Eric Jackson

New Business:

Paul Herschell 503-227-3449 ext. 103

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Eric Jackson (EJ) is the four-time and reigning World Freestyle Kayak Champion, and is recognized as the winningest kayaker in history.  While in his early forties, EJ was ranked #1 in the world from 2004 - 2006, and was the 2006 World Cup Champion and 2007 World Champion. EJ has been a member of the US National Team since 1989 and competed in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He is a two-time Teva Mountain Games Everest Award winner, 2005 for excellence and contribution to the sport of kayaking, and 2007 for paddler of the year.

In 2003, EJ launched Jackson Kayak. After only several years in business, Jackson Kayak has become the top selling whitewater kayak manufacturer and built a reputation as the paddler’s brand through quality and innovation.

EJ is also the father of daughter Emily and son Dane. Emily is the current World Champion of the Junior Women’s Division, and in 2006 was the youngest female ever to run the Zambezi and Nile rivers in Africa. Dane is the youngest ever and current member of the US Freestyle Kayak Team and considered by many as the up and coming kayaker in the sport. Due to the family’s amazing successes, the Jacksons have been dubbed the “First Family of Kayaking.”

Amazingly, in his mid-forties, while balancing the demands of raising a family and leading a fast growing business, EJ continues to be a dominant figure in competitive Freestyle Kayaking. EJ shares the experiences and management strategies he has used to drive success in sports, business, and life.