Paddlesports Industry’s Gold Standard – Best Practices

Resources, stories, and tools to strengthen the paddlesports community.

The Paddlesports Trade Coalition is building a shared foundation for a healthier, more connected, and more resilient paddlesports industry. The Gold Standard – Best Practices initiative brings together retailers, brands, sales representatives, instructors, outfitters, community organizations, and advocates to create a common set of expectations, values, and practical guidance that help the entire sector thrive.

This page is your home for expanding resources, real-world insights, and success stories that all tie back to the PTC Gold Standards & Best Practices.

Webinar Replay:

PTC - Industry Gold Standards and Best Practices Implementation – Phase 1

A deep dive into the first steps to increase paddlesports participation and retention, improve profitability, and strengthen the paddlesports ecosystem. In this webinar, the PTC will launch a Brand/Manufacturer Self-Assessment tool. Also hear from the PTC’s Chairperson, Stig Larsson, for what to expect in 2026 from the PTC.

Take the Brand/Manufacturer Assessment

Webinar Replay:

Paddlesports Industry’s Gold Standard – Best Practices: 2026 Implementation Plan

Missed the live session? Catch the replay of our 2025 PTC CoLab keynote, Bridging the Gap – Developing and Finalizing the PTC Code of Ethics and Best Practices.

See the 2026 industry-wide plan to roll out Best Practices across retailers, brands, and reps—aimed at increasing participation and retention, improving profitability, and strengthening the paddlesports ecosystem—plus key takeaways from PTC CoLab 2025 and a clear view of where the industry is headed.

What This Initiative Is About

The Gold Standard initiative aims to make paddlesports stronger from the inside out. We’re creating a growing library of tools and content that help stakeholders:

  • Improve organizational and business performance

  • Strengthen collaboration across the supply chain

  • Build trust and alignment within the paddlesports community

  • Increase participation and access

  • Contribute to a more sustainable, profitable industry

All resources are built with the community—written collaboratively by PTC members and other industry contributors who bring practical experience, real challenges, and proven strategies to the table.

PTC Gold Standards Self Assessment Tool for Brands and Manufacturers

posted 01-13-2026
Build your roadmap The Paddlesports Trade Coalition is building a shared foundation for a healthier, more connected, and more resilient paddlesports industry. The Gold Standards & Best Practices initiative brings together retailers, brands, sales representatives, instructors, outfitters, community organizations, and advocates to create a common set of expectations, values, and practical guidance that help the entire sector thrive. This Brand and Manufacturer Self Assessment is the first step. It helps you quickly understand where you are today, identify your highest impact opportunities, and choose what to strengthen next. Choose how you want to complete ...

Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Drive Sales and Support Dealers with Ethical Promotions

posted 11-13-2025
How brands and retailers can collaborate for win–win holiday sales . Every November, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) put the outdoor industry under the same spotlight that challenges every retail sector: how do we drive sales without undermining our partners? For brands, the temptation to run aggressive direct-to-consumer (D2C) discounts can be strong. For dealers, those same promotions often feel like a direct hit to their margins. I write this from the perspective of a sales rep turned sales manager who’s had countless conversations with retailers, reps, and other brands about BFCM. I’ve heard every argument — from total ...