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Article: Kayak makers turn to innovation.(Special Report)
- Article from:
- Plastics News
- Article date:
- August 9, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Crain Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Matt McClellan
After six years of rapid growth, the kayak industry is slowing down. As a result, manufacturers will have to innovate to stay afloat.
"Kayaking is like the fruit of the month as far as consumer interest,'' said Chris Mitchell, executive director of the Trade Association of Paddlesports, representing manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, and publications in the industry.
The market had skyrocketed from 1998-2002 due to its appeal as a low-impact outdoor recreational activity. However, statistics for 2003 indicate that the number of participants has leveled off. According to the Outdoor Industrial Association, 9.9 million ...