Jackson Kayak producing Eddyline brand kayaks

Jackson Kayak is one of the most successful businesses to be located in Sparta, and they have recently grown in a big way. Eddyline Kayaks is a legacy brand that many kayakers are familiar with, and they recently moved into Sparta under Jackson Kayak. They recently acquired the line as part of their production, bringing in dozens of jobs right to home.

Eddyline Kayaks has been around since 1971, originally produced in the Pacific Northwest. A few years ago, they expanded their production into Mexico. In February 2025, however, Jackson Kayak brought them in as a new line and to help save the brand from its hard times. The line has been a leader in recreational, touring kayaks. They also pioneered vacuum bag and thermoformed kayak technology.

“It has a lot of history,” said Emily Jackson, market manager for Jackson Kayak and a practiced kayaker herself. “We really wanted to make sure it didn’t go away in that chaos. Lot of history, and lot of synergy. Knowing that history, and these companies, and knowing that those legacy brands struggle, the fact we were able to poise and execute the acquisition made it all the better.”

The acquisition is great for White County as well, as Jackson Kayak reports that around 20 additional jobs were brought to their production line thanks to the Eddyline acquisition, bringing Jackson Kayak to around 140 jobs with production. As Jackson Kayak continues to expand, they seek out more of these legacy brands that struggle to stand on their own feet.

Jackson Kayak hopes to continue operating in and lifting up Sparta for years to come, giving back to the region that helped stir the company’s genuine love for kayak sporting.