Industry News

Jackson Kayak promotes Cronin to VP of Sales

Rock Island, TN – In a move aimed at improving dealer service, Jackson Kayak recently promoted Marty Cronin to Vice President of Sales for both the whitewater and recreation/touring divisions. Cronin, who has been with the company since its inception, formerly held the post of Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Jackson Kayak’s recreation/touring division.

The move is aimed at helping Jackson Kayak increase the dialogue with its dealers. “Dealers can expect a heightened level of sales support,” said Jackson Kayak founder Eric “EJ” Jackson. “Marty has shown his ability to identify the needs of our dealers and now we’re empowering him with the power to make decisions to respond to those needs more effectively.”

“My goal is to maintain our position as the leading whitewater brand, while also focusing more on the needs of our customers especially as we expand our product offerings,” Cronin said.

Cronin clearly relishes the challenge in front of him and believes he starts his new role with some clear advantages. “Our dealer base is the cream of the crop, our dealer programs provide solid profits, and our product development schedule is in high gear,” he said. “What an exciting time!”

Jackson explained that Cronin’s expanded role in sales would free up time in his own schedule to focus more on big picture directions and marketing for the company. Jackson was quick to point out he will still be accessible to dealers for staff and consumer trainings and events while adding Cronin to the Jackson whitewater sales staff so that dealers will have all the support and service they need to succeed with Jackson Kayak.

Founded in 2004, family owned and operated Jackson Kayak is the leading manufacturer of whitewater kayaks. In 2008, the company launched the Day Tripper, the first in an ever-expanding lineup of recreation/ touring boats. To learn more, visit the company website JacksonKayak.com <http://www.jacksonkayak.com/>

Ryan Hanegan joins the SEA-LECT Designs Family

SEA-LECT Designs is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan Hanegan to its sales staff.

Hanegan, who resides in Sultan, Washington, brings more than 20 years of paddle sports experience and knowledge to help introduce and market the SEA-LECT Designs’ product line to paddle sports dealers nationally and internationally.

“I am really excited to join the SEA-LECT Designs’ team, and look forward to promoting a great selection of accessories designed to fill the needs of dealers and end consumers,” Hanegan said. “I’m very impressed with their design expertise and manufacturing capabilities, as well as their ongoing commitment to customer service and growth of the product line. “Ironically, I traveled more than 6,000 miles to Kanumesse — the European paddle sports show in Nuremberg, Germany — to connect with SEA-LECT Designs’ Matt Poischbeg. This is an outstanding opportunity just a few miles from my home.”

Based in Everett, Washington, SEA-LECT Designs manufactures innovative gear solutions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Arcata, Calif., (October 20, 2009) – Kokatat, a 38-year-old, independent paddlewear and accessories company, recently attained an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 certificate.

Kokatat manufactures approximately 90 percent of its product collection in Arcata, Calif., making this domestic ISO 9001:2008 certification highly unique in the outdoor industry.

The certification validates Kokatat’s commitment to quality product and to providing industry-leading customer satisfaction under the guidance of a quality management system. ISO is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards.

“The investment and commitment necessary to successfully implement a formally recognized quality management system is a reflection of how seriously we regard Kokatat’s founding mission: to design and manufacture the highest quality products for our paddle sports, rescue and government customers,” said Kokatat founder and president Steve O’Meara.

Following a nine-month implementation process, the British Standards Institution (BSI) conducted an intensive audit on behalf of ISO. BSI examined all of Kokatat’s quality standards and relevant processes to determine compliance and the intent to make effective improvements in the future.

Kokatat was founded on the principles of innovation and quality and is known for producing technical garments and accessories for entry-level users as well as professionals in the field. “The ISO certification is a natural extension of the way Kokatat does business”, says O’Meara, “and it will allow us access to new markets as we prepare for the future.”

September 1, 2009, Boulder, CO—The Fifth Annual Adventure Film Festival will be held in Boulder, November 12-14th, 2009. We’ll kick off the festival, presented by Patagonia, on Thursday, November 12 with an opening evening show at the Boulder Theater. The next two days and nights will feature adventure film-making workshops, photography exhibits, live music, and over 30 award winning films at the best venues in town.
After the Boulder Festival, Adventure Film will bring further exposure to these amazing films by taking them on road to cities around the US, and internationally to Chile, France, and South Africa.
Each year, over 200 entries are submitted from around the world. The top 30 films are hand-picked by the Adventure Film Selection Committee. These films feature exploration, surfing, climbing, biking, skiing, and more. Also included in the line up are films that tackle topics as broad as the environment, global awareness, and social issues, yet always maintain a distinct theme of adventure.

