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Written by David H. Johnston
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Sunday, 04 February 2007 |
About TAPS
TAPS - the Trade Association of Paddlesports - is a non-profit trade association supporting the paddling industry in North America. Our members are industry leaders and are dedicated to providing paddlers with the best in equipment, services, and experiences.
TAPS represents manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, instructional centers, publications, and more throughout the paddlesports industry, encompassing canoes, touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and rafts. TAPS also has Associate members, businesses which support the paddlesports industry through legal, insurance, financial, and other services.
TAPS was established in 1998 as a result of a merger of The North American Paddlesports Association (NAPSA) and The Trade Association of Sea Kayaking (TASK).
TAPS Mission
The primary purpose of this Association is: to support, encourage and promote the commerce of paddlesports in an ethical and professional manner. To that end, TAPS conducts a variety of trade, consumer, and promotional programs designed to provide member businesses with the tools and exposure to promote their services and products to consumers and trade members at every possible opportunity.
TAPS' Primary Activities:
Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer is organized by VNU Expositions. OR is an annual event that brings manufacturers and retailers together to highlight new products and trends and plan upcoming orders.
TAPS has a contract with VNU to consult on paddle sports related issues. TAPS schedules and runs the Paddle Tank at OR. TAPS also assists with the Open Air Demo on the Wednesday and Thursday of OR. TAPS Directors, the TAPS ED, and the TAPS Administrator staff these events.
Instructor Gathering
Since 2003, TAPS has run a one-day sea kayak instructor gathering the day before the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium. The event strives to bring area paddlers together to exchange information and further develop coaching skills. The event is held at Fort Worden. In 2007, TAPS has expanded the Instructor Gathering to a two day event. The event is coordinated by the Instructor Coordinator for the WCSKS
West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium
The WCSKS is an annual symposium held at Fort Worden, at Port Townsend, Washington every September. The event is organized and run by TAPS. Four main components comprise this event: beach demo's; on water and land-based Instructional programs; a small retail area; and, Friday and Saturday night keynote events. In 2003, TAPS also began running a free, one day Instructor Gathering for industry professionals on the Thursday prior to the WCSKS.
The event is organized by TAPS through the work of its Executive Director and Administrator.
The event is run by a large pool of volunteers from the Pacific Northwest. The volunteers are coordinated through a team of volunteer coordinators that start planning with the ED and the Administrator in February.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 November 2009 )
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About TAPS 
