INNOVATION
The end of favored whitewater and tripping hull material, Royalex, continues to shape the canoe market. While the industry has its collective fingers crossed that Esquif Canoe’s Royalex replacement, T-Formex, will eventually enter production, manufacturers have been experimenting with a variety of new layups in the emerging downriver composite market.
“The focus is still on material research and development,” says Mad River product manager Buff Grubb. “The benefit is that this has been an opportunity to develop new composite layups that are even lighter and more durable as we search for a downriver hull replacement for Royalex.”
More than a half-dozen manufacturers, including Nova Craft, H2O Canoe Company and Swift, adopted Innegra blended fibers into specific layups for the 2015 season, to create stronger and lighter hulls.
With most of the major players in the industry focused on developing new and improved materials, few new designs will debut in 2016. One notable exception is Sea Eagle’s Travel Canoe 16—the first performance-oriented inflatable tandem.
TRADITION REVIVED
The end of Royalex has also opened up market space for a renewed focus on heritage, breathing new life into not-so-new products.
One of the few canoe brands represented at Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, Wenonah showcased their Tuf-Weave canoes, boldly proclaiming, “We had the answer in 1978—we still have the answer today.” Tuf-Weave, a fiberglass and polyester weave, is plenty durable and available at a great price point, though without the rock-bashing capabilities inexperienced river paddlers might desire.
Mad River also focused on old favorites in 2015, reinvigorating both the Serenade and Explorer series by offering both in updated Fiberglass Expedition (FGX) material, with the Mad River smoking bunny logo raised in relief inside the hull.
FAMILY FOCUS
The total number of canoeing participants across the United States has remained roughly level over the past five years, according to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). However, over the last three years, manufacturers and retailers have noticed an increase in the number of young families getting on the water.
“They want to be able to do something outdoors and do it together, and they know that with four kayaks they’ll never stay together,” says Wenonah vice-president, Bill Kueper. Across the market, the growing family demographic has led to a sales increase in 16- to 18- foot versatile canoes that can carry a family for a weekend trip, or a Sunday afternoon.
The OIA also reports a small increase in the number of 18- to 24-year- olds on the water. Perhaps this is thanks to the lumbersexual movement, the hipster trend of dressing like urban woodsmen. An evolution of the coiffed metrosexual movement, it’s led to the popularization of plaid, Carhartts and carefully manicured beards. Being a canoeist—or at least looking like one—has never been so cool.
LUX ACCESSORIES
Accessory manufacturers are gearing up to make 2016 your most comfortable camping season yet with fluffy duvets, cushy cots, electric tents, multi-burner stoves and form-fitting outdoor apparel.
“As camping and outdoor recreation participation has increased, we’ve seen more demand [for comfort],” says Jim Boswell, marketing director at Therm-a-Rest. “There is now a healthy demand for all of the components that contribute to a comfortable living environment outdoors.”
Whether spending a night out under the stars at a campground, music festival or in a wilderness area, a growing demographic of casual campers want to get outside and bring all the comforts from home while doing so. If you’re an ounce-shaving minimalist, I dare say 2016 might not be your season, but you will sleep well.
Watch THE CANOE an award-winning film that tells the story of Canada’s connection to water and how paddling in Ontario is enriching the lives of those who paddle there. #PaddleON.
