Canoecopia - 2025 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: $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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Gear/Equipment

Karla "With a K", Bill "Canoeski" Petersen, Chad Nelson, Stacie Longwell Sadowski

Hammocks & Paddling Trips Discussion Panel

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

Join four experienced hammock campers who also paddle for a panel discussion on hammock camping and paddling trips. We will have hammockers from Michigan (Stacie Longwell Sadowski), Wisconsin (Canoeski & Karla), and Minnesota (Chad Nelson) on the panel. We have experienced and newbies to paddling who will bring a lot of perspectives to the talk. We've got a bit of everything to answer any question you bring our way. Come and learn how hammock camping can greatly increase your comfort after a ... Read More

Jeff Bach

Cut, Bend, Glue, Shape. DIY Paddlebuilding

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:00pm-4:00pm

Straight. Bent. Long. Short. Artisan. AND a new style. They are all wood and all built by hand. If bending wood is your thing, or you like it straight, come and join the group. Topics like the dark art of fiberglass and epoxy, the essence of spokeshaves, and art vs function are in the mix. Lots more to show and share, including the reveal of that new (to me) style.

Lili Colby

Inflatable Life Jacket Maintaince Workshop

Atrium - upstairs Sat 1:00pm-4:00pm

Do you want to extend the life of your life jacket? Is yours still good to go or past its prime? Lili Colby will share both daily and annual maintenance tips and best practices for a range of inflatable devices that boaters use - hydrostatic (HIT), water activated automatic, auto/man and manual. Bring your own device and have Lili show you how to do a self-inspection to determine its condition for the season ahead. Come to this hands-on workshop to learn more about the most essential safety ... Read More

Rachel Hedlund, Izzie Smith

Paddling on a Budget—Tips and Tricks for Enjoying Your Adventure While Saving $$$

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

Anyone can embark on a paddling adventure, but there are often some barriers to entry, particularly in the form of expensive gear. Izzie and Rachel, two Education Team staff from Friends of the Boundary Waters, will walk you through how to outfit your trip for cheap! Their expertise comes from years of guiding expeditions through Wilderness Inquiry and Outward Bound. They now support getting underserved youth to the BWCA through Friends of the BWCA, and feel even more skilled in all the hacks ... Read More

Wayne Horodowich

How To Choose The Kayak That Works Best For You

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

Trying to choose a kayak can be overwhelming from the seemingly endless variety of boats available in the marketplace. Your goal is to find the boat that fits your needs and your budget. If you want a step-by-step approach to finding the kayak that works best for you then join Wayne Horodowich for a dynamic and detailed discussion. Wayne will draw upon his 45 years of teaching kayaking and fitting paddlers into kayaks so they can have an enjoyable experience.

Pete Kuhn

The Perfect Kayak Fit

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

This talk/demonstration will cover how to make adjustments to the inside of a kayak cockpit. These will cover seat and foot peg adjustments/modifications followed by customizing thigh braces with foam, using a cut-a-way kayak to show possible placement of modifications. Materials and shaping techniques will also be discussed.

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

Danny Mongno

Selecting the Perfect Kayak Paddle

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

Atrium - upstairs Sun 10:30am-11:15am

Kayaking efficiently is important. The less energy we use, the longer we can stay out, and therefore the more fun we will have. The paddle is your connection to the water, so making sure you have a properly designed and fitted one will pay efficiency dividends with every stroke. Danny is a veteran Canoecopia presenter of 20 years, and he explains the aspects of selecting the perfect kayak paddle as well as anyone in the business. The remainder of the class will be spent working on some ... Read More

Stacie & Vince Sadowski, Vince Sadowski

Introduction to Hammocks: Hanging out in the Woods

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

Curious about how to get started hammock camping? This presentation will introduce you to the comfort and ease of hammocking. We will share the advantages and disadvantages to hammocks, equipment that you can buy or make, safety tips, and Leave No Trace principles. Either for use as a primary shelter, or just an occasional add-on, hammock camping will expand your fun and comfort outdoors. Avoid common mistakes and misconceptions about hammocks. Learn about different hammock styles, sleeping ... Read More