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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Beginner Friendly

Barry Brahier, Erik Detzler

Sea Kayaking Voyageurs National Park: Routes and Park Update

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

Voyageurs National Park offers a "just right" sea kayaking experience for novice paddlers, challenge seekers and everyone in between. Located in the far north of Minnesota it has BIG lakes, Taj Mahal campsites reserved just for you, and only two (optional) portages! Learn the best routes for your ability, what matters when selecting a campsite and get a park update from an NPS Park Ranger.

John Chase

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Kayaking

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

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

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.

Al & Marsha Fairfield, Marsha Fairfield

Northern Wisconsin as a Paddle Destination for ALL Paddlers

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

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

Northern Wisconsin has an abundance of lakes and rivers suitable for every paddler. From wilderness waters to waters big enough to stretch your legs there is something here for everyone. Recreation boats, canoes, and sea kayaks all have a place here. Why settle for one style of paddle craft! Come discover some of our favorite places to explore.

Marcos Garcia-Norris

So You Want to Start Sea Kayaking?

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

Marcos arrived to kayaking accidentally on his 50th birthday. Starting with zero experience he launched himself into the Des Plaines River (IL) on a sturdy recreational kayak, paddling many mornings and falling in love with the opportunities of escape it gave him. Thinking he was God's gift to kayaking, Marcos soon adventured out into the open waters of Lake Michigan to immediately be humbled by the risks and dangers of not really knowing what he was doing. Ever since that awakening in the ... Read More

Mona Gauthier

Food Dehydration Beyond the Basics

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

Be bold. Be safe. You can dehydrate anything. However, should you? Advanced dehydration techniques will be shared including video clips of dehydrating eggs, sour cream, and guacamole. Preservation of these items is critical. 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.

Cliff Jacobson

Camping's Top Secrets

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

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

This whirlwind seminar focuses on camping tricks that only the experts know-practical procedures that increase your comfort and safety. Learn how to stormproof your tent, bug-proof your body and camp; choose edged tools and make fire in the rain; cook with "cozies" to save stove fuel; inexpensively waterproof your sleeping bag and gear; sleep comfortably on a bad site, and much more. You won't find this information in ordinary camping books or videos.
Based on Cliff's book, "CAMPING'S ... Read More

Doris Kolodji

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

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

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

Blake Longworth

Understanding the Vast Options in Paddling Clothing

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

Have you ever dealt with cold feet, cold hands, just been plain cold? Sweaty and/or sun burnt? What's the difference between neoprene and dry suits? Is it really a ladies fit, or is it just purple? Is this a splash or rain jacket? The amount of paddle gear at Canoecopia is incredible, but it's a lot to digest. Take some time to relax, bring a snack or a beverage, and hang out with Canoecopia veteran Blake Longworth. In this open discussion, he will address everything above and then some and ... Read More

David Meier

Leave No Trace Basics for Boundary Waters Newbies

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

Planning your first Boundary Waters adventure? Or leading newcomers into canoe country?

To minimize human impact and keep the area wild, there are a few simple rules to share. We'll cover fundamentals every BWCA beginner needs to know, from fishing, to fire, to food safety. Through practical tips and a few head-shaking real-life stories, you'll learn essential skills to grow an appreciation for wilderness and make that first trip extra special.

These helpful ... Read More

Stacie & Vince Sadowski, Vince Sadowski

A Beginner's Guide to Outdoor Adventuring

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

What does it take to get out and have adventures? This beginner's presentation will answer all of your questions, or at least get you thinking! From safety and comfort to Leave No Trace, Vince and Stacie will share their simple approach to getting started and get you ready for fun. With the proven health and wellness benefits of outdoor recreation, don't miss out. Starting with day hikes and paddles, up to planning overnight excursions, you will be equipped with a practical can-do philosophy ... Read More

Stacie & Vince Sadowski

All the Bad Advice I’ve Ever Been Given: Paddling and Camping Edition

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

What is the worst advice you have ever received, and what happened? This presentation will explore common misconceptions, risky choices, and "best practices" along with personal stories to get you thinking. When "common knowledge" steers you in the wrong direction, you are in good company.
Everyone has an opinion to share on gear, shelter, food, clothing or trip planning, and some are not good. Exploring the spectrum of overpacking heavy gear to going too ultralight, discern what works ... Read More