All Presentations

Justin Adams, Todd Wilkinson

Paddling Opportunities in Missouri State Parks

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

Missouri State Parks consists of 93 state parks and historic sites, many of which offer opportunities for paddling. Join us for an overview of paddling options within Missouri State Parks. Justin and Todd both have ties to the Upper Current River region and will focus on paddling opportunities between Montauk State Park and Echo Bluff State Park on the legendary Current River.

Justin Adams, Steve Schnarr

The MR340-Advice and anecdotes from 20 years of racing on the Missouri River.

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

The MR340 is the world's longest non-stop river race stretching 340 miles on the MIssouri River. Racers begin in Kansas City, Ks where the Kaw River joins the Missouri, and paddle across the great state of Missouri finishing in St. Charles, MO. Racers must reach 5 checkpoints by the established times or they will be disqualified. The Missouri American Water MR340 is a true community event - a community created by the river. To witness the determination of the racers, the grit of the ground ... Read More

Carla Anderson, Missy McDonald, Carolyn Klein, Crystal Schaldenbrand, Crystal Schaldenbrand

Isle Royale's Historic Cultural Resources and the Community that Pre-Dates the Park

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

Isle Royale is an island archipelago where communities formed around protected harbors. Lake Superior was the highway; canoes and rowboats were historically the primary means of transportation.

Most visitors to Isle Royale have no idea that it is home to a rare surviving example of a recreational enclave in the North Woods region of Minnesota, Wisconsin & Michigan. Nothing like it exists elsewhere in the U.S. With the establishment of the Park, not only were wilderness qualities ... Read More

Tim Aurand, Beth Naughton

An Epic Journey to the 63 United States National Parks

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

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

A PowerPoint presentation of the planning, and implementation of visiting all 63 US National Parks in 27 months. Immediately after retirement, Beth and Tim bought a Ram Promaster van and upfitted it into a camper van and set out on their journey to see all 63 national parks.
We will present many insights previously presented in Beth's blog - Wilderness Wandering which provided details on each of our park visits. Included in our presentation will be details regarding the van purchase and ... Read More

Jeff Bach

Boards, Glue, Fiberglass - DIY Paddle here I Come!

to be scheduled

The boards are in thin strips. The glue is Titebond III. The fiberglass and epoxy are composite miracles. Put it all together, along with just a few tools, and some time, and your first paddle is the result!
Whether a 2x4 from the lumberyard, or vertical grain western red cedar, a paddle you build can be a simple utilitarian tool, or a work of art suitable for the living room, when you are not using it. Just like a house, paddles fit the Design Plan Build sequence.
Jeff gives an ... Read More

Jeff Bach

Design. Plan. Build. DIY Paddles.

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:30pm-4:15pm

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

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

A paddle, like a house, starts with ideas and curiosity. Collect a few pictures, look at what others are doing, maybe find a wood source and see what's available. That's the core of design. Now look at an old paddle. Measure it. Decide what you like and what to do differently. Round up some tools. Find a workspace. That's the gist of a plan. Make some sawdust, bend a few laminates (or not), and work through the steps it takes to build your own paddle!

John Bates

Spring Paddling in the Northwoods: A Cornucopia of Life

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

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

Early May, the ice just off, birds funneling in from everywhere, woodland wildflowers in profusion, trees popping leaves from buds, and no mosquito or black fly hatch quite yet. Is there a better time in the world to be alive? Or a better place to be than on a wild river or lake? Here's a sampler of all the life coming alive in May from the view of a canoe or on a portage.

John Bates

The Love Language of Rivers

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

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

Rivers speak to us in so many metaphors. William Least Heat-Moon writes, "A river - with its attendant cascades, eddies, boils, and whirlpools - is the most expressive aspect of a natural landscape, for nothing else moves so far, so broadly, so unceasingly, so demonstrably, and nothing else is so susceptible to personification and so much at the heart of our notions about life and death." We paddle rivers in large part because of what they help us feel. Come listen to selections from some of ... Read More

Timothy Bauer

The Pleasures and Perils of Cold Weather Paddling

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

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

Winter paddling started for Timothy one year when there was no snow to ski on. The following year, he realized that he'd paddled at least once a month for the previous 12 months, which in turn led him to wonder how long he could keep it up. Fourteen years later (or 168 months in a row), the quest has superseded the question.

