Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/173871
/// Market Trends /// New waves BY TOM KAISER in water sports Following amazing 2012 season, new trends and uncertain weather are shaking up the water sports market i n terms of weather, 2012 was better than amazing for the boating industry. Summer in much of the United States last year started early, stayed strong and lasted longer than usual. At the same time, an improving economy was finally starting to impact boat sales and, after four backbreaking years, things were looking up. As boat sales began to perk up, sterndrives still lagged while other sport boat categories began to show solid growth as outboard sales surged and new water sports started hitting the scene, injecting a much needed cool factor into the most youthful, visible part of the marine industry. Wakesurfing — following close behind the boat and riding the wake as an endless wave — has quickly become one of the most popular water sport activities in America. Wakeskat- 42 | Boating Industry | October 2013 P42x47-BI13OCT-MarketTrends.indd 42 ing, a physically demanding sport much like skateboarding on the water, is growing quickly and attracting a younger crowd. Beyond the newcomers, wakeboarding remains popular and some industry watchers think waterskiing may even be poised for a comeback. Unlike 2012, many dealers, marinas or manufacturers won't remember 2013's summer in positive terms, as unusually persistent weather patterns brought cooler, wetter weather for much of the country. While the weather has been a drag on boat and accessory sales, new water sports have given boat builders new engineering targets to reach, as well as new customers that are discovering the rush of towed water sports for the first time. Boating Industry spoke with the Water Sports Industry Association, Nautique and Tigé, as well as a trio of equipment companies, O'Brien, Liquid Force and Full Throttle Water Sports, for an in-depth look at what's shaping today's water sports industry. New sports, increased relevance Larry Meddock has been executive director of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) for the last nine years, representing all things related to towed water sports, including tubing (by far the most popular), skiing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing, knee boarding, cable parks and parasailing. In his tenure, Meddock has presided over a group that has become more focused, effective and influential. He has worked within the organization to turn good ideas into actual results. "We all came together twice a year with www.BoatingIndustry.com 9/5/13 11:55 AM