There will also be an Adventure Filmmaking Workshop, designed to inspire the audience to make outdoor films of their own. Top outdoor filmmakers will lead discussions on equipment and techniques.

This year’s festival is especially significant as we continue to pay tribute to Jonny Copp, one of Adventure Film’s visionaries who died in an avalanche while climbing in China this spring. Jonny’s passing reminds us all of the spirit of Adventure Film—belief in the power of the story, especially the narrative of adventure and awakening to change and challenge the world we live in. It is with this focus that Adventure Film goes on. Climb. Ride. Fly. Slide. Fight for your environment. Inspire. Go higher than you’ve ever dared to go.

WHERE
Boulder’s Adventure Film Festival takes place at the historic Boulder Theater, the B-side Lounge on 14th Street, and other select venues downtown.

TICKETS
For tickets, schedules & details about the Festival please visit: http://www.AdventureFilm.org

BENEFITICIARY
Adventure Film has partnered with Leave No Trace, an international non-profit dedicated to conscious recreation and environmental education. Adventure Film and Leave No Trace’s missions and direction have coincided to promote “Activism through Adventure.”

ABOUT ADVENTURE FILM
Adventure Film was created in 2004 by adventurers and filmmakers wishing to spread the creativity, enthusiasm, and activism inherent to outdoor adventure. Adventure Film celebrates, supports and “ties in with” those who wish to inspire and fire the creative kilns of transformation and awareness. We believe in the power of the story, the narrative of adventure and awakening. We believe we have an opportunity and responsibility to challenge and change the world we live in.

The nation’s premier canoeing and kayaking destination is set to explode with activity in mere days. The Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is two weekends of happenings plus fun in between – Oct. 23 through Nov. 1.

Check it all out at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com

CHECK OUT THE SPEAKERS

There’s something for everyone all week long.

Saturday, Oct. 24, free at Mound House, Fort Myers Beach:
10 a.m.: Theresa Schober, Cultural Resources Director of the Mound House - “Paddling through the Past” - Between the high rises and golf course communities of southwest Florida, another landscape is revealed which expresses the complexities of a society that occupied this area for at least 2,000 years. Archaeologist Theresa Schober will compare the built landscape of the past and present and interpret these cultural symbols on the land in terms of the social history of the powerful Calusa Indians who controlled these waters through Spanish contact.
11 a.m.: Gene Toncray, storyteller, A Pack of Great Tales - “Folklore and Legends of Florida’s Wildlife” - An exploration of our flora and fauna through the oral tradition of storytelling. Enjoy tales of How Possum Got His Skinny Tail, Alligator’s Rough Back, and much more.
Noon - Don McCumber & Mike Devlin of 21st Century Kayaks - “Step forward in history with 21st century kayaks” - Building a 21st century kayak kit frame in less than one hour. The history of kayaks and the building process.
1 p.m. - Ed Engel, paddle maker - “Greenland paddles … how to make and use” - Open discussion and demonstration on design, making, and using traditional kayak paddles.
2 p.m. - David Loger, kayak fishing guide with Adventure Kayak Fishing - “Kayak fly-fishing” - Focusing on fly-fishing including a casting seminar.
3 p.m. - Matt Keene, of the “Sunshine Expedition” - “Paddling around Florida” - A presentation on the first successful circumnavigation of Florida on the C.T., focusing on the successes and failures of the trip, lightweight gear and long-distance adventures.

Sunday, Oct. 25, at San Carlos RV Resort, Fort Myers Beach… speakers/demos included with $19 ticket for food, music and more (Call 800-525-7275 to reserve your spot.)
2 p.m. -  Kayak Rescue Demonstration and Practice by Pat Owen, with the Southwest Florida Paddling Club and an ACA Level I Certified Instructor, will demonstrate/practice the paddle float rescue, stirrup rescue, 2-man and 3-man rescue.
3 p.m. - Kayak Rolling Demo by Rick Storsberg, an ACA open water sea-kayak instructor working for Sarasota County Parks.
4 p.m. - Doug Alderson presentation: Paddling from Orlando to Lake Okeechobee through the Kissimmee Valley, highlighting the restoration of the Kissimmee River. To learn more, log onto: http://www.dougalderson.net/new-dawn-kissimmee-river.html also a presentation by Ed Schessel on ‘Paddle Surfing the Web.’

