in Greenville, SC, where it has consolidated its operations for even more planned growth. “It was important for us to consolidate our teams while providing for expansion,” added Confluence CEO Sue Rechner. “It will help us gain efficiencies that will translate back into investments to strengthen our brands even more.”Rechner added that the move follows the growth it’s seeing in the industry as a whole. “Our retailers are having very strong sell-through and sales this year and have cleared-out inventory,” she said. “Clearly kayaking is starting to reach the mainstream. The further its image gets away from the extreme side, the more it becomes accepted by mainstream America.” Confluence isn’t the only paddlesports powerhouse on the move. Legacy Paddlesports, whose brands include Liquidlogic, Native, Heritage and Watertrail Gear, finished relocating from its 160,000-square-foot leased facility in Greensboro, NC to a its new headquarters in Fletcher, NC, this month. Its move and investment are also predicated by performance. “We had a very strong pre-season this year, which has carried over into in-season sales,” said company COO Bill Medlin. “Our pre-season sales were up incredibly over last year. We haven’t seen this type of growth since the second year of our launch. I think it’s due to a re-positioning of the brand, new models and new distribution decisions.” The company is hitting the ground running in its new facility with the unveiling of two new model series this year. Retailers echo manufacturer reports for the year. Madison, WI-based Rutabaga, the nations’ largest specialty paddlesports store, reported that sales were better than last year, whether due to the economy or better weather. “Sales are definitely up,” said owner Darren Bush. “Our first six months were very good.” As to what’s selling in particular, he added that angling models and rec offerings were topping the list. “Fishing kayaks and lighter kayaks seem to be doing well, and SUP is growing,” he said. The only sector that’s slightly off were canoes, which “tend to fluctuate year to year,” he said. While most companies with fishing kayak SKUs are reporting growth, perhaps none are enjoying a sales increase in the sector like Jackson Kayak. “We definitely came out of the gates swinging this year,” said marketing director James McBeath, listing its Coosa model as its top seller, followed by the recently released Cuda. “And it should pick up even more now that we have the Big Tuna model in the mix.” The company is also one of the only in the industry to enjoy continued whitewater success, thanks largely to the marketing prowess and design expertise of company president Eric Jackson, a four-time freestyle world champion. McBeath said whitewater sales were up 40 percent over 2011. Still, other companies aren’t ignoring the niche and for good reason. 14 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 30, 2012
According to the Outdoor Foundation’s 2011 Topline Report, participation in kayaking is booming, with rec kayaking growing 31.9 percent over the past three years, whitewater kayaking 24.5 percent, and sea kayaking 14 percent. Confluence said people “will see a huge investment in whitewater” over the next two years for its marquee whitewater brands Dagger, Wave Sport and newly acquired Bomber Gear. Meanwhile South Africa’s Fluid Kayaks recently completed a new manufacturing facility in New Jersey where it plans to fulfill all North American orders, including those for its new, ground breaking, Do It Now whitewater sit-on-top. “It’s been a great year for us,” said president Celliers Kruger. “This should better enable us to service the U.S. market.” The accessory side of the business is also swirling with sales and new SKUs. According to the OIA VantagePoint data, accessories and equipment sales were up 14.3 percent for the five-month year-to-date period through June. Growth was driven by dry bags, dry containers, helmets and accessories. Philip Curry, owner of PFD maker Astral Buoyancy, said that while things slowed down in 2011, this year they’re back and beyond. “2010 was strong but then things slowed down in 2011. So far, this year is looking good. Things have settled out and the general tone of the market is more positive.” He added that this year, sales were up “20 to 30 percent over 2011.” This also bodes well for the launch of Astral’s new paddlesports footwear line, designed in partnership with former Salomon footwear guru Reglan Brewer and Five Ten’s Stealth rubber. The new four-model line features Cordura uppers and a barefoot last keeping the heel even with the bottom of the foot. Bottom line - the industry is back on as solid a footing as Astral’s customers. “We’re excited,” said Confluence’s Rechner. “We needed a good season and we got it. I think everyone is going into OR with a positive mindset and is excited about where things are headed. ■