Archive for the ‘Marketing My Company’ Category

Outdoor Specialty Innovations Becomes Backwater Paddle Company Distributor

Saturday, November 20th, 2010

Backwater Paddle Company Logo

 

Backwater Paddle Company is proud to announce that Outdoor Specialty Innovations(OSI) will become the exclusive distibutor of Backwater Paddle Company paddle products throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and Australia.  Late October, OSI approached Backwater Paddle Company wanting to market, distribute and sell our legendary Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.

Ron Basket, CEO and founder of Outdoor Innovations (OSI), a Nevada based company, is dedicated to the development and discovery of innovative products designed to ease and heighten the joy of the fishing experience.   Ron has come up with answers to some of these perennial fishing frustrations with his own line of Easy2Hook non-threading loop tie fishing hooks and the company’s patented clip-on Bait Strap bait and attractant holder line of products.

Integrating the innovative paddle concepts of Backwater Paddle Company with Outdoor Specialty Innovations patented fishing tackle and accessories is a natural path for mutual growth and prosperity.   Paddle sportsmen are clamouring for the latest and greatest gear,  equipment and accessories.   OSI has experience in outdoor marketing and sales, having attended the 2010 ICAST  show in Las Vegas earlier this year.   OSIs employment will launch Backwater Paddle Company into the paddle sports and fishing markets  sooner and more efficiently.    

Outdoor Specialty Innovations’ Easy2HookUSAs, non-threading loop tie line of fishing hooks,  exemplifies how practical solutions solve the difficult and time consuming process of attaching your fishing  line to an open eye and even more difficult,  spade-end hook.  But not anymore!  OSI made it easy with the ultimate fishing hook you can attach to a line in five seconds!

Backwater Paddle Company’s Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles will continue to be manufactured and headquartered in Central Florida.  Our regional sales force and company dealerships will continue to grow, working under the auspices of Outdoor Specialty Innovations.

Backwater Paddle Company’s future plastic and composite line of paddles are working their way through the designing and testing phase.   In the works are another plastic/structural foam kayak fishing hand paddle, the Raptor Kayak paddle and the Havoc Canoe paddle, all reflecting Backwater Paddles patented “hook and teeth” blade designs.

Contact Outdoor Specialty Innovations  at  www.outdoorspecialtyinnovations.com for all your Backwater Paddle Company paddle requests and inventory.    Outdoor Specialty Innovations Inc 800 North Rainbow Blvd Suite 208 Las Vegas NV 89107

“Paddle or Fish” by Brad Wiegmann

Friday, November 12th, 2010

 

Backwater Paddle Company Logo

Brad Wiegmann, outdoor writer, sportsman, photographer and professional fishing guide took the time to review our Piranha and Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.    

Below is his review:

Nota, Nota, Nota going to do that again. I ended up the creek without a paddle. You think that’s funny don’t ya. Well, it’s not exactly what you think. See, I had my long 220 cm high-strength, air-grade 7075 T6 aluminum shaft with high impact ABS plastic blades, but the long, dangling vines and branches were making it impossible to use. So, I was literally up the creek without a paddle. At least one paddle that I could use to get around with and fish.

I am not the only kayak angler who faces this dilemma every time they go out fishing. The longer paddles of course are great for getting to where you are going to fish, but only seem to be in the way once you start fishing. That’s what Ed Halm, owner of Backwater Paddles discovered. His solution was to design a hand paddle that anglers could use to control their kayak while fishing. Interestingly, Halm not only designed and built one hand paddle, but two: Piranha and Predator. Both are designed for anglers when kayak fishing, but built different to accommodate what kayak the angler is fishing out of. The Piranha weighs 7-ounces with a blade size of 5” x 12” and total length of 19-inches. Piranha’s longer length makes it ideal for anglers fishing from sit-on-top kayaks. The Predator weighs 6-ounces with a blade size of 6” x 9” and total length of 15-inches.  Predator’s shorter length makes it perfect for anglers fishing from sit-in kayaks. Both are waterproof and have a wooden blade and handle. Backwater Paddles (www.backwaterpaddles.com) are made in the U.S.A. and 100% guaranteed against breakage.

