The newly formed Paddlesports Trade Coalition has announced a membership drive as well as line-up of informational seminars for the industry.

The Paddlesports Trade Coalition is designed to bring together manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, retailers, and media to grow paddlesports in North America as well as monitor and engage in relevant federal and state legislation, water access issues, sustainability practices, and other matters related to the category.

In one of its main initiatives, it is launching a membership drive,  designed to gather a broad member base to move forward with collaborative and inclusive efforts for the industry. Currently, the coalition has more than 20 members, including an interim board and executive director. The PTC is looking to attract a member base that includes paddlesports manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, retailers and media.

Joining the organization offers such benefits as driving trade show development, creating a collective strategy around commerce challenges like shipping costs, sharing best practices and resources, and building a voice for paddlesports at the legislative level, among other items. Dues for the PTC begin at $250 depending on which sector members represent.

“Since the unanimous decision to form the Paddlesports Trade Coalition was made, a team of passionate leaders in our industry has been focused on the formation of the PTC as a 501C6 non-profit organization,”  maintains PTC interim executive director Jeff Turner.

“With the soft launch of our website this past July, and the financial commitment from a solid group of founding members, we have been preparing for the paddlesports industry-wide launch, including retailers, brands, sales reps and associates,” added Turner. “We are thankful for the volunteer commitment from our founding members and are excited that the membership drive has officially started.”

The Trade Group’s Beginnings

Paddlesports industry leaders gathered in Bentonville, Ark., January 25-27, for a leadership summit where the group approved the formation of a new national trade organization.

“It is time for the paddlesports community to come together and have its own voice so we can expand our sport and make it more accessible and inviting to more people,” said Ed Vater, retired president of Aqua Bound – Bending Branches, and the moderator of the two-day summit.

The formation of the trade organization is nothing new. Back in paddling’s heyday, both the Trade Association of Sea Kayaking (TASK) as well as the Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA) both represented the interests of the industry. But with industry consolidation, market downsizing, an economic downturn and the sport flatlining, those associations soon disappeared. Now the time is right to form one again.

Along with the unanimous vote to form the coalition, a steering committee was created that will prepare a formal draft proposal for the formation of the coalition and undertake the initial steps in formalizing the organization.

The organization has defined “paddlesports” to include all modes of human and electric-powered personal watercraft including canoes and kayaks as well as SUP (stand-up paddle), pedal drives and the growing electric-drive powered personal watercraft.

The summit attracted representatives from 30 paddlesports brands and manufacturers and was sponsored by Visit Bentonville, the local tourism bureau, and Runway Group, a holding company making investments in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality, and businesses committed to making Northwest Arkansas the best place to live.

“Thanks to Bentonville for hosting us and giving us a venue for our industry to come together and create the foundation for the future of paddlesports in North America,” said Scott Holley, President of Eddyline.

Brands represented at the summit included AIRE Inc. Whitewater Division, Angle Oar LLC, AquaBound/ Bending Branches, Aquaglide, BIG Adventures (Native Watercraft, Bonafide, Liquidlogic, Hurricane Kayaks), Boonedox, Canyon Coolers, Diablo Paddlesports, Down River Equipment, Eddyline Kayaks, Esquif, Grey Duck Outdoor, Hobie Kayaks, Jackson Kayak, Kokatat, Inc., Level Six, Malone Auto Racks, Mustang Survival, NRS, Old Town/ Ocean Kayak/ Carlisle Paddles, Pau Hana Surf Supply, RAILBLAZA, Sawyer Paddles and Oars, Sea-Dog, Sea-Lect Designs, Seals Sprayskirts & Accessories, Suspenz, Wenonah Canoe, Current Designs Kayak, Werner Paddles, Yak Attack, and Yak Power.

Any paddlesport brands that were unable to make the summit and would like to join the coalition can contact Jeff Turner of Kokatat at Jeff_Turner@kokatat.com to get involved.