Sue’s Blog – A Few Thoughts From Outdoor Retailer

Just back from the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. What a great show!! For people like me it’s better than being a kid in a candy store. Everything to pursue your passions all under one roof.

From the opening demo day–where kayaks outnumbered SUP on the water–(regardless of what the trade rags say : – ) ), to the visit of Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, to the Confluence booth to the Industry Thought Leader event to the Paddle Council breakfast: Something exciting and energizing happening every minute of every day. Good thing for the nearby Starbucks (although we affectionately call it FourBucks) every morning–I would not have been able to keep up!

Me showing Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, the new Commander 140

And…..I certainly can’t forget to mention that Wilderness Systems was awarded “Boat Brand of the Year” for the second year in a row. First time ever a brand has won 2 years back to back. We are grateful to our retailers for their vote of confidence—it only makes us want to do even better.

Attendance was up, good energy was pervasive and the vibe in paddlesports was completely positive. We also saw a few Outdoor Industry News channels get launched.

Our retailers were excited with all of our new product launches. Here’s short list of some of what we presented from our portfolio of brands:

Wilderness Systems – we added a Commander 140. Check it out on line—good for families, fishing or just a solo experience. Very stable, lots of room and affordable.

Mad River Canoe – the bunny has been busy! The original designer – Jim Henry is back! The Journey Series triple tuff canoes, designed by Henry, launched to great fanfare. These boats are a shallow arch hull, 15’9 and 16’9 in length. Also new Ultralite Explorer and Malecite …….Mad River, returning to its high quality roots.

Perception debuted a new Prodigy Tandem 145 and a new adjustable tandem seating system which has been complimented for its ease of use and adjustability. And – no removable parts to get lost or fall into the water.

Wave Sport – What was in the vault?? Not a pile of money – something much more valuable than that. Stay tuned for this boat to make its debut in the public eye soon. .

Adventure Technology Paddles– new ferrule!! Need we say more? Patent pending technology that enables you to change the blade angle WITHOUT taking the paddle apart. Revolutionary and really cool. Completely new and fresh look for the brand as well.

Harmony Accessories – New products, New packaging and a GUARANTEED in stock shipping program for dealers. Who guarantees anything anymore? We do!

It was great to see everyone and what we can accomplish together in 2011.