Canoecopia - 2023 Presentations by Category

Canoecopia is presented by

Presenting Sponsor

Location
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Way
Madison, Wisconsin

Show Hours
Friday: 3 PM to 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Tickets
1-Day: $15.00
3-Day: $30.00
Ages 17 and under are FREE
Cash or check only for tickets purchased at the event

Parking Fees
1-Day: $8.00
Cash or credit, fees collected by Alliant Energy Center

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All Presentations

Samantha Mie Armacost, Scott Armacost

A River Eulogy: Father & Daughter Paddling the Mississippi River to Commemorate the Victims of Covid-19

BWCA - main floor Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

'A River Eulogy' is a 2021 paddling expedition that follows a father and daughter who, although almost diametrically opposed in terms of identity, politics, and worldviews, end up in a canoe together on the Mississippi River for 103 days.

In the midst of an era defined by division and polarization, these two find a common quest to commemorate the victims of Covid-19 as they paddle through America's Heartland and into its Deep South, trying to find peace in each other and their ... Read More

Jeff Bach

Building Your Own Custom Paddle

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:00pm-4:00pm

Any kind of paddle is better than nothing, but your own custom wood piece puts paddling over the top. Building your own paddle is within reach of anyone that can fog a mirror. Basic skills and tools, some wood, and a bit of fiberglass and epoxy are all it takes to build a paddle. Handle options, adding a rock guard, and some blade choices are part of this show-n-share, along with covering the step by step path to building your own paddle.

This presentation is part of the Drop-In ... Read More

Steve Ballou

Paddling in the Apostle Islands

Algonquin - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Algonquin - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore draws people from all over to experience the beauty and rugged wilderness of these islands and Lake Superior. What does it take to paddle and camp in this special place? Are you prepared to travel the waters of Lake Superior safely? With proper planning and preparation, you can have the adventure of a lifetime. Join Ranger Steve to explore the ins and outs of your next trip to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. How did the Apostle Islands get the name?

John Bates

A Far Side Guide to Birding

BWCA - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Caribou - upstairs Sat 10:30am-11:15am

The evolution, natural selection, population dynamics, adaptations, reproductive strategies, behaviors, migration, management - here's Birding 101 in 45 minutes through the comic lens of Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes, and others. Laugh your way to knowing more about birds while you're hiking or paddling.

John Bates

Trailside Botany along Portages: Stories of Northwoods Trees and Shrubs

Quetico - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Every plant has a story. Each one has a personality. What do you see along a portage or at your campsite? Come hear stories of the natural and cultural history of our most common trees and shrubs that make us uniquely the Northwoods and not somewhere else.

Timothy Bauer

Adrift in the Driftless

to be scheduled

Hidden in the middle of the Upper Midwest lies an ancient area that is home to rare species, Native American effigy mounds, sinkholes, caves, cliffs, and natural spring waterfalls. Bigger than Vermont and New Hampshire combined, it's called the Driftless Area and is the hilly exception to the otherwise glaciated rule of relative flat. It also comprises some of the most breathtaking paddling trips in the country, including the Mississippi River, which acts as a spine connecting Minnesota, ... Read More

Timothy Bauer

Mistakes Were Made

Superior - main floor Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Ever paddle down to a bridge and realize that you left your form of transportation at a different bridge - or at a wholly different river? Ever leave your boat at a bridge, run the shuttle, and discover that someone had stolen your boat in the meantime? Yeah, us neither. But ask Timothy, and that's another whole story - several stories, actually. If tragedy plus time equals comedy, come be regaled by a smorgasbord of schadenfreude as Timothy shares his "pro" tips on what NOT to do while ... Read More

Matthew Baxley, Joe Friedrichs

Documenting Your Canoe Country Wilderness Adventure

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Sharing your story of a trip to the wilderness is now more accessible and diverse than at any other time. Audio, video, and the written word all offer unique ways to share your outdoor adventures with a shared audience.

Learn from audio and video storytellers Matthew Baxley and Joe Friedrichs from the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast about how to reach an audience using captivating storytelling.

Professional content creators, they'll discuss how to share your ... Read More

Scott Beauchamp

Update: Toxic Mining Near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Bear - upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

With limitless opportunities for exploration and some of the cleanest water in the country, the Boundary Waters is a national treasure. But proposed copper-sulfide mining threatens to pollute these pristine waterways. Come hear the good news on how the tide is turning in the fight to protect clean water and how people are working to ensure the BWCA stays wild for this and future generations.

Kevin Callan

How To Be A Happy Camper

Quetico - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Kevin Callan (a.k.a. The Happy Camper) will talk about our motivations for getting out in the wilderness, and share how to be happy, comfortable, content, skillful, and dependable while out there (and how to motivate others to get out there as well - and stay out there longer). From cool camp gadgets to skinny dipping etiquette to cooking s'mores to making the perfect bush martini, Kevin will share his philosophical views he's gained from countless paddle strokes through Canada's waterways. ... Read More

Kevin Callan

Once Around Algonquin

Quetico - main floor Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Kevin Callan (a.k.a. The Happy Camper) will share stories from his hilarious book "Once Around Algonquin": an exciting tale of misadventure on the toughest paddling route in Ontario's most well-loved wilderness, Algonquin Provincial Park. While sharing his love of this paddling paradise, Callan details some of the park's history and evolution, interweaving stories from the voyage. Chuckle along with the tales behind the blisters and bruises in this bromance adventure tale all told with Callan's ... Read More

Kevin Callan

Top 70 Canoe Routes of Ontario

Quetico - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Quetico - main floor Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Kevin (a.k.a. The Happy Camper) will review some of the top canoe tripping destinations in Ontario. He's updated his best selling guide book and added some more routes, including Temagami, Georgian Bay, Saugeen River, Grand River, West Bay of Lake Nippissing.

Craig Charles

Planes, Trains, Canoes and Wabakimi's Canadian Wilderness

Algonquin - main floor Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Caribou - upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Woodland Caribou still roam the lakes and forests of Ontario's Wabakimi Provincial Park where wild river's run free and wolves outnumber paddlers. Join Craig Charles for slides and conversation as he boards a bush train in search of wilderness walleyes in the Canadian backcountry north of Thunder Bay. Board a passenger train from the tiny town of Armstrong that carries canoes, packs, and paddlers deep into the Canadian bush for a world class fishing trip to a backcountry camp complete with ... Read More

John Chase

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Kayaking

Sylvania - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

It sounds easy...buy a boat, put it in the water, start paddling. Let's talk about what you need, what you don't, and more to make a paddler's first or 50th day on the water full of smiles. Come to this safe space where we'll explore all those questions that you've been afraid to ask but need to know.

