Sue’s Blog – Canoecopia Wrap-Up

March 16, 2010

So, what is a Canoecopia??

a. an edible canoe
b. a paddlesports show hosted by Rutabaga Paddlesports
c. a canoe stuffed with fruit

If you chose “b”, then you’re correct. If you chose “a” or “c”, you probably could use some lunch right now.

Seriously, it’s my third year attending this well-known, 3-day consumer show in Madison, Wisconsin, aka “badger country.” Held this past weekend, it was clear that paddlers came out of their winter torpor in droves looking to buy new equipment or upgrade their existing. My instincts tell me traffic was up substantially up and I spoke many first time buyers.

Lots of seminars from industry experts like Bill Schultz, Wilderness Systems Pro Fishing Staff, on kayak fishing; Steve and Cindy Scherrer on various topics including choosing the correct kayak and paddling safety, a women’s approach to paddling and many, many more.

Showstopper: Wilderness Systems Commander 120. A high performance, stable boat for general use or when angler equipped, a best-in-class boat for fishing. It’s clear that kayak fishing is growing exponentially.

Category winner: Composites!! Our new production methodology has enabled us to provide a lighter, better and less expensive boat. In general, these are not inexpensive products, but they were flying off the racks. One would think fannie mae and freddie mac were offering no interest financing based on the number of composite boats we sold.

Congratulations to the Rutabaga team for executing such a great show. If this show’s success is any indication, I look forward to a very successful paddle season.

I’m excited for the next big consumer show being hosted by Jersey Paddler at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset NJ on March 26-28th. See you there!