Getting to know the new whitewater kayak models at Jackson Part 1

2013 has brought some new whitewater kayak models to the Jackson Kayak line up.

The Karma is our new creek boat and is available in three sizes:  Small/Medium/Large

Small Ideal Weight Range: 80-155 lbs
Medium Ideal Weight Range: 140-215 lbs
Large  Ideal Weight Range: 200-300 lbs

More specs HERE

A couple of things to listen for during the walk-thru that make the Karma stand out are:

- bow rocker - keeps the bow sitting higher in the water, narrow bow which assists with a soft landing
- high parting line - what is it?  The line between the deck and the hull.  Having a high parting line means a large side wall, this prevents water from going over the deck.  The boat won't feel too edgy, it will feel stable
- high volume stern - keeps the stern from burying, it's wider than the bow and this provides great stability
- planing hull - fast
- chines - rounded off early in the bow assists with a soft landing as does the fact that the side walls flare out.

As we prep for the Spring paddling season watch these great walk-thrus and reviews of the Karma and share with us what YOU like about the Karma.

Part 2 will feature the new 2013 Star Series

Get to know the Jackson Kayak KARMA

As we start to experience the Spring-like weather in some parts of the world, we are thinking about snow-melt and flowing rivers.

Check out this video that walks you through the new Jackson Kayak Karma, our newest creek boat.

Jackson Kayak 2013 Line Up Walk Through

If you could not make it to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show in early August or you are a member of the paddling public, check out Episode 8 of Jackson Kayak TV with "Indiana James" and the rest of the JK crew.

Look for new Jackson Kayak Product at your local retailer early next year!  We are super stoked to get out demos so stay tuned...we are thinking November hopefully earlier!!!

Update from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

What's new for 2013?

I am enjoying a very busy and exciting time in Salt Lake City attending the, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show.

The schedule is jam packed but I wanted to get out a few highlights about what's new for 2013.

Kokatat-

1.  Maximus/Maximus Prime PFD's
2.  Kokatat Jackson Collection featuring the Icon Drysuit, Legend Drytop and Mythic Shorty
3.  New Hydrus 3L fabric
4.  Re-launch of our insulation program for Canadian dealers

Jackson Kayak-

1.  New colours in Rec/Touring/Fishing and WW
2.  Fishing - Cuda 12 and the Kilroy, the Kilroy is a sit-in-fishing kayak with a ton of fishing features just like the rest of the JK fishing line up.  Interchangeable soft and hard-deck options, rod storage, tackle storage and our coveted hi-lo seat.  The Cuda 12 is for those anglers who love the size and maneauverability of the Coosa but wanted a stiffer tracking boat. 
3.  Cruise 12 - a recreational sit-on-top kayak, that was inspired by our success with sit-on-tops in the angling community.  "I love this boat - it's stable, I can stand up...but I don't want all the fishing features" - introduce the Cruise.
4.  In WW we have the 2013 Star Series, more volume throughout the boat in comparison to the current Star Series, we have the stern of the Rockstar and the bow of the Star.  This boat is more balanced and initiates moves ie. cartwheels easily.  With tapered ends you can transfer weight more easily and is more stable for less experienced boaters than the Rockstar.  The changes also give the paddler greater hull speed.

Karma - inspired by the Zen, the Karma is the fastest creek boat out there.  It has all the features you like about the Zen but it's designed for the creeker.  It has more rocker than the Zen and it's bigger volume which is great for larger paddlers.  It will be available in two sizes, a medium and a large.  The medium will likely come in a touch larger than the Zen 75.
5.  New partnerships with Go Pro and Nalgene.  All Jackson boats will come with molded inserts for the Go Pro cameras and the Ram kayak fishing accessories.  Where you saw aluminum water bottles we are proud to introduce Made in North America BPA free Nalgene water bottles.
6.  Stand Up Paddling - 3 new boards: SUPerCharger for the river runners and river surfers, SUPerFishal for the anglers and the SUPerNatural for those recreational folks who just want to get out on the water on a wonderful stable and well-priced board.

Seals Sprayskirts - new Stretch Nylon waterproof skirt in 5 sizes, lighweight and fantastic fitting around the cockpit and some new accessories including the SUP leash.

My apologies for the lack of photos so far but I am challenged without wi-fi in the main show hall.  I will do my best to get some up on facebook soon.

Contact me with questions.  We are stoked for 2013!!!!