Open Air Demo Launches OR Show
Posted on Thursday, August 5 2004
Once again, this summer’s Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be preceded by the Open Air Demo, offering a chance for paddlesport manufacturers to introduce their new products in an outdoor setting, an uncommon scenario once the show starts.
“It’s purified contact with the dealer,” says Waterstick Paddles Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Hall, adding that the demo day is a good way to launch into hectic show atmosphere. “Guys think hard all year round, and it’s all summed up in five days of frantic buying.”
Located at Little Dell Lake just a few minutes up Parley’s Canyon via I-80, the annual tradeshow prelude will be held Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The demo’s purpose is to give show attendees the opportunity to mix business and pleasure outside of the highly air-conditioned convention center.
Outdoor Retailer’s annual Open Air Demo allows attendees to test out the latest and greatest canoeing, kayaking, trail running, hiking, orienteering equipment and other outdoor gear. One day prior to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market tradeshow (Aug 12-15, 2004), on Wednesday, August 11th from 9 am-4 pm, 50-plus exhibiting companies and 1,500 retailers are expected to participate in this annual pre-show event.
In addition to the traditional paddlesports such as canoeing and kayak companies, this year’s Open Air Demo will feature several new outdoor categories including a “Geocaching Area” with a GPS treasure hunt, a “Birding Area” that will focus on outdoor optics and the growing sport of bird-watching, and “Nordic Walking Trails” for testing out the latest products in trail running and hiking.
And when you need to take a break from outdoor related products and testing, stop by the new BBQ area where fire-grilled eats will be available--a new event sponsored by Thule. And then before you head down the hill back into SLC, attend the Outdoor Retailer sponsored Demo Happy Hour with great music and plenty of cold beer.
Open Air Demo Exhibitors:
AIRE Inc
Astral Bouyancy
Bell Canoe Works
Bending Branches
Bergans of Norway
Bic Sport North America
Brunton
Confluence Water Sports
Coyote Organics
DeLorme
Eagles Next Outfitters
Epic Kayaks
Esquif Canoes
Exel/Garmont USA
Feel Free Kayak
Go-Lite
Grate Mate Outdoors
Harbinger
Hobie Cat
Johnson Outdoors
Liquidlogic
Nike ACG
Nova Craft Canoe/Aquafusion Kayaks
Pentax
Prijon/WildWasser USA
Pyranha
Riot
Scansport
Sevylor
Souris River Canoes
Stearns
Swarovski Optik
Swix Sport USA
Tecnica
Thales Navigation
Thule Car Rack Systems
Trek-Tech
WaterMark
Waterstick Paddles
Werner Paddles
Exhibit Space Sold Out
With 925 brands exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market (Aug. 12 to Aug. 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah), event organizers are reporting a 4 percent increase from last year. Like last year, this year’s show is sold out, with more than 850 companies planning to attend, along with an expected 5,000 retail buyers. The increase in brands and booths is due in part to adjustments within the main hall, and some reconfiguring of space in the Pavilion. “We’re receiving tremendous demand from manufacturers to exhibit at Summer Market, but we’ve literally run out of space,” says OR Show Director Peter Devin.
Attendee pre-registration was also higher compared to last year. With OR’s online registration growing in popularity for retailers, guides and distributors, many attendees are registering early and will receive their official badge and show handbook prior to departing for Salt Lake City. Of the 925 brands scheduled to exhibit, 94 companies are new to the show. Continuing the tradition started last year, all companies new to the Outdoor Retailer show will be highlighted on the floor with a “New Exhibitor” flag at their booth. In addition to the flags, OR will provide a comprehensive list of new exhibiting companies, with booth numbers, at the registration counter. Heading into its 23rd successful year, OR gathers over 850 outdoor related companies and approximately 5,000 retail buyers and decision makers on a semi-annual basis for both Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer markets.
Outdoor Retailer Solicits Feedback Summer Market Location
Posted on Thursday, May 13 2004
OR solicits feedback on future Summer Market dates and location
Earlier this week, Outdoor Retailer, in conjunction with the Outdoor Industry Association, sent an invitation to thousands of outdoor industry retailers and exhibitors to participate in an online survey. Survey questions were designed to gauge the event experience of retailers and exhibitors at past Summer Market tradeshows, learn about their business needs and garner valuable input for future show direction and planning.
