to MountainZone.com can access REI's full assortment of outdoor gear and clothing by clicking on the "Marketplace by REI icon" on the MountainZone.com homepage or under each activity category.
Easley, S.C.’s Watermark has consolidated its Japan Specialty distribution with Montbell Co., Ltd, based in Osaka. Montbell will handle Watermark’s brands including Dagger, Perception, Islander, Harmony, Yakima Snowshoes, and Yakima inflatable personal flotation devices. Pearl Metal, which has been distributing Dagger in Japan, will continue to distribute Watermark’s Mainstream brand. “As we’ve done in the U.S., this decision reconfirms our goal of becoming a worldwide leader in technical outdoor equipment,” says Watermark President Jim Clark.
Bell Canoe Works announced Piragis Northwoods Company of Ely, Minnesota, as its 2002 Dealer of the Year. The award is presented each year to the dealer that best represents the criteria set forth by Bell’s staff. Bell also recently received two certificates of award from Zimmerman, Minn., high schools for support in providing on-the-job training to high school work experience students.
Potomac Paddlesports has expanded its operations to include overnight accommodations with the creation of The Potomac Paddlesports Center in Potomac, Md. In cooperation with The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Potomac Paddlesports now provides destination whitewater kayak instruction from its new base at the Rockwood Manor Park.
USA Canoe/Kayak has signed Seals Sprayskirts, of Johnstown, N.Y., as an Official Supplier through 2005. As part of the suppliership agreement, Seals sprayskirts will be designated the "Official Sprayskirt of USA Canoe/Kayak,” and will supply USA Canoe/Kayak with approximately 100 sprayskirts for its national teams each year. A percentage of the sale of every sprayskirt bearing the USA Canoe/Kayak name and marks will be paid to USACK.
Portsmouth N.H.’s Portsmouth Kayak Adventures (PKA) launched a new full service kayak shop located directly on Sagamore Creek in Portsmouth, NH, this July. The shop provides direct access to a combination of inland waterways, salt marshes and open ocean, allowing customers to rent boats and paddle right from the store.
Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) now offers a life-long retail discount to certified WMA graduates. Graduates will receive a 10 percent discount on rescue and medical gear carried by WMA as long as certification is current. Shopping can be done online at: www.wildmed.com.
Retailer giant REI plans to add three more shops to its fleet in 2003 despite a challenging retail landscape. The newest shops will be in Massachusetts and the Puget Sound area, bringing the total to 63.
Trade Talk
Posted on Monday, October 28 2002
Drought Drowns Colorado Rafting Season
Colorado’s worst drought in 100 years has left outfitters high and dry. With most companies reporting anywhere from a 30 to 80 percent decline in business, many see the season as a total write off. “It was the worst season we’ve ever had,” says Pete Van DeCarr, owner of Backdoor Sports in Steamboat Springs. “We couldn’t even get inner tubes down the river after mid-June.” According to the Colorado River Outfitters Association, the industry that ferried over 500,000 customers down 27 different river stretches in 2001 stands to lose upwards of $50 million this season, down from a near-record $125 million last season. Not only did overall numbers drop, but due to low water, many outfitters had to use smaller boats with a higher customer to guide ratio. The only thing that may save some companies is the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan program. The SBA’s Denver office accepted 466 applications from whitewater businesses seeking low-interest, long term loans to reduce the impact of a terrible year. They’ve handed out over $10 million to stricken rafting and kayaking businesses.
--Jason Blevins
Pam Dillon Takes Over as ACA Head
Pam Dillon stepped into the top spot at the American Canoe Association (ACA) in October, filling the void left by Jeff Yeager’s departure in July. Dillon, who has served on the ACA’s board off an on since 1990, says she hopes to use her new position to foster growth in paddlesports. “Paddlesports hasn’t peaked yet, not judging from the strength of the ACA’s instructional programs. The whole industry stands to benefit from our promotion of paddling as a lifetime sport,” says Dillon.
Most recently working as Deputy Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft, Dillon has been an ACA instructor since the early ’80s. She also served as Chairperson of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) from 1991-1993. She continues to serve on the NSBC Board of Directors.
OIA Figures Show Growth in Canoeing
Design Note: Make into its own sidebar-like box.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association's (OIA) Outdoor Recreation Participation Study for the U.S. for 2001, following a period of stagnation between 1999-2000, participation in canoeing grew significantly in 2001. 24.1 million Americans 16 and older, or 11 percent of the population, canoed in 2001, as opposed to 18.1 million in 2000 and 1998, and 17.5 million in 1999.
