The “First Family of Kayaking” is set to compete for berths on the men’s and women’s Olympic kayaking teams at the USA Canoe/Kayak National Team Trials in Charlotte N.C., April 15-17.
Eric, Emily and Dane will compete in the qualifying rounds in the Slalom discipline. The competition takes place during the U.S. National Whitewater Center Spring Festival. This marks the first time Emily and Dane have competed alongside their father for Olympic berths.

"It is another wonderful chapter in my life as a parent and athlete; to be able to train and compete in this historic event together with my kids,” said Eric Jackson. “Win or lose, we win as a family and enjoy the challenge together."

Founder, designer and team member of Jackson Kayak, Eric Jackson, is a four-time world champion kayaker in freestyle and has competed in the Olympics previously. He was a member of the U.S. Slalom Team from 1989-1998 and competed in Barcelona in the 1992 games. He has also been a member of the USA Freestyle kayak team since 1993.

Emily, a two-time freestyle world champion kayaker, and brother Dane, a three-time world champion, will be among many athletes competing for spots on the men’s and women’s teams.

"I look forward to competing in this top field of slalom racers and seeing how I do against them,” Dane commented. “It is fun to get out of freestyle and extreme paddling and learn to compete in a new discipline.”

“We don’t normally compete, let alone train in slalom, because we are fulltime freestyle kayakers,” Emily said. “It is fortunate that the USA Olympic trials are scheduled where we can have quality time to train and compete. I know we can succeed.”

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ABOUT JACKSON KAYAK:

Jackson Kayak was founded in 2003 by Eric Jackson. Currently located in Sparta, Tennessee near the Caney Fork River, Jackson Kayak designs and manufactures a line of high-quality kayaks including whitewater, creeking, touring, environmental and fishing. Converting an old Levi Jeans factory into a manufacturing headquarters, Jackson Kayak has not only elevated the kayak industry but also strengthened the Sparta economy. For more information, visit www.jacksonkayak.com.