An electronic invitation to take the online survey was sent to over 6,000 exhibitors and retailers who had attended the 2002 and 2003 OR Summer Market tradeshows. The survey will be administered and analyzed by an independent third party--Boulder Sports Research, Inc. As an incentive to participate, all survey respondents will qualify to win free lodging at the upcoming 2004 Summer Market tradeshow (Aug. 12-15) being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Salt Palace Convention Center. On May 24th, one lucky survey participant will be randomly selected for three free nights of lodging at an affiliated Outdoor Retailer hotel in Salt Lake City.
Outdoor Retailer serves a growing industry and consistently seeks the ideal show dates and locations that best serve customers' expanding needs. "Outdoor Retailer is responsible, in concert with Outdoor Industry Association to constantly review the best options for the show--to serve all customers within the outdoor marketplace," says Peter Devin, Group Show Director for VNU Expositions. "Through extensive research, client contact, and discussions with city leadership our goal is to determine the future location of Outdoor Retailer within the next few months.”
Retailers and exhibitors who are interested in taking the survey should contact Outdoor Retailer by email at info@outdoorretailer.com. Results of the survey will be analyzed and announced to the outdoor industry in late summer. Info: (307) 733-1514, www.outdoorretailer.com.
Riot, Addison Split
Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004
Both Addison and Riot co-founder Jeff Rivest say the break-up was peaceful. “As our other divisions have grown exponentially and are now well managed, it was time to revisit our Riot whitewater marketing and design approach,” says Rivest. “Addison, who has been an outside contractual designer for the past two years, has had little input lately in the development of the company. The core philosophy of Riot is evolution. Our 2005 whitewater lineup, to be released shortly, has been designed without Corran’s involvement and reflect the evolution of our in-house-design R and D team over the past seven years. At this time the company and Corran both realize that an amicable split from the business relationship as shareholder/designer is best for both parties.”
Of the split with Riot, Addison says, “I wish Riot the best of luck. Most of the people there are my friends, including my ex partner-Jeff, and they all deserve to make a good living and be successful. But I just didn't want to be associated with the company anymore because it was no longer representative of my dreams and philosophy.”
In his new venture, Addison will be an employee, rather than a partner, of Drago Rossi, which is owned by Eurotank, parent company of Rainbow Kayaks. Addison says the company will introduce three high-end boats and one surf board in 2004. The boats, retailing between $1,200 and $1,300, will be available this summer and include two playboats, the 6’6” Fish, 6’11” Squashtail and the Mafia, a 7’10”creek boat. The new kayaks will be rotomolded in the Milan factory from a superlinear plastic called HDTP, which, according to Addison, is stiffer than the plastics used by most kayak manufacturers. Drago Rossi anticipates manufacturing around 2,000 kayaks in 2004, and double that in 2005, to be distributed in North America by Northwest River Supplies. i[Info: www.2imagine.net/dragorossi/opening.html]i
Colorado Rafting Rebounds in 2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 3 2004
Colorado Rafting Rebounds in 2003
Commercial rafting activity in Colorado saw a dramatic recovery in 2003 from the difficult 2002 season, with a statewide increase in participation of 45 percent. According to the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), commercial river rafting user days increased from 319,562 in 2002 to 463,421 in 2003. "This is the largest single increase we've seen in user days in the last 15 years and we couldn't be happier," says Bruce Becker, chairman of CROA, which represents 45 commercial river outfitters around Colorado. "As the drought lessened in 2003 and Colorado began promoting itself again as a tourism destination, river outfitters and the communities they operate in saw significant economic increases."
The 2003 CROA report estimated that the economic impact of commercial rafting in Colorado was $116 million in 2003, a 48 percent increase from the $78.5 million in 2002. The highest amount in the last 15 years was $125.8 million, recorded in 2001. "We are looking to 2004 to be another successful year for our members and for the state," says Becker. "Snowpack levels are looking pretty good around Colorado, with all the river drainages above last year's numbers, and the big snow months of March and April are still to come.” Info: www.croa.org.
Gerber Blades Buys CMG Equipment
Posted on Wednesday, March 3 2004
Gerber Legendary Blades has acquired CMG Equipment, manufacturer and marketer of Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.)-based portable outdoor lighting products. L.E.D. technology, with virtually indestructible bulbs that burn for over 100,000 hours and consume a fraction of the energy of their incandescent peers, is reshaping the portable lighting industry. CMG's innovative lights will form the foundation of a complete Gerber L.E.D. line, with additional products to be released later this year. CMG’s operations will be relocated from Chicago to Gerber's headquarters in Portland, Ore. "With the acquisition of CMG and the launch of our lighting line, Gerber is taking another step in our development as a world-class outdoor recreation company," says Gerber President Chad Vincent. "The L.E.D. lighting market is positioned for explosive growth, and the products, expertise and technology CMG brings to Gerber will help us capitalize on that opportunity."
