Rapid Media is pleased to announce the winners of the fifth annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards presented by the Safer Paddling Campaign. These awards recognize significant and innovative achievements in the development of products introduced to the paddlesports market this year.
This year we saw a record number of votes, with more than 38,000 ballots cast from retail buyers, consumers and media across 12 categories at paddlingawards.com.
The categories of the Paddling Magazine Industry Awards represent every aspect of the sport across all disciplines. The awards present brands with the outstanding opportunity to introduce new products to the largest audience of paddling enthusiasts and the industry.
Congratulations to the winners of the fifth annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards:
- Best Sea/Touring Kayak: Värmdö LV (13’6”) by Melker of Sweden
- Best Recreational Kayak: Beach LT Sport by Oru Kayak
- Best Canoe: Scout by Esquif
- Best Whitewater Boat: Flow by Jackson Kayak
- Best Fishing Boat & Board: BigWater ePDL+ 132 by Old Town
- Best SUP: Jukdo SUP by NRS
- Best Paddle: Aqua Bound Aerial Carbon by Aqua Bound
- Best Safety & Rescue: Safety Dry Bag Kit SB-3L by Sirius Signal LLC
- Best Clothing/Apparel: Phenom GORE-TEX PRO Dry Suit by NRS
- Best Transport/Storage/Launching: TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart by YakAttack
- Best Paddling Accessory: K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit by Bixpy
- Best Rigging & Outfitting: 139 Phone Holder by Scotty Fishing & Outdoor Products
Here are the winners of the fifth annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards as decided by over 38,000 voters:
Best Sea/Touring Kayak
Värmdö LV (13’6”) by Melker of Sweden
The Värmdö is a lightweight, high performance, playful light touring boat featuring a plant-based construction. Targeted to savvy performance paddlers and recreational paddlers who want to feel like rock stars on the water. Smooth, forgiving and stable for new paddlers to learn in, with performance characteristics, predictability and endless play time for surfing, carving and rock gardening. With an all-new premium comfort cockpit with easy adjustability, built just for you.
LEARN MORE
SEE ALL MELKER KAYAKS
Best Recreational Kayak
Beach LT Sport by Oru Kayak
The Beach LT is perfect for fun, easy and casual paddling. Oru’s newest model is even easier to assemble and use. The Beach LT’s stable hull shape and spacious cockpit make it ideal for beginners without compromising speed and agility. Take the original origami kayak out for day trips, picnics and mellow paddles on smooth water.
Best Canoe
Scout by Esquif
A canoe the whole family can enjoy in a smaller, lighter and more easily transportable package. Built with added width and volume, the Scout is also made from indestructible T-Formex for durability and zero maintenance. Unlike other plastic canoes, it will not warp or dent and instead will give you a lifetime of maintenance-free paddling. Designed for families, sportsmen and paddlers. The reliable Scout canoe is always ready to be strapped on your roof for your next water adventure.
LEARN MORE
SEE ALL ESQUIF CANOES
Best Whitewater Boat
Flow by Jackson Kayak
The Flow is the perfect combination of confidence where you need it and sportiness when you want it. Whether you are just starting out or pushing the boundaries with class V, this boat will take care of you with a shorter, lighter, sportier ride. A modern creek boat rocker profile without all the weight and volume? The Flow is just what the doctor ordered. It has a full-on creek boat hull with a slimmed down deck and shorter length for a lighter, nimble, easy-to-boof, easy-to-carry experience.
Best Fishing Boat & Board
BigWater ePDL+ 132 by Old Town
Designed to keep anglers in the chase, ePDL+ combines pedal and battery assist to propel your fishing experience to the next level. With ePDL+ drive you have options. In it for the long haul? Fish all day with light to moderate motor assist. Need to get there quickly? Crank it up and get there first. Need a break? Set it to cruise control and let the motor get you there. With motorized versatility at your fingertips, your odds out on the water just got a whole lot better.
