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Paddler Co-op Launches Campaign to Save Home Base

Paddler Co-op launches Campaign to buy property.
Feature Image: Paddler Co-op

For over two decades, the Paddler Co-op has been a cornerstone of the river-running community on the banks of the Madawaska River in Palmer Rapids, Ontario. Now, the future of the beloved cooperative is at stake, and rallying to secure its home permanently.

The Paddler Co-op is a Valuable Slice of Whitewater Paradise

The Paddler Co-op’s idyllic 2.7-acre property is a valuable slice of waterfront real estate. Complete with highway frontage, a campground, an office building, and a garage for equipment storage and classrooms. However, the Co-op does not own the land, which is going up for sale at a value of $700,000, putting the Co-op in a situation where they could lose their beloved base. There is a silver lining though: the property owners have provided the Co-op with the first right of refusal to purchase, with a decision deadline of May 1, 2024.

To preserve their home and legacy, the Paddler Co-op has launched the Sweet Home Paddler Co-op Capital Campaign.

Although the minimum amount the Co-op needs to raise by June 1 for a downpayment on the property is technically $150,000, according to the Co-op, this would be an unsustainable mortgage. The initiative instead aims to raise $250,000 to secure a more feasible payment, and if they can reach $350,000 they would be able to operate at a cost without impacting their current budget. With the deadlines looming within just a few short months, the Co-op is wasting no time to act.

“We want to guarantee access to the river for future generations,” Ryan O’Connor, the Co-op’s executive director, shares. “This purchase preserves a vital access point for whitewater paddlers. Palmer Rapids is a leading training ground known across Canada, and we don’t want to see that disappear.”

According to O’Connor, the current property owners purchased the land 20 years ago with the intention of leasing it to the not-for-profit paddling organization to set up shop. However, circumstances have led the owners to decide to sell the property.

The Paddler Co-op is one of the largest paddling schools in Ontario, but its impact over the last two decades extends far beyond instruction. For many, the Co-op represents a community where lifelong friendships are forged and a love for the outdoors is nurtured. “Our members have spoken about how life-changing the Co-op has been for them,” adds O’Connor of the cooperative that has welcomed more than 10,000 paddlers of all ages and abilities since 1997.

Paddler Co-op launches Campaign to buy property.
Feature Image: Paddler Co-op

A Campaign to Not Only Save a Paddling Business but Strengthen Access

As O’Connor mentioned, the Lower Madawaska is a learning ground for many Ontario paddlers, providing their introduction to whitewater kayaking and canoeing. However, all of the access points to the Madawaska in Palmer Rapids are on private land. While these access points are available now, they could become compromised with future exchange of ownership. O’Connor shares that as a not-for-profit, should they own the property, they can create a trust or fund to ensure paddlers can access the Madawaska decades from now, regardless of whether the Co-op still exists as a business.

“We believe in securing a space by paddlers and for paddlers,” O’Connor says. “If we aren’t looking at access now, we risk a day when we don’t have these places.”

The urgency of the campaign is palpable. If the fundraising goal is not met by June 1, the property will be listed for sale. Should the property be sold to someone else, there are no guarantees for the Co-op. Looking at the economics of a sale, O’Connor is certain their cost to maintain a lease would increase substantially. However, there’s a strong sense of optimism. The Co-op contributed $50,000 from its reserve funds to kick off the campaign. To date, it has now garnered more than $120,000, demonstrating the community’s support. For O’Connor and the cooperative, they are on full tilt to reach the goal and make the purchase.

“We are committed and confident, and everyone in our paddling community has told us we are doing the right thing.”


Learn more about the Paddler Co-op’s Sweet Home Paddler Co-op Capital Campaign.

Inflatable Kayak Catches Big Air Off Snow Jump(Video)

A group of stunt performers known as the Sickos decided landing a jump on skis and snowboards was just too easy. Instead, they set out to build the biggest snow jump they could fathom possible for a sled to stick. Only, their sled of choice was no toboggan but rather an inflatable kayak.

On the slopes of Mount Hood, the Sickos spend a day building up their dream sled jump. As they construct the jump, they take their Star inflatable kayak further and further up the slope to get the ramp dialed.

Fortunately, as they figure out how to launch the self-bailing hull into the troposphere, they have some soft snow to keep them intact.