But isn't it dangerous? Isn't it cold? Isn't the water frozen? Sometimes. But it's also a bewitching time of year. The stern serenity of the season defies ... Read More

Timothy Bauer

What Is a Wild River?

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

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

In 1965, the Pike, Pine, and Popple rivers in northeastern Wisconsin were designated as "wild" by state lawmakers to preserve them in "a free flowing condition and protect them from development." The landmark legislation inspired the federal government three years later to list "wild and scenic" rivers throughout the country - including the Namekagon, St. Croix, and Wolf rivers here in Wisconsin. But does legislation alone make a river wild? Are rivers inherently wild? What if a river is ... Read More

Bianca Boettcher

Oh the Places I Went

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

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

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

Bob Carlson

Brew your best cup in the woods

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

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

Myles Carter

Outfitter Assisted Self-guided Far North Canoe Tripping

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

Curtis Casto

The Onion Bag Solution: Empowering Paddlers to Protect Our Waters

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Christine Chabot, Anthea Halpryn, James Tracy, Scott Hays

From Towering Skyscrapers to Cypress Swamps: Expanding your Paddling Adventures Across the Prairie State of Illinois

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

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

John Chase

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Kayaking

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

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

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

Perfectly Pack your Kayak for a Multi-Day Trip

to be scheduled

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

Sea Kayaking Michigan’s Grand Traverse Area

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

Discover the best sea kayaking destinations in Michigan's Grand Traverse region, where stunning landscapes meet the open waters of Lake Michigan. This presentation will highlight iconic routes, including the towering dunes of Sleeping Bear Bay and the pristine shoreline of Power Island. Join us to uncover why this region is a must-visit for coastal exploration.

Aluminum Chef

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

For over twelve years we've had our own homage to a particular reality TV competition that we call The Aluminum Chef. Our three Aluminum Chefs will test their camp culinary skills against each other in true outdoor style. Kevin Callan returns as our unstoppable emcee/chaos agent in this fast-paced event.

Woodswoman and dried-food aficionado Mona Gauthier and ormer park ranger Marty Koch go up against presen er of WPT's Emmy-Award-Winning Wisconsin Foodie (and owner of the of the ... Read More

Abigail Cichocki, Emma Brackett, Helena Karlstrom

The Hudson Bay Girls- Lessons Learned from 80 Days on the Water

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

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

In the summer of 2025, the Hudson Bay Girls-a team of four college-aged women-completed an 80-day, 1,381-mile canoe expedition from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay. They are the first all-female crew to publicly document their paddle along the historic fur trade route from Grand Portage to York Factory. Join them to hear stories from the trail, learn what it takes to plan a multi-month wilderness expedition, and explore how their journey connects adventure, environmental stewardship, and ... Read More

Tamara Dean

River Bellwethers

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

Native freshwater mussels, each capable of filtering ten to forty gallons of water daily, are vital to keeping our rivers healthy. But their losses-from overharvesting, damming, pollution, and warming waters-are legendary. "River Bellwethers," based on an essay from Dean's collection, Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless, presents the fascinating stories of determined Wisconsinites who battled government officials, changed policy, and set new standards to protect native mussels. Their ... Read More

William Diedrich, Stacy MacAnulty, Jon MacAnulty

North of the 60th when north of 65

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

What happens when six old, but very experienced Canoeists attempt to tackle a 500 mile Tundra River trip, descending the Clarke and Thelon Rivers of Canada's Northwest Territories and Nunavut? Much more difficult for us than it was back in the day, but still very rewarding and enjoyable. See close up photos of Musk Ox, Caribou, and Wolves. Bill and fellow trip mates will describe the route and obstacles in detail. We will also review the planning, logistics, and equipment needed for a ... Read More

Emily Elkins, Ethan Elkins, Andrew Elkins

Bear Safety 101

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

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

Gain confidence when venturing into bear country. There will be live demonstrations of different forms of bear barrels and hanging techniques. This will also cover good camp practices to help prevent critters from spoiling food and gear. Learn techniques allowed under the Boundary Waters food storage order.

