When you choose a Jackson or an Old Town kayak, you’re doing more than picking out a new boat for your adventures. You’re supporting American workers, investing in small-town economies, and celebrating the communities that help build these world-class watercraft.
In the world of paddling, few names resonate with American-made quality and community spirit like Jackson Kayak and Old Town Canoe & Kayak. Both brands are proud American manufacturers with deep roots in their local communities, and both have earned reputations for craftsmanship and innovation. At River Rock, carrying these brands is a point of pride – not just because of their outstanding kayaks and canoes, but because of what they stand for: supporting local jobs, honoring tradition, and pushing the boundaries of design in the USA.
Jackson Kayak – Family-Run, Homegrown in Tennessee
Jackson Kayak was founded in the early 2000s by legendary paddlers in the small town of Sparta, Tennessee. What began as a family-run venture quickly grew into one of America’s elite kayak brands. From day one, Jackson’s core values centered on innovation, inclusivity, and community, aiming to make kayaking fun and accessible for everyone. Over the years, this homegrown company evolved from producing championship whitewater kayaks to expanding into fishing and recreational models – all while pushing the limits of design and performance.
Jackson Kayak’s success is a true American manufacturing story. The company started as a small operation and earned a worldwide following thanks to a reputation for the highest quality products. Through hard work and community support, Jackson Kayak grew its factory in Sparta to over 100 local employees (now around 150) and even had to expand into a larger facility to meet demand. The company prides itself on being Made in the USA, remaining family-owned and operated while supporting the local Tennessee economy. Walk into the Jackson factory and you’ll even see a banner with their motto: “Build it like it’s yours” – a daily reminder of their craftsmanship and personal pride in every kayak they make.
For us, offering Jackson Kayak products means we’re backing a brand that invests in American jobs, treats employees like family, and delivers top-notch kayaks born of passion and innovation.
Old Town Canoe & Kayak – 125 Years of American Heritage
If Jackson is a newer success story, Old Town Canoe & Kayak is a bona fide legend. Founded in 1898 in Old Town, Maine, Old Town has been making boats by hand for over a century. Their very first wood-and-canvas canoes were inspired by the Penobscot Nation’s traditional designs and built on the banks of the Penobscot River – the same river that still flows past their factory today. Fast forward, and Old Town is still going strong in the same community, crafting some of the finest canoes and kayaks in the industry. The year 2023 marked Old Town’s 125th anniversary of producing premium watercraft in Old Town, Maine – a milestone few companies can match.
Old Town’s longevity is a testament to its commitment to quality, innovation, and community. Generations of Maine craftsmen built the brand’s reputation, from the classic wooden canoes in the early 1900s to the advanced materials the company adopted in the 1960s to stay ahead (fiberglass, then modern plastics). Yet despite all the growth and change, Old Town remains deeply rooted in Maine. The company still produces boats in its namesake town, employing a large local workforce (around 200 people in Old Town in recent years) and fueling the local economy. They are proudly Made in the USA, continuing a tradition of hand-built craftsmanship even as they embrace cutting-edge designs.
For our team, carrying Old Town kayaks isn’t just about selling a product – it’s about sharing in a rich American legacy. We love being able to say that the kayaks we offer come from a company that’s been part of its community for over a century, where quality and hometown pride go hand in hand.
Supporting American-Made Traditions
In an age of global manufacturing, Jackson Kayak and Old Town remind us of the value of keeping it local. These two brands – one a family-run Tennessee upstart, the other a century-old Maine icon – both prove that American-made isn’t just a label, it’s a commitment. It’s a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, to constant innovation, and to the communities and people behind the products. When you choose a Jackson or an Old Town kayak, you’re doing more than picking out a new boat for your adventures. You’re supporting American workers, investing in small-town economies, and celebrating the communities that help build these world-class watercraft.
We’re incredibly proud to carry Jackson Kayak and Old Town Canoe & Kayak because they embody the values we hold dear – quality, innovation, and community. In short, they make gear that we trust and believe in, and doing business with them feels like strengthening our own community. Supporting American-made products like Jackson and Old Town isn’t just good for local economies; it also means you’re getting gear with a story and a soul. Next time you’re in the market for a kayak or canoe, we invite you to check out these brands at River Rock – and join us in taking pride in American craftsmanship on the water.
