Latest and greatest: Retailer convention shows off newest products in Utah

Bryan Kirk switched from right paddle blade to left, plunging each into the rapidly moving waves of the Ogden River on Monday afternoon.

He navigated among the rocks to exhibit new whitewater kayaks to retailers from around the world at the outdoor demo of the semiannual Outdoor Retailer convention.

"I've done a lot of different sports," Kirk, 30, said. "But it's this one that gives me the coolest feeling of flowing with nature. You use the rocks and waves to your advantage."

After testing out buoyancy factors of different manufacturers' new types of whitewater kayaks, retailers and buyers went from tent to tent, testing brands of sunscreen and watching dogs model new dog flotation devices, designed to keep pets afloat in rivers too wavy to withstand.

Manufacturers helped out-of-town and local buyers mount stand-up paddle boats, sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable water trampolines and tandem kayaks. Testers often splashed into the steady water at Pineview Reservoir as they tried to stay aloft on stand-up boats resembling surf boards with canoe-like oars to propel them forward.

"We use this show to launch new products," said Jeff Rivest, owner of Riot Kayaks. "This year, we're introducing two new carbon boats, making them easy to carry and stiffer for more speed."

The open-air demo is the first part of the week-long convention, which draws more than 20,000 people from all over the world to view and exhibit new outdoor recreation products. The manufacturers will show off new equipment in the 675,000 square feet of the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.

With the sun beating down on Monday, several manufacturers, with their families and dogs nearby, explained the merits of new products. Magellan, a GPS manufacturing company, led a treasure hunt for multiple prizes early in the day, and several outdoor clothing companies modeled skirt shorts for women and kilts for men.

Justin Doucette, product marketing director for Magellan, said giving people a chance to test the GPS device lets the company receive immediate feedback and learn what new potential buyers want most in GPS controls.

Dog flotation devices exhibited at the demo were inspired after 6-year-old border collie Olly drowned in the Whataroa River in New Zealand when her collar snapped.

Another company, Jackson Kayak, promoted specialized kayaks for children as a way to get families outdoors instead of becoming couch potatoes.

"How many kids actually get out and recreate?" asked Dave Blanding, a sales representative for Jackson Kayak. "Kayaking is a great thing for kids to get involved with at a young age. It builds confidence and also helps develop balance and athleticism."

e-mail: lgroves@desnews.com