Alan Fairfield

The Transformative Experience of Joining a Paddling Community

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

Many people paddle to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. I get it, we all need that quiet time occasionally. Like most things, paddling is better with old and new friends. If you've never taken a class, gone on an organized paddle, or attended a symposium or immersive workshop you might be missing out. A community of like minded people create a fun, safe, learning environment where everyone benefits. I'll present some real life experiences that any audience will be able to relate to ... Read More

Blake Ferree, Amos Kolodji

Canoeing Pukaskwa

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

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

Gillian Fitzgerald

How to Food Pack Like a Boss

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

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

Peter Frank

4,853 mile eastern US circumnavigation by canoe

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

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

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

On October 20th at 9:43am, Peter Frank completed the circumnavigation of the eastern United States, "The Great Loop", becoming one of the few people to complete the route by paddle. The journey, spanning 5,043 miles, was performed solely by canoe, and took 500 days to reach the destination from whence it began. There was no dedicated support crew, he spent most nights in a tent, apart from the times he was hosted by strangers whom he met along the way. Peter started at 22 years old, and crossed ... Read More

Marcos Garcia Norris

Kayaking from Spain to Maine

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

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

Miguel Garcia-Gosalvez

Canoeing Solo: The Inner Journey

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

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

In this presentation, I'll explore how canoeing solo in the wilderness is not an act of bravado or self-proving-it isn't about toughness or conquest. It's something quieter, more intimate. Solitude in the wild becomes a thread that connects you to the people who shaped your life, even those no longer here.

Canoeing alone also means embracing solitude as both challenge and teacher. In the quiet rhythm of paddling, away from the noise of companionship, solitude inspires personal ... Read More

Mona Gauthier

Food Dehydration the Basics and Beyond

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

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

Be bold. Be safe. You can dehydrate anything. However, should you? Basic and advanced dehydration techniques will be shared covering herbs, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, and premade meals. Proper storage of these items will be addressed. Develop confidence as you dehydrate and apply methods to ward of the five enemies that impact the shelf life of your food. Time allotted for Q & A at the end of the presentation.

Mona Gauthier

Give Your Dreams the Wings to Fly

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

A goal is only a dream if there is no action plan. This 24-year dream finally sprouted wings enabling a 65-year-old paddler to embark on her first solo canoe trip. A 200+ mile BWCAW trip from Crane Lake to Lake Superior following the Canadian/US border to Fort Charlotte, ending with the 8.5-mile Grand Portage. Did she finish? Details will be shared regarding planning/preparation, gear, food, logistics, lessons learned, and trip data.

Chris Gavin

Foraging from Watercraft

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

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

Join us as we explore the cornucopia of wild edible foods that can be encountered on the water during your next paddle. Whether finding an edible wild mushroom on a stream side log by chance, or gearing-up to head out in your watercraft to gather wild rice, we will cover the basics of getting into wild foods that can commonly be encountered while paddling, recommend resources to increase your knowledge and confidence, and answer your questions about how to harvest wild food safely and ethically. ... Read More

Tracy & Nick Georgiade

Campfire to Canoe: Hands-On Mastery of Gear, Systems, and Skills for Traditional Canoe Tripping

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

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

Step into the past - and the present - with a hands-on exploration of the gear and techniques that continue to define northern canoe travel. In this interactive workshop, Tracy and Nick demonstrate the art of traditional canoe tripping, from balancing a tumpline and packing a wannigan to understanding the craftsmanship behind a wood-canvas canoe.

Participants are invited to handle authentic equipment still used on modern Temagami expeditions, learning how traditional tools ... Read More

Miles Gordon

Veins Are Rivers Too: A Journey Through Northern Waters

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

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

Veins Are Rivers Too is an award-winning short film that celebrates the timeless connection between people and the northern wilderness. Filmmaker Miles Gordon captures the artistry and spirit of traditional canoe tripping-journeys powered by paddle, portage, and self-reliance. The film invites audiences to reflect on what it means to travel simply, quietly, and purposefully through wild places.

Following the screening, Miles will lead a brief Q&A exploring the challenges of ... Read More

Rudi Hargesheimer

Superior Trails: A Photo Tour Including Packrafting Adventures

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Did you know there are twenty backpacking trails on the Lake Superior perimeter? Are you aware of packrafting as a fun twist on the backpacking theme? Rudi Hargesheimer's presentation will showcase many of the 320 photos from his newly printed (November 2025) "Superior Trails: A Photo Tour of Lake Superior's Best Hiking Trails." These images rival anything you will find in far-off locales around the world. And they are of places close to home for us in the Upper Midwest! A special emphasis will ... Read More

David Inskeep

Original Paddling Songs Performed LIve!