* More males canoe - Participants - 56% -male, 44% - female
* Most canoeists are between the ages of 16 to 24 - (29%
participants, 26% enthusiasts)
* The median age of canoeing participants in 2001 was 29.5 - off
from a median age of 39.5 in 2000.
* Americans who went canoeing at least one time in 2001 are most
likely to live in the South (31%) and North Central regions (28%).
* More than one in 10 Americans 16 and older canoed at least
once in 2001.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail Underway
New home for office and full-time staff hired
Paddlers have a new trail organization in their midst—the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), which recently established its office in Warren, Vermont. The nonprofit is devoted to creating the historic water trail which begins in New York’s Adirondacks and ends 740 miles later in Fort Kent, Maine. The trail is the longest inland water trail in the Northeast and follows traditional routes used by Native Americans and early settlers. “The Northern Forest Canoe Trail will be built and maintained by local communities,” says Executive Director Rob Center. “There is a piece of the trail for most everyone—beginners, experts, canoeists and kayakers.”
The NFCT recently hired its first full-time staff. Center, formerly of Mad River Canoe, has been part-time executive director for the past two years and became full-time in May. Joining Center is assistant director Sylvia Plumb, former director of communications with the Green Mountain Club. While, according to Plumb, only one group has completed the entire trail, “we’re hoping more thru-paddlers will step up to give the trail some publicity.” This June, the NFCT awarded $35,000 to communities along the trail to develop access points, portages, signage, and campsites for the trail. Info: (802) 496-2285, www.northernforestcanoetrail.org.
Confluence Deal to Acquire Whetstone Falls Short
Less than a month after it announced an agreement to purchase paddle manufacturer Whetstone Inc., Confluence Watersports’ deal to acquire the company has dissolved. Whetstone is a manufacturer of carbon fiber whitewater and touring paddles. According to Buff Grub, Mad River Canoe’s brand manager at Confluence, the deal had been tentatively approved by William Carpenter, Whetstone’s owner. However, upon final review by Carpenter's other partners, Whetstone decided that acquisition would not be in the company's best interests. “The deal fell through on some of the mechanical details of the agreement,” says Grub. “It seemed like a good fit for both us.” Grub says that Confluence will continue to seek out another opportunity in the paddle line. “We do look at paddles as an area of opportunity,” he says.
Bomber Gear Partners with Equinox
Durango, Colo.’s Bomber Gear, manufacturer of whitewater apparel and accessories, has partnered with Equinox Extreme, a clothing manufacturer based in Bangkok, Thailand. Bomber Gear will distribute Equinox apparel in North America, and will be involved in the design process. “We’re very excited to be working with Equinox,” says Bomber Gear’s Director of Marketing Rebecca Lowry. “They are a cutting-edge company, and we like their style. Their line complements ours perfectly.” Equinox’s line includes technical travel wear in what Lowry calls “the Ex-Officio style.” It features radio-frequency welding and supplex materials like Toray, a three-ply, waterproof, breathable fabric, as well as Lycraprene, a four-way stretch, thin neoprene laminated with anti-bacterial Lycra.
Liquidlogic Partners with IR, Black Diamond, Werner and Thule
New Facility in the works in Hendersonville, N.C.
Liquidlogic, keeping with the formula that’s helped them break into the saturated paddlesports market, has formed partnerships with their friends—who also happen to be some of the outdoor industry’s leading players. Liquidlogic recently netted partnerships with Black Diamond, Immersion Research, Werner and Thule. “I’ve always felt that to make the best product you have to defer to the experts who specialize in those areas,” says Tom Dempsey, a Liquidlogic co-founder. “In this case these folks happen to be good friends.”
Black Diamond’s contribution is aluminum security bars mounted on the outside of whitewater kayaks. “We were looking for someone expert in the “security business,” says Dempsey. Immersion Research will produce sprayskirts and cockpit covers for Liquidlogic’s touring boats, as well as an improved backband and on-seat outfitting for all boats. Thule will be contributing to the effort as an official sponsor of Liquidlogic’ pro paddling team and in other marketing projects. Lastly, Werner is making a private-label fiberglass touring paddle for Liquidlogic.
“This cross-marketing will help us all perform better and really make our product top-notch,” says Dempsey. “As our need for components or complimentary products has developed, we sought out the best companies in the world to fill those needs. This is just the beginning.”
