Jackson Kayak
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sporting goods, Water sports equipment manufacturing |
| Founded | October 2003 |
| Founder | Eric "EJ" Jackson, Tony Lunt |
| Headquarters | Rock Island, Tennessee , United States |
| Products | Kayaks |
| Website | jacksonkayak |
Jackson Kayak stands as a premier manufacturer of kayaks, established in October 2003 by entrepreneur Eric "EJ" Jackson together with his business associate Tony Lunt in Rock Island, Tennessee. Drawing on his extensive experience as a designer and team member at Wave Sport Kayaks, Jackson transformed his expertise into a robust business model centered on innovation and strong customer relationships.
Company history
During its inaugural year, Jackson Kayak achieved $1.5 million in revenue by selling 2,500 boats. The company witnessed swift expansion, with annual sales increasing by 80% up until 2007, culminating in 7,515 boats sold in 2008. By the 2008/2009 period, Jackson Kayak commanded a commanding 40% share of the U.S. whitewater kayak market, while also establishing significant footholds in England and Japan and growing its presence in France.
The firm’s competitive edge is rooted in its high-performance kayaks preferred by top-tier Freestyle athletes. Strategic sponsorships of leading Freestyle paddlers have bolstered brand recognition and solidified Jackson Kayak’s position as an industry frontrunner.
Sponsored team and success at world championships
Jackson Kayak backs some of the globe’s most accomplished Freestyle K-1 paddlers, including executives Eric, Emily, and Dane Jackson. Their remarkable achievements at world championships reflect both the company’s market strength and product superiority. In 2007, their team captured K-1 World Titles in Pro Men, Pro Women, and Junior Women divisions. By 2009, they dominated K-1 Pro Men and Women competitions with numerous top finishes.
Apart from sponsored athletes, a broad range of competitors select Jackson kayaks for their superior performance. In 2011, the team secured five gold medals, four silvers, and three bronzes; Dane Jackson notably earned three golds and one bronze across all freestyle disciplines. At the 2013 World Championships held at Nantahala, Jackson-sponsored athletes claimed multiple titles in K1 Men’s and Women’s categories along with podium placements in C1 and OC1 events.
This continued competitive excellence underscores Jackson Kayak’s strategic leadership in both product innovation and global market positioning within the kayaking sector.
Company strategy and debated effect on the market
Jackson Kayak prioritizes partnerships with smaller dealers rather than major retailers, advocating kayaking as a family-oriented activity by offering boats suitable for children weighing as little as 13.5 kg (30 pounds). Olympic Gold medalist Joe Jacobi credits Eric Jackson with making whitewater kayaking more accessible to families than any other figure in the industry.
After peaking in 2006, the U.S. kayak market has experienced a decline. Jackson Kayak’s competitively priced boats have sparked controversy; critics argue that the company has saturated the market, contributing to an extensive second-hand inventory that may have suppressed new boat sales. Conversely, some contend that a slowdown in kayak innovation—not the company’s approach—is responsible for diminished demand. Eric Jackson asserts that his company has actually played a role in expanding the market.
Steve Fisher's Dreamline Initiative
Jackson Kayak provided backing for Team member Steve Fisher’s Dreamline Kickstarter campaign, which focused on revolutionizing kayak training methods. Multiple members of Team Jackson, including Eric Jackson, participated as instructors during the project's video production. Nonetheless, by the end of 2016, the product had yet to be delivered. As of August 2023, Steve Fisher was no longer connected with either Red Bull or Team Jackson Kayak.