37 days left until Canoecopia!     March 7 - 9
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
Cash or credit, fees collected by Alliant Energy Center

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  Nathaniel Gueltzau



Nathaniel Gueltzau (AKA The Penguin Viking)
Long-Distance Paddler, and Adventurer

Nate discovered the world of paddling in 2021 while participating in the Missouri American Water MR 340 paddle race alongside a college friend. Since that experience, paddling has become a major part of Nate's life, with weekends spent exploring waterways and preparing for long-distance challenges. After returning from Afghanistan, paddling became more than just a sport-it became a way to process emotions, navigate personal experiences, and find new purpose. The pursuit of pushing physical limits, overcoming mental hurdles, and feeling a sense of accomplishment led Nate to seek out even greater challenges.

In 2024, Nate completed the Alabama 650, a demanding 650-mile paddling race through Alabama's wildest waters, and prior to that, a special expedition with Operation Deep Blue from New Jersey to Washington, DC. These adventures, filled with both triumphs and hardships, fueled Nate's passion for exploring the world through paddling, meeting new people, and appreciating the small, often overlooked moments along the way.

At the heart of Nate's paddling journey is a philosophy of survival and resilience. Whether working through emotions, physical obstacles, or mental challenges, paddling represents the idea of moving forward-one stroke at a time. "Moving forward is progress. Moving forward is surviving."



Presentations

Nathaniel Gueltzau
 Surviving the Distance: A Veteran's Journey through Long-Distance Paddling
Voyageur - Clarion Hotel 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 paddling some of the most grueling races and expeditions, including the Alabama 650, MR 340 and Operation Deep Blue. He'll dive into the lessons learned along the way-from managing physical pain and exhaustion to maintaining motivation through mental struggles, all while finding joy in the small, often unnoticed, moments that make the journey worth it.

Nate's journey is about more than just paddling; it's a testament to the idea that long-distance paddling races aren't just for elite athletes, but for anyone with the will to persevere. As someone who doesn't fit the mold of a typical paddling athlete, Nate shows how endurance paddling can be for the "average joe," offering both physical exercise and emotional healing.

Whether you're a seasoned paddler, a weekend warrior, or just looking for inspiration, this presentation will offer insights into how paddling can help you grow, heal, and overcome life's challenges-one stroke at a time.