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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Camp/Wilderness Skills

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

John Chase

Navigating the Seas with Nautical Charts

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

Dive into the art and science of interpreting navigation charts and learn essential tools to navigate open waters. Explore scale and symbols for accurate distance and direction measurements, and hazard identification. We will also walk through real-life scenarios to apply chart reading skills.

John Chase

Perfectly Pack your Kayak for a Multi-Day Trip

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

Loading personal and shared group gear in your boat is both art and science. This hands-on workshop will equip you with tips and tricks to pack your kit for a dry, safe and enjoyable multi-day journey without having to cut the handle off your toothbrush.

Andrew & Emily Elkins

Bear Prevention Gear and Techniques

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

Gain confidence when venturing into bear country. There will be live demonstrations of different forms of bear barrels and hanging techniques. This will also cover good camp practices to help prevent critters from spoiling food and gear. Learn techniques allowed under the new Boundary Waters food storage rules from our Guest Cathy Quinn Assistant Wilderness Program Manager from the Superior National Forest, Supervisor's Office.

Gillian Fitzgerald, Mona Gauthier, Doris Kolodji, Sue Sullivan, Sam Chadwick

Women's Q+A Panel: BWCA Trippers

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

Adventuring in the BWCA comes with unique considerations for women that aren't always widely discussed. From choosing the right clothing, to navigating physical challenges and emotional barriers, there is much to learn- like what is a Kula Cloth, and why is it a game-changer? Join this inspiring multi-generational panel of women with extensive paddling experience as they share their insights and invite your questions! While the outdoors has often been shaped by a male-dominated perspective, ... Read More

Chris Gavin

Foraging at the Water's Edge

Bear - upstairs Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

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

Join Chris Gavin as we explore the cornucopia of wild edible foods that can be encountered at the water's edge on your next paddle. Whether encountering an edible wild mushroom on a stream side log by chance, or gearing-up to head out in your watercraft to gather wild rice, Chris 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 ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

Camping's Top Secrets

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

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

This whirlwind seminar focuses on camping tricks that only the experts know-practical procedures that increase your comfort and safety. Learn how to stormproof your tent, bug-proof your body and camp; choose edged tools and make fire in the rain; cook with "cozies" to save stove fuel; inexpensively waterproof your sleeping bag and gear; sleep comfortably on a bad site, and much more. You won't find this information in ordinary camping books or videos.
Based on Cliff's book, "CAMPING'S ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

Canoeing the Boundary Waters with Style!

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

If you've ever been to the Boundary Waters and competed for campsites on a popular lake, fussed with fire on a rainy day, slept in a wet tent or been bugged by bugs, bears or rodents, this fast-paced session is for you. You'll learn how to get away from the crowd, choose essential gear, stay dry when it rains all day, bear-proof your camp while complying with the new federal law, make a one match fire when the woods are wet with rain, and more. We'll check out equipment that works, and that ... Read More

David Johnston

Introduction to Weather for Paddlers

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

If you find yourself confused by the weird, wonderful and often windy world of weather then join us. In this clinic David will demystify where weather comes from as well teach you how to make your own daily forecasts. This is perfect for anybody looking to understand what's going on in the sky above, while paddling below.

Martin Koch

Bear Safety

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

Bears can pose a serious threat to you and your equipment. Learn the essential skills and techniques to protect you in your outdoor activities. This presentation will show you how to select a campsite, maintain a clean camp, avoidance techniques while hiking in bear country. These skills will keep you safe in the outdoors.

Morgan Lirette

Women in the Outdoor Paddling Sphere: How to Adapt and Adventure to your Full Potential

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

Being a woman is great, but there are some things we need to do differently! From finding or adapting gear to meet your needs, balancing personal expectations, emotions and physical challenges, or learning how to manage performance while on your period or pregnant, this presentation will discuss the unique challenges and benefits of being a woman who loves to paddle. We will also reflect on the larger themes of gender in the paddling community, including inclusivity, sexism and activism while ... Read More

Peter Marshall

25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip

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

Drawing from his experience of paddling hundreds of days through the Northwoods, Pete Marshall, Communications Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, will go over 25 tips for a better Boundary Waters canoe trip. This presentation has a bit of everything in it, from how to travel more efficiently to simple niceties that make any canoe trip just a little bit better. You will be sure to leave with valuable ideas for your summer trip.

David Meier

Leave No Trace Basics for Boundary Waters Newbies

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

Planning your first Boundary Waters adventure? Or leading newcomers into canoe country?

To minimize human impact and keep the area wild, there are a few simple rules to share. We'll cover fundamentals every BWCA beginner needs to know, from fishing, to fire, to food safety. Through practical tips and a few head-shaking real-life stories, you'll learn essential skills to grow an appreciation for wilderness and make that first trip extra special.

These helpful ... Read More

Stacie & Vince Sadowski, Vince Sadowski

A Beginner's Guide to Outdoor Adventuring

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

What does it take to get out and have adventures? This beginner's presentation will answer all of your questions, or at least get you thinking! From safety and comfort to Leave No Trace, Vince and Stacie will share their simple approach to getting started and get you ready for fun. With the proven health and wellness benefits of outdoor recreation, don't miss out. Starting with day hikes and paddles, up to planning overnight excursions, you will be equipped with a practical can-do philosophy ... Read More

Stacie & Vince Sadowski

All the Bad Advice I’ve Ever Been Given: Paddling and Camping Edition

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

What is the worst advice you have ever received, and what happened? This presentation will explore common misconceptions, risky choices, and "best practices" along with personal stories to get you thinking. When "common knowledge" steers you in the wrong direction, you are in good company.
Everyone has an opinion to share on gear, shelter, food, clothing or trip planning, and some are not good. Exploring the spectrum of overpacking heavy gear to going too ultralight, discern what works ... 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

Dave Shapiro

Knot Clinic

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

Will my canoe stay on top of the car for the drive? Will my tarp fall down in the rain? Will my kayak get washed off the beach during the night? Learn some basic knots and when to use them (and when not to) and you can be sure that your stuff will stay where you put it. Stop by the knot clinic for a hands-on lesson, stick around and show what you learned to another paddler.