Thursday, Oct. 29, free at Hilton Garden Inn, Fort Myers
6:30 p.m. - Terri Krass with the SW Florida Paddling Club will present her hands-on “Camping from a Kayak” clinic.

Friday, Oct. 30, at Up River RV Resort, North Fort Myers … $1 admission. (Call 239-543-3330.)
9 am. Speakers from E.C.H.O., Manatee Park, Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve and Paddle Creek Outfitters; followed by guided walking tour and/or paddle.

Friday, Oct. 30, at Tarpon Lodge, Pine Island … story telling and re-enactments included with $35 ticket for food, music and more. (Go to www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com to reserve your ticket.)
7:30 – 11 p.m. with Calusa Ghost Tours at the lodge and on the mounds of Randell Research Center by moonlight

Saturday, Oct. 31, at free Randell Research Center
10 a.m. - Michael Wylde, Randell Research Center Manager - “Current Research at Mound 5″ - Discussion on the current excavations and research on Mound 5 of the Brown’s Mound Complex at the Pineland site.
11 a.m. - Bill Richards, of Paddle Florida - “Go With The Flow” - A review of the recently completed paddle event on the Suwannee River and a look at next year’s schedule of events for Paddle Florida here in SW Florida.
Noon - Don McCumber & Mike Devlin of 21st Century Kayaks - “Step forward in history with 21st century kayaks” - Building a 21st century kayak kit frame in less than one hour. The history of kayaks and the building process.
1 p.m. - Morgan Palmer, NBC-2 Meteorologist - “Weather of Southwest Florida” - A look at the hurricane season, the winter forecast for Southwest Florida, and your weather questions answered.
2 p.m. - Scott Hoffman, writer/photographer/film maker - “Kayaking the World” - In pictures, film, and music, Scott will share his stories of kayaking in Alaska, China, South America, and Siberia’s Lake Baikal among other locations.
3 p.m. - Dominick Greco, Pro Angler-Kayak Instructor-TV Host - Kayak Charters - “Kayak Fishing & Rigging” - Everything kayak fishing from advanced rigging to the most effective lures and retrieves used. New and innovative gear and how to use it. How to read water and find productive water for fishing.

WHAT YOU CAN RESERVE NOW

Don’t miss out…
VIP Wristband – get extra value at 81 businesses and attractions plus keep the blue souvenir post-festival. $10 for all 10 days.
Paddlers Pig Roast Picnic – join kayakers and canoeists from the Florida Paddling Trails Association with live music, speakers and great food. $19; advance reservations only. 10/25 Sunday.
Calusa Costume Ball – dress as a conquistador or Calusa, enjoy food and drinks, win raffle prizes, including a new kayak. $35 in advance. 10/30 Friday.
Fish Fry – kickoff the blueway fest with southern charm. $15 in advance or at the event. 10/23 Friday.
Up River speakers’ series/tours – ever seen a manatee from a kayak? $1 in advance (or at the door if space available). 10/30 Friday.
Guided trips – paradise without a passport awaits you; let our blueway outfitters help. Various fees and times throughout the 10 days.
Hotels, motels, RV parks & campgrounds with special packages for festival attendees.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

FISH: Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival catch-and-release kayak fishing tournament — $50; must be paid in full before Captain’s Meeting 10/30; fishing is 10/31.
RACE: Kayak races – we’ve got two for you to enter; both of them are challenging and fun. Varied entry fees; Imperial River Challenge 10/24 and Paddle of the Pass 11/1.
GEO: GeoPaddle Event – Come learn how to play in your kayak with your GPS. No entry fee but registration form required. 10/25.
OUR HUB EVENTS

Saturday, Oct. 24: Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival hub event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mound House, 289 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach. Free. Speakers every hour on the hour. Vendors and informational non-profits. Kayak demos. Headline speaker: Matt Keene on “Paddling around Florida” at 3 p.m. Ethnobotany tours at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Guided paddles to Mound Key with local paddling clubs; guided tours on Mound Key for self-kayakers at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (239) 823-6335 or www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com.

