Canoecopia - 2025 Presentations by Category

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: $17.00
3-Day: $35.00
Ages 17 and under are FREE
Cash or check only for tickets purchased at the event

Parking Fees
1-Day: $8.00
Credit only, fees collected by Alliant Energy Center
Advanced passes may be purchased HERE.
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Reflection/Inspiration

John Bates

Writings on Water: A Feast of Essays and Poems about Why We Love to Be on, in, and around Water

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

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

Yes, Canoecopia is all about where to paddle and the best gear to use in getting to those places. But it's also about why we love paddling - the wildlife we see, the pines we listen to and camp under, the clear waters, the joy of the adventures and explorations, and the peace we experience that allows us to breathe deep and long. From the masters - Leopold, Olson, Oliver - to writers you may not know, we'll revel in words. And, hey, bring along a reading you might want to share, too.

Cynthia Cavanagh, Sue Wiley

Paddle More—A Challenge!

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

Paddling time is good time. Still, it can seem hard to find the perfect weather, the ideal water, the best time of day, and the ultimate alignment of the stars in the universe before you plan to get on the water. Time passes quickly and before you know it, your boat can remain stowed all summer.

Get ready to be on the water! Join this fast-paced presentation to see how the presenters challenged themselves to paddling every month of 2024. Learn about the preparations and planning, ... Read More

Nathaniel Gueltzau

Surviving the Distance: A Veteran's Journey through Long-Distance Paddling

Voyageur - Upstairs Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Join Nate, an Army veteran and long-distance paddler, as he shares his personal journey of endurance, resilience, and survival on the water. As a bigger guy, Nate brings a unique perspective to the world of long-distance paddling, tackling not only the physical challenges but also the mental and emotional hurdles that come with pushing through the limits of what the body and mind can endure. Along with a sense of humor!

In this presentation, Nate will recount his experiences ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

My Last Picture Show: Remembering a Lifetime of Canoeing Wild Rivers

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

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

Cliff discovered canoes at the age of 12, in a rustic Scout camp set deep in the Michigan woods. He became hooked on the wild outdoors, and by age 14, he had read every book in print on wilderness travel. He went camping (with friends or alone) nearly every weekend. When he got bored in school, he drew pictures of canoes, tents, knives, rifles and axes in his notebook. Cliff kept doing and learning. He discovered that many of the camping procedures he'd read about in books were wrong. If you've ... Read More

Cody Little

Paddling Indigenous Waters

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

This session covers the story of Cody's life—growing up on the San Juan River, raised by river guides and today owning his very own commercial outfit on the river that has shaped every aspect of his life. Most importantly, the presentation will cover his story of cultural bridge building with local Diné Communities and the level of respect and humility that it takes to paddle Native Lands. Over the last five years Cody's earned his spot as the only Bilágaana with a Backcountry Waterways ... Read More

Bear Paulsen

Travels with Dan Cooke

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

Known throughout the canoe world as the engineering genius behind Cooke Custom Sewing for 40 years, Dan was Bear's very close friend and travelling partner. Together they spent over 100 nights canoeing and winter camping from the BWCA to the Arctic. When invited to be a special person in Bear's son's life, Dan anointed himself Grandpa Dan. Join Bear for stories about his long friendship and many travels with the canoeing legend.

Lenore Sobota

Overcoming Fear One Stroke at a Time

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

Killarney - Upstairs Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Whether it's big waves, big fish, wind or other generalized concerns, fear can interfere with our enjoyment of time on the water or even keep us on shore. Come hear some ideas for overcoming those fears from someone who overcame many of her own and share some of your strategies. This talk is aimed at those working to face their own fears or helping others to deal with comfort on the water.

Joe Winston

Operation Early Impact—Studying the Powerful Therapeutic Benefits of Paddle Sports

Killarney - Upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Heroes on the Water (HOW) will discuss peer-reviewed study findings on the transformative and life enriching benefits of paddling sports. In partnership with faculty from Texas State University this published study supports the anecdotal beliefs about the benefits of the outdoors and particularly being on the water. Through the rhythm of paddling and the calm of fishing, veterans experience reduced anxiety, enhanced communication, and a renewed sense of confidence. While our focus is serving ... Read More