InsideOutdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | SUMMER 2018 33 like strap-on training wheels, as they are great for beginners. Up to three Trainers can be added to a Key Log at a time. The Key Log is filled with a foam baffle that keeps it lightweight and portable. Key Logs also are filled with water, to achieve the correct buoyancy and mass. The Key Log was designed to match the buoyancy of dry red cedar. One of the biggest differences be- tween the Key Log and a traditional ce- dar log is its weight. A Key Log weighs just 65 pounds, making it easier to transport and store than a wooden log which can weigh hundreds of pounds. The other big difference is the cost. A wooden model from Lumberjack Enter- prises or Salzman Custom Sawing will run between $300 to $900, while a Key Log costs $2,350. Despite the higher cost, Key Log remains a clear market leader today. “With the advancement of the Key Log, people are now able to learn to log roll all over the country, and the world,” explained Key Log Rolling president Abby Delaney. “The growth that we are seeing in the sport right now is entirely due to Key Log Roll- ing. None of this was possible with 500-pound wooden logs.” Of course, there’s no denying the quality or the performance of a cedar log — it largely depends on your pref- erence. And while you may think they would be subject to rotting, they can actually last for quite a long time — especially if they are painted. According to Lumberjack Enterprises, for instance, painted logs will last twice as long. “Wooden logs will last as long as you take care of them,” Magnone said. “As long as you take them out of the water and maintain them.” The retail opportunity From a sales perspective, it’s im- portant to remember that this is still an emerging and somewhat niche sport. Most manufacturers are only selling directly to consumers, although this may change as the sport becomes more popular. In the meantime, retail- ers can sell ancillary supplies such as cleats and water shoes, and replace- ment carpeting for wooden logs. “We are truly creating the market,” said Delaney. “[Before Key Log] no one was walking into an REI or outdoor store searching for a log rolling log. And with the price point that we’re at, it’s not something that your average consumer would just purchase on a whim. “They may see and like it, but be- fore purchasing their own, they are more likely to go take a class at their local park and recreation or aquat- ics facility,” Delaney added. “So we mainly target recreational programs like parks and recreation depart- ments, summer camps, colleges and military recreation and resorts. We are starting with institutional, more B2B markets to build a future long-term consumer market.” In-Season Key Log equipped with three Trainers for beginners

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