2027 Products of the Year: Award Winners
The Paddle Sports Show in Strasbourg once again delivered an impressive showcase of innovation, creativity, and design across the paddling industry.
Among the highlights was the Product of the Year Awards, organized in partnership with KS Publishing — the team behind Kayak Session, Paddle World, Stand Up Paddle World, and The Paddler’s Guide. Each year, the contest shines a spotlight on the very best in paddlesports for the upcoming season. Winners were selected by a jury of experts, with the exception of the Dealer Buzz Award, which reflects the voice of the industry through online voting from professionals.
The awards ceremony took place during the 2026 Paddle Sports Show industry party, where twelve trophies were handed out to honor excellence across every corner of paddlesports. And this year, the new Kickstart Award was created for products that encourage new people to get into paddlesports.
Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2027 Paddle Sports Product of the Year Awards:
LEVEL SIX – Emperor
A heavy-duty drysuit built with Level Six’s new Exhaust Pro fabric. An update of the iconic Emperor, this version has an updated rear-zip design and removable suspenders.
SIPABOARDS – e-Cruiser
A self-inflating electric sit-down paddlecraft combining the portability of an inflatable SUP, the stability of a recreational kayak and the range assistance of an integrated electric waterjet.
NRS – Blayzr Packraft
With a tri-plane hull and NRS Vertex Ultra Outfitting, the Blayzr Packraft brings advances in boat control and user safety to make whitewater more accessible to all paddlers.
F2 – Electric Fin Pro
This electric fin offers a practical combination of electric propulsion, easy installation, and flexible control. Thanks to its automatic paddling assistance and manually adjustable continuous thrust, it can be customized to suit any situation.
VIBE KAYAKS – Shearwater
A versatile, stable, and high-performing watercraft designed to function as both a fishing kayak and a stand-up platform, with innovative features that make it accessible to beginners while still appealing to experienced anglers.
ENEVYA – Strato
A high-performance carbon foam-free paddle with a standard-size blade designed for maximum power, stability, and control in all river conditions. Available in both 1-piece and 2-piece configurations.
CLR Outdoor – VIK 3.8 ULTRA
A one-person folding kayak for paddlers who want the direct and stable feel of a structured kayak without having to accept the transport, storage and setup disadvantages of a conventional rigid-hull boat.
LETTMANN – Biskaya
A fast, slim, and agile sea kayak that comes in seven sizes, with improved directional stability for longer journeys and a raised stern that enhances its performance in surf and breaking waves.
Hiko – Solar Panels
Hiko now runs its production facility a on 100% solar power for eight months of the year, following the installation of 180 solar panels with a total capacity of 100 kWp.
DRAGOROSSI – Naga
Very fast and at the same time easy to turn and boof, the Naga is made for both experienced paddlers and beginners. This high-volume boat is exceptional in large volume rivers but also in steep creeks.
PALM x DAGGER – Aon
A modern river runner that offers an ideal entry into whitewater kayaking, letting paddlers feel the water without being pushed around by it. A boat paddlers can grow into for years.
SPADE – Shakti
A responsive creek boat with a name that comes from India, derived from the ancient Sanskrit word for power, strength, and the creative force of the feminine.
Together, these twelve winners showcase the innovation, sustainability, and passion driving paddlesports forward, setting the tone for the adventures of 2027 and beyond.