The Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA) has changed its name to the Paddlesports Industry Association. The name change is the first step in the organization’s adoption of the recommendations put forth by the Paddlesports Industry Unification Workgroup (PIUW) to create a single trade association that represents the entire paddlesports industry.

The PIUW, comprised of industry leaders selected by the boards of the Professional Paddlesports Association and the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS), met throughout 2006 and developed an action plan and framework for an association that would establish a single voice representing the manufacturers, outfitters, retailers, instruction centers, sales representatives, and outside suppliers of the paddlesports industry. The PIUW was working toward unification of PPA and TAPS as a means to accomplish unity within the industry, however in December, TAPS withdrew from the process.

While the Paddlesports Industry Association’s chief objective is to increase participation in paddlesports, it will continue many of PPA’s initiatives, particularly those that enhance industry business practices through better education.