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Expect to come away humming a new tune when you join singer/songwriter, musician, and paddling enthusiast David Inskeep for an entertaining set of original paddling and outdoor living songs. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica, David writes and sings catchy, upbeat, folk/country style tunes including titles such as "Paddler's Rendezvous," "Ride the River," "Jambo on the Flambeau," and "Crooked Path." David's songs tell stories and describe scenes that will delight ... Read More

Kendra Kennedy

Ghostbusters: The Wisconsin Historical Society's Search for Lake Michigan’s Vanished Ghost Ports

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

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

Terry Kent

Better Paddling Technique Made Easy

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

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

Canoe and kayak paddling is tough, because we all learn by being thrown out on the water (scary) holding this foreign object (a paddle) that is our lifeline to control a boat that is totally new for us - so of course we learn to use our smallest control muscles. Then, this early bad habit is cemented through the repetitive nature of paddling. The trick to improvement is first understanding what the basics of good technique are and what they can do for you. It's not about becoming some big-time ... Read More

Rob Kesselring

Campfire River Stories from Anywhere and Everywhere

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

Rob Kesselring

Have Canoe, Have Van, Will Travel

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

For a decade, Rob Kesselring and noted Canadian Canoeist and Birder, Sue Plankis, have been full-time van lifers. Traveling from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the Florida Everglades, they have learned the secrets of Vanlife. Their first van was a DIY Ford F-Series, and for the last six years, it has been a professionally converted Dodge Promaster. Their favorite hull up on the roof rack is a 32-pound carbon tandem canoe. Attend the presentation to find out why. Learn the ins and outs of the ... Read More

Rob Kesselring

The Thrill of a Self-Guided Far North Canoe Trip, You Can Do It!

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

Martin Koch

Buffalo National River

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

Martin Koch

Paddling the Yellowstone & Grand Teton Area

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

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

Doris Kolodji

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

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

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

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 BWCAW. They specialize in teaching novices to feel like pros regardless of size or experience. Learn tips and tricks for women and youth in the wilderness, and practice specific techniques to ... Read More

Ken Koscik

Quetico Provincial Park - Wisdom from 57 Years and over 85 trips

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

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

Ken Koscik started his adventuresome journeys to the Quetico Provincial Park in 1969. Quetico is 1.2 million acres of wilderness, and shares the Canadian border with the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota and is well known for its wilderness canoe camping experience and great fishing.
Ken will share his love for and experiences in Quetico. This will include the awesome beauty of the wilderness, the wildlife, the canoeing, the camping, the fishing, the solitude and ... Read More

Pete Kuhn

The perfect fitting kayak

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

Gina LaLiberte

What’s That Green Stuff? Identify Algae Blooms Where You Paddle

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs 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 and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that are often spotted in waters of the upper Great Lakes region. Take a close look at cyanobacterial blooms, learn to identify potentially harmful blooms, and review practical tips for how to stay safe while enjoying time on the water.

Mary Langlie

Fitness, Flexibility and Fun

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

This is a participatory presentation where everyone is invited to take a break in their day and learn some things they can do to get ready for the paddling season now. Gain strength, flexibility and mobility to keep yourself healthy and avoid injuries so that you can truly enjoy a full season on the water! All ages are welcome and accommodations will be made for anyone experiencing limited range of motion or physical challenges.

Stacie Longwell Sadowski, Vince Sadowski

Hammock Camping 101: Hanging out in the Woods

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

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

Curious about how to get started hammock camping? This presentation will introduce you to the comfort and ease of hammocking. We will share the advantages and disadvantages to hammocks, equipment that you can buy or make, safety tips, and Leave No Trace principles. Either for use as a primary shelter, or just an occasional add-on, hammock camping will expand your fun and comfort outdoors. Avoid common mistakes and misconceptions about hammocks. Learn about different hammock styles, sleeping ... Read More

Matt Magolan

Kayaking the Fjords of Iceland

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

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

In the summer of 2025, Umingmaq Paddle Touring Center led a trip with 4 intrepid paddlers to the Fjords of Iceland. The 11 day trip included paddling excursions to three distinct regions of the volcanic island and amazing cultural experiences.

