One voice for paddlesports in North America
PTC brings the paddlesports ecosystem together across North America to collaborate on industry growth, activate smarter trade practices, and engage in inclusion and access efforts that expand participation.
Our Mission
PTC member organizations are dedicated to advocating for and promoting the strength of the paddlesports industry in North America and supporting commerce and inclusive access in a coordinated effort to expand a vibrant community of participants in all human and sustainably powered boating activities.
We are a collaborative, authentic, and passionate team of brands, retailers, outfitters, and sales reps who choose to influence, advocate, and foster growth and development within the paddlesports market segment.
Who We Are
The Paddlesports Trade Coalition is a member-driven nonprofit (501(c)(6)) representing the voice and soul of the North American paddlesports industry. We’re a collaborative, authentic, and passionate group of brands, retailers, outfitters, sales reps and organizations who choose to influence, advocate, and foster growth across the paddlesports market.
What We Do
PTC focuses on practical, industry-wide initiatives that help paddlesports thrive:
Grow Participation
We grow participation across all paddlesports categories through consumer-facing activation and coordinated promotion.
Strengthen the Retail Cycle
We support effective selling strategies that strengthen the full retail and seasonal buying cycle for all stakeholders.
Advance Inclusion and Access
We advance inclusion and access through DEI leadership and aligned partnerships.
Advocate for the Industry
We represent the industry in local, state/provincial, and federal policy conversations that impact paddlesports growth.
Align Best Practices
We align stakeholders with shared best practices, education, and collaboration.
Our Values
Collaborate
We provide transparent pricing that offers great value, ensuring you always get the best deal without hidden costs.
Activate
We take deliberate, practical action to improve trade practices and support the seasonality of paddlesports retail and consumer buying.
Engage
We partner with members and aligned organizations to expand inclusion and access for all current and future paddlers.
Leadership and Governance
PTC is led by a Board of Directors elected by our members, representing the full paddlesports ecosystem and helping guide strategic direction for growth, knowledge, and collaboration.
Stig Larsson, Chair
CEO Level Six
Brand Member
Simon Coward, Vice-Chair
Owner AQ Outdoors/Aquabatics
Retailer/Outfitter Member
Rob Bossen, Treasurer/Secretary
Blue Water Trading/Grey Duck Outdoor
Sales Rep. Member
Elected by our members, these Paddlesports industry leaders represent the individual constituents of the industry (Retailers, Outfitters, Brands, Sales Reps, and industry Associates), and drive the strategic direction for growth, knowledge, and collaboration in the Paddlesports business community.
Cristin Plaice
Publisher Rapid Media
Associate Member
Lili Colby
Product to Market Coordinator Mustang Survival
Brand Member
Matt Gerhardt
Managing Partner 4Corners Riversports
Retailer/Outfitter Member
Bryan Owen
Sales Manager Astral Designs
Brand Member
Jason Eccles
President & Co-Owner Bending Branches/ Aqua Bound
Brand Member
Phil Walczynski
CEO & Co-Owner Down River Equipment
Brand Member
Brad Stephens
Founder & Owner Sunjammers
Retailer/Outfitter Member
Brian Vincent
General Manager Appomattox River Company
Retailer/Outfitter Member
Jon Kahn
Co-Owner Confluence Kayak & Ski, CKS online
Retailer/Outfitter Member
Sue Warner
Founder & Co-Owner Collinsville Canoe & Kayak
Retailer/Outfitter Member
Bahen Privett
Owner, Southeastern Paddlesports
Sales Rep. Member
James Derbecker
Crescent Kayaks
Brand Member
Add your voice to the coalition.
If your business is engaged in paddlesports as a retailer, outfitter or guide, brand, manufacturer, sales rep, or organization, we want your voice, opinion, and passion. Join us in building collaborative, future-focused growth initiatives that support the entire paddlesports ecosystem.