Jackson Kayak
ActiveOverview
Jackson Kayak manufactures kayaks for whitewater, recreational paddling, touring, fishing, and related accessories. It operates from a 100,000 square foot facility in Sparta, Tennessee, with products distributed on six continents and leading market shares in whitewater and kayak fishing sectors in regions including England, Japan, and France.234
History
Jackson Kayak was founded in 2003 by whitewater paddlers Eric Jackson, Tony Lunt, and David Knight in Rock Island, Tennessee, after Eric Jackson's prior work with Wave Sport Kayaks.34 The company relocated to Sparta, Tennessee, and expanded its product range to include recreational kayaks, fishing kayaks, coolers under Orion Coolers, and a recreational line via Blue Sky Boatworks.24 Ownership remains with Tony Lunt, Emily Jackson, and Dane Jackson, maintaining its status as a family-run business employing over 100 locally.4 In September 2025, it released the Antix 3.0 whitewater kayak.3
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Whitewater Kayaks | High-performance for river running and playboating | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Fishing Kayaks | Stable platforms for anglers | $1,000 - $1,800 |
| Recreational Kayaks | Entry-level touring and lake paddling | $800 - $1,400 |
| Orion Coolers | High-end coolers for outdoor use | $300 - $500 |
| Accessories | Paddling gear and kayak components | $50 - $300 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in a 100,000 square foot facility in Sparta, Tennessee, USA.2 The company produces plastic kayaks and most components in-house, with increasing self-sufficiency in manufacturing each year.25
Notable Products
- Antix 3.0 - Latest whitewater kayak model released in 2025 for advanced paddling.
- Knarr - Popular fishing kayak designed for stability and fishing features.
- Bitty - Compact whitewater kayak for playboating.
- Journey - Recreational touring kayak for longer paddles.
- Orion Cooler - Premium cooler integrated with kayak fishing setups.
Reputation
Jackson Kayak is regarded by paddlers as a leader in whitewater and fishing kayaks due to innovative designs from founder Eric Jackson, a world champion paddler.34 Enthusiasts value its durable, high-performance boats and in-house USA manufacturing.2 Some note higher price points compared to mass-produced competitors, though quality justifies the cost for serious users.4