The 11 winners of the third annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards were announced today. These awards recognize significant and outstanding achievements in the development of new products introduced to the paddlesports market.
The awards present brands with an outstanding opportunity to introduce new products to the paddling industry and enthusiasts. More than 31,544 votes were cast by retail buyers, consumers and media in 11 categories at paddlingawards.com.
This year’s Paddling Magazine Industry Award winners are:
1 Best Touring/Recreational Kayak
Mirage Lynx by Hobie
The effortless speed of Hobie’s MirageDrive 180 pedal propulsion system with Kick-Up Fins combined with the sleek hull of the Lynx make for a truly epic ride. Kick it up a notch, as you swiftly skim across the water’s surface, carving turns and leaving the world behind. The Lynx’s flat-bottom design provides confidence-inducing stability and ultimate maneuverability. Less is more when it comes down to construction. Lightweight materials meet optimal performance with ACE-TEC Technology that is tough enough for weekends off the grid, exploring uncharted waters, and a good thrashing at the lake with your kids.
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2 Best Whitewater Boat
Code by Dagger
Code by DaggerDagger’s latest creation is a fusion of the ever-popular Mamba model and super speedster, the Phantom. Charging ahead for all skill levels of paddler, the modern semi-planing hull offers high performance without sacrificing stability, while the high-rockered design delivers immediate feedback to keep you fully locked in for dialing in those sweet lines. Available in SM, MD and LG sizes with Dagger’s class-leading ContourErgo Outfitting. With a size for everyone from aspiring to advanced, the Code becomes the pillar of the Dagger whitewater line.
3 Best Fishing Boat and Board
Sportsman AutoPilot 136 by Old Town
Sportsman AutoPilot 136 by Old TownThe Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136 motorized kayak has a hull designed to handle bigger water while leveraging Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock technology. Motor to your fishing spot faster, then hold your position over the hole. Command the kayak with a touch of your thumb using the Bluetooth connected i‑Pilot remote.
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4 Best SUP
Flyweight by Badfish SUP
Flyweight by Badfish SUPWeighing in at only 18 pounds, the Flyweight is the newest addition to the Badfish inflatable lineup. This revolutionary board weighs less and is more packable than the average inflatable paddle board, allowing you to always take your board with you. Utilizing Badfish’s new AirLite drop stitch technology, the Flyweight is soft and pliable when deflated, and shows no compromise with excellent rigidity and durability when inflated. The Flyweight is easy to pack, light to carry and has all the same features you expect from a Badfish inflatable paddleboard.
5 Best Canoe
Adirondack by Esquif
Adirondack by EsquifDesigned like the traditional Adirondack pack canoes, this boat is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight solo canoe that is small and lightweight but still offers great performance and durability. Made of the revolutionary T-Formex material this boat is indestructible and will last long after most lightweight boats fall apart.
Paddled with either a traditional canoe or double-bladed kayak paddle the boat is both efficient and maneuverable; the open cockpit makes it more comfortable than recreational kayaks especially when accessing gear or paddling with pets. Whether paddling on remote ponds and rivers or accessing that secret hidden fishing spot, the Adirondack by Esquif will offer years of adventures and explorations and will not break your back when loading on the car and heading home.
6 Best Paddle
Tango Fiberglass by Aqua Bound
A few years ago the Tango came out of the gates and converted kayakers with its flutter-free forward stroke and effortless weight—just 26 ounces. Now a trusted companion on the water, the Tango by Aqua Bound is a go-to for a smooth forward stroke and eye-popping designs. New this year is the Northern Lights pattern which provides high visibility and reflects one of Earth’s most beautiful creations. Hand-built in Osceola, Wisconsin.
7 Best Safety & Rescue
MIT 150 Convertible PFD by Mustang Survival
MIT 150 Convertible PFD by Mustang SurvivalThe new MIT 150 Convertible PFD from Mustang Survival is the newest member of the tried-and-true MIT (Membrane Inflatable Technology) range of products. The MIT 150 is now the highest buoyancy vest in the bestselling MIT Collection, for those wanting the extra security or who are venturing further offshore. It can be converted between automatic and manual-only inflation modes, depending on the scenario for maximum versatility.
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8 Best Clothing/Apparel
Legacy Dry Suit by Kokatat
Legacy Dry Suit by KokatatThe Legacy front-entry drysuit is the new foundation of Kokatat’s drysuit collection and features the new Gore-Tex Pro material that is lighter weight, more rugged and durable. The suit has an adjustable bungee drawstring waist, nylon waterproof zippers, and latex gaskets with neoprene punch through neck and neoprene-lined adjustable wrist cuffs. The suit has a streamlined leg pattern and the wrap-around routing of the women’s drop seat reduces outfitting interference.
9 Best Rigging & Outfitting
DoubleHeader with Dual RotoGrip Paddle Holders by YakAttack
DoubleHeader with Dual RotoGrip Paddle Holders by YakAttackIn typical YakAttack fashion, what started as an idea for a single offset RotoGrip Paddle Holder resulted in a product with a bit more versatility. The DoubleHeader track mount can serve several different purposes, but in this case, it is the foundation for the perfect offset paddle holder solution that customers have been dreaming of ever since the launch of the RotoGrip several years back. The DoubleHeader offsets the paddle holders off the kayak allowing for the full functionality of the remaining track space for other accessories.
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10 Best Transport/Storage/Launching
Red Original Waterproof Duffel 40L by Red Paddle Co
Red Original Waterproof Duffel 40L by Red Paddle CoTough and practical, whatever your sport, the waterproof duffel bag adapts to your needs. The perfect solution for storing and carrying what you need—keeping it (and you) clean and dry no matter the conditions. Features: wet/dry padded pocket, external water bottle and zipped shower-proof storage pockets, detachable multi-way straps for comfortable backpack, duffel or over shoulder carry, wipe-down waterproof change mat, large internal capacity, lightweight construction, partially made from recycled plastic bottle. Available in 40 and 60 liters.
11 Best Paddling Accessory
Rolling Float by Gearlab Outdoors
Rolling Float by Gearlab OutdoorsThe Rolling Float by Gearlab is like training wheels for your bicycles. The unique handles on the Rolling Float allows you to securely grab with one or two hands. You will learn to be comfortable with your body balance and buoyancy. When it comes to rolling, repetition and practice is the only way to success. Using the Rolling Float, you can practice more with elegance, minus the annoying wet exits. The Rolling Float also doubles as an inflatable paddle float that will fit both a Greenland or Euro-style paddle for a standard self-rescue maneuver. It’s recommend that you always bring a paddle float when out on the water.
Congratulations to all the 2022 Paddling Magazine Industry Award Winners!
What happened to Best Sea Kayak? You’re dancing all around it with Best Paddle, Best PFD, Best Drysuit, Best Rolling Float, but where’s the beef?