Nota, Nota, Nota going to do that again. I ended up the creek without a paddle. You think that’s funny don’t ya. Well, it’s not exactly what you think. See, I had my long 220 cm high-strength, air-grade 7075 T6 aluminum shaft with high impact ABS plastic blades, but the long, dangling vines and branches were making it impossible to use. So, I was literally up the creek without a paddle. At least one paddle that I could use to get around with and fish.

Brad checking out the Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles

I am not the only kayak angler who faces this dilemma every time they go out fishing. The longer paddles of course are great for getting to where you are going to fish, but only seem to be in the way once you start fishing. That’s what Ed Halm, owner of Backwater Paddles discovered. His solution was to design a hand paddle that anglers could use to control their kayak while fishing. Interestingly, Halm not only designed and built one hand paddle, but two: Piranha and Predator. Both are designed for anglers when kayak fishing, but built different to accommodate what kayak the angler is fishing out of. The Piranha weighs 7-ounces with a blade size of 5” x 12” and total length of 19-inches. Piranha’s longer length makes it ideal for anglers fishing from sit-on-top kayaks. The Predator weighs 6-ounces with a blade size of 6” x 9” and total length of 15-inches.  Predator’s shorter length makes it perfect for anglers fishing from sit-in kayaks. Both are waterproof and have a wooden blade and handle. Backwater Paddles (www.backwaterpaddles.com) are made in the U.S.A. and 100% guaranteed against breakage.

Hand paddles can be used by anglers, hunters, or even photographers to control their kayaks. “Some of the benefits to using a hand paddle include being able to control the kayak with one hand so you can fish with the other and not have to lay down your fishing pole; you can also use them in skinny water or around thick cover and brush like mangrove trees. The hook also allows anglers to pull themselves next to docks, grab trees, snag lines, and maneuver their kayaks,” explain Halm. The Backwater Paddles come with a wrist strap that anglers can put around their wrist to keep from dropping or losing it. Being shorter in length than a standard two bladed paddle, anglers can store them inside their boat or hook them onto the side. It’s common to see anglers using the hand paddles in skinny water. The blade length allows the angler to control the kayak and stalk fish effortlessly; however hand paddles shouldn’t be overlooked in moving water. “Hand paddles are great in moving water like rivers and streams. They can be used to control your drift and flow with the current.; in addition to paddling yourself to a shallow spot, eddy, or like a rudder to guide the kayak,” said Halm.

 Are you going out fishing from a kayak? Would you like to fish more than paddling trying to control your kayak? When it comes to fishing more than paddling you are better off with a hand paddle. The smaller compact paddles can be used to maneuver your kayak with little effort making it easier to sneak up on fish in shallow water. Plus they can be used as a backup in case your longer paddle breaks. You won’t want to find yourself up a creek without a paddle would ya?

Author:  Brad Wiegmann

We appreciate your time and consideration Brad! 

Ed Halm

Distributors and Retailers Needed!

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Backwater Paddle Company Logo

Backwater Paddle Company Distributors and Retailers Needed!

ATTENTION: Looking for Backwater Paddle Company Wholesalers, Distributors, Sales Rep and Retailers for our new and revolutionary Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.  

NOTE: This is not a Pro Staff offer but a chance to help sale and market some of the newest paddle sport accessories  in Kayak Fishing.  

REPS: MUST HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE AND GOOD PEOPLE SKILLS AND BE WILLING TO DO POSSIBLE TRADE SHOW/SHOWS   

Email  Ed Halm at:   ephalm@yahoo.com or ed@backwaterpoaddles.com 

Subject Line: BPC Distributors  

IMPORTANT:  Please include resume and or Company Contact Information

We appreciate all your time and consideration in this matter!!  Paddle on my friends!!