Their snowy kayak stunt culminates with a run from the top of the slope. They are destined to catch some of the biggest air we’ve seen from an inflatable. But more importantly, will they stick the landing? Watch and see.

 

Paddling Magazine Wins Best Print Publication Award

Paddling Magazine, winner of Best Print Publication of 2023, Outdoor Media Awards People's Choice Winner

The Paddling Magazine team is thrilled to announce that we have won the People’s Choice Award for Best Print Publication at the Outdoor Media Awards. Considered the most prestigious award for media in the outdoor industry, Paddling Magazine faced stiff competition from legacy media titles, including Outside and Backpacker magazines.

Thank you to our incredible community of readers who made this win happen. Your engagement and loyalty have been the driving force behind our content, inspiring our commitment to delivering exceptional paddling stories that inform, entertain and inspire.

We’re grateful to have such incredible readers who share our love for the water—thanks for being the best part of Paddling Mag!

The official press release from Outdoor Media Summit follows.


Outdoor Media Summit is thrilled to announce the Outdoor Media Award winners for the People’s Choice Awards. After weeks of voting and anticipation, the winners have been chosen, representing excellence and innovation in outdoor media content creation.

The People’s Choice winners for the 2024 Outdoor Media Awards are as follows:

  • Paddling Magazine: People’s Choice – Best Print Publication
  • Adventure Chasse: People’s Choice – Best Print Publication
  • Tooth and Claw: People’s Choice – Best Podcast
  • Run Wild My Child: People’s Choice – Best Digital Publication
  • @OutThereColorado: People’s Choice – Best Social Handle
  • @KweenWerk: People’s Choice – Best Social Handle
  • Stephane Monette: People’s Choice – Best YouTube
  • Kyle Hates Hiking: People’s Choice – Best YouTuber

These winners have demonstrated creativity, engagement, and dedication to the outdoor media space. Their content has resonated with audiences, inspiring and informing outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the People’s Choice Awards! Your passion for the outdoors and commitment to producing exceptional content shows,” said Yoon Kim, founder of Outdoor Media Summit. “We’re excited to recognize your achievements and celebrate your work at Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula on October 16th.”

The Outdoor Media Summit team extends its appreciation to everyone who participated in the voting process and helped make this year’s People’s Choice Awards a success.

For more information about the Outdoor Media Summit and the Outdoor Media Awards, please visit outdoormediasummit.com.

Montgomery Whitewater Park Receives Project Of The Year Award From Business Alabama

Montgomery, Ala. – Mar 4, 2024 – Montgomery Whitewater Park, Alabama’s newest and most technologically advanced outdoor adventure destination, was honored with the Project of the Year designation at Business Alabama’s annual awards luncheon, which was hosted last week in Birmingham.

Opened in July 2023, Montgomery Whitewater Park is a world-class recreational attraction offering adventure sports and lifestyle experiences for residents and tourists of all ages and skill levels. Designed by S2O Design and Engineering, the center boasts the world’s most advanced channel system, which simulates a natural river with class II–IV rapids to accommodate beginners, seasoned whitewater enthusiasts or professional athletes for a variety of whitewater activities including rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Photo: Courtesy Montgomery Whitewater Park
Photo: Courtesy Montgomery Whitewater Park

Apart from water activities, visitors can also enjoy an array of family friendly activities including a variety of free concerts, an outfitter store and restaurant, Eddy’s Restaurant and Bar.

“Since opening in July, the Montgomery Whitewater Park has drawn crowds from across the nation, helped us recruit thousands of new high-paying jobs and provided additional recreational opportunities for Montgomery County residents,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton. “This prestigious honor from Business Alabama shows the strength of this investment and its continued benefits to Montgomery County, the River Region and state of Alabama.”

Montgomery Whitewater was made possible by the innovation and leadership of state, local and community leaders who formed the Montgomery County Community Cooperative District, which serves as the ownership entity of both the park and overlaying district. The Montgomery County Commission, the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama jointly led this unprecedented partnership to enhance the quality of place for the River Region, drive economic development, boost tourism, support the military and recruit and retain talent.

“None of this would have been possible without the vision and dedication of the many elected officials and business leaders who collaborated to bring Montgomery Whitewater into existence,” said Chief Executive Officer Dave Hepp. “What resulted from that collaboration isn’t just a groundbreaking outdoor attraction, but an opportunity to enhance residents’ quality of life and foster a meaningful appreciation for the outdoors for the people of Alabama and beyond.”

