Make big waves: Water sports fair at f.re.e

Why is it a must for you to be at f.re.e?

We definitely meet our target group here. We can promote canoeing perfectly. We can show people how to do it, that it's fun, and we can infect them with the "paddling virus" so that they want to paddle too!

How would you describe the cooperation with f.re.e and the Bavarian Canoe Association?

It's perfect, it's a win-win situation. We provide an attraction for the trade fair and they provide us with the customers. Of course, f.re.e is exactly the target group that we need and that we want to appeal to. And although we don't directly see who ends up staying with the clubs, in principle it's the best advertising measure for us and for f.re.e. So it doesn't get any better than this.

How is this year's atmosphere on the paddle lake?

Just look at the children's faces, it's perfect. It's great fun for us, because people enjoy it too. And the people enjoy it when we accompany them. We sometimes have very small children with us. Yesterday I ran after a child who was probably not even 5 years old because she was paddling really well. I held her boat so that she could paddle well. It's wonderful. It's great fun for us, the children enjoy it, the parents are happy, what more could you want?

What challenges does your association face and how does f.re.e help to solve them?

People want to get out into nature. Of course they want to do their sport outdoors, and the trade fair helps us to explain to them where the boundaries are, where people and nature must harmonize and not disturb each other, but protect each other. And we can communicate this wonderfully at the trade fair.

In three words - what is f.re.e for you?

Sport, games, fun

Will we see you at f.re.e next year?

As long as I can walk, I'll be there. Definitely yes. It's simply the perfect advertising opportunity for us, for our sport, for the enthusiasm we have. We will always be there as long as it is possible.

Why are you at f.re.e?

Since 2006, when it was still the "CBR" and then with the change of name to f.re.e, we have been there every year. It's simply our "home exhibition".

What is special about f.re.e for you?

f.re.e connects young and old. We have an adventure area where you can try out everything, especially, of course, the "trial diving". So it doesn't really get any better than that.

How do the individual areas of f.re.e fit together?

It's simply a give and take in the industry. Everything fits together wonderfully. Water sports, travel, vacations or even sporting activities at home. You can't have more than that.

How would you describe the cooperation with f.re.e?

The cooperation is uncomplicated, completely uncomplicated. You should simply come here as an exhibitor, exhibit and you get quick contact with the trade fair and project management. You can get involved on the stage. There is something for everyone.

What challenges do you think there are in the diving industry and how does f.re.e help to solve them?

I see our challenges in diving clearly in the ageing of the team. I'm not exactly the youngest, but I have a young team and I'm really happy about that. We need young people for the sport and we find them here. They come over from the climbing tower, are enthusiastic, are out and about on the SUP or the skaters who are still here. We have a young audience here that we can appeal to and that is interested in the sport. That's our gain here.

What trends are currently playing a major role in the diving industry?

I think that the apnea sector, freediving, is growing very strongly at the moment. You may already know it as "mermaiding", and many people are enthusiastic about it and really do it as a sport. There are many sports, such as underwater rugby, which have been on the rise again recently. We are clearly noticing this, also in sales. That's wonderful. Another trend is travel and diving in warm waters, where the reefs are still well preserved, as well as environmental awareness. So "clean ups" are increasingly in demand. Diver awareness is already moving into a healthy tourism sector.

Describe your added value as an exhibitor in the water sports sector.

f.re.e is our home exhibition. We have the opportunity to achieve good sales here, not during our peak season. So we have great sales of goods here. We get to know a lot of new customers, even though we've been in Munich for over 20 years. Many say: "Wow, a dive store in Feldmoching, I didn't even know that." That's how we get into conversation with people. You can talk about workshop services, diving trips, travel and you can make your entire portfolio available here.

How is the trial dive accepted by the public?

The trial dive has been incredibly well received. We are already fully booked for today. Tomorrow we'll try again for people. The trade fair provides an outstanding pool where you really have enough space to get a taste of diving. With equipment, a neoprene jacket and regulator, everything you need to glide down into the depths and experience the feeling of weightlessness, if you're good, of course.