John Chase

Paddling Alaska’s Prince William Sound

Sylvania - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Superior - main floor Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Towering peaks, flowing glaciers, and an unforgettable experience. Join us as we explore a route through the southwest portion of the Sound and give a rundown of the must-see places and campsites along the way.

John Chase

Perfectly Pack your Kayak for a Multi-Day Trip

Atrium - upstairs Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Atrium - upstairs Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

Loading your personal and shared group gear in your boat is both art and science. This hands-on workshop will equip you with tips and tricks to pack your kit for a dry, safe and enjoyable multi-day journey without having to cut the handle off your toothbrush.

John Chase

Planning Your First Kayak Overnight

Caribou - upstairs Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Algonquin - main floor Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Learn tips and tricks to make your first overnight experience from your kayak a positive one. We'll discuss preparation strategies, gear to bring and what to avoid, food, camp management, and lots more.

Tiara Coats, Zorbari Nwidor, Fredrick Williams

From Underground to Water Trail: Blue Spaces for Black Faces

Bear - upstairs Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

This presentation will go into the history of the African American heritage trail, its ties to the Underground Railroad, the mission to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people of color and how restorative justice has been a key component to reclaiming and sustaining these spaces. We will discuss the history, impact, and importance of this 7-mile water trail that starts on the Southside of Chicago and ends in Dolton, Illinois touching neighborhoods like Golden Gate, Riverside Village, ... Read More

Will Collins

America By Canoe - Stories and Lessons from 4,300 miles on the Yukon & Mississippi Rivers

BWCA - main floor Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Barges, bears, salmon camps, good people and cold beer. Will Collins shares stories, lessons and insights from 173 days canoeing the Yukon and Mississippi Rivers, exploring America and meeting its people from the view of a canoe.

Will Collins

Catch More Fish - Tips, Tricks & Stories for fishing from a Canoe or Kayak

Bear - upstairs Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

Join Paddler and Angler Will Collins for fishing tips tricks & stories to help up your game & put more fish in the canoe or kayak. We'll talk gear, boating & fishing strategy, how to approach & breakdown new water, & of course share great fish photos! Bring your questions and lets talk fish!

The Aluminum Chef Competition

Quetico - main floor Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Once again, our three Aluminum Chefs will test their camp culinary skills against each other in true outdoor style. Kevin Callan returns as our unstoppable emcee in this fast-paced event. Woods-woman, Mona Gauthier and former park ranger Marty Koch go up against local chef Luke Zahm of the Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, WI. Using MSR stoves and cook kits, and a pantry of simple ingredients you might have on your next camping trip (donated by the Driftless Cafe), our chefs will compete for the best ... Read More

Susan Conrad

Seeking Synchronicity: A Solo Kayak Journey up the Inside Passage

Algonquin - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Bear - upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Put any human in a tiny vessel and send them up a perilous 1,200-mile stretch of the Inside Passage of British Columbia and SE Alaska-and they are bound to have stories! Susan Conrad's stories are not just filled with intrigue and adventure, but they have inspiration and gratitude. Susan will share stories and images of her 2022 solo, 78-day sea kayak expedition up the Inside Passage from Washington State to Sitka, Alaska, comparing and contrasting it with her 2010 expedition. Relive the trip ... Read More

Tony Daniel

Paddling All 50 States

Sylvania - main floor Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

BWCA - main floor Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Join Tony Daniel on his paddling quest to explore rivers, lakes, bays, canals, whitewater, swamps, and creeks in all 50 states. His "all good" philosophy applies not only to different paddling environments but also various paddle craft- canoes, kayaks, c1s, etc. A brief video will feature the beauty of the 40 states he's already completed. This will be followed by a discussion of basic strategies and routines that he uses in different environments. You'll learn what makes some paddling ... Read More

Ethan & Andrew Elkins, Andrew ELKINS, Chuck Pils

(Not) Hanging out with Bears

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Keep your food, and eat it too! Andrew and Ethan share the best ways to hang a bear-bag, and maybe demonstrate a hang or two. They will also go over some gear including deterrents, creature comforts, and the differences between a portage barrel and a bear barrel. Many Examples to see in person.

Ethan & Andrew Elkins, Andrew Elkins, Chuck Pils

Camp Life with(out) Bears.

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Bear - upstairs Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Ethan and Andrew hope to help to raise your confidence in the campsite. They'll go over how they have been successful in staying off bears' radar while out camping in the wilderness using techniques in campsite setup, useful scent-control related gear, and other best practices. They will also be joined by a DNR representative to go over some bear do's and don'ts.

Al & Marsha Fairfield, Marsha Fairfield

Sylvania Wilderness Past, Present, and Future

Algonquin - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

The Sylvania Wilderness Area has a colorful history leading up to becoming the wilderness recreation area it is today. Abundant wildlife, protected fisheries, and wilderness camping are obvious attractions. Learn what you need to explore this special place responsibly. We will also explore the changes brought about by climate change, invasive species, COVID, technology, and an increase in visitors.

Vern Fish, Beth Rausch

Boreal Birds & The Big River

Caribou - upstairs Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

The Big River is actually a little river that flows through a remote segment of the Wabadowgang Noopming Forest three hours north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. This small river is an historic canoe route with outstanding wilderness values. We explored this wild river with a paddle, bird book and an audio recorder. Waterfalls, rapids, rugged portages and species at risk can still be found along this challenging wilderness canoe route.

Birds are great environmental indicators. Two ... Read More

Steven Fritz

Paddling the Same Water Through the Seasons

Sylvania - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Many paddlers make plans over the winter to paddle many rivers and lakes the following year. We paddle our intended water once then move on to the next one. What if we paddled the same stretch of water multiple times in each season over the year? What would we see that we would most likely miss paddling it once? Come along with me on a 4 season paddle of a 5 mile section of the Plover River in Central Wisconsin to see what all I saw

Paula Furlich, Sue Sullivan, Mona Gauthier

Never Underestimate a Woman With a Paddle

Bear - upstairs Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Caribou - upstairs Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Follow three adventurous women as they travel the border route from Crane Lake to Fort Charlotte in June of 2022. Learn about the route they took, the gear they brought, the food they ate, the lessons they learned, and how they finished. Told in words, pictures, and stories. Find inspiration in the challenges they faced and how they persevered. Discover your own Sisu.

