Inaugural North East Canoe & Kayak Symposium Deemed a Success, Despite Stormy Weather from Tropical

Three-day paddling festival gathered east coast paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts for beginner and advanced clinics, product demos, regional food and sea kayaking celebrity guest

[USPRwire, Mon Oct 06 2008] In spite of rain and cold temperatures from Tropical Storm Hanna, the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS), a non-profit trade association supporting the paddling industry in North America, hosted a three-day paddlesports festival September 5-7, 2008, at the Spruce Run Recreation Area in Clinton, N.J.

Throughout the event, several dozen volunteers and vendors helped the nearly 175 attendees enjoy paddling seminars, new product demos, beach-side exhibits, fun evening activities and region-specific dinners.

“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 festival, TAPS partnered with the Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce to attract attendees and vendors from New Jersey and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic States.

“The regional vendors that participated were thrilled to be involved at the ground level of this paddlesports festival,” said Suzanne Lagay, president of the Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to the amazing local caterers, exhibitors supplied last minute structures that could be used to keep attendees dry during the evening activities. Gearing up for next year, we plan to continue helping with local sponsors, advertising and other opportunities to grow the event.”

Even with wet weather conditions, exhibitors agreed the location of the North East Canoe and Kayak Symposium was excellent, the facilities were outstanding and the park was extremely cooperative with participants, staff and volunteers.

“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, N.J. Additional information will be made available at www.necanoeandkayak.org.

About TAPS
The Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS) is a non-profit trade association supporting the paddling industry in North America and the world. TAPS' members are industry leaders and are dedicated to providing paddlers with the best in equipment, services, and experiences. TAPS represents manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, instructional centers, publications, and more throughout the paddlesports industry, encompassing canoes, touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and rafts. www.gopaddle.org

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