In addition to the new facilities, Liquidlogic is pressing ahead with plans to construct a new compound in Hendersonville, N.C. The 26-acre plot will feature offices, an R&D lab, a factory/warehouse, and most importantly an on-site pet-care kennel.
Cobra Kayaks Announces Licensing Partnership
Gardena Calif.’s Cobra Kayaks has created a new licensing partnership with Cobra Kayaks East, to manufacture, distribute and service kayaks east of the Mississippi. The goal of the partnership, says Warren Aitken, president of Cobra Kayaks, is to better serve Cobra customers by providing them with an East Coast production facility and newly developed freight programs. "It has been difficult in the past because of the expense of moving boats across the country,” says Aitken. “We're excited about this agreement and feel that it will accomplish our goal."
The new company is owned by Tom Strauss, Ron Norton and Tom Martell. "This is a true partnership,” says Strauss. “We will share in the areas of design, molds, manufacturing techniques, national advertising and public relations." Cobra Kayaks East will be based out of Reading, Pennsylvania, and have warehouses in South Carolina, Florida and Texas. Dealers west of the Mississippi will continue to be serviced out of Cobra's corporate offices in California.
Ispo Announces Earlier Show
European outdoor tradeshow Ispo will take place over a month earlier in 2003, announced the show’s organizers. The show is slated for June 29 at the fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, as opposed to its traditional slot in the first week in August. The new dates give manufacturers the advantage of being able to attend both Ispo and Outdoor Retailer, whereas previously time constraints led many to have to choose. “Believe me, it was pretty darn tough to do both,” says Horizon Communications’ Holly Kusko, whose clients include Ispo itself. More importantly, it puts the show at the beginning of the ordering season for European retailers. "Early, complete information about lines is the necessary basis for all stores to have a successful season. You need this basis for efficient orders," says Wolfgang Schnellbuegel, president of Sport 2000, which represents some 840 stores.
In addition, adds Klaus Jost, president of INTERSPORT, the move benefits many of the smaller shops, which aren’t privy to the sneak previews afforded larger shops by manufacturers. “The Ispo date decision is creating a level playing field again. Communication with the entire industry will be possible at one time and in one place.”
ACA, PPA and We-no-nah Team Up for Outdoor Writing
In an effort to gain more coverage of paddlesports in the field of outdoor writing, the American Canoe Association (ACA), Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA), and We-no-nah Canoe have joined forces to provide the first prize monies ever offered through the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) for excellence in published articles specifically about paddlesports.
The $1,700 prize was awarded to Holly Endersby of Corvalis, Ore., in the magazine category and John McCoy of Barboursville, W.V. The awards were presented at the OWAA’s annual conference in June. “The best way to encourage paddlesport stories is to create a separate category at OWAA,” says Tom Watson, Marketing Director for We-no-nah and an OWAA member. “Canoes and kayaks have been used for hunting and fishing for years. It’s about time we have stories to document that.”
Bell Turns 15
Garage obsession grows into a thriving business
Bell Canoe Works celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2003. Founded in 1988 by Ted Bell, the line has grown from a small assortment of solo canoes built in Bell’s garage to 16 models for everything from casual recreation to competition racing. Bell canoes are distributed through a dealer base of nearly 210 shops in the North America and Europe. To help celebrate, Bell organized their first industry trip, the Bell Experience—a weeklong trip on the Namekagon River in northern Wisconsin. Eighteen guests and friends enjoyed the trip, along with cooperating partners, including Marmot, PUR and Gaia. Next year: Bell Experience Florida.
Library of Congress accepts The River Chasers
Geneva, Ohio’s Flowing Water Press and Alpen Books Press recently announced that The River Chasers, a narrative history of American whitewater paddling, has been accepted by the Library of Congress. “The Library of Congress reviewed the book and deemed it appropriate for inclusion in the US Acquisitions Section of the Anglo-American Acquisitions Division,” says author Sue Taft. “This is a major accomplishment for the sport of whitewater, preserving its unique history while telling the story of the sport to future generations.” Flowing Water Press also announces the establishment of a website for The River Chasers at www.theriverchasers.com.
NOC 30th Birthday Bash
The NOC celebrated its 30th birthday by setting the lofty goal of teaching a record-setting 300 new students to kayak during the 30 days of June. “The employee owners of NOC wanted to show their commitment to growing the sport,” says Mark Singleton, NOC Marketing Vice President. “Our Rapid Progressions program provides students with proven methods of instruction to introduce contemporary whitewater kayaking skills in as little as two days.”