Mona Gauthier

Dehydrated Food: Finally, the Egg Has Been Cracked

Superior - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

BWCA - main floor Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

After failed attempts to dehydrate eggs, success was achieved. And WOW, what a game changer! Not only on the breakfast menu, but in storage methods and the weight of the food pack. Learn about basic and advanced food dehydration, the 5 enemies of dried food and how to control their impact. Oh yeah, you will also learn how you too can dehydrate eggs and store them for 2+ years.

Chris Gavin

Foraging at the Water's Edge

Bear - upstairs Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Do you ever wonder about the wild edibles that could be found within reach as you are paddling down a stream, river, or lake shore? How do you identify which plants and fungi are safe to eat or where you are allowed to harvest them? Join Chris Gavin as we cover the basics of getting into foraging wild foods with a focus on those found at the water's edge. Chris will discuss how to safely, legally, and sustainably harvest wild food on your next paddle!

Nicholas Gordon

Culinary Tips for Backcountry Trips

BWCA - main floor Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sat 10:30am-11:15am

This isn't your average dehydrated spaghetti talk! Join Nick Gordon, an experienced camp chef and guide, for a culinary adventure that will launch your trail food's bliss index from blah to WOW! This expedition paddles into daring, creative, ultralight, shelf-stable, savory awesomeness with a side of caloric fill power. "There is no better way to end a tough day than with an exceptional meal," says Nick (aka Nick of the Woods) who has a reputation for imagination when feeding exhausted paddlers ... Read More

Elijah Greiner, Amos Kolodji, Jackie McDougall, Chrissy Turk, Hunter Oliver

How to Plan a Summer-Long Trip (in Six Months)

Killarney - Clarion Hotel Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Learn how to plan a 12-week trip in only six months. The Vagabond Voyageurs did just that. Before their 84-day, 1200-mile Canadian tour last summer, none of these six friends had done a canoe trip longer than 14 days. Frequent collaboration through the winter and spring turned a dream trip into a reality. The Far North calls! Will you push the adventure back another summer, or answer the call now?

Marit Haug

Paddling the Wisconsin River With Jake

Killarney - Clarion Hotel Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

Join me on my trip down the Wisconsin River in June of 2022. I will talk about my preparation for the trip including boat choice and resources I used to plan my trip. I will take you through all the lessons I learned as well as all the amazing things I saw along the way.

Wayne Horodowich

Essential Equipment For Paddling

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Whether you go out for a day, a week or a month, there are certain skills and equipment that a paddler needs to make the most out of their trip. Wayne Horodowich, the founder of the University of Sea Kayaking, has been guiding adventure trips for over 43 years nationally and internationally. Join Wayne for an enthusiastic give and take discussion where he will share his "Must Have" list with you so you can better enjoy your own adventures on the water.

Wayne Horodowich

How To Choose The Kayak That Works Best For You

Atrium - upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Atrium - upstairs Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Trying to choose a kayak can be overwhelming from the seemingly endless variety of boats available in the marketplace. Your goal is to find the boat that fits your needs and your budget. If you want a step by step approach to finding the kayak that works best for you then join Wayne Horodowich for a dynamic and detailed discussion. Wayne will draw upon his 35 years of teaching kayaking and fitting paddlers into kayaks so they can have an enjoyable experience.

Wayne Horodowich

The Art of Staying Upright in Your Kayak

Atrium - upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Staying upright is far better than risking exposure and expending energy getting upright. Having a roll and/or knowing recovery techniques are important. However, if you have good paddle support skills you minimize your chance of capsizing. When the wind picks up and the water gets rough your need for support increases. In addition, you also need to be able to maneuver against that wind while the water around you is bouncing your kayak around.
Traditional bracing classes focus on the ... Read More

Wayne Horodowich

Using Your Boat, Body And Blade For Efficient Paddling

Atrium - upstairs Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Paddling a kayak is more than just taking strokes with your paddle. Kayaking is a true marriage of your boat, body and blade. All three must be working together during all aspects of kayaking to get the most out of your equipment. We will discuss body position and movements, boat positions and movements, and closely view how to properly use and manipulate your paddle to get the results you want when kayaking and get the most out of your equipment.

Cliff Jacobson

Bear-Proofing Your Camp and Personal Safety

Quetico - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Supported by the latest research, here's the low down on protecting yourself and your food from bothersome bears. You'll learn that the recommended method of "storing food in trees" doesn't always work. Be aware that there are significant behavioral differences between wild bears, man-wise bears and habituated bears. Know how to properly use pepper spray to discourage a bear. Understand behavioral differences between black bears, grizzlies and polar bears. What should you do when you meet a ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

Canoeing the Boundary Waters with Style

Quetico - main floor Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

If you've ever been to the Boundary Waters and competed for campsites on a popular lake, fussed with fire on a rainy day, slept in a wet tent or been bugged by bugs, bears or rodents, this fast-paced session is for you. You'll learn how to get away from the crowd, choose essential gear, and stay dry when it rains all day. We'll check out equipment that works, and that which doesn't. Included, are recommendations for maps, and procedures for dealing with bugs, bears and storms. Learn how to make ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

Canoeing Wild Rivers

Superior - main floor Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Loosely based on Cliff's flagship book, CANOEING WILD RIVERS/ Falcon Guides, 2015 (formerly titled "Expedition Canoeing"), this fast-paced presentation focuses on canoeing remote northern rivers, and remote but easy north American rivers that are suitable for those with limited paddling skills. Tips and tricks and lots of laughs are the rule at Cliff's seminars. There's practical advice for every outing, whether it's close to home or off the beaten path.

Cliff Jacobson, Kevin Callan

Q&A With Cliff Jacobson and Kevin Callan

Quetico - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Cliff and Kevin have about one million years of canoeing and camping experience between them! In this fast-paced Q&A session, they'll address your questions about wilderness canoeing and the wild outdoors. The two have promised to agree on answers "some of the time". Kev and Cliff really like each other so expect big smiles and lots of laughs. They will take questions from the audience but for top consideration please advance email your questions to Cliff at info@cliffcanoe.com

Lissa Flemming & Jeff Rennicke

Jewels on the Water: How the Apostle Islands inspired the jewelry of Lissa Flemming and the photography of Jeff Rennicke

Caribou - upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

The beauty of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands does more than provide a place for adventures. It inspires. In this program silversmith Lissa Flemming and photographer Jeff Rennicke tell of how the endless variety of shapes, forms, colors, and moods of the lake has inspired their art. It is a celebration of beauty. Come be inspired by the art of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, those jewels on the water.

David Johnston

An Introduction to Tides and Currents for Freshwater Paddlers

Bear - upstairs Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Does figuring out when low tide will happen during your first ocean kayak trip still get you down? That's okay, it can get confusing. This presentation will cover how tides and currents work, and how to work them into the planning of your kayak trip. Don’t fret, David promises not to get bogged down into a lot of complex math.

