Recorded October 15, 2026
What We See Online Influences What We See on the Water
Seven paddlesports companies receive NASBLA's National Paddlesports Committee Honors for promoting safe paddling through their digital content.
Every photo, video and social media post shared by a paddlesports business sends a message about what paddling looks like. Are people wearing life jackets? Are they using appropriate safety equipment? Are they demonstrating responsible behavior on the water?
Those images matter. They help shape what customers, especially newcomers to paddlesports, perceive as normal.
On October 15, during the Paddlesports Trade Coalition's (PTC) virtual Annual Meeting, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recognized seven companies that are helping set a positive example through the content they share online.
Wendy Flynn, Chair of NASBLA's Paddlesports Committee, announced the recipients of the 2026–2028 National Paddlesports Committee Honors (NPCH) as part of the PTC University webinar series.
Seven Companies Leading by Example
The 2026–2028 NPCH honorees are:
Bending Branches | Osceola, Wisconsin
Best Kayak Rentals | Bellevue, Washington
Canoe Kentucky | Frankfort, Kentucky
GoKo Kayaks | Tampa Bay, Florida
Northwest Rafting Company | Hood River, Oregon
Rutabaga Paddlesports | Madison, Wisconsin
WEPADDLE | Tampa Bay, Florida
These manufacturers, retailers, outfitters and paddlesports businesses were recognized for demonstrating a commitment to safe paddling through their websites, social media platforms and other digital content.
The program evaluates how organizations portray life jackets and appropriate safety equipment, support boating safety initiatives and discourage risky behaviors in their public-facing communications.
Why Online Images Matter
The NPCH program is built around a simple idea: What we see online can influence what we do on the water.
Images of paddlers wearing properly fitted life jackets, using appropriate equipment and making responsible decisions can help reinforce those behaviors. Conversely, repeated images of unsafe practices can make risky behavior appear routine.
The influence extends beyond safety-focused educational content. Product photography, advertising, event promotions, social media reels and everyday customer communications all contribute to the picture of paddlesports that audiences see.
In the October 15 announcement, Flynn emphasized that every piece of content is an opportunity to model safer paddling practices.
The message is especially relevant for an industry working to welcome more first-time and casual paddlers. Manufacturers, retailers, outfitters and other businesses help shape expectations long before someone launches a boat.
Recognition That Goes Beyond a Logo
Launched in 2025, the National Paddlesports Committee Honors program recognized 12 organizations in its inaugural year. For the 2026 recognition period, NASBLA introduced a three-year cycle, allowing recipients to display the NPCH emblem through 2028.
The emblem gives companies a visible way to communicate their commitment to promoting safe paddling practices. It also provides an opportunity to recognize employees and teams responsible for maintaining high standards in marketing, photography, customer education and social media content.
Importantly, the program is not limited to companies with large marketing budgets or extensive social media followings. Paddlesports manufacturers, retailers and outfitters of every size can make an impact by consistently demonstrating responsible paddling behaviors.
Could Your Company Be Next?
NASBLA encourages U.S. based paddlesports businesses to review the NPCH criteria and consider applying for future recognition. You can also nominate another company whose digital content consistently demonstrates a commitment to paddling safety.
Whether you're a national brand or a small local outfitter, every image and message is an opportunity to demonstrate the behaviors that help keep paddlers safe.
Because what we see online influences what we see on the water!
About PTC University
The National Paddlesports Committee Honors announcement was featured during the Paddlesports Trade Coalition's October 15 Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with PTC University.
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