Photo: Courtesy Montgomery Whitewater Park
Photo: Courtesy Montgomery Whitewater Park

About Montgomery Whitewater Park

Montgomery Whitewater Park is a 120-acre state-of-the-art recirculating whitewater park and outdoor adventure center located off I-65 in Montgomery, Alabama offering a variety of outdoor lifestyle activities both in and out of the water for all ages and skill levels. Developed and operated by Southern Whitewater Design Group for the Montgomery County Community Cooperative Group, this park was conceived and developed as a large-scale public-private investment to catalyze economic growth and provide health-focused recreation and employment opportunities. More information is available at Montgomerywhitewater.com.

 

Outdoorsy Girls Are Mean Girls, But We Don’t Have To Be

Winter paddling on Lake Superior.
Winter paddling on Lake Superior. Feature Image: Maddy Marquardt

Last year at a wilderness medicine course, I shared a quick story about an incident with a bee sting to the neck on the water. A woman just a little older than me approached me afterward, wanting to know who I was and where I was from.

“I’m a sea kayaker too,” she said. “I guided for two years in the San Juan Islands.”

There were only three other women in the class of more than 25. We were the only two who had taken the course before, and I could tell she did not like me. She had approached me with the intent of comparing her guiding and outdoor resume to mine—to correct me on something I had shared.

I’m a fifth-year coastal kayaking guide and people often ask if I experience sexism in the outdoors. Yes and no, I respond, and never from the direction I expect it.

The words we choose to cut each other down

Truth is, outdoorsy girls can be mean girls. We undercut each other in wilderness medicine courses, competing for who has more experience because we’ve convinced ourselves there are limited spaces for women in the outdoors. We make jokes about other guides: “Her form is shit” or “She takes her job way too seriously.”

I’m complicit myself.

Talking with a friend recently about hiking and how hard it is to find people to winter camp with, we paused to joke about another girl. “Well, I mean… she only hikes for the photo, you know?”

I laughed and didn’t think much of it until later.

People have said that about me, too—that I only go outside for the content. People have also said I am only outdoorsy because my boyfriend is. I know these things aren’t true, but they sting.

No one goes outside just for the photo, which is maybe why the phrase feels so cutting as an insult. Humans go outside because it feels incredible; it’s where our brains are happiest. Humans as a species evolved in the outdoors, and by heritage, we are all outdoorsmen. The insults imply someone is so vapid they can’t appreciate a fundamental part of being human.

When I first started guiding, I was unskilled and didn’t have a concept of to what degree. I was told by other women in the field I would have to work harder for the same respect as my male coworkers. So I worked first on my confidence and on seeming competent. In hindsight, the result as a first- and even second-year paddler was I often exaggerated my skills. There were occasions when my abilities were questioned and at the time I felt these doubts about me were unfair. Now I believe people were likely seeing through the cracks of false confidence.

This doesn’t happen anymore, because the confidence is not false, and my skills and experience speak for themselves. It’s been years since I’ve had a man whom I’m speaking with face to face truly question my place in the outdoors.

Today, almost all the insults, undermining and negativity I’ve experienced in the outdoors come from other women in the outdoor community.

Winter paddling on Lake Superior.
Winter paddling on Lake Superior. | Feature photo: Maddy Marquardt

The self-inflicted notion of limited space

My theory is that because we see so few women in leadership roles in the outdoors, we think there are only so many spaces available and we’re all competing with each other for them. It’s as if in order to validate my own skills and experience, I must belittle hers. I must demonstrate I know better than her. That I can do what she does and look less silly, with less makeup, be tougher but still feminine and palatable. However, competency in the outdoors is not a limited resource.

Recently, I published a winter paddling image of Lake Superior and received a comment that read, “Sorry but I hope someone less experienced doesn’t feel emboldened by this post. Too many things can go wrong.” The comment came from another woman, clearly someone also active in the outdoors.

I read the comment after spending the week mulling over the phrase, “She only hikes for the photos,” feeling guilty for using it but not being able to articulate why. It came after reading the thoughts of other women outdoor creators discussing how they, too, have observed judgments being made about who is and who isn’t legitimately outdoorsy. Judgments made without knowing a person in real life or likely even really examining their content.