Join Head Guide Matt Magolan as he recounts the experiences of 11 days in the WestFjords, Northwest Fjords and Northern Fjords of Iceland. Mountains, sky & crystal clear Arctic Ocean waters were the constant backdrop of this amazing ... Read More

Dave Mangin

Paddling the Potowatomi Islands

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

After building a rowboat for a trip downt the Mississippi River, Dave Mangin endeavored to built a kayak for a different trip through the Great Lakes and out to the Eastern Seaboard. After making it to the tip of Door County, this past summer he paddled from Rock Island, WI to Garden, MI.

Dave's presentation describes that beautiful trip into some remote parts of the Wisconsin/Michagan interface, the Potowatomi Islands. Limestone outcroppings of the Niagara Escarpment, abandoned ... Read More

David Meier

20 Items Experienced BWCA Campers Always Pack (That Newbies May Forget!)

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

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

Paul Mellor

Strokes of Kindness: The People of the River

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

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

Embarking on his 2300-mile kayaking journey down the Mississippi River, Paul Mellor encountered logjams, 27 locks and dams, gigantic cargo ships, and alligators. He also capsized three times, but his message is not so much about that. His story is about what the river offers; peace, serenity, and kindness from people who live along its banks. Scores of people, many of them strangers, offered him a place to stay, fed him meals, and miraculously showed up when he needed them the most. It's a ... Read More

Dave Miess, Cassius Callender, Mike Murray

Capturing Your Outdoor Adventure

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

Danny Mongno

Selecting the Perfect Kayak Paddle

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

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

Danny Mongno

Understanding The Forward Stroke. Let's be Efficient.

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

To enjoy the sport of paddling we need an efficient Forward Stroke. We want to use less energy, stay out longer, maybe go faster, not be sore. So, it makes sense that the Forward Stroke gets so much attention from students and coaches alike. Join Danny Mongno, with 30+ years of paddle sports coaching experience, as he breaks things down in a very easy to follow, step-by-step process. This is an interactive class, so be ready to participate and have fun.

Danny Mongno

Understanding the vast options in Paddling Clothing.

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

Cold feet... cold hands... just plain cold. Sweaty...sunburnt. 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 21-year Canoecopia veteran Danny Mongno. In this open discussion, we will address everything above ... Read More

Michael Neiger, Chris Ozminski

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

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

This high-quality PowerPoint presentation will discuss how to assemble and wear 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, Nick St. Onge

How to ensure your child will be a survivor when lost in the wilderness

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

This high-quality PowerPoint presentation will help parents teach their young children how to survive when lost in the wilderness - what to carry, what to do, and what not to do - and includes two free instructional coloring books (downloadable online) and two free videos to watch (online) with their children. This discussion draws on the lost-person best practices of the: National Association for Search & Rescue (NASAR); Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); Search & Rescue Volunteer ... Read More

Ginny Nelson

Planning & Traveling the BWCA in Comfort & with Responsibility

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

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

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is one of the top wilderness areas in north America. With every visit you will create lifetime memories. Ginny Nelson manager for an Ely area outfitter will guide you through what to include in your planning process, what to clothing to wear and gear to include that will make your experience more comfortable, how be safe in the wilderness, highlight routes for your skill level, and USFS permit regulations required to protect the wilderness ... Read More

Andy Nevitt, John Seal

421 Miles: Fast Paddling the Wisconsin River

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

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

Kyle Parker

What a Cross-Country Canoe Journey Taught Me

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

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

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

In this reflective and engaging presentation, long-distance paddler Parker.paddles shares the deeper story behind his cross-country canoe expedition, not just the 5,000 miles traveled, but the mindset shaped along the way. Over months of navigating from Neah Bay, Washington to Key Largo, Florida through remote rivers, wild weather, and long stretches of solitude, Parker discovered unexpected lessons about resilience, fear, trust, time, and the quiet, profound kindness of strangers met along the ... Read More

Bear Paulsen

Canoeing to the Arctic Prairies

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

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

Bear, his wife, Claire, and son, Dashwa paddled for almost a month to reach the Arctic Prairies. They began the trip on Damant Lake near the headwaters of the Elk River in the land of little sticks. For almost two hundred miles they hiked and camped on eskers, which snaked sinuously across the country. Then, on the Thelon River, they visited the ruined cabin of John Hornby, an eccentric Englishman, who starved there one hundred years ago. The last 200 miles of their 600-mile trip passed through ... Read More

