Jackson Flow Kayak Review: First Impressions

Name: Jackson Flow Kayak Medium
Brand: Jackson Kayak
SKU: FKFLOWMLE
Price: 2322.0 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Author: Simon Coward

The brand new Jackson Flow Medium Whitewater Kayak is hitting the shelves in Fall 2023 and Summer 2024, and I’m stoked. I just got off the water after trying out this latest model for the first time and here's my take on its performance.

Stability and Control

My initial thoughts? This kayak handled as expected. It felt light on the water and was nimble and easy to control. Tracking through eddies and carrying speed through eddy lines and downstream went well. Keep in mind that the river was at a mellow class two, but the kayak's performance speaks for itself.

However, there's a caveat – the Flow truly shines when it's on the move. To get maximum stability, you'll want the boat either moving downstream quickly or moving across current. It didn’t feel great when idle. Once you get it going, though, it feels very stable and controlled.

putting it to the test

I put the Jackson Flow through its paces, executing a bunch of eddy turns, running small rapids, surfing some green waves, and taking on a couple small holes. The kayak didn't disappoint. I managed a couple of flat spins and nice front surfs.

surfing performance

When front surfing, the Flow had an interesting quirk. It put off a bit of a plume of water at the front, almost like a displacement effect, which felt a tad unusual but didn't compromise control on the wave. In fact, being able to flat spin a river running boat was pretty neat.

$2,322.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Jackson Kayak Flow is a river running creek boat that is designed to take your paddling to the next level. 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, sporty ride! Want 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-turn, easy-to-boof, easy-to-carry experience with maximum maneuverability.

FEATURES

Full planing hull
Super high-rockered design--both bow and stern
Lots of legroom for all-day comfort
Forgiving sidewall and deck shape for a forgiving, confidence-inspiring ride
Sleeker, shorter, lighter, and lower volume than a full-on creek boat
Jackson Kayak’s Bees Knees Thigh Hook System (Patented) for increased contact and control in the thigh brace area.
Jackson Kayak’s Uni-Shock Bulkhead System (Patented) – the highest shock absorbing system on the market.
Jackson Kayak’s Sure-Lock Backband System (Patented) – the lightest, most user-friendly system that can be adjusted anywhere
Jackson Kayak’s Warranty Program

DESIGNED FOR

Paddlers of every skill level--if you want to run rivers and creeks, but don't need all the volume of a full creek boat, The Flow is your dream come true. The Flow has a high-rockered hull based on the Gnarvana, in a shorter, sleeker package for a lighter, more nimble feel. It'll out-surf a creek boat, but take care of you on steeper creeks. It is super easy to roll, edge, turn, and carve around-in--making it great for beginners and experts alike. The Flow is the river-running creek boat of the future...right now!

Small & Large Sizes to follow.

Specifications

Length:8'5"
Width:26.75"
Height:14.5"
Volume:77 gal
Paddler Weight Range:120 - 200 lbs
Weight:46.76 lbs

Video

Colour

Cotton Candy

LE - Miami Vice

Northern Lights

Torch

Filling the Gap in Jackson's Lineup

Jackson has hit the mark with the Flow. It's not as hefty and Class five oriented as the Gnarvana, nor as sporty as a half slice like the Rewind or Ripper – and it's not meant to be. Instead, it fills a sweet spot in the market as a stable, river-running kayak that inspires confidence.

While it may not offer the same sporty thrills as some current half slice alternatives, the Flow shines as an excellent boat for teaching and tackling harder class four and easy class five rapids – which is kind of my max these days. For class three and easy class four, I'd lean more toward an Antix or Rewind.

A Versatile All-Rounder

The Jackson Flow Medium Whitewater Kayak is a fantastic all-rounder and a significant upgrade from the Zen 3. I’m really looking forward to seeing intermediate and beginner paddlers getting the Jackson Flow into whitewater, building confidence and helping more advanced paddlers progress.