When we comment, “I hope you (a person who has clearly stated their specialized skills) don’t embolden anyone to take similar risks,” what are we really saying if we say it most often to women?

It seems what is being implied is that people are less likely to take risk seriously when it is attached to a person who looks like me. If something is being done by a small, blonde female, then surely it’s something that can be done by anyone. And so, the tax for the safety of others is me experiencing less and sharing less with others. I’ve been told this explicitly and implicitly since I was six.

I believe the outdoors and access to it is a right, not a privilege. Humans as a species are meant to sleep with our heads on the ground, to see trees and not concrete, to swim in cold water, to feel waterfall mist and be in movement.

Retiring a tired phrase to make the outdoors a more welcoming place

When we make casually cruel statements against other women, we strip someone we don’t know of their relationship to the outdoors as if it proves something positive about ourselves.

I’ve joked with other girls about women who wear makeup camping as if I don’t full well understand how hard it is to feel comfortable in your own skin.

I’ve watched while younger women and guides struggle like I did with forced confidence and exaggerated skill because we’ve been told we have to fight tooth and nail for respect.

I’ve looked at the pretty Pacific Northwest girls with their perfect hair and leggings and sports bras on the tops of mountains and thought, “She only hikes for the photo.” Because in their perfect photos, I see my own imperfections, how much I struggle with my own body image and how I could never look like that on top of a mountain. I’ve told myself the phrase because for some reason in order for me to be a competent outdoorsperson, she can’t be—as if there is not room for both of us.

But there is room, and it starts with the statements we make.

We can build our own outdoor spaces and communities. We can change the ways we teach about the wild and welcome people in instead of pushing them out.

Maddy Marquardt is a paddling guide and writer based in Northern Minnesota. This essay originally appeared in her newsletter Hello Stranger.


Winter paddling on Lake Superior. | Feature photo: Maddy Marquardt

 

Paddleboarder’s Bold Rescue Saves Kayaker’s Life (Video)

A day down a familiar class III-IV creek took a nearly fatal turn for a group of three paddlers in North Carolina. When kayaker Baker Martin became pinned underneath a strainer, a bold rescue by paddleboarder Hank Cheatham saved his life.

A Day On The Big Laurel Gets Scary

The Big Laurel is a classic creek run in the mountains of Western North Carolina, with mostly class III rapids, spiced up with some class IV.

Standup paddleboarders Hank Cheatham and Will Saylor and whitewater kayaker Baker Martin were through the majority of the four-mile run. Martin was out in front of the group at what is known as a relatively straightforward stretch.

As Martin entered a rapid, he noticed a log was blocking most of the river, but by then, it was too late. His boat was sideways to the log. He was flipped, and his stern became pinned to the river bed. With the kayak pinned vertically, Martin was on the downstream side of the tree and held underwater, unable to breathe.

Kayaker pinned beneath a strainer on the Big Laurel. Image: SUPPaul // YouTube
Kayaker pinned beneath a strainer on the Big Laurel. Image: SUPPaul // YouTube

A Paddleboarder’s Bold Rescue Saves Kayaker’s Life

In the video, we see the paddleboarders Cheatham and Saylor approach the rapid and notice Baker’s kayak. In an interview on the SUPPaul Podcast, Cheatham and Saylor say at first they thought Baker had been surfing or splatting. Once they realize he is pinned beneath the strainer, the pair immediately take action.

Cheatham makes a bold maneuver, driving the nose of his SUP over the log.

Approaching a strainer from the upstream side is risky. If the rescuer were to flip or not clear the log, they could be pulled beneath the strainer themself. But reaching a paddler in distress from an eddy or the shoreline eats precious time that could turn a rescue into a resuscitation. In the words of Marshall Mathers, sometimes “you only get one shot.”

Cheatham’s board goes up and over the log, bringing him right alongside Martin. His position with the board allows Martin to grab hold. At this point, Martin has been underwater for about a minute. Cheatham pulls his arms, stabilizing the distressed kayaker and allowing him to breathe. Cheatham then grabs the loop on Martin’s sprayskirt. Once the sprayskirt pops, he’s able to free Baker from the log, and the pair float downstream. It’s a rescue that plays out within a matter of moments.

“The whole thing worked out about as perfectly as you could work out,” Cheatham shared in the interview with SUPPaul.

