After coming off of a strong season last year, paddlesports retailers seem to be stocking up for another year of heavy activity, which should translate into some healthy organic growth for the industry as a whole. Preliminary reports from most vendors are showing that recreation kayaks – both ‘sit-in’ and ‘sit-on-top’ models – continue the growth curve they have experienced over the past two seasons. In turn, this growth in recreation kayaks, which are primarily designed for the introductory user, is spurring growth in more advanced models. Touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and premium products in the canoe category are all selling-in well.

Kelley Woolsey, EVP of marketing and sales at Confluence, told BOSS that pre-season sales of Confluence’s various brands are up 30% on average. Sit-in kayak sales are up across all brands, while Wilderness Systems is showing the most strength in the sit-on-top category. The strength in recreation is translating into increased sales in light touring and touring kayaks, with Perception, Dagger, and Wilderness systems all showing strong increases in pre-season light touring orders. Wilderness Systems is also leading the pack in touring models.

On the Canoe side of the watersports industry, Royalex remains the material of choice at retail. Woolsey said that the $800-$1200 MSRP Royalex canoes are the strongest category, while composite sales are flat due to the higher prices associated with the raw materials.

John Fleck, Bell Canoe’s VP of sales and marketing, said he is seeing the opposite, although retailers are “more responsive” this year than they have been in the past. While Bell’s smaller dealers pre-season orders are relatively flat, Fleck said that their larger dealers are showing “considerable growth.” Bell is seeing the majority of their growth on the premium end of their product line, with composites selling-in well and Royalex numbers flat. The company’s KevLight product sales were said to be “phenomenal” with most of the activity in the 15.5-17.5 foot range. Also, the category dubbed ‘performance touring,’ of which Fleck said “any other company would call a kayak,” is seeing a very strong sell-in this year.

The growing infrastructure for whitewater is making the sport more accessible, and retailers are taking notice. Representatives from Jackson Kayaks said that sales are up for the pre-season.

Confluence’s Woolsey said their whitewater sales have been up for the last two seasons in a row, largely due to the advent of whitewater parks. The strongest categories are the ‘River-Play,’ and ‘River-Run’ boats.

“More people are being exposed to kayaking today than ever before,” said Woolsey. “They get in a boat and try it, and then they are exposed to these white water parks that are popping up everywhere and they want to try that too.”

On the paddles and accessories side of the business, Confluence’s AT Paddles brand is seeing pre-season bookings up 40%, but Voyager and Harmony accessories are flat. Woolsey said he takes that as a signal they need to improve their accessory program, and the company will be placing some emphasis on this in the future.

Overall, most vendors are saying that retailers are positive about the coming season and, for the most part are coming off of a good year with solid sell-through. This sell-through has brought inventories at retail down somewhat and most are eager to re-stock. Innovations in design, the popularity of kayak fishing, and in general a greater emphasis on quality free time are also driving sales up in the paddlesports sector. Unless the weather refuses to cooperate next spring, the season seems on-track for more growth.