Eric Jackson

Eric Jackson Biography

Eric “EJ” Jackson, born on March 3, 1964, in Warren, Ohio, is a renowned American freestyle kayaker, kayak designer, and entrepreneur. He is famous for being a multiple-time world freestyle kayaking champion and for founding Jackson Kayak, a leading whitewater kayak manufacturing company. His career spans several decades, during which he has significantly impacted both competitive kayaking and kayak innovation.

Childhood

Eric Jackson was born and raised in Warren, Ohio. Growing up, he was introduced to sports by his father, which sparked a lifelong passion for athletic pursuits. The natural waterways around his hometown provided a perfect environment for his early exposure to kayaking, fostering a deep connection with the sport from a young age. His family played a supportive role in nurturing his sports ambitions throughout his childhood.

Education

While specific details about Eric Jackson’s formal education are not widely documented, his expertise and skills in kayaking and kayak design were honed through years of hands-on experience and professional involvement. His practical training in kayak design and competitive kayaking served as his primary education, eventually leading him to author instructional books and videos that educate aspiring paddlers.

Career

Eric Jackson’s professional kayaking career is marked by remarkable achievements and longevity. Starting as a competitive slalom kayaker, he competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, finishing 13th in the K1 event. He later became a dominant figure in freestyle kayaking, winning the World Freestyle Kayak Championship four times (1993, 2001, 2005, and 2007) and maintaining a place on the USA Kayak Team for an unprecedented 27 years. In 2003, he co-founded Jackson Kayak, which became a leading kayak brand, especially known for innovative whitewater and fishing kayaks. Jackson’s contributions extend beyond competition to kayak design and entrepreneurship, and he also authored several instructional kayaking books and videos.

Family Life

Eric Jackson is married to Kristine Jackson. The couple has three children: Emily, Dane, and KC Jackson. His children have followed in his footsteps, becoming world champion kayakers themselves. The family has been known for their dedication to the sport and often embraced a nomadic lifestyle early in Eric’s career, traveling extensively for competitions while homeschooling their children.

Achievements

Jackson’s accolades include being a four-time World Freestyle Kayak Champion, World Cup Champion, and Pre-World Champion. He is a two-time Everest Award winner, recognizing him as one of the top freestyle kayakers globally. His longevity on the USA Kayak Team—27 years in total—is a rare achievement in competitive sports. In entrepreneurship, he successfully launched Jackson Kayak, which revolutionized kayak design by introducing boats for all ages, including children. His instructional books and videos have also had a lasting influence on the kayaking community worldwide.

Controversies

Throughout his extensive career, Eric Jackson has maintained a largely positive reputation with minimal controversies. One notable professional challenge occurred when he was demoted by WaveSport’s new management after they refused to produce a kayak he designed for children, which partly motivated him to start his own company, Jackson Kayak. Aside from this business disagreement, Jackson's reputation as a competitor and entrepreneur remains commendable.

Eric Jackson Summary

Eric Jackson is a legendary figure in the world of kayaking, celebrated for his world championship titles, innovative kayak designs, and entrepreneurial success. From his early days in Warren, Ohio, to competing in the Olympics, and eventually founding one of the most respected kayak companies, Jackson’s career encapsulates dedication, skill, and innovation. His family life is closely intertwined with his passion, as his children continue the kayaking legacy. His minimal controversies highlight a focus on positive growth and contribution to the sport. Eric Jackson remains a pivotal influence in kayaking both on and off the water.