Afterward, Martin was brought to the shoreline. He was disoriented and throwing up water. He would go on to paddle out of the run and hike a mile back to his truck. Later, at an urgent care, he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia.

The Danger Of Familiarity

The group mentioned the Big Laurel is a run they are all familiar with. It’s a reminder that no matter how well you know the stretch of river, unknown hazards can appear, especially following major weather events.

Martin was ahead of the group, but fortunately they were close enough together to make the rescue when it was needed.

Successful Rescues—An Indispensable Resource

The consensus in the podcast was that it was a rescue a kayak would be unlikely to make in timely fashion. Because of Cheatham’s paddleboard, he was able to land directly on the strainer and be in a position to pull Martin’s skirt.

When we watch an incident after the fact, we have the benefit of reviewing in hindsight. Ultimately, Cheatham’s remarkable rescue took less time to pull off than reading this article. Because of it, Martin is here and able to talk about the experience.

We want to hear from readers. How would you react if you encountered a similar circumstance on the river, especially with various types of paddlecraft?

Orcas Investigate Kayakers (Video)

For as many kayakers and whales travel the ocean, it’s incredible just how magical the moment remains for the two groups to share an interaction. Now, imagine how it would feel to have an Orca swim right up to the side of your boat.

Orcas Investigate Kayakers

When a group of kayak guides in New Zealand, who seek to show others whales and wildlife, actually came face to face with a pod of Orcas, even they had trouble finding the words to express the astonishment.

Kaikoura Kayaks operates on the northeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and the Kaikoura Peninsula provides the kayak company opportunities to show guests fur seals, dusky dolphins, and albatross. The peninsula is also New Zealand’s whale-watching capital, which means there is no shortage of viewing year-round resident sperm whales as well as other migrating species, including the orcas.

Depending on your perspective, having an orca alongside your kayak could be either an exhilarating or terrifying moment. We’ll lean toward the former for most paddlers willing to take a trip on the ocean. Orcas have garnered a particular reputation. In some ways, they’ve earned it, including their well-known hunting displays and recently targeting vessels off the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. Yet, there are no documented incidents of an orca attacking a kayaker during an interaction. As these moments captured on video continue to find their way to our feed, they tend to bring up conversation from all corners, including conservation.

orca alongside kayak in New Zealand
Feature Image: Kaikoura Kayaks // YouTube

The Kaikoura Peninsula Has A Knack For Finding The Spotlight

In a recent story for Paddling Magazine, correspondent Jessica Wynne Lockhart raised the question of the ethics and ecological science surrounding wildlife tourism and the often understated effect paddlers have on the animal kingdom. It’s a nuanced topic, and the story leads us through some surprising turns.

During her reportage, Wynne Lockhart travels to Kaikoura Kayaks firsthand for the story. The author was drawn there partly because of a video from the outfitter showing a seal slapping a kayaker with an octopus.

As you can imagine, the clip created a sensational buzz, leading visiting tourists to the peninsula, yearning to recreate the moment for themselves. It seems the outfitter has no shortage of viral close encounters for our viewing pleasure.

Right Now Is Your Rare Chance To Kayak In Death Valley

Kayak on Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California.
Kayaking at Badwater Basin on February 9, 2024. Featured Image: NPS/Michael Kohler

Kayaking in the middle of Death Valley National Park in California is likely not on your paddling bucket list. Forgivable, considering most days there is nowhere to launch a boat in the driest place in North America. But right now, in early 2024, it’s one of the hottest paddling destinations in the U.S.

Why Death Valley Is A Kayak Hotspot Right Now

Southern California has seen multiple major precipitation events in the past six months. There was Hurricane Hilary back in August. And just recently, a four-day atmospheric river. These events and others have brought Death Valley nearly five inches of rainfall in the past six months. However, it’s a place which typically sees little more than two inches of rain over the entire year.

All the excess water has found its way down, 282 feet below sea level, to fill an ancient lake bed within the Badwater Basin.

The ancient lake is known as Lake Manly. During the Ice Age, it was hundreds of feet deep, but it dried up about 1,000 years ago. Today, its major tributary is technically the Amargosa River, which originates in Nevada. The Amargosa though usually evaporates and is absorbed into aquifers before any substantial amount of water can reach the lake basin.

“You might think with no drain to the sea, that Death Valley would always have a lake,” park ranger Abby Wines shared in a statement. “But this is an extremely rare event. Normally, the amount of water flowing in is much less than the evaporation rate.”