AWESOME Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle YouTube Video!!

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Backwater Paddle Company Logo

Ty Southerland, pro angler and videographer, from 30 Miles Out, put together this totally awesome video review about the Backwater Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles!

A few months ago Ty contacted Backwater Paddles and wanted to do a review of our kayak fishing hand paddles.   Of course, not wanting to pass up on a prospective product review, I sent Ty some paddles and waited.  I actually forgot! 

WOW, was I pleasently surprised by his video review, as you will be too!

Check this video out.  It will turn skeptics into believers!!

 

I can’t thank Ty enough for his time and consideration in providing the review and promoting Backwater Paddle Company and our paddle products. 

Thanks Ty!!  I hope to see you on the water one day my friend!!

Predator Hand Paddle Voted BEST by Kayak Angler Magazine!

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

KA Cover

As seen in the 2010 Kayak Angler Magazine Fall Issue,

Ultimate Kayak Fishing Gear Guide!

Kayak Angler Magazine, the #1 magazine for kayak fisherman, selected the PREDATOR Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle for its 2010 Ultimate Kayak Fishing Gear Guide!

 

 

Backwater Paddle Company is extremely pleased to have achieved this accolade!  We want to thank all the kayak fishing hand paddle owners, anglers and sports writers who dedicated their time in consideration of this achievement and made this selection possible!

 Backwater Paddle Company sincerely thanks KAYAK ANGLER Magazine for their time and consideration in recognizing the PREDATOR Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles as one of the BEST Paddles to have in their 2010 Ultimate Kayak Fishing Gear Guide! 

You can check out our PREDATOR Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles on page 44 of  the 2010 Kayak Angler Magaizne Fall Issue 

Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles: Catch More Fish!!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Unquestionably, any and all legal advantages available to catch more fish are every kayak angler’s ambition!  Fortunately, kayak fishing is a more “visual spotting” sport.  Paddling a kayak silently through the shallows gets you in close to observe your prey.  The closer you get, the more opportunities you are provided to catch more fish.

Recently, kayak fishing has exploded into the paddle sports market.  Anglers and kayak sportsmen joined forces to combine the best of both worlds.  Today, kayak fishing is one of the  fastest growing sports. With the advent of inexpensive and lightweight fishing kayaks, a new paddle sports niche was created overnight.  Kayak sportsmen are demanding gear and accessories reflective of their specific needs.  The kayak fishing community is challenging the fishing gear and paddle sport manufacturers to step up their innovations. 

Kayak fishing hand paddles evolved onto the scene to solve a major problem for kayak fishermen.  Known as the “kayak angler’s dilemma,” how do you paddle and fish while on a kayak?  With only two hands, how do you hold your fishing rod and maneuver your kayak?   It takes two hands to use a kayak paddle, and one to hold your fishing pole.  Simple math says…something has to be set down. 

“Catch more fish” is every anglers mantra!  The kayak fisherman has the distinctive advantage of getting up close and personal with their quarry.  Having the ability to glide through just inches of water, kayak fishermen must exercise caution or risk spooking their prey while flailing seven foot kayak paddles.  Yes, the fish can see you!  Stealthy paddling is a major skill in providing tangible results in catching more fish.     

Simply break out your compact, lightweight, kayak fishing hand paddle.  Stow that unwieldy seven foot kayak paddle.  Now you can stealthily maneuver your kayak with one hand while continuing to fish with the other.  Silently sneak in and catch more fish!   

Kayak anglers rely upon first hand knowledge, years of instinct and mind boggling multitudes of fishing tackle and gear.  Luck, whether you subscribe to that notion or not, is generally the common thread that ultimately bonds the angler to the fish, and eventually to the “fish tales.”  

