Rapid Media is pleased to announce the winners of the fifth annual Paddling Magazine Industry Awards presented by the Safer Paddling Campaign. These awards honor noteworthy and inventive contributions to the creation of goods that were released this year in the paddlesports industry. More than 38,000 votes from retail buyers, customers, and media members were cast in twelve categories on paddlingawards.com this year, setting a record number of votes. The Paddling Magazine Industry Awards encompass all facets of the sport in all of its disciplines through their categories. The awards offer manufacturers a fantastic chance to launch new products to the broadest possible audience of paddle enthusiasts and retailers. Below is the full list of winners for the 2024 Paddling Magazine Industry Awards.
Best Sea/Touring Kayak: Värmdö LV (13’6”) by Melker of Sweden
The Värmdö is a lightweight, high performance, playful light touring boat featuring a plant-based construction. Targeted to savvy performance paddlers and recreational paddlers who want to feel like rock stars on the water. Smooth, forgiving and stable for new paddlers to learn in, with performance characteristics, predictability and endless play time for surfing, carving and rock gardening. With an all-new premium comfort cockpit with easy adjustability, built just for you.
Best Recreational Kayak: Beach LT Sport by Oru Kayak
The Beach LT is perfect for fun, easy and casual paddling. Oru’s newest model is even easier to assemble and use. The Beach LT’s stable hull shape and spacious cockpit make it ideal for beginners without compromising speed and agility. Take the original origami kayak out for day trips, picnics and mellow paddles on smooth water.
Best Canoe: Scout by Esquif
A canoe the whole family can enjoy in a smaller, lighter and more easily transportable package. Built with added width and volume, the Scout is also made from indestructible T-Formex for durability and zero maintenance. Unlike other plastic canoes, it will not warp or dent and instead will give you a lifetime of maintenance-free paddling. Designed for families, sportsmen and paddlers. The reliable Scout canoe is always ready to be strapped on your roof for your next water adventure.
Best Whitewater Boat: Flow by Jackson Kayak
The Flow is the perfect combination of confidence where you need it and sportiness when you want it. Whether you are just starting out or pushing the boundaries with class V, this boat will take care of you with a shorter, lighter, sportier ride. A modern creek boat rocker profile without all the weight and volume? The Flow is just what the doctor ordered. It has a full-on creek boat hull with a slimmed down deck and shorter length for a lighter, nimble, easy-to-boof, easy-to-carry experience.
Best Fishing Boat & Board: BigWater ePDL+ 132 by Old Town
Designed to keep anglers in the chase, ePDL+ combines pedal and battery assist to propel your fishing experience to the next level. With ePDL+ drive you have options. In it for the long haul? Fish all day with light to moderate motor assist. Need to get there quickly? Crank it up and get there first. Need a break? Set it to cruise control and let the motor get you there. With motorized versatility at your fingertips, your odds out on the water just got a whole lot better.
Best SUP: Jukdo SUP by NRS
The Jukdo SUP Board with IST (Integrated Shaping Technology) gives the do-it-all paddler a premium board that tracks straighter on flatwater with the maneuverability to handle light surf and river running. NRS’ innovative woven drop stitch Z/Blend Core is 20 percent stiffer yet 15 percent lighter than previous boards. Rig gear for an overnighter, or ditch the gym and opt for daily jaunts on the water. Fitness or fun—the Jukdo can do it all, with unparalleled stiffness, performance, stability and durability.
Best Paddle: Aqua Bound Aerial Carbon by Aqua Bound
Introducing one of the most revolutionary paddles in whitewater. Lam-Lok technology mechanically bonds blade layers together, protecting and dramatically extending the paddle’s life. Carbon shaft optimized for a sweet spot of flex between carbon and fiberglass to avoid blowing out shoulders. Blades with a wide, flattened foam spine simulate performance qualities of full foam core blades without sacrificing durability. Two blade sizes, one/two/four piece, straight/crank, fixed length/adjustable.
Best Safety & Rescue: Safety Dry Bag Kit SB-3L by Sirius Signal LLC
All-in-one safety kit for kayaks, boats, canoes and paddlecraft with drybag. Safety kit including everything you need during an emergency on the water. C-1004 eVDSD flashes USCG spec SOS and infrared signal. IP68-rated floating flashlight with CR123 lithium battery. Daylight signal mirror, orange daytime distress flag and marine whistle complies with USCG audible signal requirements. Drybag, waterproof cellphone pouch, liquid filled hand compass, 12 feet of paracord and first aid kit.
Best Clothing/Apparel: Phenom GORE-TEX PRO Dry Suit by NRS
Paddlers who crave the class V hike-in to reach the class V runs need the exceptional, reliable protection the Phenom GORE-TEX PRO Dry Suit delivers. Featuring the same exceptional qualities as the Axiom, the Phenom boasts a back entry zipper, relief zipper and GORE-TEX PRO construction for class V protection with minimum bulk. Men’s and women’s specific cuts with deliberate seam placement reduce wear and tear and increase comfort, extending the Phenom’s life and wow factor.
Best Paddling Accessory: K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit by Bixpy
The K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit is Bixpy’s pro version of its K-1 Outboard Kit. The K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit combines the power of the Bixpy K-1 Motor, with 38 pounds of thrust, and the waterproof, wireless PP-768 Outboard Battery to power virtually any personal watercraft on the market. The Bixpy K-1 Angler Pro allows you to stay out longer, explore new waters, effortlessly glide through strong tides, troll for hours, or just get home effortlessly at the end of a long, tiring day on the water.
Best Rigging & Outfitting: 139 Phone Holder by Scotty Fishing & Outdoor Products
Scotty’s 139 Phone Holder offers a phone holder that is legitimately marine grade. Varying temperatures, constant UV exposure and saltwater are no match for what makes Scotty famous. Scotty’s Phone Holder is made to withstand heavy use in harsh environments. Positioning and securing your device has never been easier. Easy Grip knob allows for width adjustments between 2.75 and 3.75 inches wide. Also has open access for charging your device while in use. Includes post, track and rail mount.
Best Transport/Storage/Launching: TowNStow BarCart Kayak Cart by YakAttack
Designed for extreme duty, the BarCart is universal, collapsible, user-friendly and robust, requiring no tools to assemble or disassemble. With the push of a button or the flip of a lever, the BarCart can be deployed, adjusted or collapsed in seconds. With two bunk bar configurations, it boasts unprecedented compatibility with different hull shapes. Built from UV resistant, high quality, injection molded polymers and anodized aluminum tubing, and assembled with stainless steel hardware.
A core part of who we are is product development and with having a new product be voted best in category three years in a row means a lot to us. The DoubleHeader with Dual RotoGrips won in 2022 and the BlackPak Pro won in 2023.
2022: Best Rigging & Outfitting
LINK to Full 2022 Winner List
2023: Best Paddling Accessory
LINK to Full 2023 Winner List