Best SUP
Jukdo SUP by NRS
The Jukdo SUP Board with IST (Integrated Shaping Technology) gives the do-it-all paddler a premium board that tracks straighter on flatwater with the maneuverability to handle light surf and river running. NRS’ innovative woven drop stitch Z/Blend Core is 20 percent stiffer yet 15 percent lighter than previous boards. Rig gear for an overnighter, or ditch the gym and opt for daily jaunts on the water. Fitness or fun—the Jukdo can do it all, with unparalleled stiffness, performance, stability and durability.
LEARN MORE
SEE ALL NRS PRODUCTS
Best Paddle
Aqua Bound Aerial Carbon by Aqua Bound
Introducing one of the most revolutionary paddles in whitewater. Lam-Lok technology mechanically bonds blade layers together, protecting and dramatically extending the paddle’s life. Carbon shaft optimized for a sweet spot of flex between carbon and fiberglass to avoid blowing out shoulders. Blades with a wide, flattened foam spine simulate performance qualities of full foam core blades without sacrificing durability. Two blade sizes, one/two/four piece, straight/crank, fixed length/adjustable.
LEARN MORE
SEE ALL AQUA BOUND PADDLES
Best Safety & Rescue
Safety Dry Bag Kit SB-3L by Sirius Signal LLC
All-in-one safety kit for kayaks, boats, canoes and paddlecraft with drybag. Safety kit including everything you need during an emergency on the water. C-1004 eVDSD flashes USCG spec SOS and infrared signal. IP68-rated floating flashlight with CR123 lithium battery. Daylight signal mirror, orange daytime distress flag and marine whistle complies with USCG audible signal requirements. Drybag, waterproof cellphone pouch, liquid filled hand compass, 12 feet of paracord and first aid kit.
Best Clothing/Apparel
Phenom GORE-TEX PRO Dry Suit by NRS
Paddlers who crave the class V hike-in to reach the class V runs need the exceptional, reliable protection the Phenom GORE-TEX PRO Dry Suit delivers. Featuring the same exceptional qualities as the Axiom, the Phenom boasts a back entry zipper, relief zipper and GORE-TEX PRO construction for class V protection with minimum bulk. Men’s and women’s specific cuts with deliberate seam placement reduce wear and tear and increase comfort, extending the Phenom’s life and wow factor.
LEARN MORE
SEE ALL NRS PRODUCTS
Best Transport/Storage/Launching
TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart by YakAttack
Designed for extreme duty, the BarCart is universal, collapsible, user-friendly and robust, requiring no tools to assemble or disassemble. With the push of a button or the flip of a lever, the BarCart can be deployed, adjusted or collapsed in seconds. With two bunk bar configurations, it boasts unprecedented compatibility with different hull shapes. Built from UV resistant, high quality, injection molded polymers and anodized aluminum tubing, and assembled with stainless steel hardware.
Best Paddling Accessory
K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit by Bixpy
The K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit is Bixpy’s pro version of its K-1 Outboard Kit. The K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit combines the power of the Bixpy K-1 Motor, with 38 pounds of thrust, and the waterproof, wireless PP-768 Outboard Battery to power virtually any personal watercraft on the market. The Bixpy K-1 Angler Pro allows you to stay out longer, explore new waters, effortlessly glide through strong tides, troll for hours, or just get home effortlessly at the end of a long, tiring day on the water.
LEARN MORE
SEE ALL BIXPY PRODUCTS
Best Rigging & Outfitting
139 Phone Holder by Scotty Fishing & Outdoor Products
Scotty’s 139 Phone Holder offers a phone holder that is legitimately marine grade. Varying temperatures, constant UV exposure and saltwater are no match for what makes Scotty famous. Scotty’s Phone Holder is made to withstand heavy use in harsh environments. Positioning and securing your device has never been easier. Easy Grip knob allows for width adjustments between 2.75 and 3.75 inches wide. Also has open access for charging your device while in use. Includes post, track and rail mount.
Congratulations to all the 2024 Paddling Magazine Industry Award winners!
About Paddling Magazine
Paddling Magazine is the flagship title of Rapid Media, the world’s largest paddlesports media company. Rapid Media’s mission is to inspire and empower paddlers by leading as the sport’s definitive advocate and resource. Rapid Media celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023. Alongside Paddling Magazine, the brand produces Kayak Angler, Paddling Business, the Paddling Industry Awards and the Paddling Film Festival.
