ABOUT APEX WATERCRAFT
Our Mission
To enhance and extend your paddling lifestyle via movement and lightweight kayaks that provide personal breakthroughs on and off the water.
Our Core Values
Inspire others
We care about getting people on the water because it’s good for them and for those around them. People who paddle seem happier, kinder, and better equipped for success in other areas of their lives.
Fun every day
Paddling is, first and foremost, about quality of life. Few things offer the pure joy of being alive like spending a day, weekend, or longer with friends—river running and swapping kayaking stories afterward.
Creating Breakthroughs
When do you feel best about yourself and your paddling? Typically, it’s when you accomplish something new, find an easier way to do something, or gain a sense of confidence you didn’t have before.
What’s holding you back? More time on the water? Instruction? Exploring new rivers?
Let’s identify those barriers and eliminate them, so you can get more comfortable on the water, paddle better than ever, and create your own breakthroughs.
Who We Are
Enjoy the undeniable feeling of seeing, touching, and paddling your own custom-made carbon masterpiece. Simple Elegance is our mantra.
Apex Watercraft was founded by Olympian, four-time World Champion, and professional fisherman Eric Jackson. Eric has designed hundreds of kayaks and introduced countless innovations to the kayak industry, both on and off the water. His expertise and leadership have culminated in this advanced composite kayak brand.
Our carbon fiber boats aren’t for everyone—they resonate with those who demand the best and have the means to attain it.
Your Experience
We imagine you loading and unloading your kayak solo, effortlessly, and easily getting it to the water without a struggle. Picture yourself skimming across the water in your own personally handcrafted piece of artwork. We believe you shouldn’t have to deal with dead weight.
Our vision is for you to go further, paddle faster, get out on the water more often, and enjoy every moment. Achieving this through lighter-weight, higher-performance kayaks is our ultimate goal at Apex Watercraft.
Eric Jackson (EJ) paddles almost every day and has for over 40 years. His passion for the sport drives us to help you elevate your experience—whether as a whitewater kayaker or a kayak fisherman.
START OF APEX WATERCRAFT
COMBINED YEARS DESIGNING KAYAKS
TOTAL YEARS INSTRUCTING AND INSPIRING OTHERS
AWARDS WON
Meet Our Team
FOUNDER / CEO / PRESIDENT
Eric “EJ” Jackson
Eric Jackson (EJ) has made his life on the water for over 40 years. His accolades are well known in the whitewater kayaking world. An inductee in the International Whitewater Hall of Fame, World Paddle Awards LifeTime Achievement award, Olympian, 4-Time World Champion, and Captain of the USA Kayak Fishing Team.
CUSTOMER SERVICE / OPERATIONS
Joe Ball
Joe, a retired Army vet, manages customer service, shipping, sales, and operations at Apex. He has a lot of hats to wear! He is a paddler and has a family that paddles and is a great resource for anyone looking to have more fun on the water.
ACCOUNTING / SPECIAL PROJECTS
Kristine Jackson
Kristine has been a part of every success that EJ has achieved over the past 32 years. She knows Apex inside and out, and how EJ operates. When she isn’t keeping the books, she is keeping an eye on what the business needs and is either engaging EJ to get it done, or doing it herself.
SALES & MARKETING
Mark Stillman
Mark brings 10 years of experience in sales, marketing, graphic design, and business development to Apex. A lifelong paddler, he’s now sharing the sport with his kids. With his diverse skills and passion for paddling, Mark is committed to growing the Apex brand and inspiring others to get on the water.
CAD / DESIGN
Mark Nordstrom
Mark first came to EJ’s attention during the Orion Cooler design process where Mark lead the CAD work. His first project at Apex was the swivel seat for the Tyr. Now, you can find the EJ/Mark team bringing new innovative whitewater kayak designs from concept to reality as if they have been designing together for decades.