Thule Acquires C&C Distributors
Posted on Wednesday, March 3 2004
Thule, widely known to paddlers for its roof racks, is now in the trailer market, having acquired the recreational trailer manufacturer C&C Distributors, Inc. of Winslow, Maine. Makers of the popular SNOPRO and CARGOPRO trailer brands, will be consolidated into the Thule Group as part of the North American Car Accessories Division and renamed Thule Trailers Inc. "As a leading U.S. cargo and snowmobile trailer manufacturer, C&C adds a new growth segment to our operations,” says Thule Group CEO Anders Pettersson. "The acquisition fully supports our vision and mission to provide equipment that helps consumers transport their sporting gear by vehicle safely, easily and in style."
Thule has acquired 80 percent of the privately owned company for an undisclosed
amount and has the option to purchase the remaining shares over the next five years. Other than changing the name to Thule Trailers Inc., there will be no changes in management, personnel or operations at C&C Distributor's, and the SNOPRO and CARGOPRO brands will continue to be manufactured in the company's Jamestown, N.Y., and Winslow, Maine, facilities.
Attendance Jumps at Winter OR
Posted on Wednesday, March 3 2004
Attendance Jumps at Winter OR
The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and Trade Show wrapped up this year with the highest attendance since 2001, according to preliminary figures released by Outdoor Retailer. More than 14,050 people attended that show as opposed to 13,648 last year and 10,958 in 2002, when the show changed venues from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Anaheim, Calif., due to that year’s Winter Olympics.
Back in Salt Lake City for the last two years, the show is again one of the premiere venues for outdoor winter sports to showcase new products. Though it isn’t the highly prized venue for paddlesports business, many paddlesports representatives attend because it’s a valuable way to keep businesses in the same eddy. Glen MacPherson, Necky’s sales manager, says it’s important to keep Necky’s name in the scene. “There’s not that much going on in paddlesports at the show,” he says. “But I go for the exposure it gives us.”
Noting the buzz and good vibe at the show, MacPherson says the aisles were jammed with people perusing the new products, which this year again highlighted on soft shells. This year there were 715 exhibitors compared to 650 last year. While overall attendance was up, however, there were fewer retailers. Just 2,138 stores were represented while last year there were slightly more with 2,266. But there were still more buyers this year—4,524 compared to 4,376 in 2003. This year’s summer show is scheduled for Aug. 12-15 in Salt Lake.
NOC Instructor Manager Wins National Outdoor Book Award
Posted on Wednesday, March 3 2004
NOC Instructor Manager Wins National Outdoor Book Award
Apparently, Wayne Dickert’s pen is as mighty as his paddle. The instruction manager for the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and 1996 Olympian in C-1, Dickert recently won the National Outdoor Book Award (NOBA) for his book on basic canoeing. The award, given each year to outstanding books in nine categories, is the largest and most prestigious national award program for authors and publishers of outdoor books. The book, “Basic Canoeing: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started,” was chosen by a panel that included educators, academics, book reviewers, authors, editors and outdoor columnists from throughout the country. Dickert and co-author Jon Rounds wrote the book for novice canoeists. “Basic Canoeing stands out with its clear writing, effective design and the liberal use of photographs and illustrations,” states a review from NOBA.
Says Dickert, “My hope is for novice canoeists to learn better technique earlier in their paddling so that they can ultimately have even more fun on the water.” Info: www.noc.com or www.isu.edu/outdoor/books/books03.htm.
ACA Hands Out Annual Awards
Posted on Wednesday, March 3 2004
ACA Announces Annual Awards
On Nov. 1-2, the American Canoe Association (ACA) celebrated its Annual Awards Banquet in Alexandria, Va., to honor outstanding individuals, clubs and organizations that have dedicated their time and energy to the paddlesports community and the mission of the ACA.
Dusty Rhodes ACA Founder's Award – For lifetime dedication to the ACA and its ideals.
Marilyn Vogal - For her work on Sugar Island.