Bear Paulsen

Wilderness Babies

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

Most wilderness travellers give similar reasons for visiting the backcountry, among them: recreation, relaxation, inspiration, and seeing wildlife. Everyone loves seeing animals. It's a thrill to see animals in their natural environment especially when you have successfully hunted them with a camera. Babies are rarer than adults and even more exciting. Bear will share pictures and stories from memorable encounters with youthful wildlife across North America. Come for a gamut of wildlife from ... Read More

Rolf Peterson

The recovery of wolves in Isle Royale National Park

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

The ongoing study of wolves and moose in Isle Royale National Park has a long-term goal of understanding the role of wolves in this isolated and protected ecosystem. The National Park Service re-established a wolf population in 2018-2019 after the recent native population virtually died out from inbreeding, caused by dwindling ice formation on Lake Superior. Wolves have been shown to have a major influence on the population dynamics of moose as the two species fluctuate in a roughly inverse ... Read More

Greg Pupillo

Wilderness Medicine and Paddle sports

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

Want to refresh or expand your wilderness medicine skill? Drop by and test your knowledge thru a variety or scenarios and hands on skill building sessions. We will work through some common injuries during paddling and discuss their management in a wilderness context. This activity will be led by wilderness medicine instructors from NOLS.

Don Richard, Chuck Rose

Northern Tier-Bissett: Tales from 50 Years of Scouting's Most Extreme High Adventure Program. Wilderness Canoeing, Gold, Float Planes, and Three-Legged Polar Bears

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

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

Lost.

Or the portage trail was, anyway. Ten Boy Scouts and their four adult leaders found themselves confused, at least temporarily, along the shore of an unnamed pothole. As frustration mounted, they pitched their tents on a big rock near the shore.

From this humble beginning, Northern Tier launched a 50-year program where nearly 16,000 participants (so far) have logged 100,000 camper days of some of Scouting's most extreme highest adventure outpost, near and in ... Read More

Nick Schade

Schoodic Point and Beyond: Sea Kayaking Maine’s “Bold Coast”

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

Maine's Bold Coast, with its rugged granite cliffs and countless hidden ledges, is a sea kayaker's dream. Merchant sailors once rode down-wind and east the southwesterly breezes from Boston to these dramatic Down East shores beyond Mount Desert Island, renowned for their striking granite cliffs, and exposed headlands. The region's vast tidal range, secluded bays, and offshore islands offer endless exploration for paddlers of all skill levels.

Nick has spent over 40 years weaving ... Read More

Neal Schroeter

Apostle Islands – One of the Best Places to Paddle in the World!

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

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

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

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

The Apostle Islands are one of the best places in the world to sea kayak! Some of the history and wonderful wilderness landscape will be reviewed. Photos & videos, & some secrets, will be shared from extensive personal trips, as well as arranging countless guided trips for others. Focus will center on what it's like & what it takes to be safe & prepared to paddle in this special National Lakeshore Park.

Neal Schroeter

Emergency Room Procedures in the Wilderness

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

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.

Bill Schultz

Kayaking & Kayak Fishing Door County, Wisconsin

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

Dave Shapiro

Ask the Knot Guy

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:30pm-4:40pm

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:30pm-4:15pm

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

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

Will my canoe stay on top of the car for the drive? Will my tarp fall down in the rain? Will my kayak get washed off the beach during the night? Stop by our clinic for a hands-on lesson, check out our knot board, learn a better truckers' hitch. Ask us your knot related questions, if we don't know the answer we will find out for you.

Kris Simonson

How to Go Solo at Any Age

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

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

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

Traveling solo can be intimidating, especially as we age. When I started my attempts at solo BWCA trips, I struggled with gear weight, safe travel systems, and managing my own expectations. Came learn about the changes I made to lighten my gear and the physical and mental preparation that have allowed me to safely expand beyond entry point lakes. Learn about strategies to pare your gear to a weight that can be single portaged.

Stephen Simpson

Boreal Odyssey: A Northwoods Vision Quest

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

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

Evan Sirianni

The Search for Sculpin: Exploring the Kickapoo River Watershed

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Donna Smith, PJ Smith

Fly Fishing 101 - A Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing

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

Riley Smith

The Ephemeral Joys of November Canoe Trips in the BWCAW

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

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

Lenore Sobota

Overcoming Fear One Stroke at a Time

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Waves? Wind? Whales? Wet exits? What fears are keeping you from fully enjoying time on the water? This presentation is aimed at people dealing with their own fears or wanting to help others. Come hear some strategies for overcoming fears and share ideas of your own.