The recent rainfall in the region has changed the situation. According to the park, as of mid-February, the temporary lake is about six miles long, three miles wide, and one foot deep.

Kayak on Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California.
Kayaking at Badwater Basin on February 9, 2024. Featured Image: NPS/Michael Kohler

Catch Lake Manly While You Can

“The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then,” said Wines. “Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now most of the main roads are open, so it’s a great time to come visit.”

The park believes the lake may only be deep enough to kayak for a few weeks. Paddlers have already started to flock to the basin. If kayaking an intermittent ancient lake in Death Valley was on your to-do list, you’d be best to get to it.

Stohlquist’s Operations Shuttered After 46 Years

two Stohlquist life jackets hang over a fence with a towel
After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. | Feature photo: Vonpics/Pixabay

After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. The decision was made public in early January, following the acquisition of Stohlquist’s parent company, Aqualung Group, by investment banking firm Barings.

Stohlquist’s Operations Shuttered After 46 Years

According to Ryan Lightbody, former senior product manager at Stohlquist, there had been lots of top-level management shifts at Aqualung in the last five years, so the expectation among Stohlquist’s staff was that there would be more of this following the acquisition. But no one thought it would spell the end of Stohlquist.

“With any acquisition there are going to be changes,” says Lightbody. “But you don’t necessarily think they are going to shut you down.”

On December 8, 2023, a press release was published announcing the completion of Barings’ acquisition of Aqualung.

“Then four or five days later, we had an all-company meeting, at least with the North American employees, and the senior management announced then that they would be shutting down that office,” explains Lightbody.

two Stohlquist life jackets hang over a fence with a towel
After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. | Feature photo: Vonpics/Pixabay

The official decision was that the company would no longer be pursuing sporting goods within North America, affecting Stohlquist as well as a couple other internal brands in Aqualung’s portfolio.

Twenty years of partnership

Based in France, Aqualung started out manufacturing cutting-edge diving gear in 1943 and has since grown and acquired other diving and watersports brands. In 2004, they joined forces with Stohlquist to enter the paddlesports market in North America.

Lightbody, who has been with Stohlquist since 2008, says it was a great partnership.

“We were able to take advantage of this bigger company and have some support and distribution and sales support from Aqualung,” he explains. “That was really where Stohlquist grew the most was during that time, between 2004 and 2017.”

When Jim Stohlquist started the company in 1977, the focus was solely on whitewater apparel, but following the partnership with Aqualung the offerings grew to include recreational paddling and kayak fishing.

“I think the partnership helped bring some focus to the brand and really grow the offerings in a more meaningful way, rather than just making odds and ends pieces,” says Lightbody.

Barings acquisition brings dramatic changes

In 2017, Aqualung was bought by a private equity firm. This was when the management turnover began, and Lightbody says he started to see decisions that were very different from what Stohlquist would have decided for itself as a brand.

Talks of Barings acquiring Aqualung began in June 2023 and continued throughout the summer with various personnel changes and an office move for Aqualung’s California employees. Then the official acquisition announcement and decision to shutter sporting goods operations in North America.

“I think the main thing was they wanted to focus dollars on Aqualung, the namesake of the parent company,” Lightbody says. “I think the military professional business is typically a little more stable than the recreation market. With the ups and downs of COVID and things like that, I think they see that as a safer investment at the end of the day. It’s definitely interesting, definitely educational in terms of how bigger businesses look at us.”

man and woman scuba diving wearing Aqualung equipment
Following their acquisition, Aqualung Group is expected to focus on the company’s namesake scuba and snorkelling brand. | Photo: Kevin Galeano/Pexels

Benjamin Gillett, managing director at Barings, said in an email that the company didn’t wish to comment at this stage. Michel Abaza, chairman and chief executive officer at Aqualung Group, also declined to comment while the companies are still in the preliminary stages of the sale.

While he was disappointed in the decision to shutter Stohlquist, Lightbody says he understands private equity and investment bank firms have a different way of looking at things than small businesses do.

“It’s easy to point the finger and say, ‘Those guys did this terrible thing.’ But they’re doing what they do, and hopefully we can get back to what we were doing.”

“I think you have to look at their decisions as being a separate business model than what a brand in paddlesports would do,” he continues. “Stohlquist is in the business of making great products that help people enjoy time on the water. And those guys’ business is buying and selling companies and hopefully making money. Sometimes, some things don’t align.”