Every angler’s ambition is to invest in the most advantageous fishing equipment.   Kayak fishermen spend crazy money annually in that pursuit.  They continuously seek the latest and greatest gear and accessories.  While trying to minimize the luck factor, kayak anglers want high performance fishing equipment to increase their probability of catching more fish.  Who wants to hear that you were just lucky, when you skillfully landed that trophy fish!  Placing emphasis on talent, intuition and having the best available kayak fishing equipment is tantamount to future angling success.

Optimize your kayak fishing experience by taking advantage of all available opportunities.  Kayak fishing hand paddles provide a stealthy, one-handed paddling approach, allowing you to keep fishing and ultimately, to catch more fish.  

Paddle one handed, chase stealthily…keep fishing!  Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles!

Backwater Paddle Company Logo

Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle Review from Wales, UK

Monday, June 7th, 2010
Terry Jackson, Welsh Kayak Angler

The below independent paddle review was done by Terry Jackson from the North Wales Kayak Fishing community in the UK.   Terry contacted me awhile back about wanting to try the Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.  He was so enthused, that he wanted to get the information out to the kayak angler community in the UK.  The link below is from Terry’s website:  http://www.northwaleskayakfishing.co.uk/id190.html

Our kayak fishing brethren across the pond have a different way to punctuate, elaborate and make their point.  I took his review and “Americanized” it for a better read from our perspective.  Nothing was changed or removed.  Below is Terry’s review of our paddles. 

This is my review of the hand paddles.

The Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles are designed by The Backwater Paddle Company. They are designed as additional paddles.  They are not designed to replace your paddle, but to compliment it.  The idea behind them is simple and very effective.  If you are fishing its much easier to maneuver and control your kayak using just the single hand paddle.  This also gives you a free hand to fish with.

This is its primary design.  So lets for instance say you are fishing the river and you see a great area to cast a lure. Then you switch to your hand paddle and control the rate of drift as well as maneuver the kayak in to position while still fishing.   This would give you a lot More time in the target area to catch that fish.
 

 
 

Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle
Terry fishing with the Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

 

We tested both hand paddles out the Predator and Piranha we could not defiantly work out a which one was best for us.  It was split down the middle between us as to which was better for our us .

Both paddles are made from top quality birch ply and finished with a marine grad varnish.  Both have hand loops.

We tried paddling with them for a few hours, swapping over paddles.   What we found was because the paddles are light weight and very easy to handle, we made no splash at all, hardly.   So again, another bonus is you can sneak right up on the fish without them knowing.

We then tried the floating test.  What if we dropped the paddle while fishing?  Would it float?  As you can see, they both did.

Getting right in to the trees and roots where the fish are going to be was no problem while using the paddles.

When not in use, the compact size of the hand paddles made them very easy to stow.

The hook shape on both paddles is designed for grabbing on to branches.

 
 

Piranaha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle in the trees
Grabbing on with the “hooks” on Backwater Paddle Hand Paddles

All in all this is a superb innovative fishing aid.   It both helps to keep you in the target area and allows extra control while still fishing.

The bonus of both these paddles, from a safety point of view, is you have a spare paddle with you.   So if you were to lose your paddle, you could still get back home safely with it.

 

Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle
Piranha Kayak Fisihng Hand Paddle at the ready for ANY emergency!
I really like the idea of being able to control your drift one handed with it using a modified ruddering stroke.   I was able to control a 100 yard drift easily. 
 
Both paddles are really well made and sure to be a winner with us kayak fishermen.   They are available from the Backwater Paddle Company.
 
The retail of the hand paddles is about 20 dollars each which is about £13 UK.  I think that is excellent value for money.

Article by Terry Jackson (Zebra)

Again, Thanks Terry for your time and consideration in promoting our paddle products to the Welsh Kayakers!!  Paddle on my friend!!

Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles Debut in Tallulah Falls, Georgia

Friday, May 21st, 2010
Fishing with Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

We just put another notch in the growth timeline for Backwater Paddle Company.  First Road Trip!! 

This past weekend (May 13/14th) we went up to Tallulah Falls, Georgia to a kayak fishing tournament we had helped sponsor.  The Georgia Kayak Fishing Club put together a four leg tournament that winds through all the beautiful Georgia countryside lakes and streams.

