After one year of working with Confluence Watersports on a contract basis, Louis Rondeau has joined the company in a full-time capacity as the director of product development and engineering. Rondeau will oversee all aspects of product development and engineering
processes from final design to production. He will work closely with
the design team, headed by VP, Design, Bob McDonough.

“Over the past year, Louis has made significant contributions to our composite program, brought us infusion technology, and led the development of the concept boat program,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “I am pleased to announce his appointment. With his expertise and input, I look forward to growing the composite and thermoform sectors of our business, and pushing the bounds of traditional performance expectations.”

With over 25 years of experience in boat manufacturing, Rondeau brings a wealth of materials knowledge and business savvy. He helped to launch LR Sailboards in 1981, acted as president and director of research and development for Enterprises Nautiques Rondeau, Inc., and was most recently president of HTM Kayaks, a specialty wholesale manufacturer of composite canoes and kayaks.

Confluence said Rondeau’s influence in the Confluence concept boat program, which was introduced at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008, was paramount to its successful reception. The program centers on four, limited edition carbon fiber/Kevlar boats based on popular Confluence-branded models.

Located in Easley, S.C., Confluence Watersports' brands include Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, and Wave Sport kayaks, Mad River Canoe, Adventure Technology paddles, and Harmony accessories.