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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Expedition/Extended Trips

Zach Fritz

The Route Less Paddled: A 4,400km Canoe Expedition from Minnesota to the Arctic Ocean

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

In the summer of 2024, Zach Fritz and Taylor Rau spent 106 days paddling over 4,400 km from Zach's family's hunting cabin in northern Minnesota to the Arctic Ocean in the Far North of Canada. A lifelong dream for Zach that was years in the making, they traveled through some of the most remote places left in North America. Facing lakes hundreds of miles long, unfathomable swarms of bugs, relentless weather, and wild rivers, they left the "real world" behind for the adventure of a lifetime. With ... Read More

Nathaniel Gueltzau

Surviving the Distance: A Veteran's Journey through Long-Distance Paddling

Voyageur - Upstairs Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Join Nate, an Army veteran and long-distance paddler, as he shares his personal journey of endurance, resilience, and survival on the water. As a bigger guy, Nate brings a unique perspective to the world of long-distance paddling, tackling not only the physical challenges but also the mental and emotional hurdles that come with pushing through the limits of what the body and mind can endure. Along with a sense of humor!

In this presentation, Nate will recount his experiences ... Read More

Zack Kruzins

The Forgotten Canadian Coast: Lake Superior's True Northern Island Paddlers Paradise

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

In this talk we will explore the human and natural history of the past, present, and future of the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior. Zack explains how his 50 day sea kayak research expedition here inspired a lifelong love and connection to the area. We will focus on the idea of slow travel by watercraft as a unique way to experience the region, gain an appreciation and zest for life and a desire to protect this special place.

Taylor Pace

Above the Arctic Circle—The Anderson River

Caribou - upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

In July, 2024, Taylor led an Exploratory Trip on the remote Upper Anderson River, Northwest Territories, which flows in a north-westerly direction from Colville Lake to Liverpool Bay and the Beaufort Sea east of Tuktoyaktuk. This is one of the most remote northern rivers in mainland Canada and only accessible by floatplane. The taiga forest dominated the first few days of the trip - a bull moose strutted across the river and a barren-ground grizzly was startled during an evening hike. At Eagle, ... Read More

Kyle Parker

Keep on Stroking… The Wisconsin River

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

Get behind the paddle with Kyle Parker as he sets a record for the fastest known time solo canoeing the entire Wisconsin River. Despite overwhelming support and skepticism from friends and family, he is determined to succeed, pushing through countless physical and mental challenges. Throughout months of preparation and training, he faces fatigue, loneliness, harsh weather, and equipment issues, but his unwavering focus and the support of his close friend, Dylan, help him persevere. Along the ... Read More

Bear Paulsen

Paddle In—Ski Out

Bear - upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

For two decades Bear dreamed about a long winter camping trip. He wanted to experience the arc of winter. The year before his son entered kindergarten, the dream came true. Bear, his wife, Claire, and son, Dashwa, paddled into the BWCA in October. They travelled slowly, exploring, and living in a 10x10 tent warmed by a wood stove. They skied out 130 days later having not seen another person.

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

Kevin Wegner

Kruger Waddell Minnesota Border Challenge: How We Got Faster, More Efficient, and Experienced More While Setting the Fastest Known 3-Man Time.

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

Join Kevin, a member of the record-setting MNGreene 3-man team, as he shares how his personal preparation contributed to their historic feat in the Krueger-Waddell Minnesota Border Challenge. This 270-mile trek along the Voyager route, from International Falls to Grand Portage, Minnesota, is not a race-but the team and Kevin's focus on efficiency, endurance, and strategy helped set the fastest known 3-man time.

Kevin will discuss his approach to preparing for this demanding ... Read More