In 2016, paracanoeing debuted at the Paralympic Game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, putting an international spotlight on the benefits of getting people with disabilities out on the water. Including a Va’a class, a Polynesian-style outrigger canoe, in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games signifies a broader trend: the paddlesport industry is on board to promote and grow adaptive paddlesports. It’s about time. 
Open Waters Ahead

Why it’s time for the industry to embrace adaptive paddling Rather than focusing on the [...]

14
Feb
This fall, brands came under fire for designs that felt a little too familiar. While far from the first (or last) time a “copy cat” call sounded, it raises the question, where do we draw the line between inspiration and imitation? How can we, as an industry, support innovation and unique design? 
Too Close for Comfort

Drawing the line between Inspiration and Imitation This fall, brands came under fire for designs [...]

14
Feb
The Hobie name has long been synonymous with water sports, bringing to mind bright California beaches and sun-kissed surfing or sailing enthusiasts. With the advent of the MirageDrive, a pedal propulsion system, Hobie burst into the paddlesports market in the late ’90s and soon became a major player and influence. We caught up with Gero Priebe, Hobie Kayak Europe Sales and Marketing Manager, to learn more about this iconic brand and its goals for the future. 
Interview: Gero Priebe

The Hobie name has long been synonymous with water sports, bringing to mind bright California [...]

14
Feb
From June 2020 to March 2022, paddleboard sales surged as COVID lockdown measures and travel restrictions affected lives on a global scale. Stand-up paddling, with its accessibility, versatility, and gentle learning curve, became a go-to for fitness and leisure while maintaining social distance. 
Rising Above the Rest

“Move over SUP. There’s a new board in town.” Since the beginning of the SUP [...]

14
Feb
For years now, it has been widely agreed that prices need to increase for the industry (and our dealers!) to survive. Those prices are now up, but are they the answer to the initial problem?  
Closing the Diversity Gap

For years now, it has been widely agreed that prices need to increase for the [...]

14
Feb
The past three years have seen continued growth in paddlesports and solidified our position as an industry capable of overcoming challenge after challenge. The uncertainties of Covid were met with ongoing global turbulence. Zero Covid regulations continued in China even as the rest of the world returned to pre-pandemic norms. Russia invaded Ukraine, contributing to rising prices and energy and labor shortages, driving production costs up and straining finances. The United Kingdom cycled through prime ministers and left the European Union while American politics became increasingly divisive. When the industry saw its biggest increase in popularity in nearly two decades, retailers around the globe faced the surge in demand with empty shelves. We enter 2023 with fully stocked shelves, yet demand for paddlesport products is decreasing from pandemic highs, and production costs and inflation remain high. Nevertheless, a hesitant optimism for the future continues to buoy the industry. 
What’s Around the Corner?

A look at what fully stocked shelves and rising production costs might mean for paddlesports.  [...]

14
Feb
The Sava River is home to an apex underwater predator, the Huchen, or Danube Salmon. When the Huchen is thriving, the whole ecosystem is healthy. With goggles and snorkels in tow, this crew of peculiar kayak-activists-turned-river-snorkelers dives deep to better understand the condition of this freshwater world.
Exploring the Sava River in Slovenia

The Sava River is home to an apex underwater predator, the Huchen, or Danube Salmon. [...]

19
Jan
Follow the Balkans River Defence crew on a rafting trip on the Sava River, Slovenia's longest river!
Balkan River Defence Explore the Sava River: Part One

Follow the Balkans River Defence crew on a rafting trip on the Sava River, Slovenia’s [...]

12
Jan
Check out this cool run down of all the funniest times from the ICF season in this picture edit made by Planet Canoe. Enjoy!
Funniest Canoe/Kayak Moments from the 2022 ICF Season in Pictures

Check out this cool run down of all the funniest times from the ICF season [...]

09
Jan
Mr Konietzko used an end-of-year video address to the global paddling family to pledge more will be done to make the pathway to leadership roles for women much clearer. “More women have taken up important positions in the national federations and the ICF structure during the last year,” Mr Konietzko said. “We need to do better here and I can only encourage more women to get involved in our sport. We will improve the structures within the ICF and provide access to important positions especially for women.” Mr Konietzko also promised to continue developing new initiatives across paddling sports, citing the success of the inaugural ICF Virtual World Cup earlier this month. And he said the ICF will continue to lead in the fields of sustainability and athlete safeguarding. Thomas Konietzko’s end of year speech can be found here.
ICF President says Best is Yet to Come for Canoe Sports | Industry News

International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko has promised a review of structures to ensure more [...]

22
Dec