This spring, history was made when Eric Jackson qualified for his 25th consecutive year as a member of the USA Freestyle Team. Qualifying at the team trials on the Nantahala River in North Carolina, EJ came in second place—behind his son.
From panhandling on the streets of Washington, D.C. in the early ‘90s, to becoming a world champion, the life of EJ has been far from dull. Pursuing his paddling career by traveling North America with his family in an RV, EJ and his wife, Kristine, raised a family of whitewater champions.
“Kristine has always been supportive of my paddling regardless of what that means in terms of money,” says EJ. “I just never let life get in the way of paddling and that has allowed me to develop my skills, and be able to make a living as a kayaker.”
After a lifetime of hopping from river to river, it’s no wonder the Jacksons stand high on the podium. It’s a four, three, two, one countdown for the family. EJ is a four-time world champion, son Dane a three-time, daughter Emily a two-time world champ and son-in-law, Nick Troutman, has won the title once.
In addition to his success on the water, EJ is also a founding member of Jackson Kayaks. Starting in 2004 in Sparta, Tennessee, Jackson is now one of the top producers of whitewater kayaks worldwide. Proudly made in the U.S., Jackson boats are expected to have a strong presence at the 2013 ICF Freestyle Kayaking World Championships this September.
This championship competition will be a homecoming of sorts for EJ. The last time the championships were held in the U.S. was in 1993, when EJ stood on top of the podium for the first time. Since then he’s been inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame and become one of the most decorated paddlers in competitive kayaking.
Staying healthy is integral to a long career in any sport. “I have had my share of injuries, but, luckily, none have stopped me. The adage, ‘There are old kayakers and bold kayakers, but there are no old, bold kayakers,’ rings true,” he says.
At the American team trials this spring, Dane stood above his dad on the podium with a score of 453, EJ followed with a score of 403.
“I can’t imagine it being any less competitive,” says EJ about his on-water relationship with Dane. “We are hardcore competitors, but we are there to help others achieve their best performances as well. I tell him how to do better and he tells me.”
Catch EJ and the Jackson family in action this September 2 to 8 on the Nantahala River in North Carolina.
This article first appeared in the July issue of Paddling Magazine, read it on your Apple or Android device or on your desktop.
