What will the Asia partnership between PADDLEexpo and ISPO bring to the industry?

Last week, ISPO officially announced to the industry through official channels that the world’s largest professional water sports exhibition, PADDLEexpo, has signed an Asia cooperation agreement with ISPO. As a result, water sports-related manufacturers from Europe and the U.S. will participate as a group in the first ISPO SHANGHAI from July 2–4, 2015, working together with China’s water sports professionals to promote the development and growth of this sport in China.

Within just one week, this “blockbuster” news has sparked heated discussions within the water sports and even the broader outdoor sports industry. Upon hearing the news, industry professionals proactively reached out to ISPO to exchange ideas, expressing their excitement and high expectations for this “joint venture.” From a selection of representative feedback emails, we believe a comprehensive perspective on the development of water sports in China can be gained—from various dimensions such as kayak clubs, kayak races, kayak brands, veteran water sports enthusiasts, and the crossover between outdoor and water sports. This collaboration between two industry giants is also seen as a positive force driving the advancement of water sports in China.

Mr. Xu, Dalian Kayak Club / China agent for Pakboats/Feathercraft

“When material conditions reach a certain level, outdoor sports will inevitably move from land to sea. China’s water sports hold tremendous potential, and with ISPO’s exploration in the water sports category, it more accurately reflects the development trends of outdoor sports in China. Currently, looking at the two most developed regions for kayaking in the world—North America and Europe—exhibitions are the most direct way for brands to reach the public. Europe has PADDLEexpo, North America has Canoecopia, and I hope ISPO can become the flagship for Asian water sports as well.”

Mr. Bi Feng, key figure of the Red Bull Whitewater Kayak Freestyle Competition organizer and veteran freestyle kayaker

“I’ve been playing this sport for many years. The whitewater community in China is indeed small, but the growth of water sports in China has been rapid. Recently, seeing the collaboration between PADDLEexpo and ISPO, I think it’s a great thing. It enriches the scope of outdoor sports and fundamentally allows the public to understand, get to know, try, and eventually love this sport. This is very exciting for everyone in the industry.”

Mr. He Xiaojun, China general agent for Advanced Elements kayaks / founder of Pearl River Friends Club / Level 1 canoeing coach in Hong Kong

“I was among the first in China to get into kayaking. Now, what’s truly exciting is that I see more and more people joining me. ISPO is currently the most important sports industry platform in China, and now that it’s opening a water sports section, I believe water sports can grow continuously through the ISPO platform.”

Mr. Yang Yijun, Vice President of Donghui Leisure Sports Products Co., Ltd. / brand AQUA MARINA (Lehua)

“The rise of outdoor sports in China has led more people to try different activities. Recently learning about the collaboration between ISPO and PADDLEexpo, I believe this is definitely great news for China’s water sports. I hope that in the near future, water sports can become a lifestyle for people, just like other outdoor sports.”

Joe147, China general agent for American kayak brand Epic Kayaks and Canadian premium canoe brand Clipper / co-founder of Jishui Kayak Club

As one of the earliest small groups of kayak enthusiasts in Shanghai, we hope that through healthy commercial operations, more people can enjoy the fun of paddling—staying healthy, looking good, and connecting with nature from a unique perspective. I believe this mainly stems from the charm of kayaking as a unique, healthy, nature-close, and nature-enjoying sport, and I believe more people will experience and feel it in the future. The cooperation between ISPO and PADDLEexpo in the water sports field will, I believe, better promote the development of this sport.

Mr. Tian Dongze, Shenyang Muke Dun Outdoor Store

“Nowadays, people no longer limit themselves to a single outdoor activity like backpacking or hiking; instead, they embrace a diversified outdoor lifestyle combining multiple sports. Our club regularly organizes various outdoor activities for members, among which those involving kayaking are especially popular. For us, we highly hope to receive professional guidance on kayaking techniques, emergency response, and risk control training. I’m very much looking forward to the water sports content at ISPO—it will also be a great opportunity for networking within the water sports community.”

After more than ten years of development in China, ISPO has witnessed the process of outdoor sports, skiing, and others being accepted by more and more ordinary people. With the continuous development of China’s economy and further improvement in living standards, we will continue to promote the growth of more new types of sports in China, making various emerging sports an indispensable part of everyday life for the public. Next July will mark a brand-new journey—an extension, and even more so, a breakthrough and transformation.