John Stofflet

Drive less, paddle more: How to boost Your Time on the Water by Paddling Locally

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

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

John Stofflet will share the story of how he went from never kayaking to paddling more than 1,500 miles in 2025 at age 64. His presentation focuses on boosting your time on the water by spending less time driving and more time paddling, turning your attention to your local waterways. Here in the Madison area, that means waterways like the Yahara River downtown, Starkweather Creek, Turtle Creek, and the four lakes. The Emmy Award-winning retired news anchor will share several news stories ... Read More

Seth Taft

Friendship Matters: The Trail Ahead for Wisconsin State Parks

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

Tamara Thomsen, Sissel Schroeder

Navigating Wisconsin's Dugout Canoe Landscapes

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

More than 120 dugout canoes reported from Wisconsin range in age from 81 to over 5,200 years old. Three-quarters of these canoes have been found in or near water, including a number of dugouts in Lake Mendota in Madison. The Madison area has been a significant dwelling place for Indigenous people for more than 12,500 years in archaeological terms, and since time immemorial for the Ho-Chunk and Menominee people. Watercraft played a principal role in the area's transportation network. The Lake ... Read More

Isis Timm

We Endeavor: Lessons Learned on the Border Route Challenge

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

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

In 2025, Isis became the youngest woman to complete the 220 mile Voyager Challenge, a self-supported 8-day endurance paddle across the BWCA. In her presentation "We Endeavor: Lessons Learned on the Border Route Challenge" she'll detail her preparation, gear, and the physical and emotional obstacles she faced completing this extreme endurance expedition.

Beverly Vaillancourt

The Story of the Baraboo River

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

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

Jerry Vandiver, Caitlin Evanson, Amanda Healan

Songs about paddling and all things outdoors!

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

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

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

Back to Canoecopia for the 14th year, 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 will be debuting several new songs along with favorites from his previous paddlesongs CDs. Look for several special guests joining Jerry and The One Match Band (featuring Caitlin Evanson & Amanda Healan) for a fun, musical and unique addition to the Canoecopia experience.

Calem Watson

Alone Across the Northwest Territories

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

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

Marcy West

Water Lovers Role in Protecting Landscapes

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Karla With A K

Day Paddling Trips & Paddle-in campsites in & around Wisconsin State Parks

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

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

Did you know some of our Wisconsin State Parks have water trails for you to paddle? And paddle-in sites to camp at? If not, then this is the session for you! Take a journey with me around the state to learn about which state parks have great day water trips and also paddle-in campsites. Karla will talk about location, entry points, notable facts, and learned hacks.

Karla With A K

Hammock Camping 201

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

Dive deeper into the hammock camping world and learn how to get the best sleep after a winter hike. We will talk about suspension, protection (tarp & bug net), hammock (style, length, & fabric) and insulation (pads, TQ / UQ, socks, & tents). We briefly mention safety, group hangs, pets, hammock ethics and additional resources. If you have any hammock questions, this is the session to get them answered.

Jared Wold

A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Moving Water

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

Jared Wold

A Tour of Wisconsin's Wonderful Rivers

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

This presentation will be a whirlwind tour of an important part of Wisconsin's geography - its many river systems. From deeper dives into commonly paddled rivers such as the Wisconsin, Kickapoo, Black, Chippewa, Wolf, and Fox to fun facts such as how many rivers have the word "little" in their names, attendees will gain a new appreciation for the sheer diversity Wisconsin offers moving water paddlers. Attendees will hopefully discover new river paddling options whether they are interested in ... Read More

Jared Wold

Understanding USGS and NOAA Stream Flow Data

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Killarney (Hilton) - Upstairs Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

Craig Zarley

Catching Canoe Country Lake Trout the Simple Way

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

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

Join veteran canoe country angler and author Craig Zarley as he reveals the secrets of catching lake trout in the Boundary Waters and Quetico. Lake trout are the most overlooked canoe country fish. But Craig will demystify lake trout fishing and introduce you to the joy of catching trout without heavy tackle and expensive crank baits or spoons. Drawing on more than 60 years of wilderness fishing experience, he will show you where, when, and how to catch these fierce fighting fish using light ... Read More