David Johnston

Ancient Finds of Lake Superior

Superior - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

If you know where to look, the Lake Superior shoreline is filled with both ancient and old finds for you to discover. The hard part is that you can easily paddle right by, not knowing about what you just missed. In this presentation, David will introduce you to some of the cool stuff out there including pictographs, Pukaskwa Pits, voyageur trading posts, shipwrecks, trainwrecks and ghost towns. He will also cover places to start your research so you can discover them on your own journeys.

David Johnston

Navigation 101 for Paddlers: The Art of Staying Found

BWCA - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Do you find yourself getting intimidated, confused or turned around while trying to navigate on a canoe or sea kayak trip? If so, find your way to this presentation where David will introduce you to the tips and tricks to help keep from getting misplaced. We will cover the basics of how to read the land and how to follow along via your topographic map, playing with a compass as well as what happens when things go wrong.

David Johnston

Navigation 102 for Paddlers

BWCA - main floor Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Picking up where he left off in Navigation 101, David will cover more “intermediate(ish)” navigation techniques that paddlers can use to travel confidently on their next adventure. For example, we will look at several things including how to make use of nautical charts, shooting bearings on a map or chart, using lines of position as well as tips and tricks for estimating speed and distance. You can be rest assured that we won’t be getting into boring stuff like celestial navigation.

David Johnston

Top Secret Paddling Routes of Georgian Bay

Caribou - upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Did you know that Georgian Bay is the world’s largest freshwater archipelago with over 30,000 islands to paddle around and get lost in? David Johnston’s been paddling up and down the coast for the better part of 20 years and he will show you the best places to paddle. You will discover what makes that area so special and why Georgian Bay needs to be the destination for your next paddling trip.

Rob Kesselring

Campfire River Stories from Anywhere and Everywhere

BWCA - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Canoecopia participants from years past always ask Rob Kesselring for an entire session of his tales of adventure and misadventure. Your time has come. Come listen to this storyteller share some goose-bump inducing tales from his lifetime of paddling the world. Grizzly Bear charges, Hippos, Starvation, Broken bones, Elephants, Floods, Pins, Tipovers, Whirlpools, Bullet dodging, all true and all spun with enthusiasm and panache. If you have joined Rob on a guided trip you have heard some of ... Read More

Rob Kesselring

The Noatak Watershed by Canoe, Alaska’s Untouched Arctic Jewel

BWCA - main floor Sun 10:30am-11:15am

The Noatak River is the largest pristine watershed left in the United States. In 2021, Kesselring completed his seventh paddle down the Noatak. He knows this portage-free, 450-mile river from its headwaters to the Arctic Ocean. He also knows two of the Noatak tributaries, the Kugururok and Kelly. Come see a river in all its moods and hear grizzly stories, 25 bears in one summer alone! The Noatak: beyond belief but within your reach.

Rob Kesselring

Travel Like a Wilderness Guide Tips from 1,000 Trips

Superior - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

Fresh and revised for 2023 Canoecopia. an entertaining, information-packed session from one of the most experienced canoe guides in North America. Canoe camping tips and secrets gleaned from decades of wilderness river travels in Canada, Alaska, Africa, the Boundary Waters, and the desert Southwest. Planning, packing, canoe choice, paddling techniques, gear, safety, navigation, cooking, campsite selection, weather, bears, essential knots, group dynamics, and even some stuff you don't know you ... Read More

Andrea Knepper

Dre's West Coast Adventure: Paddling the Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico

Sylvania - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Superior - main floor Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Over the summer of 2019, Andrea Knepper paddled the West Coast of this country from Canada to Mexico. Hear stories from the trip, how she made decisions, how she trained, what surprised her, how the trip changed her. Join a conversation about the dreams we have and how to turn the ones we've decided to pursue into reality. Leave with a practical resource guide for planning your own adventure. A mix of pragmatism, reflection and photos, this isn't a presentation to miss.

Marty Koch

Basic River Safety For The Casual Paddler

Superior - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

This practical presentation will show the casual paddler how to safely navigate streams while having an enjoyable trip. Learn about water classifications, strainers and sweepers, trip planning, low head dams, safe river camping and much more.

Marty Koch

Mission Impossible - 30 Years A Ranger

Quetico - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Take a break from the serious paddling programs and take the Mission Impossible Challenge. Marty will relate stories about his career as a park ranger and outdoor explorers. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to determine if they are true or just made up. Lots of fun and laughs at this presentation.

Marty Koch

Paddling The Ozarks - An Overview

Algonquin - main floor Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

The Ozark region in Missouri and Arkansas offers thousands of miles of streams to explore. Famous streams like the Buffalo, St. Francios, and Current are well known. However, there are nearly a hundred other streams that beckon paddlers. From small Class I creeks to exciting whitewater to the big rivers the Ozarks has it all. Join us as we explore a sampling of these streams.

Marty Koch

Ten Steps to Amazing Photography

BWCA - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

Do you ever wonder how professional outdoor photographers take such amazing photos while yours are bland and uninteresting? Marty will teach you the ten essentials for great photography. Learn all about composition, artistic exposure, use of foreground and much more. These are lessons every outdoor photographer should know.

Doris Kolodji, Doris Kolodji, Ann McNally

Power To The Pipsqueaks: Anyone Can Pack, Paddle, & Portage

Caribou - upstairs Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Caribou - upstairs Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

If you've always wanted to pick up a canoe and portage like the "big boys," then this energetic, hands-on workshop is for you. Don't let the idea of picking up and carrying your own canoe be a barrier! For decades Northern Lakes Girl Scout Canoe Base has been training women and girls to travel through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park. We specialize in teaching the novice. Learn tips and tricks for women and youth in the wilderness. There will be a team of canoe ... Read More

Pete Kuhn

The Perfect Fitting Kayak

Atrium - upstairs Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

This talk/demonstration will cover how to make adjustments to the inside of a kayak cockpit. These will cover seat and foot peg adjustments/modifications followed by customizing thigh braces with foam, using a cut-a-way kayak to show possible placement of modifications. Materials and shaping techniques will also be discussed.

Gina LaLiberte

What’s That Green Stuff? Identifying Algae Blooms

Killarney - Clarion Hotel Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Do you wonder what that green "stuff" is that you see while paddling? Join Gina as she examines some common algae, blue-green algae, and other unassuming yet important and intriguing little green things that are often spotted in waters of the upper Great Lakes region. Take a close look at blue-green algae blooms, review identification of potentially harmful blooms, and learn practical tips for how to stay safe while enjoying time on the water.

