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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Kayaking

Stephen Ballou

Kayaking the Apostle Islands

to be scheduled

For 54 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 paddle through sea caves, sleep under the stars, and navigate this inland sea. Join Ranger Steve Ballou to celebrate 54 years of caring for our place on ... Read More

John Chase

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Kayaking

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

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

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.

Marcos Garcia-Norris

So You Want to Start Sea Kayaking?

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

Marcos arrived to kayaking accidentally on his 50th birthday. Starting with zero experience he launched himself into the Des Plaines River (IL) on a sturdy recreational kayak, paddling many mornings and falling in love with the opportunities of escape it gave him. Thinking he was God's gift to kayaking, Marcos soon adventured out into the open waters of Lake Michigan to immediately be humbled by the risks and dangers of not really knowing what he was doing. Ever since that awakening in the ... Read More

Wayne Horodowich

Capsize Recoveries—Which Ones Work Best?

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

Every sea kayaking instructional book has at least one chapter devoted to capsize recoveries. Which recovery method should you use in which situation? Are all recovery techniques reliable? Which rescue works best for me?

Since getting back in your kayak is a necessary skill for survival this presentation could be very helpful for a long and happy paddling career. At the end of the presentation you will have the necessary information to answer these questions for yourself and how ... 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.

Wayne Horodowich

The Art of Staying Upright in Your Kayak

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

Staying upright is far better than risking exposure and expending energy getting upright. Having a roll and/or knowing recovery techniques are important. However, if you have good paddle support skills you minimize your chance of capsizing. When the wind picks up and the water gets rough your need for support increases. In addition, you also need to be able to maneuver against that wind while the water around you is bouncing your kayak around.

Wayne Horodowich

Using Your Boat, Body And Blade For Efficient Paddling

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

Paddling a kayak is more than just taking strokes with your paddle. Kayaking is a true marriage of your boat, body and blade. All three must be working together during all aspects of kayaking to get the most out of your equipment. We will discuss body position and movements, boat positions and movements, and closely view how to properly use and manipulate your paddle to get the results you want when kayaking and get the most out of your equipment.

David Johnston

The Weird History of Sea Kayaking

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

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

Did you know that Pope John Paul II was an avid kayaker? What happened to the prisoners who built that kayak and escaped from San Quentin Prison?

Come join David Johnston as he explores the fascinating history of modern sea kayaking in North America and along the way we will discover the humble origins of the sport and learn about why the Great Lakes were the centre of the kayaking universe for nearly fifteen years starting in the mid-80's.

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.

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

Danny Mongno

Understanding the Forward Stroke: Efficiency Matters

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

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

Behold the Forward Stroke! It's the one we use for most often. An efficient stroke will use less energy, allowing the paddler to stay out longer, maybe go faster, and protect the joints. You can see why 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. To ... Read More

Neal Schroeter

Apostle Islands–One of the Best Places to Paddle in the World!

Algonquin - 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, as well as arranging countless guided trips for others. 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.

Neal & LeaAnn Schroeter

How and Why to Engage Youth in the Sport of Paddling

Killarney - Upstairs Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

It’s a no-brainer: today’s youth are the future of paddle sports! How do we engage & enlist younger people? Whitecap Kayak has been a business that has existed for the purpose of mentoring teenagers in the life skills & personal development of leadership & interpersonal communication through being trained as kayak guides & instructors. For 22 years, Whitecap Kayak has worked with teens & college age adults. We’ll share the Whitecap Kayak story, not so much as a model, but as an example that ... Read More

Constance Simes

Solo Circumnavigation of Lake Superior via Sea Kayak

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

Constance's solo circumnavigation of Lake Superior is a remarkable feat of endurance, determination and passion for adventure. In her daring 57 day expedition, she embarked on a journey paddling the world's largest freshwater lake, covering nearly 1,200 miles of rugged shoreline, navigating through impenetrable fog and dramatically changing water conditions. Along the way, she paddled past towering cliffs, picturesque lighthouses, through majestic sea caves and across pristine waters, ... Read More

Dan York

Kayaking the Lofoten Islands: Norway’s Craggy Crown Jewels

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

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

The Lofoten Islands of Norway are a surreal seascape of soaring, snow-speckled peaks rising steeply from deep fjords, white sand beaches, and aquamarine bays. Amidst this natural splendor are historic fishing villages, small cities, and picturesque farms - all bathed in 24-hour daylight during summer months and forever changing in the moody weather of the islands' arctic location. It's a kayaker's dream destination. Dan York will share images and stories from two kayaking expeditions he has led ... Read More

Dan York

Running Idaho’s Whitewater Paddling Paragons: The Selway and Salmon Rivers

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

With over 3500 miles of whitewater rivers, Idaho is a paddler's paradise. Crystal clear waters tumble and flow through pristine forests and deep canyons that echo with the history of its indigenous people and early pioneers. Two of Idaho's rivers, the Selway and Salmon (Middle Fork and Main), offer highly coveted multiday experiences for limited numbers of river runners every year. In this presentation Dan York shares stories and images from multiple trips he's taken on these rivers spanning ... Read More