Beginner Friendly

Timothy Bauer

The Pleasures and Perils of Cold Weather Paddling

Superior - main floor Sat 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 Fourteen years later (or 168 months in a row), the quest has superseded the question.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

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.

Alan Fairfield

The Transformative Experience of Joining a Paddling Community

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Sure, you remembered your paddle and canoe. Right?? But what about the duct tape? Extra garbage bags? The small things Boundary Waters veterans swear by that sounds ridiculous until you're three portages deep and desperately wish you had them?

We'll look at the often-overlooked essentials that separate the "I've got this" paddlers from the "why didn't anyone tell me?!" crowd. Whether you're a first-timer planning your maiden voyage or a seasoned tripper who's learned these ... Read More

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.

Bill Schultz

Kayaking & Kayak Fishing Door County, Wisconsin

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

This is the talk I gave two years ago and it was extremely well-received with a large audience and many emailed requests for the PDF right after the show and actually I still get requests as it appeals to both the smallmouth bass kayak angler and the many who just love to kayak Door County. It covers a Tremendous amount of information including "all" the kayak launches on the peninsula and Washington Island as well as most of the "very" best places to kayak for the top beautiful spots. It also, ... Read More

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.

Jared Wold

Understanding USGS and NOAA Stream Flow Data

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

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

This presentation will help attendees decode and understand USGS and NOAA stream flow and other data. They will learn how to read the raw data in graph and other forms on both websites as well as choose different date ranges. More importantly, they will learn context for applying that data to real world, usable knowledge for planning safe and fun paddling outings. They'll learn about action stage, flood stage, and other safety related information. Is there too much water for safe paddling? Is ... Read More