Bonus: Saturday, Oct. 24: Reception sponsored by Sea Kayaker and Canoe & Kayak magazines at Coconuts at Pink Shell Resort, Fort Myers Beach. Free. 5 -6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31: Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival hub event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Randell Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Drive, Pineland. Free. Speakers every hour on the hour. Vendors and informational non-profits. Guided paddles with local paddling clubs. Features Mote Marine Lab’s “Aquarium on Wheels,” a 1,200-gallon exhibit with touch tank and more. Kayak fishing tournament awards at 4 p.m. (239) 823-6335 or www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com.

Bonus: Saturday, Oct. 31: Reception and barbecue sponsored by Costco and Sun & The Moon Inn at Sun & The Moon, Matlacha. Free. 5-6:30 p.m.

And don’t forget Bluegrass for a Blueway – A Taste of Matlacha from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Matlacha Park.

FIND US
www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com
Fan us on Facebook (Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival)
Follow us on Twitter (calusapaddle)

Please forward this to all your fellow paddlers!  Thank you.

Boulder, CO, October 8, 2009—Outdoor Industry Association and The Outdoor Foundation released today A Special Report on Paddlesports—which provides a detailed look at participation in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting among Americans. Among other findings, the report reveals that nearly 18 million Americans enjoyed paddling in 2008 – getting out on rivers, lakes, streams and other waterways in their communities.

A Special Report on Paddlesports uses the latest participation data collected annually by The Outdoor Foundation to present detailed information on participation in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting by gender, age, ethnicity, income, education and geographic region.

“This joint project with The Outdoor Foundation allows us to present the paddle community with critical information needed by businesses, communities and non-profits working to connect Americans with the outdoors,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association.

While the special report shows increasing participation in paddlesports, it also highlights the outreach opportunities facing paddlers – both females and minority groups are significantly underrepresented in every paddlesports category.

Key Findings:
Participation
17.8 million Americans ages 6 and older participated in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting in 2008.
9.9 million Americans participated in canoeing in 2008. 7.8 million Americans participated in kayaking and 4.7 million in rafting.
Paddling participants made 174 million outings in 2008, averaging 10 days per participant.

Kayaking
Kayaking has enjoyed steady growth since 2006, climbing to 2.8 percent of Americans ages 6 and older in 2008.
Recreational kayaking is the most popular type of kayaking followed – by a significant margin – by sea/tour kayaking and whitewater kayaking.
47 percent of kayakers get out 1 to 3 times per year.
Most kayakers live in states bordering the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean – the Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic and Pacific regions.

Canoeing
Canoeing is the most popular type of paddling. 3.6 percent of Americans age 6 and older participated in canoeing in 2008.
Canoeing participants make an average of seven outings per year. Despite the activity’s greater popularity, canoers make fewer annual outings than kayakers – 77.4 million compared to 69.5 million.
Geographically, most canoers – over 40 percent of all participants – are located in the East North Central and South Atlantic regions of the US, those states bordering the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean.

Rafting
1.7 percent of Americans age 6 and older participate in rafting.
43 percent of rafters make only one outing per year and 74 percent make three outings per year or less.
Overall participation in rafting remains relatively steady and is even increasing among adults ages 25 to 44. However participation has declined among youth ages 6 to 17 over the past two years – following a nationwide downward trend among youth seen in other outdoor activities.

Motivations and Barriers
Friends and parents are the most influential in introducing paddlers to outdoor activities.
Relaxation is the top reason cited for participation in outdoor activities by kayakers and rafters while fun is the top reason cited among canoers.
A lack of time is the number one reason camping participants don’t get out more often. A lack of money for equipment is also a commonly cited reason.

“Over the past several years, paddlesports have shown steady growth among American participants,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “From rafting class 5 rapids to exploring quiet coves, paddlesports offer some of the most diverse experiences of any nature-based activity — an essential part of the outdoor industry and active outdoor economy.”

