US, Team Jackson Kayak Lead World Cup Results

Team Jackson Kayak claimed seven of the 12 top spots in kayaking divisions during the inaugural World Cup of Kayaking. Competition among the top ranks of boaters was intense at all three venues that comprised the World Cup Tour held the first three weekends of September.

When final scores were tallied, the US and Team JK dominated the top three podium positions. In all, the US took home 11 of 18 medals total medals, 7 of which were earned by team Jackson Kayak athletes. American paddlers Eric “EJ” Jackson, Stephen Wright and Clay Wright swept Open Men finishing first, second and third respectively.

Team JK’s Emily Jackson placed second while teammate Canadian Ruth Gordon took home the bronze behind gold medal champion Tanya Faux of Australia in the Open Women class.

In Junior Men Team JK’s Nick Troutman of Canada narrowly edged out Dane Jackson in a tie-breaker for top honors. The next closest score, taking third place, was tallied by Sam Sutton of New Zealand.

“While this was a huge showing for Team JK and I’m very proud of our results, the sheer number and depth of talent that traveled from al over the world to take part in this first-ever World Cup is a strong testimonial to the health of kayaking as a sport and an industry” said Eric “EJ” Jackson, founder and president of Jackson Kayak.

The World Cup, an International Canoe Federation sanctioned event, attracted nearly 150 competitors representing 21 countries. The World Cup comprised three stops held on consecutive weekends earlier this month starting on Canada’s Ottawa River, then heading to the Blackwater Challenge in upstate New York, concluded at Rock Island in Tennessee. Future World Cups will alternate between the US and Europe during even numbered years. World Championships are held on odd numbered years. The next World Championship will be in Spring 2007 on the Ottawa.

The following is a complete list of Top Three finishes in all divisions (name, country, points):
OPEN MEN
Eric Jackson, USA, 215
Stephen Wright, USA, 210
Clay Wright, USA, 205

OPEN WOMEN
Tanya Faux, Australia, 285
Emily Jackson, USA, 260
Ruth Gordon, Canada, 195

JUNIOR MEN
Nick Troutman, Canada, 260
Dane Jackson, USA, 260
Sam Sutton, New Zealand, 175

JUNIOR WOMEN
Sara Hunter, USA, 235
Noria Newman, France, 200
Alexandra Shallhorn, Canada, 135

C-1 UNISEX OPEN
Guillaume LaRue, Canada, 275
Seth Chappelle, USA, 230
Joe Stumpfel, USA, 230
Dane Jackson, USA, 185

OC-1 Open
Eli Helbert, USA, 285
Jez Blanchard, Australia, 250
Jeremy Lauks, USA, 145