Jackson All Star 2007
by Max Harbert

• Looseness: 4.5 
• Initiation: 4.5
• Speed: 5
• Bounce: 4.5
• River Running: 4
• Outfitting: 4.5

 Just a few years ago Eric Jackson took bold action in the whitewater industry with the creation of Jackson Kayak. The company and product sought to fill many of the needs within the whitewater community. The marketing of kayaking as a family activity, returning to cross link plastic, and addressing the outfitting needs of every kayaker with the advent of Happy Feet, and Happy Seats, resulted in a relatively cynical response within the whitewater community. Admittedly, I had my doubts. Now that I’ve taken the time to paddle a Jackson boat, I have a new found respect for the thoroughness of effort that goes into every Jackson Kayak. Do you remember when you ate watermelon as a kid? This boat makes me think about how much fun it was to play with the seeds. I remember squeezing the slippery seed between my fingers and watching it shoot out. This is the only way I can describe what this boat’s performance reminds me of. The boat is fast, slick, slicey, and it has lots of pop. As I look at the boat, I wonder how EJ accomplished all of this. The first thing I noticed is how smooth the rise is coming from the bow back to the cockpit. There is no aggressive scoop in the deck, or kick in the hull. Instead the lines of the boat are smooth everywhere you look. Another significant difference is the leg position. My knees feel lower, and further apart in this boat. We just got a nice shot of rain in WV, and I was able to take this boat out to my favorite playspot on the Tygart River. I couldn’t believe how fast and loose the boat felt. . . It carved like crazy too. In fact, it took me a few rides just to adjust to the boats rapid response to user input. I was even further surprised at how forgiving the boat is. Several times I swore I deserved window shading, yet the smooth shape of the boat allowed for the necessary corrections. I recommend this boat for the aggressive student of the sport. I expect it will change the way I paddle. -Max