The Journal

PaddleTV’s second annual Best in Class awards have been announced by world-renowned paddler, instructor, television host, and YouTuber, Ken Whiting. Ken spent the summer testing and creating gear review content around some of the most interesting paddle crafts and paddling gear on the market. To recognize the products that stood out for enhancing the paddling experience in some way, Ken has awarded them his coveted ‘PaddleTV Best-in-Class Awards’.

A natural evolution from PaddleTV’s Buyer’s Guide YouTube series, the Best-in-Class awards celebrate the “best of the best” in paddlesports. Produced by Heliconia, the Best-in-Class awards are an authentic and unbiased celebration of the top paddlesports products that Ken tested in 2022. Each Best-in-Class video features the top products within a specific category. For each product featured, Ken discusses why he has chosen it as one of the top products of the year, and who should consider purchasing it.

The awards are being released to over 100,000 subscribers through Ken’s industry leading PaddleTV YouTube channel, and also being shared to his 135,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, and on in4adventure.com, a new online resource focused on getting people outdoors, and ensuring those experiences are as great as possible.

Without any further ado, the 2022 PaddleTV Award winners are:

BEST PORTABLE KAYAK

• Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track the best portable kayak
• TuckTec Folding Kayak is Best Entry-Level Portable Kayak
• Pakayak Bluefin 142 Best Performing Portable Kayak 
• Isle Switch Inflatable SUP/Kayak is Most Versatile Paddle Craft

BEST KAYAK

• The Swell Watercraft Scupper 14 is the Best Sit-on-Top Kayak
• The P&H Sea Kayaks Leo HV is the Best Touring
• The Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak is the Best Gateway Kayak
• The Jackson Kayak Rockstar V is the Best Whitewater Kayak
• The LiquidLogic Saluda 12 is the Best Recreational Kayak

BEST PADDLING GEAR

• Astral PFD & Webber Sandals
• NRS Guide Shirt
• Rapid Pure Water Filter
• Level Six Pack
• Suspenz Cart

Brands interested in having products considered for PaddleTV Awards in 2023 are encouraged to reach out to Ken Whiting directly at ken@helipress.com. For more information about PaddleTV and Heliconia’s various paddle-focused media projects, visit www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, Chad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.