Joe Piña Award - For extraordinary service at the local or divisional level.
Scott Griefenberger/Eve Mancuso - For their work at the July ACA Board retreat at Camp Sebago.
ACA Green Paddle Award for Waterway Conservation - For outstanding contribution to paddlesport by protecting America's waterways.
The Wolfe Rive Conservancy - For protecting 7,297 acres of forests, fields and swamps along the Wolfe River (Memphis, TN).
Special Recognition - For a notable contribution to the paddlesports community.
Bill Ensor - For his work on Operation Paddle Safe.
ACA Stroke of Achievement Award - Recognizing one ACA-affiliated club for superior performance and program development.
The Carolina Canoe Club - In addition to its instruction and recreation program this club worked tirelessly in 2003 on several access issues including the Cheoah River. In addition, this is the primary club at the table for the North Carolina Boat Registration meetings.
Outstanding Instructor Award – For outstanding contribution to instruction.
Mike Aronoff - In addition to instruction, Mike works closely with the ACA to develop the organization's educational outreach programs.
Student Appreciation Award - For excellence in paddlesport instruction.
Sunny Pitcher - In addition to top-notch instruction, Sunny has introduced over 500 new members to the ACA.
ACA Sanctioned Event of the Year - Presented to the top ACA evenst as nominated by the paddling public.
The Ohio Adaptive Paddling Workshop program - For providing numerous individuals exposure to the joy of paddlesport and training various professionals in adaptive paddling.
The 33rd ICF Flatwater Racing World Championships - Hosted by the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, this event hosted 1,000 athletes from 60 countries with overwhelming success.
J. Henry Rushton Award - For outstanding achievements in advancing paddlesport and the mission of the ACA.
Texas Parks & Wildlife's Urban Program Division - For helping to put over 30,000 youths in kayaks since 1995.
President's Award - For outstanding service to the ACA on a national level.
Jeff Liebel - For using his skills as a management consultant to benefit the ACA and its strategic planning process.
Jim Mandle - For using his skills in market research to benefit the ACA and its strategic planning process.
Katherine Koelbel Mull - For her work on the Board of Directors towards conservation.
Kathy Schmiesing - For her 20 years of dedicated service at the ACA National Office.
Legends of Paddling - For legendary contributions to paddlesport. Recipients will be inducted into the ACA Hall of Fame.
Cliff Jacobson - For publishing 16 paddling-related books, numerous articles, being a well-known wilderness canoe guide and, for promoting Leave No Trace Ethics.
Recognition of Retiring Members of the ACA Board: Katherine Mull, Kent Ford, Chris Nielsen
Dagger Quits Canoes
Posted on Tuesday, December 2 2003
Dagger Quits Canoes
Citing a downward trend in canoe sales, Dagger is no longer manufacturing whitewater or touring canoes. Instead, the Easley, S.C.-based company—founded in the 1980s to make whitewater canoes--will focus on producing whitewater, rec and touring kayaks. “This doesn’t mean we may not make canoes in the future, but we want to focus on our area of largest growth, which is kayaking in all categories,” says WaterMark's Mike Steck. “That’s where we see big growth opportunities and where we have a strong footing, and we want to put our best foot forward.”
There were a couple of reasons for the shift, but Steck says primarily that Dagger has seen canoe participation drop substantially below kayaking. Though canoeing nationwide continues in popularity, kayaking has become one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the country, and Dagger has become well-known as a kayak manufacturer. By ceasing to build its nine-canoe line, Dagger will be able to focus all energy and finances on building kayaks. “We’re better off putting our efforts into this growing segment,” Steck says.
Another reason for the change, which did not affect staffing levels, is that the Royalex used in all of Dagger’s canoes came from one supplier. “With that situation, there were too many things that were out of our control,” Steck says, mentioning, for example, that Dagger would be in a predicament if that supplier ever stopped making Royalex.
Because Dagger started as a canoe company--its Ocoee model helped put whitewater canoeing on the map--the decision to quit canoes was an “emotional” one, Steck says. But the Ocoee will continue to please open boaters: Dagger has agreed to give Bell Canoe the license to manufacture and sell the Ocoee. Bell will also perform warrantee and repair for Dagger’s previous canoe customers. “It was a tough decision,” Steck says. “But at the end of the day it was clear and simple. This is something we feel good about. It’s a positive for us to focus on a market that’s growing and it will allow us to service our dealers better.”