While they fell short of their goal (only 70), NOC still felt the effort was a success. “As a business we depend on guests taking on a new challenge and coming to NOC to help facilitate that,” says NOC PR Director Craig Plocica. “Getting new guests will hopefully plant a seed for future advocates of the sport and access into the wilderness.” Plocica attributes not reaching the goal to timing. “We started late with the goal, shooting for the moon and hitting the barn.”
Participants, however, were pleased. “I liked being able to try different boats until I felt comfortable in one, and having all the gear provided, so I didn’t have to bring anything with me was great,” says student Betsy Buranosky.
--Zach Moore
Doing the Charleston
Note: has photos
Charleston, S.C.’s 12th annual East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival drew more boaters and exhibitors than ever, with a long list of top manufacturers and dealers in attendance. “It’s a unique opportunity for paddlers to interact with all aspects of the industry,” says John Pagenstecher, a 10-time attendee who was once a rep for companies like Wilderness Systems and Kokatat and is now co-owner of Carolina Coastal Adventures/Kayak Carolina, an outfitter in Carolina Beach, N.C. “From designers to manufacturers, instructors, guides, and retailers, everyone’s here.”
Coordinated by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, the festival was named last year’s American Canoe Association Sanctioned Event of the Year. The event is held at James Island County Park, which provides a large pond for on-water classes and demo, access to bigger water, and proximity to the Atlantic for surf kayaking and classes. “Thanks to the location, the program, and word of mouth, we generate more and more enthusiasm within the paddling community each year,” says Steve Hutton, who coordinates the event for the parks system. That enthusiasm led to more than 750 consumers in attendance, as well as close to 50 speakers and presenters and more than 165 exhibitors and their staff.
This year’s version had more than 40 commercial exhibits. “We have been coming to this local event that gets national attention since 1986, but this was our second year of showing our products,” says Folbot’s president Phil Cotton. “We decided that the event is too large and well-attended not to have a presence.” The lake was filled all three days with paddlers trying out boats, but there were also dozens of on-water classes, ranging from those getting in a boat for the first time to ‘masters classes.’ Other highlights included book signings, a slide show, a southern barbecue, ‘Kid’s Fest,’ and even the opportunity to make your own paddle. Info: (843) 795-4FUN.
--Lynn Seldon
National River Cleanup Week a Huge Success
Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting the junk out of the garage, it’s also about getting the junk out of the rivers. Last May, 350 river cleanups took place across the nation, in conjunction with National River Cleanup 2002. The all-volunteer effort uncovered such items as washing machines, water heaters, mattresses, and even entire car and truck bodies. Registration was free and groups received educational and promotional materials on conducting cleanups of waterways. Groups can be as small as five volunteers or as large as thousands. Next year’s NRCW is scheduled for May 10-17. Info: (865) 558-3595, www.americaoutdoors.org/nrcw.
Rough Waters for Pro Teams
This summer, at least two major manufacturers either downsized or eliminated their pro kayak teams, spelling an end to many competitors getting free gear and roaming the country on someone else’s payroll. Perception eliminated its professional paddling team in June, laying off such stalwarts as Clay Wright and team manager Christie Dobson, while Wave Sport, generally credited with creating the industry’s first pro kayak team, effectively did the same by renegotiating a majority of its paddlers’ contracts.
For both companies, the cuts represent the effects of a flattening market combined with corporate sensibility. “Investors are all about making money,” says Confluence’s Kelley Woolsey. “The overall market isn’t growing, and people are tightening their belts.” For Perception, whose pro team included 13 top-level paddlers, many of them juniors, the shift away from a pro team was natural given that its parent company, Watermark, also owns Dagger. “We didn’t want to compete against ourselves,” says Perception Marketing Director Sharon Riddle. “With two brands, we’re focusing Dagger more on freestyle and Perception more on river running. Dagger’s demographic fit more with freestyle.” Riddle adds that Perception is paying the athletes through the end of 2002 and that many of them, especially juniors, are already signing on with Dagger. “If anything,” says Dagger tam manager Andy Gilliam, “next year should be better for our team.” Adds Wright, who was let go as Perception’s field marketing manager: “There will always be a market for having the best paddler in one of your boats. There will always be pro kayakers, just fewer of them.”
