Happy Paddlin' Podcast

Happy Paddlin Ep #16 Come Together! The hot topic of Direct-to-Consumer Sales in the Paddle Industry by Happy Paddlin Podcast

Bahen and Ethan talk about their spring events, tariffs and explore the secrets to their simplified version of #vanlife

Check out Bahen's content here: https://www.youtube.com/@southeasternpaddlesports https://www.facebook.com/southeasternpaddlesports https://www.instagram.com/southeastern.paddlesports/

Dan and Ethan are traveling across Montana, Wyoming and Idaho and join us in this episode after hours in the parking lot of Rivers, Lakes and Oceans in Bozeman MT. The long running history at the shop has them imagining what the next generation of paddle shops might look like and that it might not be as complicated as it seems to pursue your passion.

Dan and Ethan made their way down to Moss Landing CA to visit Kayak Connection's location next to the abundant wildlife experience within Elkhorn Slough. What a perfect spot to tour with the Grigsby family who took over the legacy of Kayak Connection 12 years ago. In this episode, Dan and Ethan sit down with Dave Grigsby to find out a bit more. What have they learned? Where did they come from? How do they lead their crew? Where are the best places to paddle in CA? What's it like quitting the steady office job to take over a multi-location paddling shop and outfitter? Can we bottle this "passion for paddlesports" and take it with us? Guess you'll just have to visit to try for yourself! www.kayakconnection.com

We toured N CA last week and spent a couple days in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing. The sun was starting to finally return to CA and thus our trip had us meeting paddlers, boaters and waters that were just ready for play. This was recorded after hours in the Kayak Connection's back room (thanks KC!). The shop is situated amongst a gorgeous harbor with a view of beautiful boats of all kinds.

Cyril Derreumaux just completed an epic 2400 mile kayak from California to Hawaii! He's been doing the media rounds and we were able to dive deep not only on his trip but also on how he is dealing with his return back to the everyday hustle of land life. Cyril's heart just comes out every time he speaks and we were so inspired after this conversation and we hope you will be too! Check out his site: https://www.onthewater360.com/ Additional Podcasts: Out the gate https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-the-gate-sailing/id1451769531?i=1000583611121 Cocktails and Canoes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cocktails-and-canoes/id1501116429?i=1000581688271 Paddling the Blue https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paddling-the-blue-podcast/id1500275843?i=1000582143882

Kurt Renner began his canoe/kayak distribution and Rep career in 1976 and has driver millions of miles around the country promoting paddlesports. He's inspired and nurtured 1000s of paddlers over the years and continues to do so today. The podcast was recorded after day one of the Big Gear Show in Deer Valley Utah while sitting outside our trucks in a make shift parking lot camping spot. A genesis story of Kurt this is not and that is definitely on our "to-do" list but these are some great stories that came out of a nice evening around the cooler and head lamps.

Dan and Ethan both have been on a major road tear the last couple of weeks and now head to the Big Gear Show in Utah together. This late evening podcast at their makeshift camp behind Idaho River Sports in Boise Idaho covers some history and hints at a big development for the future. Hot weather has everything a little nuts including a near loss of a kayak on their journey. This episode wraps up with an in-store conversation with John from Olympic Outdoor Center in Port Gamble WA from earlier in the month during Ethan's WA to CA tour.

Ethan and Dan wrap up "Boater Week" in Bend and share some of the secret spots they paddled in all types of kayaks and canoes. What's the point of building an audience and sharing these videos, posts and experiences we have been having? Is portability the ultimate motivator for today's paddler? The thrill of progression as the ultimate battery charger in anything we do. What type of material construction holds up best to hitting pavement at 65mph?

Dan and Seth crash Ethan's house for the week in their pursuit to capture the perfect weather and water that has finally arrived in Bend. Seth's discusses the current elegance in whitewater paddling and how being behind the lens has impacted his boating. Can a whitewater paddler be a kayak fishing enthusiast too? The crew has hit every type of watercraft this week and only have the Metaverse left to explore! Follow and contact Seth at @nextwestmedia

In this episode #5 we talk tales from the road, best and worst of the demo, what to do with your store right now, paddling with dogs and the direct to consumer model. Hitting all the Notes/Recipe for Shop/Hobby Success: A Always on the water B Be in Stock C Community D Diversify E Education F Follow Up G Give Back Show sponsors: Level Six www.levelsix.com Happy Paddlin Lil' Suckers www.happypaddlin.com https://happypaddlin.square.site/shop/l-il-suckers/10?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=name&sort_order=asc

Dan and Ethan return to share industry news, gossip and passion for paddling. 2022 paddlesports state of the industry. What kind of events work? Can paddling fix a "Dad Bod" happypaddlin.com headwaterskayak.com aquabound.com suspenz.com

Dan and Ethan catch up once again in the midst of a very busy spring. Ethan had just returned from a very busy Northwest Paddle Festival and Dan had been hanging out with Ethan's employee, Nick Wittman. We talk paddling with the kids, event highlights, rep life and the type of equipment required to keep us going down the road.

Dan and Ethan catch up on a phone call in the midst of the busiest time of our season. We talk about the new Hobie Passport and their well timed release. Dan shares his Paddlefest experience and then we run through some other happenings and trends this spring.

This episode of the Happy Paddlin' Podcast was recorded late night Saturday on April 6, 2019 at the sales counter of Headwaters Adventure Company in Redding CA. Bryan, Dan and Ethan cover a lot of subjects and start laying the groundwork for their ambitious goals of sharing a broad inside look of the paddlesports industry. Interviews with industry legends will look into the evolution of design, innovation, trends and what's in store for the future.