Before we dive into the Clutch, I think it’s important to explain where I’m coming from and what I’m looking for in a kayak. I’ve been holding a paddle for the last 24 years, and in my younger years, I loved getting lost in remote canyons with good friends, from Norway to Central America and across the U.S. Then, life took its course—mortgages, kids, and careers shifted my focus a bit. Fast forward to 2025, and now I find myself following my 13-year-old son from freestyle comps to new rivers across the U.S. I’m no longer looking for a creek boat to safely navigate narrow canyons, but rather a boat that lets me run Class 4+ or 5- and still have fun on easier runs. 

Currently, I own a Jackson Rockstar 5, Jackson Nirvana, and Jackson Antix 1.0—you could say I’m a fan of Jackson kayaks. Like my back and shoulders, my O.G Antix and Nirvana are showing signs of wear after too many rock splats and river miles. As a dad with bills to pay, I couldn’t justify replacing both a creek boat and a river-running kayak. Luckily, the good folks at Jackson must have sensed my dilemma and created the perfect union for my needs.

Initial Impressions

It’s hard to ignore all the Instagram videos of Nick Troutman, Dane Jackson, and other pros making things look easy in this boat. But I tried to focus not on the kickflips, loops, or stern squirts, but on how the bow rises as they tackle challenging whitewater. As we paddled through the flatwater leading into Westwater Canyon in eastern Utah, my son kept asking what I thought of the boat. I kept telling him I was reserving judgment until I could paddle it in a rapid. He stopped asking when he looked back and saw me sailing over the first boof in the canyon—the smile on my face said it all. The boat loaded up perfectly over the drop, sailed over the hole, and rocketed forward. For a moment, I felt like Dane!

Outfitting

The first Class 5+ river I ran was the North Fork of the Blackwater in West Virginia, in a borrowed Eskimo Salto without hip pads. So, my attention to detail in outfitting might be lacking—I usually spend about five minutes on it. That said, I’m a firm believer in Jackson’s outfitting system: it’s easy to set up and use, and durable enough for years of abuse. All new Jackson kayaks come with the Bee’s Knees outfitting, and if you haven’t tried these game-changing additions, they’ll redefine how you think a boat should fit. It reminds me of the first time I rode a mountain bike with a dropper post. I made fun of them at first, and now I wouldn’t ride without one. I don’t feel like I really fit in a kayak unless I have the Bee’s Knees holding my legs securely in place.

Boofing

Yes, it boofs very, very well.

Rolling

Gone are the days of boats that were built like boxes (think Wave Sort “Y”), the modern era of boat design has graced us with boats that once rolled over roll up easily, the Clutch is no exception to this rule.  I found the Clutch easy to roll for several reasons.  The quick and easy fit of Jackson kayaks makes me feel secure in the boat and my body movements above or below the water were quickly transmitted to the boat, whether it be rolling or catching an eddie.  The second reason I liked rolling the boat comes from the tapered stern, it allowed me to back deck roll with ease.  If you have a solid roll this boat will only make you more confident in your ability to roll a boat, and if you are still working on your roll, this is the boat finally dial in your roll.

River Running

Looking for a boat that can handle Class 4-5 whitewater and still be playful in Class 3 is a unique goal since the qualities that make a boat playful and fun in Class 3 aren’t typically what you’d want in a boat for harder whitewater. But somehow, Jackson pulled it off. The big rockered bow plows through whatever’s in its way, and the smushed stern allows for stylish stern squirts to earn some extra bonus points.

Surfing

With a hull as flat and straight as a Kansas road this thing would sit on a glassy wave all day if you had the time.  Once you get bored of front surfing the well designed edges give you the right amount of purchase to carve the wave up like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Overall

Let’s be honest: there are plenty of boats to choose from today, and no boat does it all. But if you’re looking for one with a modern rocker profile, a stern that brings back the joy of playing the river, easy-to-use comfortable outfitting, American-made quality, and support from a company of kayakers who have dedicated their life to the sport, then get out your credit card and buy yourself a new Jackson Clutch.

Pros

– Fewer boats to pack on a road trip

– Flies over boofs

– Squirts when you want it to, not when you don’t

-Rolls with ease

-Jackson outfitting

Cons

– I don’t own one—yet

– Due to the stern design, it’s a bit tricky to get all the water out of the boat

-RMA Contributor Patrick Forster (seen above getting his soul surf on)

The Clutch is in-stock for purchase and demo. Shop online or stop in today.