Mary Langlie

Fitness for Paddlers

Atrium - upstairs Sun 10:30am-11:15am

This is an opportunity to take a break and try out some stretches and other moves that will help get you ready for the paddling season ahead. Learn about what you can do now to be ready to enjoy your paddling without pain or injury. This session is appropriate for all ages and all types of paddlers. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to move in this fun interactive session!

Mary Langlie

Paddling is for Everyone

Sylvania - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

Are you old? Are you young? Are you a new paddler? Or have you paddled for many years? No matter who you are, this presentation is for you! We live in a world that is diverse and changing. We all need to feel connected to each other and to the natural world around us. This presentation will give you ideas and tips for getting out in a canoe, kayak or paddle board and ways to join the wonderful community of paddlers.

Robert Lindmeier

Climate Change: It's damaging effects on outdoor sports and what we can do about it!

Caribou - upstairs Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

Climate change is a local issue which directly impacts those of us who love to get outside and paddle, hike, fish, hunt, and more. Join WKOW-TV's Senior Chief Meteorologist Bob Lindmeier for a in-depth look at how the climate has changed in the upper Midwest and what this means for your outdoor pursuits. Bob will present the latest science in this thought provoking discussion. Most importantly he will discuss actions you can take to mitigate climate change and help maintain the Midwestern ... Read More

Blake Longworth

Kayak Fishing Essentials

Sylvania - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Killarney - Clarion Hotel Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

In this 45 minute presentation Blake Longworth from NRS Fishing will walk us through how to rig your kayak for a day of fishing. Starting with a "naked" kayak Blake will walk us through step by step, how to get that boat ready to go. This presentation will also cover your personal essentials that every angler needs. From Fishing Specific PFDs to apparel and accessories, Blake will make sure you have all the information for a safe, fun, day on the water. The only thing Blake cannot help you ... Read More

Blake Longworth

Understanding the Vast Options in Paddling Clothing.

Sylvania - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Cold feet... cold hands... just plain cold. Sweaty...sun burnt. Neoprene vs. dry suit? Is it really a ladies fit, or is it just purple? This splash jacket looks a lot like my rain jacket? Nowhere in the World (seriously) will you see the variety of paddling clothing that you will at Canoecopia. But wow... it's a lot to digest. Take some time to relax, bring a snack or a beverage, and hang out with Canoecopia veteran presenter, Blake Longworth. In this open discussion, we will address everything ... Read More

Matthew Magolan

Sharing Your Paddling Adventures with Visual Storytelling

Sylvania - main floor Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Have you ever wanted to share your paddling adventures, through images and videos captured during the trip, only to find the process intimidating and overwhelming? Learn the basics of sharing your paddling adventures visually with Matt Magolan.

This presentation will give you a head start to creating interesting digital still and/or video images that you can then use to develop presentations in commonly available formats, like PowerPoint & iMovie. Using the information from this ... Read More

Dave Mangin

Authenticating our Favorite Pastimes

Sylvania - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Dave Mangin is a residential contractor with a passion for building and paddling boats. He will tell the story of vessels he's built and places he's lived, worked, and explored, but with a focus on his latest project: Endeavor, a Guillemot Expedition Single that he built and paddled from Fremont to Rock Island, WI. His discussion will be enriched by stories about the barn he retrofitted into a shop, educational woodworking programs he has conducted to subsidize rent, and how this experience ... Read More

Pete Marshall

25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip

Algonquin - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Drawing from his experience of paddling hundreds of days through the Northwoods, Pete Marshall, Communications Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, will go over 25 tips for a better Boundary Waters canoe trip. This presentation has a bit of everything in it, from how to travel more efficiently to simple niceties that make any canoe trip just a little bit better. You will be sure to leave with valuable ideas for your summer trip.

Pete Marshall, Zach Fritz

Arctic Quebec's Masterpiece: The Nastapoka River

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Locate on the Ungava Peninsula in Arctic Quebec, the Nastapoka River tumbles through a remarkable landscape of eskers, canyons, and waterfalls. It's a land and river that's as beautiful as it is harsh. Enticing to anyone looking for a true wilderness canoe adventure! In August/ September, 2022, Pete Marshall and Zach Fritz set out to canoe this remote river. Water levels were high, the portage trails were nonexistent, and they saw the sun for a total of three and a half hours! Hear all the ... Read More

Traci Lynn Martin, Marv Kuziel, Bill Noble

Never Give Up On Your Dreams

Algonquin - main floor Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Join Traci Lynn Martin, a Neonatal ICU nurse, and an avid endurance kayaker, who struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis & Scleroderma, - as she recaps her 2017 ten month Great Lakes Expedition, her 2021 Mississippi River Expedition, and her time spent in Alaska in 2022.
Her message is to inspire individuals who struggle with a chronic health condition or chronic pain to never give up on their own life.

In 2017 (March - December) she took her love of kayaking to the Great ... Read More

Reggie McLeod

Paddling the Upper Mississippi River

Caribou - upstairs Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Reggie will share the joys of paddling the most interesting stretch of the biggest river in America, whether you're interested in paddling a short loop or camping out on an island. He'll also explore the recent boom in paddling the entire river, from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. He'll explain how to join group paddles, locking through, river wildlife and how to get quality maps and other useful resources for a river adventure. After the presentation he'll distribute detailed river maps, ... Read More

Todd McMahon

Hiking the Camino de Santiago - Frances Route

Algonquin - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

In the 9th Century the bones of St James were discovered in Spain. Ever since then thousands of people have hiked to Santiago de Compostela to pay homage to the Saint. Over 400,000 people made the pilgrimage in 2022 including Tman. Nowadays many people do it as a recreational hike and many still do it as a religious pilgrimage. It's easier than backpacking because you stay at Albergues (dormitories) every night and eat at cafes. So, you don't need to carry a tent or cooking gear. Spain has a ... Read More

Chase Edgerton & Meredith Freshley, Meredith Freshley

Hood River Honeymoon

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Sylvania - main floor Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Chase and Meredith took off on their honeymoon in July of 2022 on the Hood River in Nunavut, Canada. Did their nuptials hold up against an Arctic canoe trip? Join them to hear about their 18-day, 295km canoe trip to the Arctic Ocean. This presentation will include photos, videos, and stories, to share the planning and preparation for their trip, wildlife encounters, plant species, and interesting geographic features. It culminates with unique footage of the navigation of rapids below ... Read More

