The Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS) hosted two major events in September that saw high attendance. The 25th Annual West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium (WCSKS), held Sept. 19-21 in Port Townsend, WA, was host to more than 60 exhibitors and nearly 600 attendees, in spite of rain and cold temperatures from Tropical Storm Hanna. The inaugural North East Canoe and Kayak Symposium was held Sept. 5-7 in Clinton, NJ and welcomed nearly 175 guests.
Activities included beginner and advanced paddling classes on the west coast and paddling seminars, new product demos and beach-side exhibits on the east coast.
“This year’s North East Canoe and Kayak Symposium was well supported by the local paddlesports community and first time paddlers alike,” said Michael Pardy, executive director of TAPS. “We were right on target with the event layout and organization of the event. Not to mention, the relationships that we built with the park, community and local businesses give us a great foundation in building next year’s event.”
In planning the new east coast festival, TAPS partnered with the Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce to attract attendees and vendors from New Jersey and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic States.
“I think the event has terrific potential to be a premier east coast event,” said Anne Maleady, retail director for REI. “The large beach and cove, easy access from major metro areas, great mix of boat demos, retailers and water events such as polo and skin on frame boats have us excited to come back next year.”
Next year’s North East Canoe and Kayak Symposium will be held Friday, Sept. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 at the Spruce Run Recreation Area in Clinton, NJ, and the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium will be held September 25-27, 2009 at Fort Worden State Park, in Port Townsend, Wash.