Shifts at such companies as Pyranha and Liquid Logic haven’t been as drastic, but their teams were never as deep. And they, too, are remaining vigilant with their allocations. “I think the industry as a whole is pretty much getting a wake-up call,” says Liquid Logic’s Woody Callaway, adding that their team is largely compensated with product only. “And the paddlers are getting a wake-up call also. It’s not what manufacturers can do for paddlers any more, but what paddlers can do for manufacturers. Pockets aren’t as deep as they were--and it’s not going to be as easy to get a free ride anymore.”
--Christian Knight
Industry News Briefs!
Posted on Monday, October 28 2002
APPA and PPA Defeat VA Throwable Rule
The Virginia Professional Paddlesports Association (VAPPA), a PPA-affiliated state trade association, along with PPA and the American Canoe Association, defeated a proposed new regulation that would have required a throwable Type IV PFD in all canoes in Virginia. On October 24th, VAPPA President Randy Gore, PPA Board Member Trace Noel, and PPA/VAPPA member Buzz Kraft dissuaded the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) from adopting a proposed regulation that would require all watercraft under 16 feet to carry - in addition to one PFD per occupant - a throwable Type IV floatation device. The American Canoe Association expressed its opposition to the rule in written comments.
Choosing not to seek an exemption strictly for the commercial paddlesports industry, VAPPA tailored its presentation to illustrate a lack of supporting data for the rule along with the potential dangers associated with having a throwable device in a canoe. VAPPA recommended that instead the board support the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators resolution that the US Coast Guard study, review and make recommendations on supplemental floatation for manual powered watercraft. The vote to exempt all canoes was unanimous. If your state is considering passing a similar regulation, contact the PPA office for technical assistance.
Northwest River Supplies Otter Livery Series Special at Trade Show
At the 2002 PPA trade show NRS will unveil the new Otter Livery series built by Riken. Designed by NRS and built by world class Riken craftsman, the Otter Livery is sized and priced specifically for Raft Livery Operators. The uncompromising quality of the Otter Livery line is readily apparent in its durable Riken material and sturdy low profile Leafield valves. NRS will offer preseason pricing on these and other models at the show. See the new Otter Livery by Riken at the PPA trade show in Orlando. In addition to world class rafts NRS can supply you with: Paddles, Oars, Wetsuits, Apparel, Booties, Gloves, Lifejackets, Helmets, and all your outfitting needs at a great price. Thanks to PPA and all its members that make this show possible.
This message is a service offered to companies exhibiting at PPA's upcoming trade show.
Osage Canoes Trade Show Special
We here at Osage Canoes would like to thank all of the great people that make up the PPA for another great year. We feel that we have the greatest customers in the world and we really appreciate your business. We would like to show our appreciation by offering a special fall discount, available only to members attending the PPA show in Orlando, Florida on November 21 and 22nd, 2002. We will be extending our lowest price of $439.00 for our 17' Standard livery model, with no minimum quantity. This is a perfect opportunity to upgrade your fleet at a price that will not be seen again. We look forward to seeing everyone at the show at Booth number 8.
This message is a service offered to companies exhibiting at PPA's upcoming trade show.
Pam Dillon New ACA Executive Director
Pam Dillon took over the Executive Directorship of the American Canoe Association on October 1, 2002. Pam comes from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources where she served as Deputy Chief of the Division of Watercraft. There she assisted in the development of the Ohio River Rescue Training Program. She managed law enforcement and education operations, including training, publications, budgeting, planning, and grants. Pam is a past chair of the National Safe Boating Council and continues to serve on its board of directors. Pam is also a past member of the ACA board of directors. Pam was also the project director for the National Livery Safety System, the rental industry's standard risk management materials, produced in cooperation between ACA, USCG, ODNR, and PPA. In her role as ACA Executive Director, Pam also serves on PPA's board.
Please join us in welcoming Pam to her new position with the ACA and to the PPA board.
FERC to Undertake Hydropower Licensing Rulemaking/Public Comment Sought
FERC is sponsoring hearings to receive public comment on proposals from the IHC (Interagency Hydropower Committee) and NRG (National Review Group - a self-appointed group representing utility companies, NGOs, tribes and state representatives) related to hydroelectric dam relicensing. American Rivers, American Whitewater and the National Heritage Institute are some of the lead organizations for the environmental and paddling communities. The FERC meetings are public forums and anyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Risa Shimoda, Executive Director, American Whitewater at risa@amwhitewater.org