Alex Messenger

The Twenty-Ninth Day: Surviving a Grizzly Attack in the Canadian Tundra

Algonquin - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

A six-hundred-mile canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness is a seventeen-year-old's dream adventure, but after he is mauled by a grizzly bear, it's all about staying alive.
Please join us for a presentation by Alex Messenger, author of Wall Street Journal Bestseller, The Twenty-Ninth Day. This true-life wilderness survival epic recounts Alex's near-lethal encounter with a grizzly bear during a remote canoe trip through the Canadian far North. Alex will talk about the challenges of such a ... Read More

Danny Mongno

Selecting the Perfect Kayak Paddle

Atrium - upstairs Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Atrium - upstairs Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

To truly enjoy the sport of kayaking we need to be more efficient in our strokes. The less energy we use, the longer we can stay out, the more fun we will have. A key element of efficiency in your paddling is making sure you have the proper design and fitted paddle. Join 19 veteran Canoecopia presenter, Danny Mongno, as he explains all the aspects of selecting the perfect kayak paddle. Once each and everyone has their perfect paddle fit dialed in, he will spend the remainder of the class ... Read More

Danny Mongno

The Kayak Forward Stroke

Atrium - upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Atrium - upstairs Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

To enjoy the sport of paddling we want to use less energy, stay out longer, maybe go faster, not be sore. To reach those goals we need to work on the most important stroke of all, we need an efficient Forward Stroke. Join Danny Mongno, with 13 Door County Sea Kayak Symposiums as a coach under his belt, as he breaks things down. His method presents things in a very easy to follow, step by step process. This is an interactive class, so be ready to participate and have some fun. To wrap things up, ... Read More

Michael Neiger

How to assemble and carry an in-pocket survival kit for a wilderness adventure

Caribou - upstairs Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Caribou - upstairs Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

This high-quality PowerPoint presentation will discuss how to assemble and carry an in-pocket survival kit for a wilderness adventure by canoe, kayak, paddle board, mountain bike, ski, snowshoe, or foot. If you ever become lost in the bush, these items will help you survive until rescuers reach you. It will cover sheath knives; pocket knives; whistles; signal mirrors; butane lighters; waterproof, windproof lifeboat matches; spark-ignitable waterproof firestarters; ferro sparking rods; magnesium ... Read More

Michael Neiger

How to use a cell phone more effectively when lost in the bush

Killarney - Clarion Hotel Sat 9:30am-10:15am

This high-quality PowerPoint presentation will describe pre-trip phone prep, battery banks, battery calibration, compass calibration, Find Me SAR app, mapping and navigation apps, conserving battery life, how to hold a phone for best transmission and reception (avoid blocking antennas), calling v texting 911, how to increase your chances of reaching 911, how to use a phone even when you have no signal, what to do when you reach 911, what to do if you can't reach 911, etc.

Kathy Nelson

Travel the BWCA as a Senior Citizen

Superior - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

BWCA - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

You have wanted to experience the Boundary Waters (BWCAW) but uncertain if you can as a Senior citizen. Join Kathy Nelson, co-owner of an Ely outfitter and senior citizen wilderness traveler as she shares how to plan a successful canoe trip; what to pack, what not to take, how to handle limited mobility and strength concerns, best time to experience the BWCA, suggested and more.

Steven Nelson

Explore BWCA Sites to Visit

Superior - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Superior - main floor Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

A Boundary Waters (BWCAW) canoe trip is more than paddling, camping, and portaging. Numerous historical, cultural and geologic sites exist that most wilderness travelers paddle right past. Join Steve Nelson as he guides you to sites to visit that will enhance your next BWCA trip with map locations, photos, entertaining stories and more.

Steven Nelson

Plan & Pack for a Successful BWCA Trip

Superior - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

The Boundary Waters (BWCAW) draws many people to experience a wilderness adventure with paddling, camping, portaging, beautiful sunsets, and so much more. Planning and packing is crucial for a successful and memorable trip. Join Ginny Nelson, outfitter manager from Ely MN as she provides what you need to know about BWCAW permit details, what route to take, what to pack, what NOT to take, items to keep you safe and stories to keep you entertained.

Mark Neuzil

The Natural History of the Canoe in North America

Killarney - Clarion Hotel Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Algonquin - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

Ancient records of canoes are found from the Pacific Northwest to the coast of Maine, in Wisconsin and Mexico, in the Southeast and across the Caribbean. If a person of distant times would encounter today's canoe - whether birch bark, dugout or Kevlar and carbon fiber - its silhouette would be instantly recognizable. This is the story of that singular American artifact, so little changed over time, of canoes old and new and the people who made them.

Scott Oeth

Pole & Paddle: Stand-up Canoeing!

Atrium - upstairs Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Scott Oeth took multiple trips to Maine to learn the lost art of canoe poling. Having the ability to stop in the middle of whitewater, pole up and down rapids, explore rivers without the need for a shuttle, travel along shallow creeks, and being able to stretch your legs and back during a long day in the boat brings incredible versatility to the canoeist!

Stu Osthoff, Rob Kesslering

Two Veteran Boundary Waters Guides Share and Spar on What Works for Them

Superior - main floor Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Legendary Boundary Waters guides Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff square off and share their canoe country expertise and style. Boundary Water Journal publisher Stu Osthoff, is a proponent of traditional canoe camping, and outdoor writer and wilderness guide Rob Kesselring, is an advocate of ultralight canoe camping. Two lifetimes of hard-core wilderness paddling, all distilled down to the essence of why we go, plus a boatload of advice on how, when, and where to make your own wilderness canoe ... Read More

Bear Paulsen

Paddle Home

Bear - upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

The COVID-shrouded summer of 2020 demanded a trip near home. My wife, Claire, and I decided to canoe from International Falls back to our home in Chisago City. The trip spanned 38 days, 600 miles, and all three of Minnesota's watersheds. We followed the international border to the Grand Portage. That 8.5 mile portage consumed three days for two reasons: first, we did the trip without resupply, so we walked a total of 68 miles; second, our 22 month old toddler, Dashwa, accompanied us. We got to ... Read More

Daniel Peterson

Paddling the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers

Superior - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Even before they were protected as part of a unique National Park in 1968, the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers were well-known paddling and fishing rivers. Over 50 years later, these waters continue to create memories. Whether you are a beginning kayaker looking for an easy day paddle or an experienced canoeist searching for a weeklong adventure, over 200 miles of protected waters at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway await your discovery!

