Jim Kaiser named as New England rep for Kokatat

June 21, 2018

Takes over six-state territory

ARCATA, California — Kokatat, the leading manufacturer of high-performance paddling gear, is pleased to announce that Jim Kaiser of Brunswick, Maine, has taken over sales representative duties for New England.

Kaiser — owner of Kaiser Associates — has been a paddlesports sales rep since 2001. He has a much longer history with paddling, having worked as a sea kayaking tour guide, a whitewater instructor and a product designer. He assumes the New England territory after the departure of Suzanne Hutchinson, who is moving to the West Coast.

“Suzanne did wonderful things for us for a number of years in New England,” said Jeff Turner, sales manager of Kokatat. “We were fortunate to have somebody of Jim’s caliber to step into the New England sales rep role. Jim has been a committed paddler and paddling sales rep in the territory for many years and has a lot of friends in the community. We are looking forward to his contribution to the best paddling rep team in the business.”

Kaiser adds Kokatat to a brand lineup that includes Wenonah Canoes, Current Designs Kayaks, Boardworks SUPs and Point 65.

“Kokatat is such a natural, complimentary fit for me,” said Kaiser. “They are a cornerstone brand of the paddling industry, making products that are well thought out and expertly designed. They really have a strong base of fans among retailers and consumers.”

Kaiser will be representing Kokatat at upcoming trade shows, including Outdoor Retailer and Paddlesports Retailer. At those shows, Kokatat will be featuring a new PFD and a new GORE-TEX dry suit.

About Kokatat Inc.

Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California more than 45 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Learn more at www.kokatat.com.