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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 [...]

The setup: After getting my pool roll fairly solid, one of the people who had helped me get it that way, Samantha Ruppelt, posted on Facebook that she was doing a beginning creeking clinic. She didn’t specify which river. I contacted her and told her I was interested in joining, if she thought I was [...]

Here’s a fun video I put together of my efforts to run a couple of different lines on Alien Boof on the upper Ocoee. (Obviously, I haven’t mastered the drop yet.) It’s a great run, but if you haven’t done it before, it’s a good idea to go with someone experienced who knows this rapid. [...]

Caney Fork Outdoors Team #3 fished our third RiverBassin tournament in Cartersville GA. It only takes three tournaments to qualify for the Championship which will be hosted by Caney Fork Outdoors in Silver Point TN. My whole goal was to qualify for the championship and my hope was to add some points to give our [...]

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 [...]

“It’s the rule.” That’s what she said. Samantha Ruppelt, Class V kayaker pro for Jackson Kayak, twenty-seven – confidence and competence, personified. “Dude. It’s January. It’s, like, 30 degrees out there.” “It’s the rule.” “What if I miss it? My confidence will be blown for the entire run. I don’t need that in my head.” “It’s the rule.” Samantha had been [...]

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 [...]

We all know that top water fishing can be an adrenaline pumping way to land some big smallmouth or largemouth bass. I look at several aspects on when I commit to topwater fishing for bass and sticking with it. Mainly I rely on how spring has progressed going into summer. Growing up I was always [...]