Join Us at the 2024 Paddle Sports Show for an Inspiring Talk by Bob Timms
We’re pleased to announce that Bob Tims, in collaboration with Kayak Session publishing, will once again be hosting an important debate at this year’s Paddle Sports Show conference and talk program. The theme this year focuses on a critical topic for the paddle sports industry: recycling industry products. Building on the conversation started in 2023, this year’s debate seeks to answer key questions: Where does the industry currently stand? What solutions have been proposed? The debate is open, and discussions will continue on the possibility of introducing an eco-label or other specific actions to address these challenges.
“We need to get ahead of this and show that we care about reducing our impact.”
Paddle Sports Show: Bob, you’re back at it this year. Tell us about last year’s debate. What was the goal back then, and how did it go?
Bob Tims: We wanted to raise awareness and wake people up to the reality that, in the near future, our sport will face more pressure to act responsibly. Let’s face it, we go into nature as paddlers, but our footprint is significant—whether it’s from flying, driving, or the petrochemical-based equipment we use. We need to get ahead of this and show that we care about reducing our impact. Some companies and organisations are already doing great things, but I feel like we could achieve a lot more if we joined forces, shared ideas and successes, and collaborated on projects.
Paddle Sports Show: It seems the main goal isn’t to lecture, but to listen, exchange ideas, and hear about what’s been tried—along with the challenges industry players face?
Bob Tims: Exactly. It’s about learning from each other’s successes and struggles. We want to share what’s working and perhaps collaborate on projects that can help reduce our collective impact on the environment.
“Last year’s debate encouraged some people to take action, and we’d love to hear about the progress made since then. Our goal is to inspire even more people to join the movement.”
Paddle Sports Show: What is the goal for this year’s debate? What do you hope to achieve?
Bob Tims: No one can be forced to act—it has to come willingly, even if it means sacrificing a bit commercially for a better future. Last year’s debate encouraged some people to take action, and we’d love to hear about the progress made since then. Our goal is to inspire even more people to join the movement. If we can create momentum and build on the actions already taking place, it becomes much harder for others not to join in. That’s how we succeed. But to speed things up—time is running out!—we need initiatives or schemes that make it easier for everyone to act.
Paddle Sports Show: Is there a possibility of creating an eco-label following this year’s show?
Bob Tims: I believe it’s essential. Some form of eco-label recognising participation in recycling or repurposing schemes, or celebrating strides in making products easier to recycle, would be a big step forward for the industry.
“Come with your ideas. I’m not here to give solutions—just to facilitate the exchange.”
Paddle Sports Show: Can anyone attend the debate?
Bob Tims: Absolutely! It’s everyone’s planet, so everyone should be involved. Come with your ideas. I’m not here to give solutions—just to facilitate the exchange. We need your participation!
Don’t miss Bob Tims’ debate September 26th, 10:30 AM
For more information about the Paddle Sports Show 2024 conference program, visit: www.thepaddlesportshow.com/conferences-talks-program.
For more about PGL, visit: www.pgl.co.uk.
