CANOECOPIA SHOW GUIDE

Transcription

CANOECOPIA SHOW GUIDE
WORLD’S LARGEST PADDLESPORT SHOW
BEST PRICES, BEST SELECTION
88 AMAZING SPEAKERS
OVER 110 PRESENTATIONS
CANOECOPIA SHOW GUIDE
Rutabaga Paddlesports presents the
March 7–9, 2014 Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin
–INSIDE–
What’s new in paddlesports?
Stand up paddling events
Why fish from the shore?
Stories from our staff
Stand up paddling, for one
Go kayak fishing!
canoecopia.com
Races, instruction, and more
What paddling means to us
SHARE YOUR LOVE
OF PADDLING
Who is a paddler?
How about you?
Take a friend paddling
It’s easier than you think
The student becomes the teacher
An instructor’s perspective
SPONSORED BY
PRESENTED BY
CONTENTS
Canoecopia 2014
Presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports
March 7-9, 2014
Alliant Energy Center
www.canoecopia.com
What’s New
Welcome
8
4 Rutabaga and Canoecopia
4 Welcome from Darren
Lessons Learned on Shore
Explaining how we’re one and the same
5 Getting the most out of the show
Cool stuff abounds in ‘14
Planning your trip, how to buy a boat, layaway
polices, trade-ins, etc.
See the updates from Werner,
Yakima, Thule, NRS and more.
On the cover
65
Evangelize Paddling
Paddling is cool! Tips on how
to share your love of it.
6 The making of Canoecopia
We give a glimpse into how it’s done
12 Take people paddling tips
More on 23, 33, 46, 68, 71
10 What’s SUP (Stand up
paddleboards)
16 Kayak Fishing
24 SUP Events
26 Speakers and topics
So much amazing info.
7 Sponsor’s Message Sierra Club
73 Exhibitor and vendor listing.
The most current list as we go to print
What’s New
8 Kayaks, Camping Gear, Racks, Paddles…
We’ve got the best new gear at the best prices
of the season
10 Stand up paddling (SUP)
Boards from BIC, BOTE, Riviera, and C4
Waterman. Plus paddles and a PFD
62 Trip leader tips for one
16 Kayak Fishing
74 Who is a paddler?
Features
Work great for groups too.
Well, how about you?
Featured
Things to help you land the big one
23 R.I.P. Royalex
58
60
62
65
66
68
70
58
Student to teacher and
back to student
A look at what teaching is
like from an instructor’s
perspective.
Royalex will go out of production. What then?
Becoming a kayak instructor
Interesting uncle strikes again!
Being a good solo trip leader
Evangelize paddling
Memories etched in hulls and dust
Sunday is Fun-day!
Kayak support during Ironman WI
Is your paddling partner an Ironman athlete?
74 Who is a paddler?
You. That’s who
Outdoor Programs
24 Stand Up Paddling
SUP days are June 14-15
The Canoecopia Show Guide is published by Rutabaga Paddlesports,
LLC, Darren Bush, Owner and Executive Editor. Managing Editor: Jim
Pippitt, Editors: Catherine Pippitt & Nancy Saulsbury. Photography by
Woody Osborne, Jim & Darren. Cover photo by Dave Morlock.
Canoecopia is the kick-off to the paddling year. It features the best
prices of the season, the best speakers in the country, awesome
representatives from fantastic places to paddle & travel, amazing
pool demonstrations, and is packed with good-looking, sensitive,
reasonable people. Just like you. It is held every year at the Alliant
Energy Center, in Madison, Wisconsin. This year’s show will be from
March 7-9, 2014. Details on everything (as well as the most up-todate information) can be found on-line at www.canoecopia.com.
50Welcome
Who are we? What do we do? Why take a class?
54 Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
11th Annual summer camp for adults is
July 11-13, 2014
Speakers & Presentations
26 Speakers and topics
89 presenters giving over 110 demonstrations
and talks.
37 Presentation pull-out
38 Speaker Schedule
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 3
WELCOME
Darren Bush | Owner, Chief Paddling Evangelist
Lessons learned while on shore
Sometimes you see your karmic waves better out of your boat
THE first part of 2013 was tough on me, as a neck injury kept me
sidelined for a good part of the summer. While I wouldn’t wish a C6/
C7 disk bulge on anyone, in a small way it taught me a good lesson.
Everyone knows that I love paddling. Now that I’m pain-free, I’m
more than ready to get some water under my hull. I’m packing for a
late fall solo canoe trip, and my biggest problem is selecting which boat
I want to take. Yep. That’s my biggest problem, which means I don’t
have a problem.
But… this summer I learned that there’s a thing I love more than paddling, and that’s getting a person who has never paddled before in a
“They both smiled, embraced me and said, ‘You changed our
lives, you know.’”
canoe, kayak, or SUP board. Since I’m the Chief Paddling Evangelist,
not the Chief Paddler, this sort of makes sense.
It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when I see someone go from
non-paddler to paddler. The looks on their faces are beautiful and they
positively radiate joy. That changed, joyous expression doesn’t fade. A
few weeks ago I was shown just how long “the look” can last.
I was in my office when I was paged.
“There’s a couple here to see you. They
said they bought boats from you twenty years ago.” I went upstairs and
saw a couple of beaming faces, familiar but a little more weathered.
“You don’t remember us, but you sold us our first kayaks.” I saw
the kayaks on their car, and instantly remembered. They were twenty
years old, and well used. They recited all the places they had paddled;
Alaska, Baja, Lake Tanganyika and a dozen other locations I can’t
recall. They had literally paddled all over the world.
