Back in December, the investment banking firm Barings acquired Aqualung Group, Stohlquist’s parent company. Shortly after, it was announced that Stohlquist would cease operations, as Aqualung planned to exit the North American sporting goods market. For 46 years, Stohlquist had been a leading manufacturer of paddlesports equipment, particularly personal flotation devices (PFDs).

 

On April 25, Aqualung announced the sale of Stohlquist to Sport Dimension Inc., a company established in 1992 and known for brands like Body Glove, JetPilot, and Nautica. The acquisition process was swift, with discussions beginning just over two months prior and a deal finalized within three weeks. "It's been a process, but we already cover a lot of the PFD life vest category in terms of general boating PFDs and wakeboarding PFDs," explained Terrence Lin, director of marketing and communications at Sport Dimension.

 

Sport Dimension's Plans for the Brand

Paddlers can expect to continue seeing Stohlquist PFDs in retail stores and available for online orders, with the last orders fulfilled by Aqualung in March and Sport Dimension starting shipments on May 1. The product lineup will largely remain unchanged through 2025, with potential additions of lower-priced items. “I think that’s one thing we started to struggle with at Stohlquist under the Aqualung leadership, was that our prices started to go up and out of the price range that key accounts can be successful with,” remarked Nick Rogers, Stohlquist brand manager. The brand plans to refresh its offerings in 2026, introducing new colors and styles.

 

According to Rogers, thanks to Sport Dimension's ownership of its own factories, Stohlquist will be able to bring new products to market rapidly. The brand will also benefit from the financial backing of its new parent company. "The Aqualung Group was highly challenged from that point of view," Rogers noted, highlighting Sport Dimension's operational excellence, which is expected to enhance customer satisfaction.

 

While Stohlquist will not reintroduce drywear in the immediate future, there are plans to leverage connections with Body Glove to explore neoprene products. Ideas include reintroducing wetsuits and expanding footwear options.

Stohlquist Seeks to Build Paddling Partnerships

In terms of marketing, Lin expressed a commitment to investing in authentic paddling communities. "I think in terms of marketing, Stohlquist wasn’t really doing much in investing in paddlers or people who were authentically tied to the community," he stated. The brand aims to collaborate with paddlers and anglers to create credible storytelling around its products. Rogers reiterated the importance of maintaining the legacy of founder Jim Stohlquist by ensuring the brand continues to offer premium, best-in-class products.

Ventmere Canada: The ONLY Canadian Distributor

Ventmere Canada is the exclusive distributor for Stohlquist in Canada, ensuring that Canadian paddlers have access to the full range of Stohlquist products. This partnership underscores Ventmere's dedication to providing high-quality paddlesport gear and supporting the local market. With Ventmere Canada at the forefront, Stohlquist aims to strengthen its presence in the Canadian paddling community, offering exceptional customer service and expertise in outdoor recreation. This exclusive distribution arrangement positions Ventmere Canada as a vital player in promoting Stohlquist's legacy and expanding its reach across the country.