Paddlesports Trade Coalition

🚣♂️✨ In case you missed it – our March webinar update is now online 📺  AGENDA: • Welcome and PTC Board Updates • PTC Colab ‘25 Announcements • New Initiative – Go Paddle Day • Advancing the Direct to Consumer Discussion • Questions from Attendees • Next Webinar - April 23, 2025 HOSTED BY: • Cristin Plaice - PTC Associate Representative & Publisher Rapid Media - The Paddlesports Media Company • Stig Larsson - PTC Chair & CEO Level Six • Jeff Turner - PTC Executive Director •Jason Eccles - PTC Board Member & President Bending Branches & Aqua Bound (Branches LLC) https://lnkd.in/g54AKyta

🏆 A Professional Credential for Paddlesports? Exploring the Future of Industry Standards 🎥 Could a PTC Professional Credential help elevate the paddlesports industry? In this forward-thinking discussion, Peg Phillips (National Safe Boating Council) and Pamela Dillon, CAE (Paddlesports Trade Coalition, Boating Safety Hall of Fame) explore the potential benefits of professional certification for businesses, instructors, and industry leaders. Learn how standardized credentials could impact safety, credibility, and the long-term success of paddlesports. 📺 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gyR4kumN

🌊 Building Community Through Inclusion in Paddlesports 🎥 How can we create a more inclusive and welcoming paddlesports community—for both businesses and participants? In this insightful session, Risa Shimoda (RMS) and Kelsey Bracewell (ACA) lead a discussion on the power of inclusive initiatives and the role of businesses in fostering a diverse, thriving paddling culture. Learn how to make paddlesports more accessible, ensure all voices are heard, and build a stronger, more connected community. 📺 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gF8GPKR9

🚣♂️🍻 PTC Social at Canoecopia! 🍻🚣♀️ Join us for a casual get-together with the Paddlesports Trade Coalition Board of Directors!  🗓️ March 8, 2025  ⏱️ 6 PM  📍 Level Six Booth Come chat about all things PTC, share your thoughts, and get the scoop on our latest initiatives—all while enjoying free beer! See you there!  #Canoecopia  #Paddlesports #paddlesportstradecoalition 

🚀 The Future of the U.S. Outdoor Industry: 10-Year Outlook 🎥 The outdoor industry is facing a period of profound transformation. From seismic shifts in economics and geopolitics to rapid advancements in technology and sustainability, no one is insulated from the changes ahead. In this must-watch presentation from the Paddlesports Trade Coalition's Inaugural PTC Colab, futurist and business strategist Soehnel dives deep into groundbreaking research to map out the next decade for the U.S. outdoor industry and public lands. Learn how to navigate the challenges of the "Old Normal," prepare for the Reckoning ahead, and position your business for success in the 2030s and beyond. 📺 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gYv5-sNN

🚣 Bridging the Confidence Gap – What the Data Tells Us About Safety and Growth in Paddlesports 🎥 What are the biggest factors influencing safety and participation growth in paddlesports? Jim Emmons and Jeff Moag from the Water Sports Foundation break down the latest data on paddler confidence, safety trends, and what it means for the future of the industry. Discover key insights that can help businesses, instructors, and advocates make paddling safer and more accessible for everyone.

The Paddlesports Trade Coalition announced the election of five new members to its board of directors to represent the paddling industry in 2025. Lili Colby —Mustang Survival Bryan Owen — Astral Designs Matt Gerhardt — 4 Corners Paddlesports Jonathan Kahn —Confluence Kayak & Ski Scott Holley — Eddyline Kayaks More on each of the new board members and future plans for the PTC at our link.

Meet Jon Kahn – 2025 PTC Board Member! With 30 years in specialty paddlesports retail, Jon Kahn knows the challenges retailers face firsthand. As a leader at Confluence Kayak & Ski (Confluence Kayaks and Ski) and CKS Online, he’s been deeply involved in the industry and is passionate about shaping its future. Jon believes it’s time to return the industry to the adventure capitalists—those who live and breathe paddlesports. His experience and dedication will help the PTC empower retailers and strengthen the paddling community. Welcome, Jon!

Say hello to Matt Gerhardt – 2025 PTC Board Member! Matt Gerhardt brings 20 years of paddlesports retail experience to the PTC board as a key leader at 4Corners Riversports in Durango, CO. From sales and purchasing to marketing and web development, he knows what it takes to run a specialty retail business. Matt sees PTC as a much-needed tool to strengthen the paddlesports community. He’s excited to be involved from the ground up—and we’re lucky to have him on board. Welcome, Matt!

Meet Bryan Owen – 2025 PTC Board Member! We're excited to welcome Bryan Owen, Sales Manager at Astral Designs, to the Paddlesports Trade Coalition board! A lifelong paddler from Asheville, NC, Bryan has spent over two decades in the paddlesports industry—both as a retailer (3 Rivers, CKS) and on the brand side (Astral). His deep experience with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance highlights his commitment to paddlesports’ role in the broader outdoor economy. Bryan brings valuable business skills and industry connections to help PTC members grow and thrive. Welcome, Bryan!