Paddling Skills

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 Fourteen years later (or 168 months in a row), the quest has superseded the question.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

Miguel Garcia-Gosalvez

Canoeing Solo: The Inner Journey

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

Bear - upstairs Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

In this presentation, I'll explore how canoeing solo in the wilderness is not an act of bravado or self-proving-it isn't about toughness or conquest. It's something quieter, more intimate. Solitude in the wild becomes a thread that connects you to the people who shaped your life, even those no longer here.

Canoeing alone also means embracing solitude as both challenge and teacher. In the quiet rhythm of paddling, away from the noise of companionship, solitude inspires personal ... Read More

Rudi Hargesheimer

Superior Trails: A Photo Tour Including Packrafting Adventures

Killarney (Spark by Hilton) - Hilton Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Did you know there are twenty backpacking trails on the Lake Superior perimeter? Are you aware of packrafting as a fun twist on the backpacking theme? Rudi Hargesheimer's presentation will showcase many of the 320 photos from his newly printed (November 2025) "Superior Trails: A Photo Tour of Lake Superior's Best Hiking Trails." These images rival anything you will find in far-off locales around the world. And they are of places close to home for us in the Upper Midwest! A special emphasis will ... Read More

Terry Kent

Better Paddling Technique Made Easy

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

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

Canoe and kayak paddling is tough, because we all learn by being thrown out on the water (scary) holding this foreign object (a paddle) that is our lifeline to control a boat that is totally new for us - so of course we learn to use our smallest control muscles. Then, this early bad habit is cemented through the repetitive nature of paddling. The trick to improvement is first understanding what the basics of good technique are and what they can do for you. It's not about becoming some big-time ... 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

Pete Kuhn

The perfect fitting kayak

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

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

Danny Mongno

Selecting the Perfect Kayak Paddle

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

Atrium - upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

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.

Greg Pupillo

Wilderness Medicine and Paddle sports

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

Want to refresh or expand your wilderness medicine skill? Drop by and test your knowledge thru a variety or scenarios and hands on skill building sessions. We will work through some common injuries during paddling and discuss their management in a wilderness context. This activity will be led by wilderness medicine instructors from NOLS.

Lenore Sobota

Overcoming Fear One Stroke at a Time

Killarney (Spark by Hilton) - Hilton Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Waves? Wind? Whales? Wet exits? What fears are keeping you from fully enjoying time on the water? This presentation is aimed at people dealing with their own fears or wanting to help others. Come hear some strategies for overcoming fears and share ideas of your own.

Jared Wold

A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Moving Water

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