Confluence Watersports, a canoe, kayak and paddling accessory manufacturer based in Easley, SC  has earned national recognition for excellence in the outdoor industry. Confluence is one of the top three suppliers of outdoor sporting goods and equipment, according to the ‘SNEWS Annual Retailer Survey.’ Retailers across the country participated in the survey, the full version of which will appear in “SNEWS,” a highly regarded, outdoor industry trade magazine.

“We are extremely honored,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence. “As a manufacturer, our top priorities are making the highest quality product and offering the best customer service in the industry. It’s a huge honor for our efforts to be recognized by retailers, especially in what has been such a challenging year for so many small businesses. I’m exceedingly proud of our entire team, whose dedication, expertise and work ethic are the building blocks for our success as a company.”

According to “SNEWS,” this year’s survey brought in the highest number of responses ever. The magazine hypothesized that this was due to the challenging economy and questioned if retailers were feeling an intensified need to be heard. With specific regard to Confluence, the SNEWS article reported, “Confluence CEO Sue Rechner and her team are to be commended for their focus on serving specialty retailers not just well, but also with integrity and an open line of communication.”

In the same issue, Sue Rechner was listed as one of the top 10 most influential people in the outdoor industry.

To read the full story, SNEWS is available via subscription only, online or in print. To subscribe, please visit: www.snewsnet.com.

So….lots of travel over the last few weeks for some big industry events. First stop, Nuremberg, Germany for the Kanumesse Show. It is the single largest display of paddlesports in Europe. I am excited to say there was incredible energy, lots of innovation, and a very upbeat mood for future business growth. I must admit I also saw many new and innovative products. Just what our industry needs to continue to capture the consumer’s attention.

Next stop – San Diego, California. The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Rendezvous event was equally interesting. An event for the trade which is intended to keep the industry on the cutting edge of the best ways to increase people involved in getting outdoors! It was another incredible experience.

There are 2 great parts of this conference. The first is that being there shows an industry completely dedicated to getting people outdoors, active, and enjoying America’s natural beauty. Secondly, for part of the conference many attendees took time out of their schedule for a restoration of a historic park for the city of San Diego. Amazing! This is an industry that truly walks their talk.

Kanumesse photos provided courtesy of Peter Lintner

Confluence Watersports has named Adam Ott to the role of key account executive. In this newly created position, Adam will be focused on supporting the business needs of regional and national retail chain accounts.

“We’re excited to have Adam join the sales division,” said Shelly Moore, vice president of sales for Confluence Watersports. “Adam understands the unique and individual needs of the dealers he’ll be supporting. His experience in customer service, product management and extensive knowledge of the brands will prove to be invaluable to the sales organization and our larger customers”.

All dealers will continue to work directly with their existing sales rep. Adam’s work will deepen the strength of the team and ensure sales data is available to help the sales team and key dealer partners collaborate on assortment planning, inventory turn and overall business growth and development.

Adam started in his new role in September 2009. He has worked with Confluence since 2005 in customer service and product management roles. Though he dabbles in touring, Adam is a whitewater kayaker at heart.

Effective September 1, 2009, Gaybo Ltd., current licensee and distributor of Perception kayaks in the U.K., Ireland and Europe, is distributing Wave Sport kayaks in the U.K. Both Perception and Wave Sport are Confluence Watersports brands.

“Gaybo has done a fantastic job for us and has demonstrated an ability to expand our business,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence. “The whitewater market in Europe continues to be strong and we are confident that Gaybo will be successful, building on the momentum Wave Sport has established.  We look forward to working with them in an increased capacity.

Gaybo will take the same enthusiasm and expertise it has shown with the Perception brand and apply it to distributing Wave Sport in the U.K.

“We are delighted to distribute Wave Sport kayaks. Our roots lie in whitewater, and the outstanding performers in the Wave Sport line-up perfectly complement our comprehensive range of Perception touring and recreation kayaks,” said André Goldsmith, sales manager of Gaybo, Ltd. “Our wide-ranging dealer network will make all Wave Sport models available to paddlers across the U.K. Project, Diesel, Fuse, Habitat and D-Series: you can’t help but be impressed by this collection of exceptional boats. For us, the Wave Sport journey starts here and we are looking forward to the ride.”

If you’re a retailer located in the U.K, please contact Gaybo directly with any Wave Sport inquiries: +44 (0) 1825 765891.

About Gaybo Ltd.:

Gaybo Limited has been making kayaks in Sussex on the South Coast of England for over 40 years. The Wave Sport line brings a full range of white water kayaks under the same roof as the well-established and popular Perception touring and recreation kayaks.  Gaybo has an earned reputation for their quality and customer service across the paddling spectrum. For further information about Wave Sport in the U.K., please contact via: phone: +44 (0) 1825 765891, email: wavesport@perception.co.uk. Also check out: www.wavesport.com