Kerry Pflugh, Kerry Pflugh, Deborah Horne, Katina Daanen, Pat Slaven

Six Women, Six Days, Several Islands - An Adventure In the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior

Caribou - upstairs Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Six women hailing from five states, spanning five decades came together for six days this past summer for a paddling adventure in the Apostle Islands. Join us as we recount how we found each other; what we did to become a cohesive group; what planning was involved, and how we determined what was essential to bring and what could be left behind. Hear about the islands we visited; the caves we explored; the storm that chased us, and the rogue wave that dampened our lunch but not our spirits.
... Read More

Jeff Rennicke

Access For All: Apostle Islands For All

Sylvania - main floor Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Tracy Tabaka looks out at the blue horizons of Lake Superior. There, just beyond the Meyers Beach parking area, lie the green jewels of the wild Apostle Islands, the famous sea caves. She smiles, thinking of the freedom she will feel with a paddle in her hands, the wind in her face. She has been dreaming of this moment for years.

But that smile fades as she looks down at the barrier before her - 45 steps tumbling down the 23-foot bank to the launching area below - and then at her ... Read More

Jonathan Ringdahl, Al Fairfield

Using Photography to Enhance our Outdoor Experience

BWCA - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Join Jonathan Ringdahl and Al Fairfield for a discussion and tips to included photography in your outdoor experience. Living in the moment and capturing a great image doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. Jonathan's practiced experience and Al's shoot on the fly style will appeal to a wide range of picture takers. Cameras are a great way to preserve, share, and enhance your outdoor experience.

Amy Rosebrough

Hickory, Dickory, Dock - Exploring the Ghost Ports of Kewaunee County

BWCA - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Lumber transportation was one of the largest industries in Wisconsin prior to the turn of the 20th century extending major influence on how Lake Michigan's coastal communities grew and developed. Many of these lumber communities no longer exist today. Some of the only cultural materials associated with this important part of Wisconsin's hinterland maritime commerce remain hidden just below the surface of the water. Learn about the "Ghost Port" communities along the largely undeveloped Lake ... Read More

Ted Rulseh

Lake Science: The Coloring Book: What Makes a Lake Tick?

to be scheduled

Lakes are more than pleasant surfaces on which to paddle. They are living, breathing systems that support incredibly diverse and abundant life. Here, through pictures and simple, colorful illustrations, paddlers will share an intimate look below the surface, at the physical, chemical and biological forces that drive complex lake ecosystems, the way lakes change through the seasons, the sun's energy and the dynamics of the food web, and the niches in which fish and other lake creatures thrive.

Maddie Fahnline & Sam Chadwick, Madelyn Fahnline

Protecting the Wilderness Through Film : Using Photography and Videography To Document Wilderness Advocacy Endeavors

Sylvania - main floor Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

The Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters Presents a deep-dive into the usage of film and photography displaying the beauty of canoe country and how to document Adventure Advocacy endeavors in wild places. Their Adventure Advocacy program has brought the fight to protect the Boundary Waters to a national stage, thanks to the filmmakers and photographers behind the camera who documented these adventures. Alex Falconer's record setting "Boundary Waters Traverse' and Dave and Amy's "Year in the ... Read More

F Dale Sanders, Zak Rivers, Dan Faust, Alex Maier, Amy Robin

Greybeard: The Man The Myth The Mississippi

Quetico - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Join for a special showing of "Greybeard: The Man, The Myth, The Mississippi" followed by a Q&A session with Greybeard along with his team of paddlers and film crew. Greybeard began his record-breaking journey at Lake Itasca, Minnesota-the source of the Mississippi River-on his 87th birthday, June 14, 2022. The journey finished at the Gulf of Mexico some 2350 mile later in 87 days. In doing so, he set a Guinness World Record for the oldest person to paddle the length of the Mississippi. ... Read More

Chris & Candace Schotz, Candace Schotz

Great Pinery Heritage Waterway

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

A historic tour of Wisconsin's newest designated waterway from devastating floods and log jams to Precambrian barriers and Ojibwe portages on the Wisconsin River. This is a guide to features and amenities through Lincoln and Marathon counties with a preview of future development to the north and south on Wisconsin's longest river. The Great Pinery Heritage Waterway highlights the 19th Century heritage of the Wisconsin and three of its tributaries: Rib, Prairie, Eau Claire(east).

Neal Schroeter

Emergency Room Procedures in the Wilderness

BWCA - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

What do you do when calling 911 is not an option & someone is ill or hurt? Or, even if you could call 911, help is hours or even days away? What can you do about anaphylactic shock, hemorrhage, broken bones, dislocated shoulders, puncture wounds? This could serve as a great introduction and motivation to take a wilderness medicine course, or serve as a great review if you have.

Neal Schroeter

What Everyone Should Know About Cold Water Paddling

BWCA - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

So, you say you'll stay warm & dry?!!! - famous last words! Cold water goes with paddling in the mid-west. Cold water immersion & hypothermia is one of the biggest dangers paddlers face. To stay safe, it's necessary to have a healthy respect for the cold waters we paddle. We will consider how to prevent, recognize & potentially treat cold water injuries. This presentation could save your life!

Bill Schultz

Kayak Fishing: Let's Get Started

Algonquin - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

There are so many options to choose from in kayak fishing today! What is the best kayak? Paddle or Pedal? What paddle should I get? And, much more! This talk will go through the many options to consider and ideally help you find the perfect fishing kayak and accessories to meet your needs, without spending too much time and wasting money on things you aren't sure you need! This talk will not only help the beginner, but also the more experienced kayak anglers.

Dave Shapiro

Knot Clinic

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:00pm-4:00pm

The popular Knot Clinic is back again. Stop by to ask a question, see a demonstration or just admire the knot board. Learn a new knot and stick around to teach it to the next person. We will even give you a piece of rope to take home and practice with.

The knot clinic is part of of our Drop-In Clinics happening from 1:00-4:00 on Saturday.

Dick Silberman

How the Heart Responds to Exercise

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

As folks get older they worry about what exercise might be doing to their heart. There are several kinds of exercises that affect your heart health, such as aerobic and anaerobic. As an ACA certified instructor and a cardiologist, Silbs will describe what happens to the heart during exercise and how kayaking can be used to exercise the heart in different modes.

Dick Silberman

Kayaking As We Age: When is Old Too Old?