A Special Report on Paddllesports is based on extended analysis of data collected for the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, produced annually by The Outdoor Foundation. The report uses the responses of over 40,000 Americans ages 6 and older captured in an on-line survey covering 114 different activities. The survey is the largest of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities.

The 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, which includes high-level 2008 participation data and trend analysis for 40 outdoor sports, was released by The Outdoor Foundation in September and details the quality and extent of participation in outdoor recreation among all Americans age 6+, with a special focus on youth and diverse groups. To download a copy of A Special Report on Paddlesports visit www.outdoorfoundation.org/research.

Heralded Kayakers Will Cross Land and Water to Educate Public

Arcata, Calif., (October 1, 2009) – Kokatat, the independent paddlewear and accessories company, is sponsoring a land and sea expedition covering a never-before navigated section of the Antarctic Peninsula. Chilean kayakers and explorers Cristian Donoso and Mario Sepúlveda will use Kokatat products including the GORE-TEX Expedition dry suit, the GORE-TEX Deluxe sea skirt, and other Kokatat accessories for their self-supported journey beginning in November.

For eighty days these two explorers will attempt to complete an itinerary of 1600 kilometers, following a maritime and terrestrial route from the coast to the highest summits of the Antarctic Andes.

Donoso and Sepúlveda gained notoriety previously for their self-supported kayak expeditions across Antarctica and Patagonia; the duo have made a name for themselves by paddling waters not previously covered by man.

“The main goal of this expedition will be to alert the public about the effects of global warming on the Antarctic coast,” Donoso said. “In order to achieve our goal we will make a photographic and audiovisual register of landscapes and wildlife of this Antarctic region from the non-disturbing perspective of a kayak expedition.”

The Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the rate of Earth’s overall warming. Many species with the capacity to live in these cold, icy and harsh conditions, are now losing their only home.

The expedition will begin in Drake’s sea before passing the southern Shetland Islands. The duo will set up base camp on Portal Point, located on the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. From there they will climb the Antarctic Andes up to the Forbidden Plateau, where they will leave a deposit with food.

On return to sea they will initiate a voyage in kayak that will take them to the north end of the continent. Passing though Antarctic Channel and Erebus and Terror Gulf, the pair will get to Pitt Point, close to the base of the Victory Glacier; here they will establish their second base camp.

Next they will cross the glacier and its cracked ice fields, raising the kayaks and other equipment up to the Detroit Plateau, where they will begin a land voyage of 700 kilometers. Through the highest summits of the Antarctic Andes and getting supplies from the deposit left in the Forbidden Plateau, the explorers will advance with skis and crampons up to Bay Daisy, dragging the kayaks like pulkas.

In Margarita Bay they will return to the sea, advancing north towards Petermann Island, where their return vessel will meet them, “Arctic Dream,” in the middle of January, 2010.

Visuals and written documentation will be used for the creation of a documentary film, book, articles and a web site that will expose the consequences of global warming on the wildlife, land, and glaciers of the Antarctic Coast. Follow the journey as it happens on http://www.andesantarticos.com/.

About Cristian Donoso & Mario Sepúlveda
Christian Donoso led a previous more extensive kayak expedition to study the effects of global warming in the Antarctic, and the first self-sufficient expedition in kayak that climbed a mountain in this continent. He has tackled near 50 expeditions in Antarctica and Patagonia during the last 16 years, acceding to sectors never before explored. He has also realized several expeditions along the Mountain chain of the Andes, Mata Atlántica and Polynesia. In 2006 he earned the Rolex Awards for Enterprise in the category Exploration and Discovery.

Mario Sepúlveda is a climber of great experience in the Andes. He has been a Chilean champion of ski mountaineering, representing his country on several world tilts. In the last decade he has been employed as national park ranger and guide at two mountain parks, one being the Volcano Ojos del Salado, where he lived for several months at more than 5000 meters of height. Nowadays he is employed as adviser at avalanches and winter risks for APM Srl Argentina.

About Kokatat Watersports Wear

For the past 38 years, Kokatat has built a reputation as a friendly company of paddling enthusiasts, dedicated to creating innovative paddlewear and accessories. Kokatat is a highly trusted brand known for its independence, high level of quality in addition to an extremely well respected, service-driven business model. Kokatat is an incredibly strong brand and is known for authenticity and launching game changing paddling products.