Canoecopia - 2024 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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Safety/First Aid

Kevin Callan, Ethan & Andrew Elkins

A Panel Discussion On Bears

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

Seasoned paddlers in a panel discussion on bear stories, biology, and keeping bears out of camp. Author Kevin Callan, Andrew and Ethan Elkins, and retired DNR Biologist/Zoologist and Bureau Director of Endangered Species Charles Pils will talk about bears and best practices of keeping them out of camp, along with stories and taking questions.

Julie Carey

They just aren't listening! Communicating Safety Messages to an unreceptive Audience

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

What safety topic is your soap box? Do you often find that your message isn’t being received the way you hoped? Does your audience push back and find every reason on the river why your concern doesn’t apply to them? Join this interactive presentation on communication styles and techniques for achieving compliance not only with regulations but also industry best practices for ensuring that each and every paddle is one that where everyone returns safely.

John Chase

Navigating the Seas with Nautical Charts

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

Dive into the art and science of interpreting navigation charts and learn essential tools to navigate open waters. Explore scale and symbols for accurate distance and direction measurements, and hazard identification. We will also walk through real-life scenarios to apply chart-reading skills.

Vern Fish

Fire in the Boreal Forest

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

Are you prepared to deal with a wilderness fire? The summer of 2023 was dominated by reports of wildfire all over North America. These news stories became a little too personal when my paddling party was surrounded by fire in the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park. This was the first time that I had ever been chased out of the wilderness by a fire. I will share a few things I learned about how to prepare and react. Finally learn more about the impact of fire on the park and how the park staff ... Read More

Joe Friedrichs, Matthew Baxley

Planning for the Unexpected in the Boundary Waters

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

Matthew Baxley and Joe Friedrichs have been sharing stories on award-winning podcasts and writing about the Boundary Waters for the past decade. In this presentation, Joe and Matthew share personal experiences and stories they’ve collected along the way where things went wrong on a trip to the Boundary Waters. Included in the powerful narrative is a near-death experience they faced on a trip to the BWCA in May 2023. Matthew and Joe will share how to plan for the unexpected on any trip to the ... Read More

Miguel Garcia-Gosalvez

Safety electronics for the BWCA (or other trips to the wilderness)

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

All kind of electronic gadgets for communications and safety in the wilderness are available. Understanding your risks while having what you need to minimize them is key. Knowing how to use them, costs associated, understanding your own needs and those of family and friends who love you is key to providing peace of mind for everyone.

Do you know what SOS on the top of your mobile phone top screen means when your cellphone company name or 5G/LTE is not on the screen? Do you know what ... Read More

Marty Koch

Basic River Safety For The Casual Paddler

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

While paddlesports are a safe pastime they are not without inherent risks. The old saying “stuff happens” is never truer than while on the water. This introductory safety presentation is designed for the casual and novice paddler. Learn about how to safely plan and conduct a paddle trip. Learn how to recognize water hazards like sweepers, strainers, low-head dams, etc. Learn about river ratings, weather,s and group dynamics.

Michael Neiger

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

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

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

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

Quetico - main floor Sun 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

Michael Neiger

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

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

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 vs. 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.

Neal Schroeter

What Everyone Should Know About Cold Water Paddling

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

So, you say you’ll stay warm & dry?! – famous last words! Cold water goes with paddling in the Midwest. Cold water immersion and 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, and potentially treat cold water injuries. This presentation could save your life!