Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, August 28, 2019 // Paddlesports Retailer’s official media partner Rapid Media presented the second annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards tonight at the Paddlesports Retailer Show and Paddlesports Industry Dinner.
The Paddling Magazine Industry Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of new products introduced to the paddlesports market at the 2019 Paddlesports Retailer Show, which was attended by more than 120 exhibitors showing 200 brands, and 357 buyers.
“The Paddling Magazine Industry Awards embodies the paddlesports industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” said emcee and Rapid Media founder and publisher Scott MacGregor, presenting the awards on stage at Oklahoma City’s 100,000 square-foot Cox Convention Center.
The winners were voted on from the 92 products featured in the New Product Showcase by Paddling Magazine. This show feature provides Paddlesports Retailer exhibitors with an outstanding opportunity to introduce new products to onsite and offsite retail buyers and editorial media. More than 22,262 votes were cast onsite and online at www.paddlingawards.com by retail buyers, consumers and media.
The award winners are as follows:
Paddling Magazine Product & Industry Awards
1. Best Touring/Recreational Kayak — Virgo by P&H Sea Kayaks
[ Also read: First look at the Virgo by P&H Kayaks ]
[ Also read: The Best Touring Kayaks Under $3600 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all P&H Sea Kayaks ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all Recreational Kayaks ]
2. Best Whitewater Boat—Rewind by Dagger
[ Also read: Best Whitewater Kayaks For 2020 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all Dagger products ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all whitewater kayaks ]
3. Best Fishing Boat and Board— Mirage Pro Angler 14 with 360 Drive Technology by Hobie
[ Also read: Best Pedal Drive Fishing Kayaks For 2020 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all Hobie products ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all pedal drive kayaks ]
4. Best SUP—Okeanos Air-Glide 12’6″ x 31″ Inflatable by SIC Maui
[ Also read: Best Inflatable SUPs for 2020 ]
[ Also read: Best Hard Board SUPs For 2020 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all SIC Maui products ]
[ View the largest selection of paddleboards in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
5. Best Canoe—Explorer Carbon by Mad River
[ Also read: Best Canoes For 2020 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all carbon canoes ]
[ View the largest selection of canoes in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
6. Best Paddle—Surge by Werner Paddles
[ Also read: Best Kayak Paddles For 2020 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all Werner Paddles products ]
[ View the largest selection of kayak paddles in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
7. Best Safety & Rescue—Hustle R by Kokatat
[ Also read: First Look at Kokatat Hustle R PFD ]
[ Also read: Best Whitewater Safety Gear ]
[ Also read: Best PFDs For Kayaking In 2020 ]
[ View the largest selection of PFDs in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
8. Best Clothing/Apparel—Torrent Pro by Chaco
[ Also read: Best Drysuits And Paddling Apparel For 2020 ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all footwear ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all apparel ]
9. Best Rigging & Outfitting—5 Circuit Digital Switcher by Yak Power
[ Also read: Fishing Kayak Rigging Essentials ]
[ View the largest selection of fishing products in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
10. Best Transport/Storage/Launching—Deck Bag by Gearlab
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all paddling accessories ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all transport and storage products ]
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all bags, boxes, cases and packs ]
11. Best Paddling Accessory—Gator Patch by Gator Guards
Best In Show Award
All category award winners were eligible for the Best of Show Award which got announced at the end of the Paddlesports Retailer Show.
This year, the Best In Show award went to Hobie with the Mirage Pro Angler 14 with 360 Drive Technology.
Best In Show – Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 with 360 Drive Technology
Congratulations to all the award winners.
About Paddlesports Retailer
Paddlesports Retailer is a trade show, endorsed by the Paddlesports Trade Coalition, providing the premier commercial and cultural experience for exhibitors, retailers, media and industry advocates alike. Paddlesports Retailer runs August 26-29, 2019 beginning with demo day at Riversports Rapids Adventure Park followed by three days of exhibiting at Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center. For more information, visit www.paddlesportsretailer.com or contact: info@paddlesportsretailer.com
About Rapid Media
Rapid Media is the world’s leading paddlesports media company. Rapid Media publishes Kayak Angler, Paddling Magazine and Paddling Business, including the Paddling Buyer’s Guide and Paddling Trip Guide annuals. Rapid Media also produces the Paddling Film Festival and Rapid Media TV.
Rapid Media Contact: Cristin Plaice cristin@rapidmedia.com