Kurt and I wanted to get our feet wet with a kayak fishing tournament that was close to home.  Not having any idea what to expect, our trip was relaxed and fun.  We camped at Moccasin Creek on Lake Burton, about 25 miles from the event.  (Note: that is what happens when you wait until the last minute to make reservations!)  Nevertheless, we rolled with the local anglers and vendors that showed up for the event.

Hats off to Tony Narcisse of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Club!  He was the point man with this kayak fishing tournament.  There were about 3 dozen kayak anglers that vied for the main prize, a dressed out fishing kayak by Ocean Kayaks. 

The Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles made their official debut.  Those who recieved a Piranha paddle prior to the actual tournament, and used it throughout the tournamnet, were ecstatic about the paddles and their fishing performance.    

Tony put everything together for this fine event.  The only thing he forgot to address was Mother Nature.  She visited with a vengeance!!

Unfortunately a torrential rainstorm, dumping hail and providing gale force winds, put a damper on the awards ceremonies.  Thankfully, that storm waited long enough for all the local anglers to get their business done and present their measurements at the weigh in.

Once that storm rolled in, everyone scattered for higher and safer ground.  We never did see who won our Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.  At that point, quite honestly, we were more concerned about our campsite some 25 miles away.

We are waiting on the kayak fishing tournament results, information and pictures from Tony and the GKF club to post on our site.  In all my excitement, it was an afterthought in snapping photos.  Next time!  Give us a break…we were overwhelmed with what was transpiring all around us!

That storm forced Kurt and I to bail from our campsite at around 7 pm and make the 10 hour drive to Central Florida through the mountains, at night and while raining.   Thank God for the Tom-Tom or Garmin, whatever we had…with the GPS tracking!  Kurt was able to provide real time road directions as we coursed our way through the winding, rain soaked, pitch black mountain roads. 

This was our very first road trip, but more so than anything, it was also our “first rodeo!”  Boy, did we ever learn from this experience! 

We can not wait for the next kayak fishing tournament!  The “River Bassin Trail” Tournament, hosted by Kayak Fishing Pro Drew Gregory, and presented by Bass Pro Shops, is next.  June 3rd, Birmingham, Alabama…here we come!!

My Main Man: Kurt Horn – BPC Chief Paddle Maker

Sunday, May 9th, 2010
Backwater Paddle Company Logo

Video:  Kurt Demonstrating the Predator

Starting Backwater Paddle Company has been with out a doubt, the biggest challenge in my life.  I entered the paddle sports market with nominal business skills, minimal manufacturing knowledge and zero national marketing experience…yet I never blinked, nor balked, when I started on this endeavor.  Failure was never an option.

Having spent most of my adolescent life with the US Navy and in some precarious positions, identifying problems and providing solutions has been paramount to my survival and success.  Since retiring from the Navy, applying these concepts to my daily life has put me down challenging paths.  I would have it no other way, either. 

Nevertheless, success was not measured by what I could do by myself.  Being successful was defined by how I and our team managed to achieve our goals, together.  Survival is a personal fortitude.  Personal success however is not just surviving, but setting and achieving challenging goals.  Surrounding your self with like minded individual’s hell bent on achieving their goals, despite any and all obstacles, will make you successful.  

Backwater Paddle Company, despite tough economic times, has survived.  Not only has it survived, it is growing and flourishing.  This has NOT happened at my sole expense, but through a collaboration of another like minded individual, totally devoted and hell bent on making this company work.  

Kurt Horn, CPM (Chief Paddle Maker), has been the other half of this dynamic paddle company duo.  Without Kurt, Backwater Paddle Company would still be a struggling paddle sports entity.  However, Kurt, a professional cabinet maker and wood worker, provided proof from an inspiration.  On his own initiative, he took a hand drawn concept and delivered a working model, the prototype of the Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.