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

That calendar on the wall... is it a friend or foe? The population is getting older and the younger generation does not have the life expectancy of their grandparents, partially due to lack of physical activity. Active as our generation might be, with age comes aches and various illnesses. So, when is too old to be active? Is too old for professional boxing the same age as too old for kayaking? What do we need to adapt to continue to paddle as we age? And really, most folks don't realize at ... Read More

Babs Smith, Rick Malchow

Kayaking the West Shore of Green Bay, Green Bay to Escanaba (Little Bay de Noc)

Algonquin - main floor Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Green Bay may just be a bay in Lake Michigan, but it is huge, has its own wave action, and is pretty spectacular! Come on a journey with Babs and Rick, and explore the West Shore of Green Bay, from the city of Green Bay to Escanaba and the Little Bay de Noc. Enjoy the sandy beaches, nature preserves, and the towns and their lighthouses. Discover the Midwest's gem of Green Bay!

Lenore Sobota

Overcoming Fear One Stroke at a Time

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Fear can keep us safe when properly focused on real danger. But exaggerated fears can keep people from reaching their full potential. Learn some methods for addressing your fears or the fears of your paddling partners. Share some strategies that have worked for you.

Ben Strege

Route Planning: Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Sylvania - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

In various wilderness paddling areas, thousands of lakes are connected by thousands of portages, with a seemingly infinite number of ways to plan a paddling route. There is never a "perfect" or "one size fits all" route. What are the many things to consider when constructing routes that match up to your group's abilities, interests, and timeline for the most safe and enjoyable adventure possible? Ben will share his own valuable lessons learned while planning and implementing dozens of trips for ... Read More

Pete Swiggum

Quetico Provincial Park: Your Next Adventure

Superior - main floor Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

This will be a refreshed version of my presentation last year titled "Quetico Provincial Park: The Ultimate How-to". Many people who go to the BWCA are looking for the next challenge and Quetico is right "next door". The only problem is they don't know what's involved logistically in going there. In this session, I will share information about border crossings, RABC permits, entry points and everything that is needed to know to make trip plans to this wonderful canoe tripping destination.

Tamara Thomsen

The Discovery, Recovery, and Preservation of the Lake Mendota Dugout Canoes

Caribou - upstairs Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Caribou - upstairs Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

The recent discovery of a series of cached dugout canoes in Lake Mendota (Madison, Wisconsin) demonstrates that water transportation extends back thousands of years and adds evidence to use of Wisconsin's inland waterways as transportation corridors to collect resources since the region was first occupied.

Learn about the discovery, recovery, documentation, and preservation of the Lake Mendota dugout canoes. Understand how these canoes have led to a reinvestigation of the ... Read More

Jerry Vandiver, Amanda Healan, Amberly Rosen

Songs About Paddling and All Things Outdoors!

Algonquin - main floor Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Algonquin - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Algonquin - main floor Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

Award-winning songwriter Jerry Vandiver has song credits on over 15 million records and paddling credits on countless rivers, streams, and lakes across North America. Jerry and The One Match band will be mixing in some new songs along with some old favorites from his paddle songs CDs. Look for several special guests joining in for a fun, musical and unique addition to your Canoecopia experience.

Fredrick Williams, Noah Viner, Tiara Coats, Zorbari Nwidor

Engaging BIPOC Communities in Outdoor Sports

BWCA - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

Chicago Adventure Therapy (CAT) creates opportunity in the outdoor world and works to build more equitable green and blue spaces. A group of young paddlers from CAT, the majority of them people of color, has addressed the questions of how to effectively and respectfully engage communities that are under-represented in paddling - especially black, indigenous, and other people of color, young people, and the LGBTQ+ community. CAT works on an individual, group, and systems level to effect personal ... Read More

Travis Williams

NW Oregon Rivers, Year Round

Sylvania - main floor Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Oregon has many fantastic canoeing rivers. From flatwater and moving water rivers, to many whitewater options. This presentation focuses on a few very approachable rivers that one can canoe or kayak throughout the calendar year. There is good reason to load the car for a multi-day trip driving West, or for catching a plane to enjoy a few days on the Willamette, or some of Oregon's other western rivers. Whether in the gorgeous summer months, or some of the ice-free winter months, there are ... Read More

Jared Wold

Planning Fun, Safe Moving Water Trips

Sylvania - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

This presentation will take you through the process of planning fun, safe moving water paddling trips. Various resources for figuring out where to paddle, such as Miles Paddled, will be covered. Once a waterway has been chosen, we'll explore the various resources that are helpful to make sure the excursion is conducted in a safe manner while still allowing everyone, including the trip organizer, to have a fun and relatively stress-free day on the water.

Frank Wolf

Beastly Encounters in the Wild

Superior - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

"How was your trip?"
"Pretty good...nice paddling, great scenery...oh, and a polar bear tried to eat my canoe."

One of the highlights of wilderness travel in the north are the always-random encounters with large mammals that happen along the way. They are often unexpected, but alway memorable.

Frank Wolf has paddled thousands of kilometres through the wilderness of Northern Canada...canoeing, kayaking and packrafting areas that few have travelled. Join him ... Read More

Frank Wolf

Lines on a Map

Superior - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

In this fun and engaging talk, Frank shares stories from his book LINES ON A MAP- a compilation of over 20 years of world-class paddling and other adventure stories. From being the first to canoe across Canada in a single paddling season to rowing the Northwest Passage, the audience will be enthralled and entertained by this one-of-a-kind presentation.

Dan York

Go Paddling! An Introduction to Canoeing and Kayaking

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

The Upper Midwest is a paddling paradise-blessed with a bounty of lakes and rivers. Getting started paddling canoes or kayaks can be confusing-even intimidating. There are so many choices-how do you choose what's right for you? This session will introduce you to the wide, wonderful world of paddlesports. Dan York will cover the basics of boat selection, gear, safety, and places to paddle. The goal is to demystify paddling and get you out on the water to pursue your own paddling dreams, however ... Read More

Dan York

Wild Rivers of the Wild West

Voyageur - Clarion Hotel Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Caribou - upstairs Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

Wild western whitewater rivers are the stuff of paddling dreams. They offer river runners the chance to paddle multiple days through spectacular landscapes of mountains, canyons, forests, and deserts. In this presentation Dan York will share images and experiences from kayaking several of these incredible rivers, which are as varied and distinct as the western landscapes themselves. They include the Flathead, Owyhee, Salmon, and Selway rivers of the northern Rockies, and the Yampa, Colorado, ... Read More

Craig Zarley

Catching Canoe Country Walleyes

Bear - upstairs Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Popular walleye fishing author and long-time Canoecopia presenter Craig Zarley will share his secrets for catching Boundary Waters' and Quetico's most sought after fish. Old-time walleye wisdom mixed with new strategies to address climate change and the latest improvements in fishing tackle will highlight the presentation. Keep it simple but adapt to change is his formula for Catching Canoe Country Walleyes.