Jackson Kayak Sweeps Teva Mtn Games Freestyle

It was a Star-studded final at Teva Mountain Games freestyle kayaking event this weekend in this resort town as Jackson Kayak athletes swept the podium in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the freestyle kayaking competition.

When all the looping, space godzillas, McNastys, splitwheels and more were thrown and counted, Team Jackson Kayak members – all paddling Star series boats – won the top three places in the men’s and women’s divisions. The Star series consists of the Shooting Star for kids as well as three adult sizes for small, medium and very large adults: the Star, All-Star and Super Star. Taking the podium were as follows: Men: Eric Jackson, first; Stephen Wright, second; Dane Jackson, third. Women: Emily Jackson first; Ruth Gordon, second; and Devon Barker, third.

This year marks the third in a row that EJ and his daughter Emily have won the men’s and women’s divisions in Vail. It also marks the first time EJ’s 13-year-old son Dane Jackson was among the finalists and placed in the money. Dane started competing in the men’s pro divisions at the Reno Whitewater Festival and Teva Mountain Games three years ago.

The six-pack of this year’s Teva Mountain Games freestyle champs own an impressive array of current world and national titles: Eric Jackson, four-time World Freestyle Kayak Champion; Ruth Gordon, World Freestyle Kayak Champion, Emily Jackson, World Freestyle Kayak Champion, junior women’s division; Dane Jackson bronze medalist, World Freestyle Kayak Championships, junior men, Devon Barker, US National Champion and Stephen Wright, US National Champion.

In all 42 men and women from all over the world competed in the freestyle event. Among the 11 women, four paddled Jackson Kayak Stars while on the men’s side 11 of 31 competitors hailed from Team Jackson Kayak.

Founded in 2004, Jackson Kayak is the leading seller of whitewater boats. For more information about the company, the team and the family, visit JacksonKayak.com