Surf Expo Adds Kayaks, Canoes and Related Gear

In a move that spotlights the growth of the water sports industry, Emerald Exposition’s Surf Expo announced it will be adding kayaks, canoes and related gear and accessories to its Sept. 8-10, 2016 Orlando-based event.

This addition reinforces the show’s standing as the premier watersports show in the United States. 

The addition of the kayak and canoe segment of watersports is a perfect fit for the Surf Expo summer marketplace, a show that connects manufacturers and retail buyers in the Surf, Wake, Wind, SUP, Skate, Swim, Resort, Footwear and Coastal Gift markets. The crossover business from water lifestyle categories currently found at Surf Expo will result in expanded business opportunities for both the kayak and canoe retailer and manufacturer. 

“Surf Expo is excited to add kayaks, canoes and accessories to our show mix,” said Roy Turner, VP and Group Show Director. “Our market continues to grow as we focus on business that has a connection to water, including watersports found at all shorelines, be it ocean, lake, river or streams. We see this as a perfect fit and a great addition for our buyer base, and look forward to attracting more traditional paddlesports retailers to Orlando as well as adding the paddle community to our show floor and our onsite events and offsite demos.”

Evolutions in the kayak and canoe manufacturers’ sales cycles, order deadlines and retail selling season make the show perfectly timed for specialty retailers looking to expand their product offerings, or to bring the watersports vertical into their stores.

“We are excited that Surf Expo Summer Market will now include the full spectrum of paddlesports categories and look forward to exhibiting at the show,” said Sue Rechner, President and CEO of Confluence Outdoor.  “The timing, location and venue make this a great opportunity for both independent retailers and all watersports manufacturers to finalize pre-season orders and prepare for spring.”

Bill Kueper, Vice President of Wenonah Canoe adds, “In addition to market timing, location and venue, Surf Expo offers crossover selling opportunities from its established surf, wake, SUP and wind markets.  We look forward to paddlesports being included in Surf Expo’s 2016 September event.”

Brands interested in exhibiting at Surf Expo September 8-10, 2016 can contact Doog Becker at Doog.Becker@SurfExpo.com for more information. Buyer registration opens in early May, 2016.

For more information, please contact Veronica Carmichael veronica.carmichael@surfexpo.com.

About Surf Expo: Surf Expo is the global watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow. Produced in January and September each year, the shows draw buyers from specialty stores, major resorts, cruise lines and beach rental companies from across the U.S., and more than 70 countries. Surf Expo features approximately, 2,400 booths of apparel and hard goods and a full line-up of special events, demos, fashion shows, and annual award ceremonies. The show is consistently awarded by the tradeshow industry, most recently the September 2015 show was named Fastest 50 for growth in exhibitors by Trade Show Executive, and both 2015 shows made the Top 25 Fastest Growing Tradeshow list for growth in attendance, by TSNN. For more information visit www.surfexpo.com. All shows are open to trade only. The next Surf Expo is September 8-10, 2016 with Board Demo Day on September 7.