Eric Jackson (USA)

Eric Jackson is considered by many to be the best kayaker in the world. No one has excelled at as many different aspects of the sport as Jackson has.

Eric Jackson’s freestyle and slalom training has taken him to rivers around the world. EJ has paddled on every continent except Antarctica. His lifetime river total stands at an astounding 500+, a tally that will likely remain unequaled.

Jackson’s breadth of paddling experience has helped him design Wave Sport kayaks in collaboration with David Knight before forming Jackson Kayak and creating a line of his own designs for adults and for small children (also with Knight.) He has also produced a series of instructional books and videos.

Jackson continues to show his commitment to whitewater through the bettering of kayaking for people everywhere. He is as approachable and focused on beginner kayakers as he is at the top of the sport.

He is a four-time World Freestyle Champion (1993, 2001, 2005, 2007), a two-time International Freestyle Champion (2000, 2004), a Silver Medalist at the World Freestyle Championships in 1997, and Freestyle World Cup Champion in 2006.

He was a member of the US Slalom Team from 1989-1998, and the highest American K1 finisher at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He was the US K1 National Champion in 1990 and 1999, and the US C1 National Champion in 1999.

Jackson was named Paddler of the Decade in 2004 by Playboater Magazine, and named the “Everest Award” Winner and designated “Most Famous Kayaker” in 2005.