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

Feedback

Trips/Places - Local/Upper Midwest

Steve Ballou

Paddling Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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

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

For over 50 years, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has drawn people from all over the world to experience the beauty and rugged wilderness of these islands and Lake Superior. What does it take to paddle and camp in this special place? Are you prepared to travel the waters of Lake Superior safely? With proper planning and preparation, you can have the adventure of a lifetime paddling through sea caves, sleeping under the stars, and navigating this inland sea. Join Ranger Steve Ballou to ... Read More

John Bates

Paddling Northern Wisconsin’s Undeveloped Wild Lakes: A Baker’s Dozen of the Best

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

Paddling a wild lake offers a peace that’s hard to find, as well as an insight into the native plant and animal communities that live in, on, and around our lakes. We’ll explore the ecological and aesthetic keynotes of some of the best lakes in northern Wisconsin for you to consider paddling.

Timothy Bauer

Adrift in the Driftless

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

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

Hidden in the middle of the Upper Midwest lies an area that is home to cliffs, caves, sinkholes, natural springs, breathing hills, crystal clear trout streams, rare rattlesnakes, bald eagles galore, goat prairies, Native American effigy mounds, Amish horse and buggies, and rock outcrops half a billion years old. Bigger than Vermont and New Hampshire combined, it's called the Driftless Area, a unique ecological anomaly that the glaciers missed during the last Ice Age. It also comprises some of ... Read More

Barry Brahier

Sea Kayaking Voyageurs National Park

Caribou - upstairs Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

Voyageurs National Park in the far north of Minnesota is an amazing place for kayak camping, solo or group, especially in the fall when most of the power boats stay home. Think BWCAW but with bigger lakes, Taj Mahal campsites reserved just for you, and no portaging! Learn the nuts and bolts of a Voyageurs kayaking trip, the importance of site selection, and understand why going solo is something you can do and probably should.

Will Collins

America By Canoe - Stories and Lessons from 4,300 miles on the Yukon & Mississippi Rivers

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

Big rivers, wild country, and two adventures of a lifetime. Join wilderness guide and podcast host Will Collins as he shares stories, lessons, and insights from two trips on Americas largest rivers: 103 days solo canoeing the Mississippi and 70 days canoeing the Yukon River.

Learn about exploring America from the low-down view of a canoe, including seeing barges, wolves, salmon runs.

Al & Marsha Fairfield

Sylvania, the evolution of an accessible wilderness area

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

Sylvania is an easily accessible wilderness area that has evolved dramatically over time. From virgin timber to the Sylvania Club, public purchase, wilderness designation, court rulings, COVID, and beyond. Discover its colorful history and learn how you can explore one of our favorite places while being good stewards to preserve it.

Gillian Fitzgerald

What it Means to Paddle Like a Girl

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

When it comes to recreating in the outdoors as a woman, some things are different. Some things are easier, some things are harder. Some things are well-known and talked about, others are not. Paddling in the Boundary Waters as a woman, whether it be as a guide, a participant, or a personal recreator, has the power to be an incredibly empowering, life-altering experience. Join this presentation and hear from Gillian and the women she’s worked alongside over the years as they share stories, tips ... Read More

Vic Foerster

Hidden in the Trees, An Isle Royale Sojourn

Algonquin - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Remote, insulated from man’s influence by the frigid waters of Lake Superior, and protected by the National Park Service, Isle Royale doubles as a wilderness escape for outdoor enthusiasts and as one of the foremost outdoor laboratories in the world for wildlife studies. As such, in 1984, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated Isle Royale a world biosphere reserve.

Award-winning Author / Arborist Vic Foerster will share with us his many years ... 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

Paula Furlich, Sue Sullivan, Mona Gauthier

Never Underestimate a Woman with a Paddle

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

The border route in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildness hugs the Minnesota-Canada Border. It covers over 194 miles of paddling and 24 miles of portages. Follow the three adventurous women who traveled this route from the westernmost entry point at Crane Lake to the easternmost point at South Fowl and then paddled up the Pigeon River up to Fort Charlotte to hike the Grand Portage Trail. Learn about the route they took, the challenges they faced, the gear they brought, the food they ate, how ... Read More

Dean Juntunen

A Paraplegic’s Superior Circumnavigation

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

Dean Juntunen, a T7/8 complete paraplegic, will share his 20-year circumnavigation of Lake Superior, which merged two of his favorite hobbies: Kayaking and Photography. You’ll see the best of the UP, Ontario, Minnesota, and Wisconsin shorelines, and learn how Dean problem-solved for multi-day trips.

Marty Koch

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

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

Over 130 miles of pristine rivers are protected in this unit of the National Park Service. Located in the Missouri Ozarks, the park includes the Current and Jack’s Fork Rivers. These crystal-clear streams are spring fed and offer beautiful bluffs, over a hundred species of flora, outstanding fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout and Smallmouth Bass. Campgrounds and accesses are located at convenient intervals. Join us as we explore this national treasure.

