Paddlesports Industry Leaders, Brands Form First 'Paddlesports Trade Coalition'

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From Jan. 25 to 27, over 30 paddlesports industry leaders, manufacturers, and brands gathered in Bentonville, Ark., for a leadership summit, where the group approved the formation of a new national trade organization.

The Paddlesports Trade Coalition will bring together manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, retailers, and media to grow paddlesports in North America. The group will also “monitor and engage in relevant federal and state legislation,” water access issues, sustainability practices, and other industry-related concerns.

The organization has defined “paddlesports” to include all modes of human and electric-powered personal watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, SUPs, pedal drives, and electric-drive-powered personal watercraft (such as e-foils).

“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, and the moderator of the 2-day summit.

The vote to form the coalition was unanimous by all attendees. In addition, leaders of the summit created a steering committee that will prepare a formal draft proposal for the formation of the coalition to make everything official.