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Progress, Transition, and Purpose: A 2025 Year-End Message from Stig Larsson, PTC Board Chair

By Plaice, Cristin posted 16 days ago
December 2025 Dear Paddlesports Trade Coalition Members, As we close out another impactful year for the Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC), I want to take a moment to reflect on the momentum we’ve built together and to thank you for your continued support, engagement, and belief in the strength of our industry. This year marked a period of meaningful growth, strategic evolution, and renewed collaboration. One of our most important accomplishments this year was the launch of a consistent schedule of webinars designed to better engage our membership. These sessions have created new opportunities for education, conversation, and connection across brands, ...

PTC Announces 2026 Priorities: Industry Gold Standard Best Practices Hub, Expanded Education, and New Member Insights Plus Leadership Transition to Maximize Member Value

By Plaice, Cristin posted 16 days ago
December 2025 In 2026, the Paddlesports Trade Coalition will focus on the work members use most to strengthen the industry. PTC will prioritize the Industry Gold Standard Best Practices, expand member education through high value webinars and resources, and deliver clearer data and insights to help members make better decisions and grow participation. 2026 Priority One: Industry Gold Standard Best Practices and the New Education and Information Hub PTC’s top priority for 2026 is to build out the Industry Gold Standard Best Practices as a practical education and information hub on the new PTC website and member community platform, now nearing launch. ...

Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Drive Sales and Support Dealers with Ethical Promotions

By Plaice, Cristin posted 11-13-2025
How brands and retailers can collaborate for win–win holiday sales . Every November, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) put the outdoor industry under the same spotlight that challenges every retail sector: how do we drive sales without undermining our partners? For brands, the temptation to run aggressive direct-to-consumer (D2C) discounts can be strong. For dealers, those same promotions often feel like a direct hit to their margins. I write this from the perspective of a sales rep turned sales manager who’s had countless conversations with retailers, reps, and other brands about BFCM. I’ve heard every argument — from total ...

Executive Brief: Impact of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales on the Paddlesports Industry

By Plaice, Cristin posted 05-21-2025
Overview This executive summary provides a role-based analysis of the impact of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales across the paddlesports industry. Insights were drawn from a cross-sector survey of retailers, outfitters, manufacturers, sales representatives, and industry associates. This summary is based on survey results through May 19, 2025. Updated results will be discussed at the June 5, 2025 webinar . Key Insights by Stakeholder Group 1. Retailers (54 respondents) Impact: Most negatively affected group, with over 60% reporting significant or extreme impact. Top Concerns: Declining trust in manufacturers Perceived ...

PTC Statement - We Stand for Public Lands

By Plaice, Cristin posted 05-21-2025
Public land belongs to all of us, they are a shared inheritance and a vital part of our national identity. We must invest in more green spaces and active parks, while fiercely protecting the ones we already have. Not just for aesthetics, but for public health, equity, and community strength. Public lands and waterways pull people away from their screens and into shared spaces. The result? Stronger mental health, deeper human connection, and a more resilient country. The Paddlesports Trade Coalition stands proudly with our outdoor industry partners in advocating for the permanent protection of all public lands and waterways. We recognize the complex pressures ...

Bridging the Confidence Gap – What the Data Tells Us About Safety and Growth in Paddlesports

By Plaice, Cristin posted 09-12-2024
Jim Emmons - Water Sports Foundation (WSF) Jeff Moag - Water Sports Foundation (WSF)

Future Steps to Success: Should We Consider a PTC Professional Credential?

By Plaice, Cristin posted 09-12-2024
Peg Phillips - National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Pam Dillon - Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC)

Building Community through Inclusive Initiatives for Businesses and Participants

By Plaice, Cristin posted 09-12-2024
Speaking for All in Paddlesports Facilitators: Risa Shimoda (RMS) and Kelsey Bracewell (ACA)

The Greatest Successes and Failures from the Last 50 Years of Paddlesports

By Plaice, Cristin posted 09-10-2024
Learn from Veteran Business Leaders as they share perspectives and insight on the paddlesports industry, the current business environment, and the relevance of PTC. Moderator: Jeff Moag, Paddling Business Magazine Panelists: Steve Jordan, BigAdventures Nikki Rekman, Nikki Rekman Sales Stig Larsson, Level Six Al Hurxthal, Dolphin Paddlesports John Kahn, Confluence Paddle & Ski

10-Year Outlook For the U.S. Outdoor Industry

By Plaice, Cristin posted 09-08-2024
The U.S. has entered a significant, unprecedented and complex period that will bring about profound and seismic changes across society, culture, economics/financial markets,politics/geopolitics and the environment/sustainability...no one is insulated. But recent groundbreaking research has emerged from pioneering futurists and other subject-matter experts that has given us unmatched insight into the unfolding tapestry of the future, thereby allowing us to position ourselves and our businesses to survive and thrive. In context of this research, the current state of affairs for the world and the U.S. and the direction in which we are progressing, I will provide ...