Dave Mangin

Waters Connecting our Homes to Wilderness

Bear - upstairs Sun 11:30am-12:15pm

Most of us have at least read, if not experienced, the wonder of escaping to wilderness areas to dip our paddles. We’ve all been on local waterways popular among day paddlers as a momentary escape to nature. In his presentation, Dave Mangin makes the case for seeking out paddling routes that connect the places we live to the wilderness we dream of. And the industrial waters in between should not be avoided, but sought out. By sharing the discoveries of a sectional paddle from the headwaters of ... Read More

Pete Marshall

5 Musts for Rookie Boundary Waters Paddlers

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

Whether you’re thinking of paddling the Boundary Waters for the first time or want to introduce someone to this special place, this presentation will cover five essential things to do to ensure that you and others have the kind of trip that leaves you wanting more. We’ll discuss how to plan your days, what kind of activities to include, coping with common fears (bears and weather!), and more.

David Meier

Awakening Wonder - A Parenting Guide for the Boundary Waters

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

Ever think about taking your kids to the Boundary Waters, but fear that they’ll either 1) leap from a moving canoe, or 2) complain so much about no electronics, outdoor bathrooms, and bugs, that it just won’t be worth the hassle of taking them? We will discuss how to bring your kids to the Boundary Waters. What age is right? How do you keep them safe and happy? What are potential pitfalls? With some useful suggestions, you can lay the groundwork for a positive BWCA dynamic with your family!

Scott Miller, Wally Werderich, Paul Cox, Judson Steinback

Mississippi Speed Record

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

In May of 2023 this team of four men set the Guinness World Record for the fastest canoe trip down the 2,300-mile Mississippi River. They started at Lake Itasca on May 10th and reached Mile Marker Zero 16 days, 20 hours and 16 minutes later. They slept, ate, drank, laughed and used the bathroom 24/7 in their Wenonah Minnesota IV canoe. Their support team included over 27 people, 3 dogs, 2 documentary filmmakers, 2 support boats and 2 RV’s. They portaged around 15 dams, paddled through 23 locks, ... Read More

Ginny Nelson

BWCA Planning & Tips for a Successful Trip

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

The Boundary Waters (BWCAW) of northern Minnesota draws over 150,000 people to experience a wilderness adventure with paddling, camping, portaging, beautiful sunsets, and so much more. Planning and packing is crucial for a successful and memorable trip. Join Ginny Nelson, outfitter/manager from Ely, MN, as she provides what you need to know about permit details, what route to take, what to pack, what NOT to take, items to keep you safe, and stories to keep you entertained.

Kathy Nelson

Top Tips for Traveling the BWCA as a Senior

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

Traveling the Boundary Waters (BWCAW) is an experience that makes lifetime memories. As a senior citizen, is this still possible? Join Kathy Nelson, co-owner of an Ely, MN, outfitter and senior-citizen wilderness traveler as she shares how to plan a successful canoe trip; what to pack, what NOT to take, how to handle limited mobility and strength concerns, best time to experience the BWCA, preferred routes, and more.

Zorbari Nwidor, Tia Coats, Noah Viner

From Underground to Water Trail: Blue Spaces for Black Faces

Bear - upstairs Sat 10:30am-11:15am

This presentation will go into the history of the African American heritage trail, its ties to the Underground Railroad, the mission to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people of color, and how restorative justice has been a key component to reclaiming and sustaining these spaces. We will discuss the history, impact, and importance of this 7-mile water trail that starts on the South Side of Chicago and ends in Dolton, Illinois, touching neighborhoods like Golden Gate, Riverside Village, ... Read More

Daniel Peterson

Paddling the Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers

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

Even before being protected as part of a unique National Park in 1968, the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers were well-known paddling and fishing destinations. Over 50 years later, these waters continue to create memories. Whether you are a beginning kayaker looking for an easy day paddle or an experienced canoeist searching for a weeklong adventure, over 200 miles of protected waters of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway await your discovery.

