Feb 14, 2025 - Business

Kayak maker Eddyline sells to Tennessee firm and shifts production to U.S.

Worth Sparkman

A man in a kayak on a river. — Courtesy Eddyline Kayaks

Eddyline Kayaks, which relocated its distribution headquarters to Siloam Springs from Washington state, was acquired by Jackson Kayaks of Sparta, Tennessee, the company announced Thursday.

Why it matters: The company's move to NWA showed potential for the area to grow as a whitewater entrepreneurial cluster.

But the Eddyline presence here is yet to be determined, part owner Emily Jackson told Axios.

Context: Steuart and Tom Walton's RZC Investments bought a minority stake in the company for an undisclosed amount in 2021.

Jackson said her company had acquired the entire company.

State of play: Eddyline had moved its manufacturing to Mexico years ago and saw Siloam Springs as a good middle-of-the-country distribution point, its then-CEO Scott Holley told Axios.

About a year ago the company was struggling to keep up with demand, he said, but it wasn't clear if it was due to manufacturing or increased sales.

The big picture: Eddylines are premium, lightweight kayaks made differently than the majority of roll-molded kayaks, which make up most of Jackson's inventory.

The bottom line: Jackson said the manufacturing work is in the process of moving to Tennessee and that Eddylines will now be U.S.-made.

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Kayak maker Eddyline sells to Tennessee firm and shifts production to U.S.

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