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Navigate shallow rivers with ease using the Jackson Kayak Coosa FD. Featuring the articulating Flex Drive system, it's built for serious river anglers.

The Jackson Kayak Antix 3.0 sets a new standard for river running and playboating. Learn about its redesigned hull and enhanced comfort in our full review.

Jackson Kayak was founded in Rock Island, Tennessee by Eric Jackson, known as E.J.—the most accomplished kayaker in history with over 100 wins. Innovation at Jackson Kayak comes from real-life adventure needs. In 2004, the company launched its first child kayak, a whitewater design for Eric’s 10-year-old son, Dane, weighing just 44 pounds. As E.J. says, "We were going to make a product that nobody else was willing to make, and we were going to succeed doing it."

Today, Jackson Kayak is recognized worldwide as a leader in quality and performance. Over the past decade, Jackson Kayak has developed the most innovative whitewater and fishing kayaks on the market. With top engineers and designers, each kayak benefits from decades of combined knowledge and experience, ensuring the best possible design and performance on the water.

Industry-Leading Whitewater Kayaks

Eric Jackson first collaborated with avid paddler David Knight in 1997 to design a whitewater kayak that would change the industry forever. Eric brings firsthand knowledge of kayak design and water physics to every Jackson Kayak. Since then, the company has produced the world’s most successful whitewater kayaks, winning more freestyle world championship medals than any other brand. Jackson Kayak ensures that everyone—from expert whitewater champions to everyday paddlers—can find the perfect kayak.

Revolutionizing Fishing Kayaks

In 2010, the original Jackson Kayak Coosa revolutionized kayak fishing and ignited the market. Today, Jackson offers a full line of fishing kayaks that provide all-day comfort, unmatched stability, and standability. Leading the industry with innovations like the Flex Drive and E-Drive, Jackson continues to redefine what’s possible in fishing kayak performance.

Our Philosophy and Craftsmanship

Jackson Kayak operates under a simple philosophy: "conceived, designed, and manufactured to do something no one has done before, and do it better." A sign hanging in the Sparta, Tennessee factory reads "BUILD IT LIKE IT'S YOURS." This reminds every employee that each kayak they build is someone’s personal boat, crafted with care and precision.

Eric Jackson says, "One of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced, even considering all the World Championships, is being out on the water in a Jackson Kayak we made right here in Sparta, Tennessee—designed and built one at a time by hand."

Eric Jackson: Passion on the Water

At Jackson Kayak, passion and purpose flow as strong as the rivers we paddle. Founded by Eric Jackson—four-time Freestyle Kayaking World Champion and Olympian—our mission has always been to design the most stable, reliable, and performance-driven kayaks in the world.

Eric has spent his life on the water, using his experience to build kayaks that inspire confidence for every paddler—whether you’re a competitor or a weekend cruiser. From world-champion whitewater boats to a growing line of fishing, recreational, touring, hunting, and kids’ kayaks, Jackson Kayak offers something for everyone.

Unlike many large manufacturers, Jackson Kayak remains an independent, family-owned company, founded, owned, and operated by paddlers. Every boat and nearly every component is made right here in Tennessee, in the rolling hills near the Caney Fork River. Hanging in our factory is a simple reminder of our philosophy: “Build it like it’s yours.”

Our team—many of whom are kayakers themselves—take that to heart. Each boat is crafted with care, precision, and pride. Our designers have created some of the most successful kayak models ever made, including those used in Olympic competitions, world freestyle championships, and river expeditions worldwide.

We pour our heart and soul into everything we build, because we love what we do—and we’re proud to share it with you.

– Eric Jackson

Joel Martin: The Caney Fork Connection

I’m Joel Martin, owner of Caney Fork Outdoors L.L.C., and for over 35 years, I’ve operated a family business on the Caney Fork River in Tennessee—renting canoes, kayaks, cabins, and fishing tackle to paddlers and anglers. As our business grew, so did the demand for a kayak built specifically for fishermen.

That search ended when I discovered the Jackson Kayak Coosa. From the first paddle, I knew this was the perfect fishing kayak—built with the angler in mind, combining comfort, stability, and innovation. That’s where our partnership with Jackson Kayak began.

Over the years, I’ve come to see that Jackson Kayak isn’t just a company—it’s a family. Their team believes in craftsmanship, community, and the simple joy of being on the water. Their motto, “Build it like it’s yours,” is more than words—it’s how they live and work.

Both the Jackson and Martin families share deep roots on the Caney Fork River. Of all the places Eric Jackson could have chosen, he built his home and business right here in Rock Island, Tennessee—the same place my ancestors settled back in 1795. It’s a special river that connects us all, and it continues to inspire what we do every day.

That’s why we’re proud to stand behind Jackson Kayak—because life is better on the river.

– Joel Martin

Here in the great state of Tennessee, we have been blessed with lots of great water for kayak fishing. From one end of the state to the other, there are plenty of locations that offer the adventurous kayak angler the opportunity to fish waters off the beaten path. All it takes to open up [...]

I love my paddling buddies more than – well, just about anything. Paddlers in general warm my heart, even if they’re just strangers passing by with boats on their car on the way to the river. They’re wonderful in so many ways – generous, free-spirited, courageous, irreverent, hilarious – much like Mary Poppins [...]

I fall into the category of folks who got into kayak fishing as an angler first and a paddler second. Not taking the time to select the right paddle is a mistake! Your paddle is nearly always in your hands and one of the most important pieces of equipment in your kayak angling arsenal. Your [...]

With the conclusion of Icast 2015, there is much to be anticipated in the “kayak world” in 2016. As always, Jackson Kayak was at Icast 2015 to introduce new kayak models. They previewed many new innovations and upgrades to previous models. The new additions to the Jackson fleet include: The Kilroy DT (Delta Tango), Kilroy [...]

Guest post contributed by Karla Griggs In my first post, I mentioned that I would be documenting kayak and paddle selection, rigging, and fishing, of course. You see, I don’t have a kayak of my own quite yet. So how do you go about choosing a fishing kayak that is right for you? Let’s figure this [...]

Coosa HD Initial Impressions: Jackson Kayak recently released the highly anticipated Coosa HD. The Coosa HD has been touted as the next generation of the Jackson Coosa, the first fishing kayak ever produced by Jackson in 2011. With such anticipation comes high expectations. I can tell you from my initial outings with [...]