(July 13, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — It's not often you find Eric Jackson on dry land. The renowned whitewater kayaker and innovative kayak builder, as if he wasn't busy enough, recently added the title of professional fisherman to his resume. Today, Jackson took time from his schedule to join Nissan at the annual ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sport Fishing Trades) event in Orlando to announce a partnership to promote the Nissan Titan full-size pickup lineup.

The association provides Jackson with the use of a new Titan XD for all his professional appearances and for hauling his various modes of on-water rides, be they his own line of custom kayaks or his Ranger bass fishing boat.

"It's a rare occasion when Eric Jackson is not on a lake fishing or navigating the most treacherous whitewater rapids," said Fred Diaz division vice president and general manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc.

"We're proud that he has selected Titan XD as his wheels of choice. With its powerful Cummins® 5.0-liter V8 Turbo Diesel engine, and the security of America's best truck warranty1, he might even be convinced to spend a little more time on terra firma."

Jackson has won more than 100 international freestyle kayaking events, the most of any competitor in history and was a member of the USA Kayak Team from 1989 to 2015 — and just qualified for the 2017 team this past month.  Jackson also represented the USA in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. In 2003, he founded Jackson Kayak, which has become one of the leading manufacturers of competition and recreational kayaks in the world.

In 2015, Jackson fulfilled a childhood dream and became a professional fisherman, joining the Fishing League Worldwide (FLW). He is bringing the same passion to competitive fishing as his extreme whitewater kayaking.

"The Nissan Titan is an incredible machine that can handle my lifestyle, work and sports. From hardcore whitewater kayaking, negotiating 4x4 roads with all of my gear and family, to towing my Ranger to the FLW Tournaments, it is the best tool for the job," said Jackson. "When off the job, my wife and family get to enjoy the comforts and safety of the most sophisticated full-size truck on the market."

Nissan didn't have to look very far to find the latest member of the Titan team — the company and Jackson are both headquartered in Tennessee. The Nissan Titan XD Diesel is assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with engines assembled in Indiana.

"At Jackson Kayak, we work hard to make sure we make everything we can in the USA and Nissan does the same with the Titan," added Jackson.