Rock Island, TN, July 2, 2005 — Three-time freestyle kayak World Champion Eric "EJ" Jackson was honored for his achievements and contributions to the sport at the inaugural Everest Awards held during the annual Teva Mountain Games at Vail this summer.
The Everest Awards are the outdoor industry's most prestigious achievement awards. They are given annually to the top male & female athletes whose skill and innovation has innovated their sport to new levels and redefined the parameters. According to organizers, Everest Award winners are "pioneers, innovators, leaders, change agents that reflect the soul of the sport."
"EJ's achievements and his impact on the sport and the industry are iconic," said Eugene Buchanan. Buchanan, publisher of Paddler magazine, nominated Jackson for the award. "His personal and professional drive, his genuine love for kayaking, as well as his sincere desire to share that passion with others have been felt around the globe."
Jackson's career in kayaking dates back some twenty years. He has been a US Kayak Team member since 1989, first in slalom, a discipline in which he also is an Olympian. He and his two children are members of the 2005 US Freestyle Kayak Team. At 41, Jackson is the oldest ever member of the Team while his son Dane, 11 is the youngest ever. Daughter and teammate Emily, 15, began to compete in the pro women's division this season. The teen won her first pro women's title at this year's Teva Mountain Games at Vail, on the same day her father won the pro men's division.
Jackson is also the author of many instructional materials for basic river running and playboating and is founder and president of his own manufacturing company, Jackson Kayaks. Last year, he invented kids kayaking by introducing the first-ever kayaks designed and sized to help kids enjoy the same level of boat performance as adults.
For further information about the company and family, visit jacksonkayak.com.
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