On December 4, 2019, Eric Jackson announced he is stepping down from his role as president of Jackson Kayak. He founded the company in 2003 as a whitewater kayak brand, but soon expanded the business to recreational and fishing kayaks.
Eric Jackson is a three-time world-champion kayaker and spent 26 years on the USA Kayak team. He is also the captain of the USA Kayak Fishing team and competes in the professional bass-fishing tour.
Yearning for the simple life
While he is stepping back from his role at Jackson Kayak, he said he will still be a brand ambassador and simply wants to make more time in his life for his kayaking and fishing pursuits.
“I have put my heart and soul into this brand, and so has my family, and many of my friends,” Eric wrote in a Facebook post announcing the news. “I hope our customers (kayakers and dealers) consider themselves as part of the Jackson family. As the company grew in size and complexity, I have been looking at turning my attention to something simple again, as well as focusing more time on my kayaking and fishing.”
New adventures for Jackson Kayak
Jackson Kayak had just recently announced the launching of a bigger brand known as Jackson Adventures. This move created a consolidated brand to include Jackson Kayak, Orion Coolers, Orion Kennels and Blue Sky Boatworks.
Jackson family values remain unchanged
The Jackson family is very active in the paddling community. Both Emily Jackson and husband Nick Troutman still race in as many whitewater events that they can. Dane Jackson recently finished first place in the Green Race and also set a new course record while he was at it.
Look for more information to come in the next Paddling Business newsletter.
