Paddlesports industry leaders gathered in January for a summit in Bentonville, Ark. The group agreed to form a national trade organization. The Paddlesports Trade Coalition will include manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, retailers and media to grow paddlesports in North America and to monitor and engage in relevant federal and state legislation, water access issues, sustainability practices and other related matters.
“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.
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.
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.
Photo by ArkansasOutoors.com