Jeff Rennicke

Paddling the Darkest Skies

Bear - upstairs Sat 9:30am-10:15am

It is as ancient as humans in the wilderness, looking up at the boundless infinity of the stars. But, it is also an endangered resource. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has some of the darkest skies in the upper Midwest. In this star-filled presentation, Jeff Rennicke, Executive Director of Friends of the Apostle Islands, shares stories of being on Lake Superior under the stars, beneath the northern lights, and the organization’s efforts to preserve the experience for others. From ... Read More

Jonathan Ringdahl, Al Fairfield

Discovering the geology of Door County and The Apostle Islands

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

We get it, a lot of us struggle with trying to understand how to make rocks cool or interesting. The truth is, everyone loves paddling along scenic cliffs and among islands. There is a story in those rocks that can enhance our appreciation of some of our favorite paddling destinations. Come explore the geology of Door County and the Apostle Islands with Johnathan and Al to discover how geology is the foundation of what makes these destinations unique. It took hundreds of millions of years to ... Read More

Amy Rosebrough

Opening the Door: The Ghost Ports of Door County

Caribou - upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Door County is renowned for its scenic paddling and stunning coastlines. In the 19th century, those quiet coastlines were the scene of bustling activity, with nearly 70 ports exporting timber, stone, and other goods and bringing in Euro-American farming and working families. Most of the small ports have vanished into history, but some have left echoes behind. The remains of some of the most spectacular of Door County’s Lake Michigan ghost ports are accessible to paddlers and visitors, and lie ... Read More

Neal Schroeter

Paddling the Apostle Islands

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

The Apostle Islands are one of the best places in the world to sea kayak! Some of the history and wonderful wilderness landscape will be reviewed. Photos, videos, and some secrets will be shared from extensive personal trips. Focus will center on what it’s like and what it takes to be safe and prepared to paddle in this special National Lakeshore Park.

Bill Schultz

Kayaking & Kayak Fishing Door County, Wisconsin

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

There are few places like Door County, Wisconsin, that offer 300 miles of spectacular shoreline on both Lake Michigan and Green Bay. The beautiful waters of Door County are a destination for both recreational kayaking and kayak fishing for smallmouth bass. This talk will cover some of the best locations for recreational kayakers to experience the beauty of Door County and the best places to launch. It will also cover some of the top locations to catch and release smallmouth bass along with ... Read More

Babs Smith, Rick Malchow

Countdown to our Number One Favorite Lake Michigan and Green Bay Beach Paddles

Sylvania - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

With so many beaches along Lake Michigan and Green Bay in Wisconsin, how will the brother and sister duo, Babs and Rick, develop a list of the very best? Will their good-natured sibling rivalry keep them from enumerating their favorite beach paddles? They’ll likely surprise you with a few hidden gems. Come laugh with them as they share their Countdown to their Number One Lake Michigan and Green Bay’s finest beaches you can paddle to in Wisconsin.

Michael Stout

The Lake Rider - Eight Great Lakes Solo Crossings

BWCA - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

What started as summer fun on the local lake evolved into an obsession with extreme sport, high adventure, and personal achievement. Mike Stout’s crowning achievement was solo paddling across Lake Michigan a record-setting seven times and Lake Superior once. Stout will share with you the excitement of a new journey, the splendor of being surrounded by a magnificent sea of blue, taxing the mind and body, the worry of not surviving, and the exhilaration of completing another Great Lakes crossing.

Kevin Wegner

Minnesota Border Challenge; from one end to the other in under 8 days.

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

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Kevin, a member of the MNGreene 3-man team, as he recounts the thrilling conquest of the Kruger-Waddell Minnesota Border Challenge—a demanding 270-mile retracing of the historic Voyager route from International Falls, MN, to Grand Portage, MN, on the shores of Lake Superior, involving both paddling and portaging. Despite Kevin’s initial lack of experience, his team achieved the remarkable feat of being the first 3-man team to complete the challenge in ... Read More

Perry Whitaker

Paddling the Middle Mississippi River: Native Americans, Early Explorers, and Steamboats

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

The 2,300-mile-long Mighty Mississippi has played a crucial role in the growth of the United States. The 200-mile section from the confluence of the Missouri River near St Louis, MO, to the confluence of the Ohio River at Cairo, IL, is referred to as the Middle Mississippi, and there you’ll encounter thousands of years of history! On that stretch of the River you’ll pass Civil War sites, countless steamboat wrecks, historic Native American villages, ghost towns, French forts, and encounter an ... Read More

Jared Wold

A Tour of Wisconsin's Wonderful Rivers

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

This presentation will be a whirlwind tour of an important part of Wisconsin’s geography - its many river systems. From deeper dives into commonly paddled rivers such as the Wisconsin, Kickapoo, Black, Chippewa, Wolf, and Fox to fun facts such as how many rivers have the word “little” in their names, attendees will gain a new appreciation for the sheer diversity Wisconsin offers moving-water paddlers. Attendees will hopefully discover new river-paddling options whether they are interested in ... Read More

Dan York

Wild Rivers of the Wild West

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

Wild western whitewater rivers are the stuff of paddling dreams. They offer river runners the chance to paddle multiple days through spectacular landscapes of mountains, canyons, forests, and deserts. In this presentation Dan York will share images and experiences from multi-day kayaking trips he has taken over the past two decades down a wide variety of western rivers. His presentation will inspire you to seek out your own western adventures and guide you on how to make your own western ... Read More