2026 Product 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 2025 Paddle Sports Show industry party, where twelve trophies were handed out to honor excellence across every corner of paddlesports. Competition was tight in every category, with outstanding entries across the board.
Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2026 Paddle Sports Product of the Year Awards:
LODESTONE LEASHES – Automatic leash
An innovative automatic-release leash that keeps paddlers securely connected during normal use but instantly separates in the event of an entrapment, offering reliable, repeatable safety backed by patent-pending magnetic technology.
Read more hier.
VALLEY SEA KAYAKS – Genesis 14.10
Short, playful sea kayak that combines light weight, agility, and responsive handling with enough speed and storage for multi-day coastal or inland adventures.
Read more hier.
PRIJON – Finna
High-end carbon foam-core whitewater paddle featuring dynel-edged carbon blades, a forward-drop design for powerful strokes, and a durable carbon-glass hybrid shaft.
Read more hier.
HOBIE – iTrek Angler
The convenience of a lightweight inflatable with the full features of a modern fishing kayak. It offers MirageDrive 180 propulsion, H-Rails, motor and electronics compatibility, and easy transport in a rolling bag.
Read more hier.
BMW x SIPABOARDS – Tourer Electric
Self-inflating, jet-assisted electric paddleboard that combines BMW-inspired design with integrated propulsion, intuitive paddle-mounted controls, and safety-focused features to make paddling more accessible, sustainable, and fun.
Read more hier.
JAWS – Icare 4.x packraft
Lightweight, compact, and ultra-resistant packraft designed by kayakers for Class IV+ whitewater, offering unmatched playfulness, maneuverability, and a patented self-bailing system in an eco-responsible build.
Read more hier.
LETTMANN – The Dude
A stable yet dynamic creek boat that combines easy handling, playful skipping, and forgiving control, giving beginners confidence and pros a reliable partner on the toughest whitewater.
Read more hier.
PALM EQUIPMENT – Seawastex®
A recycled nylon made from discarded fishing nets, delivering premium, PFAS-free performance fabrics for drysuits, jackets, and pants while cutting carbon emissions and supporting coastal communities.
Read more hier.
LEKKER KAYAKS – Petrel
A fast and stable sea kayak with surfski-inspired design, abundant storage, and an ergonomic cockpit, built for everything from multi-day expeditions to fitness paddling and fishing.
Read more hier.
NRS – Vector PFD
A next-generation rescue vest featuring the Orbit Fit System™ and Every Body Design™ for unmatched comfort and mobility, built with sustainable materials and RECCO® reflectors for added safety.
Read more hier.
LEVEL SIX – Exhaust Pro Fabrics
Next-generation waterproof-breathable fabrics that are PFAS-free, 100% recycled, and engineered from the ground up to meet the dynamic demands of paddlesports.
Read more hier.
PALM x HOBSON – Eclipse Surf Kayak
A hybrid surf–river kayak that combines surfboard-inspired performance with tough rotomoulded construction, built to carve, plane, and play on river waves, tide races, and ocean surf alike.
Read more hier.
Together, these twelve winners showcase the innovation, sustainability, and passion driving paddlesports forward, setting the tone for the adventures of 2026 and beyond.
