The paddlers have spoken, and today we are excited to announce the winners of the fourth annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards presented by the Safer Paddling Campaign. These awards recognize significant and innovative achievements in the development of products introduced to the paddlesports market this year.
This year, more than 25,000 votes from retail buyers, consumers and media were cast across nine categories* at paddlingawards.com. See our full announcement for all category winners.
The categories of the Paddling Magazine Industry Awards are representative of every aspect of the sport from recreational touring and fishing to whitewater and standup paddleboarding. The awards present brands with the outstanding opportunity to introduce new products to the largest audience of both paddling enthusiasts and the industry.
Here are the kayak fishing category winners of the fourth annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards:
1 Best Fishing Boat and Board
Knarr FD by Jackson Kayak
Jackson Kayak will help you conquer the water with a new fishing platform, the Knarr FD. This kayak is 100 percent dialed in on the challenges presented by oceans and large lakes. Bring on the surf, current, wind, tide and the elements—these are the focus of the boat’s design. The Knarr is crafted for speed and stability and can handle surf and tracking in any weather or water conditions. This incredible kayak, combined with the new Mark IV Flex Drive, is Jackson’s most efficient pedal kayak.
2 Best Transport/Storage/Launching
Catch-All Universal Airless Cart by Suspenz
The Catch-All Universal Airless Cart by Suspenz is bi-directional and allows for boats to be loaded lengthwise or crosswise for wide loads with a kick-stand for easy loading. The Mag-Lite Airless Wheels provide easy maneuvering. Four-point cam buckle straps are woven into the Bunker Bars to secure boats and prevent load shifting. The Padded Bunker Bars are covered with replaceable canvas sleeves to protect your watercraft and cart for the long haul. Patent Pending
3 Best Paddling Accessory
BlackPak Pro by YakAttack
The original hard-sided kayak crate just got better. A lot better. Introducing the BlackPak Pro. The result of more than a year of research and design, the BlackPak Pro is fully riggable and boasts a hinged lid, 25 percent weight reduction and best-in-class functionality. Enhancements include many things you might have expected, as well as some true-to-the-brand features that no one saw coming. Available in three sizes, YakAttack’s new BlackPak Pro will fit in a wide variety of fishing and recreational kayaks.
Congratulations to all the 2023 Paddling Magazine Industry Award Winners!
About Paddling Magazine
Paddling Magazine is the flagship title of Rapid Media, the world’s largest paddlesports media company. Rapid Media’s mission is to inspire and empower paddlers by leading as the sport’s definitive advocate and resource. Rapid Media celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023. Alongside Paddling Magazine, the brand produces Kayak Angler, Paddling Business, the Paddling Industry Awards and the Paddling Film Festival.
* Note: No entries were received for two categories in this year’s awards: Best Canoe, and Best Rigging & Outfitting.