This innovative hand paddle prototype is the backbone, the legend, the existence of Backwater Paddle Company and its future moving forward.  A kayak angling dilemma was presented.  A simple idea was designed and Kurt provide the ultimate working solution. The evolution of the Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle proved there was a problem in the kayak fishing community and Backwater Paddles had the answer. 

Inspired, Kurt conceptualized and designed the Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle.  He provided another viable fishing hand paddle to solve the kayak fishermen’s dilemma. 

Kurt has selflessly devoted hundreds of hours into this paddle sports project.  He has personally made EVERY kayak fishing hand paddle that has left the shop!  He is involved in all research and development, every manufacturing decision, material testing, ordering and quality assurance. 

What has Kurt earned from this?  Well the first thing Kurt will probably tell you is success is not measured in what you have today, but what you will have tomorrow.  Kurt is in this project for the long run.   Kurt understands the sacrifice, devotion, and the long hours working in the shop to achieve a common goal.  The payoff is in the future.

Has Kurt ever complained?  Has Kurt ever slacked?  NEVER!!  Kurt is at the paddle shop between 5am – 6am daily, busting out more paddles till late afternoon.  Kurt is relentless in the pursuit of perfection.  This is why every paddle leaving our shop is flawless!  He would have it no other way!!

I could not have possibly moved Backwater Paddle Company to where we are today without having Kurt at my side.  In one year, we have gone from relative obscurity to the front pages of the kayak angling community, worldwide.  

We could have never imagined the acceptance and success these kayak fishing hand paddles have created.  Not only here stateside, Backwater Paddles presence is spreading throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Wales.  Who would of thought?

It is an honor and pleasure to work along side Kurt.  Kurt Horn is Backwater Paddles.  Thanks Kurt!!

Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles Are Out There!

Friday, April 30th, 2010
Backwater Paddle Company Logo

Looks like Backwater Paddle Company is making headway into the paddle sports market.  Our Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles are capturing the interest of  kayak anglers and sportsmen nationwide.   So far we have been fortunate enough to meet and network with three awesome individuals who are making an impact on the future of Backwater Paddle Company.

Backwater Paddles is c0-sponsoring two large kayak fishing tournaments in the southeast.  We have to thank our tournament directors for allowing us this privilege to provide our kayak fishing hand paddles to the kayak anglers and sportsmen participating. 

We would like to thank Tony Narcisse of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Trail at www.kayakfishingtrail.com.  Tony provided Backwater Paddle Company the opportunity to present our Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles to the tournament participants and winners.  We are providing kayak fishing hand paddles at all four legs of the Georgia tournament trail.  We wish the best of luck to Tony and all the kayak angling participants.

We hope to meet some of the participants and other sponsors at one of the four Georgia legs.  We will get with Tony when we have solidified our upcoming road schedule.  Check with Tony or myself for more information.

Drew Gregory of  the RiverBassinTrail.com deserves a special thanks from Backwater Paddle Company.  Drew has been extremely patient and helpful by mentoring Backwater Paddles in the big leagues of paddle sports marketing.  Drew has provided personal guidance and direction to achieve the maximum results from our sponsorship campaign.  He has taken a personal interest in the future of the Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.   We look forward to working with Drew and Deep Creek Ventures as well as Bass Pro Shops in our future marketing campaigns.

Backwater Paddle Company plans to be at the Birmingham, Alabama leg of this kayak fishing tournament.   Look for Kurt and myself at the Bass Pro Shop in Birmingham and at various launch sites throughout the area.  

Another stalwart partner in Backwater Paddles fledgling marketing campaign has been Brian Van Drie from Kayak Online at www.kayakonline.com/paddles.  Brian has been coaching us, very patiently I might add, in our paddle sports online presence.   Kayak Online has been there from day 1 and continues to support and provide growth opportunities for our paddle sports company.  We look forward to a long and prosperous future with Kayak Online.

It is a pleasure and honor to mention the above three individuals with regards to the future of Backwater Paddle Company.