Effective September 1, 2009, Confluence Watersports will appoint Palm Equipment International to be the exclusive distributor of Wilderness Systems kayaks and Mad River Canoe in the U.K. Palm currently distributes fellow Confluence brands, Dagger and Adventure Technology paddles, and will continue to do so.

“Palm has done a fantastic job for us and has demonstrated an ability to expand our business,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence. “Andy [Knight] and his team understand the U.K. paddling market. They support their efforts with well-established marketing, strong customer service and a solid sales team. We’re excited to work together to grow the touring, kayak fishing and canoeing market shares in the U.K.”

Palm has been a successful manufacturer and distributor of paddling gear for 30 years. The company is well suited to adapt to the demands of the current market, and bring Wilderness Systems and Mad River Canoe to the forefront of U.K. paddling.

“Partnering with Wilderness Systems and Mad River Canoe will further strengthen our position as the U.K.’s premier, one-stop equipment supplier,” said Andy Knight, Palm founder. “These brands round out our portfolio, offering more choice and opportunity for our dealer network. The Confluence brands are the strongest in paddlesports right now and we look forward to working with them in this greater capacity.”

About Palm Equipment:

Palm Equipment®, founded in 1979 by championship kayak surfer Andy Knight, is still owner-operated and sold worldwide. Leading by constant innovation the Palm tag line of  ‘Gear for Paddlers’ means quite literally everything for paddlesport, from head to foot. At its Clevedon headquarters Palm manufactures under license for Europe Dagger kayaks and Islander sit-on-top kayaks.

www.palmequipmenteurope.com

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) and Confluence Watersports are partnering to bring paddling to the urban environs of New York City. On Saturday, August 29, 2009, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and “Backpacker” Magazine will host the fifth annual “Adventures NYC,” a celebration of the outdoors and active lifestyles. For the event, EMS and Confluence will sponsor a paddling center at Bethesda Terrace Lake in Central Park.

“We’re really excited to work with EMS and provide a chance for New Yorkers to paddle,” said Shelly Moore, VP of sales for Confluence. “Kayaking isn’t often considered an urban activity, but most cities are near navigable bodies of water. ‘Adventures NYC’ is an opportunity for both new and experienced boaters to see how paddling can easily be part of a fun and healthy lifestyle – in the city and away.”

In New York City, abundant opportunities exist for paddling, from free kayaking programs to guided tours and a number of boat storage and launch facilities. Confluence and EMS hope to engage new and experienced boaters at the one-day event, and then encourage further exploration of all the existing resources.

Confluence will provide over 50 kayaks and canoes; along with paddles and PFDs. EMS and Confluence will have experienced paddlers on hand to give tips and instruction.

Organizers expect 25,000 people to attend the free event, which offers many outdoor activities, in addition to paddling. Residents and visitors are welcome to participate. The primary location will be in Central Park at the Clamshell at 72^nd Street, but activities are planned for all five boroughs.

For complete information, visit:

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Adventures NYC Event Site

And at the official event microsite.

After the Outdoor Retailer Show and our  new products launch, I’ve had a (fleeting) second to look back over the past year and put the future in focus.  My approach since I’ve been at Confluence has been to really listen to the customer – whether they sell or own our products.   

Our new product line really reflects this input, as do the changes large and small to what we’re doing. Our goal is to be seen as a partner, not simply a supplier or manufacturer. We want our customers to see parts of their own fingerprint and feedback in the background of everything we do. Being selected by retailers as Canoe & Kayak Magazine’s Boat Manufacturer of the Year is the type of award you’re proud of since it’s a direct reflection of how our customer feels about what we’re doing, not how we think we’re doing. We have a great team that is committed to making the paddling experience positive and fun and we greatly appreciate your contribution to our success.

Continue Reading…