Jackson Hero Kayak Specs

Jackson is a Tennessee-based manufacturer of high-end kayaks for recreational and personal use. The brand produces several styles of kayak, including the Hero series, which is designed for whitewater rafting and extreme river runs. Jackson advertises the line as nimble and easy to roll, ideal for the adventurous types who prefer agility to stability. It comes in two flavors: the Elite and the Super Linear.

  1. Hero Size

    • The Hero line of Jackson's Hero kayaks stretch 88 inches long and measure 26 inches wide. The narrow berth affords easier rolls, while the relatively short length makes turning quicker. It also has a thin profile. At 15 inches high, the Hero is a slender watercraft. This makes slipping in and out difficult but affords the boat more maneuverability on the water.

    Hero Weight

    • Designed for unstable situations in hard-to-reach places, the Hero is a light boat. It weighs 39 pounds, which makes portage easier. It also makes moving the kayak from one entry point to another much easier than with heavier watercraft. The target weight for occupants is 115 to 190 pounds.

    Super Hero Weight

    • The Super Hero is a little bigger than the Hero and affords larger occupants more wiggle room and flotation. The Super Hero stretches 93 inches long and 27 inches wide. At 16 inches high, the Super Hero also is 1 inch taller than its little brother. This also gives a little more space for bigger pilots. The Super Hero remains smaller than kayaks designed for open water and oceans.

    Super Hero Weight

    • The Super Hero is designed for whitewater and unstable kayaking conditions. The Super Hero is relatively light. It weighs 42 pounds, 3 pounds heavier than the Hero, but still much lighter than larger craft. In addition to making water navigation easier, the lighter weight makes the Super Hero a good choice for kayakers who anticipate having to carry their boat between streams or beside particularly treacherous waters. It is designed for occupants between 155 and 290 pounds.