In other words, the decision was all business.

“It’s easy to point the finger and say, ‘Those guys did this terrible thing.’ But they’re doing what they do, and hopefully we can get back to what we were doing,” says Lightbody.

A second wind for Stohlquist?

There have already been inquiries from other names in the paddlesports industry who are interested in acquiring Stohlquist and keeping the brand alive. But Lightbody says it’ll be up to Barings and Aqualung to accept these offers.

“We had some pretty exciting stuff playing, so that’s probably the most disappointing thing,” says Lightbody. “I’m hoping something can be revived, and some of those exciting things can see the light of day one of these days.”

As for Lightbody, he says he’s hoping to stay in the industry, whether that means sticking with Stohlquist if the brand is carried on or moving on to a new company.

“I’ve always enjoyed being part of paddlesports and the industry,” he says. “I think that’s one of the things that really stands out to me about paddlesports, is that despite being competitors, everyone knows each other, everybody’s buddies. It’s such a fun group of people to hang out with.”

After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. | Feature photo: Vonpics/Pixabay

 

Oru Kayak Announces Compatible Electric Motor for E-Kayak Experience

Emeryville, CA (February 16, 2024) – Oru Kayak, the original origami kayak brand, is excited to announce the latest upgrade to its foldable fleet of kayaks: Electric motors. Developed in partnership with Bixpy Motors, Oru’s e-propulsion system offers Oru paddlers a unique electric-assist kayak in a lightweight package that is portable and easy to install.

Enhancing the maneuverability, as well as adaptability and control of each of Oru’s foldable kayaks, the collaboration Bixpy electric motor supports Oru’s mission to increase accessibility to paddling. At the push of a button, paddlers can explore more waterways with less concern about safety or exhaustion.

The Bixpy Electric Motor is specifically designed at the apex of performance and convenience. Built with corrosion-resistant components and an aluminum body, the motor is durable for exploring different waterways and produces zero emissions. Featuring 12 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds, the motor runs for approximately 80 minutes at its top speed and up to 12 hours at slower speeds. Paddlers can change the speed with a wireless Bluetooth remote control that fits anywhere inside the kayak. In case of an accident, the Outboard Power Pack and remote control float.

“We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Bixpy Motors and to introduce our compatible electric motor,” commented Oru Kayak Director of Product Forrest Harvey, “When we first introduced our concept of origami kayaks, the portable, lightweight design expanded paddling accessibility. Our partnership with Bixpy Motors reinforces this mission and grows our kayaking community to support individuals of all experience and mobility levels.”

Bixpy Motors also expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re excited to expand the reach of the electric watersports industry by offering our motor for compatibility with Oru Kayaks,” commented Bixpy founder and CEO Houman Nikmanesh, “Aligned with Oru Kayaks, we seek to improve the kayaking experience with our simple and innovative devices.”

Paddlers can install the electric motor onto their kayak in a few simple steps. The battery and motor package are ultra-lightweight at just 10 lbs, allowing paddlers of all skill levels and ages to utilize the technology. When paddlers are ready to return to manual paddling, the quick-release motor can be removed with just one bolt.

The Oru Kayak Electric Motor is available for direct shipping. For more information, visit: orukayak.com or bixpy.com.

About Oru Kayak

Founded in 2012, Oru Kayak is a leading innovator in the kayaking industry and the first to bring a foldable kayak to market utilizing the principles of origami. Beyond the functionality of its engineering, the Oru Kayak stands apart from the competition for its superb on-the-water performance, durability, easy assembly, and stylish design. Based in Emeryville, CA, Oru Kayak is sold in dozens of countries across five continents, including Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas. For more information, visit: orukayak.com.

About Bixpy Motors

Bixpy is a dynamic company, specialized in engineering electric marine motors and lithium batteries tailored for personal watercraft and outdoor use. They first began shipping their products to the public in 2017, and have rapidly grown their offering of motors, outboard batteries, mounting adapters, steering systems, power banks, and solar panels. Bixpy products are designed to be compact, portable, waterproof, and user-friendly. The latest innovations, comprising the K-1 Motor and PP-768 Outboard Battery, continue to highlight the robust ingenuity of the company and the technological advancements for watercraft and outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, visit: bixpy.com.