We're getting a lot of questions from newbies about the whole Canoecopia experience, so here's a few answers: we'll keep adding them as we get them.

New Question:"Do you videotape speakers?"
Answer: We'd love to. There are companies that do this but we are not yet big enough (!) to make it worth their while, apparently. If I am completely wrong and you know someone who would do this, tell them to call us.

Question:"Why are there so many kayak presentations? What about canoes?"
Answer: Well, you do make a good point...more than half the speakers are "kayak-centric" while a lot of them are either both canoe or kayak applicable. The truth is that there has been a lot of growth in the kayak world, a lot of innovation, where canoes have been a little more slow growing. For this year, our kayak manufacturers have 30 new boats to show you. Our canoe manufacturers, about 7.

That said, we love canoes (I love canoes!) and we always look for good canoeing speakers. Many of this year's canoe speakers are some of the best paddlers in the world. So what we might lack in quantity, we make up for in quality.

Question:"Where do I sign up for the speaker talks?"
Answer: You don't have to. They are first-come, first-seated presentations. Some of them will be standing room only, so plan accordingly if it's someone you really want to see.

Question: "How do I test paddle in the pool?
Answer: Sorry, due to space constraints, the pool is not open to the public for test paddling, but is for demo purposes only. Someday we hope to have a pool for such paddling, but that's a ways off.

Question: "Do I have to buy advance tickets?"
Answer: Nope, not unless you want to. It does speed up the entry process a bit but you are more than welcome to grab tickets at the door.

Question: "Do I have to know anything about canoes or kayaks to attend Canoecopia? Will I feel completely surrounded by experts and look like a dope?"
Answer: In a word, no. A BIG FAT HAIRY no. We like newbies. Your enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. While there are people there who are real experts (or at least know more than you), most of us have a lot more to learn. Please come, ask "dumb" questions, they're usually really good questions.

We'll keep posting these as you ask them. See you soon...