They both smiled, embraced me and said, “You changed our lives, you
know.” I responded that they changed their own lives, but she countered, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
That’s why I do what I do.
Welcome to Canoecopia 2014. It’s my hope that you find the equipment you need to take you to that next step. If you’re new to paddling,
please come find me. I want to see your face when you sit in the boat
that will take you to places that will change your life.
Happy paddling,
Rutabaga and Canoecopia
What’s the relationship between you guys, anyway?
“WHERE’S the Rutabaga booth?”
We get asked that question all the time
at the Customer Service booth. We
normally have two or three booths with
Rutabaga-branded stuff in them, but the nearly-true and overlyflippant answer is that “It’s all the Rutabaga booth.”
Rutabaga hosts the huge paddlers rendezvous that over 25 years ago
started in an old grocery store on Park Street. Back then we called it
“Meet the Folks who Build the Boats.” After a while we moved it to
the Dane County Fairgrounds, then in 1995 to the magnificent Alliant
Energy Center. We knew early on we couldn’t keep calling it that silly,
strange name so we came up with Canoecopia.
It’s a blend of canoe and cornucopia,
bringing to mind the crossing of a horn
of plenty with paddlesport goodness. It’s
something that only a store willing to call
itself Rutabaga (a word that has nothing to
do with paddling and everything to do with a Frank Zappa song) would
be willing to do.
? canoecopia
Over the years it has turned in to a trade show, an educational symposium, a rendezvous, and a family reunion. It really is like nothing else,
and we (Rutabaga staffers current and past) are incredibly proud of
presenting. Canoecopia is where Rutabaga is at our best, bringing the
joy of paddling to our new and old friends. Welcome, or welcome back.
Yes, the speakers and exhibitors and outfitters and everything else is cool.
Lots of you attend just for the education. But on top of all that...
Everything is on sale!
*
At Canoecopia you’ll find the best selection at the best prices of the season.
On Sale.indd
1
4 | Everythiing
Canoecopia
Show
Guide 2014
* Ok, almost
everything
1/20/2014 2:55:04 PM
WELCOME
Getting the most out of Canoecopia
Tips & tricks for navigating the World’s Largest Paddlesport Expo compiled by the ‘Baga Staff
Plan ahead and walk the entire show floor
Read this publication thoroughly. It will give you a good idea of things
to see, people to talk to, and presentations to attend.
Attend all three days
There’s a reason we sell three-day passes. There’s so much to see and
so many people to talk to. You’ll find it virtually impossible to do in
one day, dashed difficult in two, but a pleasure in three.
Sunday is Fun-day
If you’re only going to attend one day, consider coming Sunday. We’re
going to have some fun giveaways and little goodies. The crowds are a
little lighter so you can see the show more easily and efficiently. Some
of our best speakers and topics are reserved for Sunday. We’ve got a
few more fun things that we’re planning on debuting, too. (See pg. 68)
Ask a lot of questions
Every major manufacturer in the paddlesports industry will be there.
They are eager to help! Ask them what makes their product best for
your needs.
Shop early for the best selections
We’ll have plenty of options, but just like Black Friday, show specials
can go quickly.
Take care of your body!
Wear comfortable shoes and bring an extra pair of socks. Bring a water
bottle and stay hydrated. Get a map from the info booth and highlight
your plan. Shoulders tired? Take advantage of our tote bag check when
you’re tired of carrying heavy items.
Ordering the things you didn’t find
If your heart is set on something special, no problem. Each vendor will
have special order forms to fill in the details. Present the form when
checking out at the Main Register for accessories or Boat Registers for
boats and trailers.
Buying A Boat?
Here’s a time-tested strategy for buying a boat at Canoecopia:
Sit in a lot of boats
Canoecopia offers an opportunity to sit in hundreds of models under
one roof. Make sure to adjust the seat properly and take your time.
Think about how you’re getting your boat home.
If you’re taking a boat home, we can install your roof rack purchases.
Didn’t plan on taking a boat home but want one anyway?
We’ll put your boat on Layaway and you can pick it up at the shop until
May 31st. We just need a third of the purchase price or $500, whichever is greater.
Want a boat, but cannot decide by the close of Canoecopia?
Stop by a Boat Register before you leave. A $500 General Boat Deposit
will rain-check the Canoecopia pricing on a boat through May 31st. Get
your accessories at the show, though. Best prices, best selection.
Trying out boats
Rutabaga’s Layaway or General Boat Deposit gives you an opportunity
to test paddle. Rutabaga’s test paddling begins around April 15th. Call
Rutabaga to confirm.
Used Boat trade-ins
Trade-in your boat at Canoecopia. Please ask for details at the Boat
Pick-up booth or call us at Rutabaga prior to Canoecopia.
PROBLEMS? QUESTIONS?
Our guiding philosophy has always been, “We promise to be
honorable. You promise to be reasonable.” Everything we do is
informed by that. We want you to be satisfied before you leave.
If something goes awry, we want to know about it. Go to the
customer service desk. We’re never too busy to listen, learn, and,
where possible­, improve.
If you would prefer to do it via e-mail (after the show), the address
to use is customerservice@rutabaga.com.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 5
WELCOME
The Making of Canoecopia
We pull back the year-long, in-the-making “stage curtain”
WE are often asked, “Who plans Canoecopia
and when do you start?” The answer – it’s a
Rutabaga staff team effort and a year-round
process. Here’s an idea, let’s backtrack:
The Day After Canoecopia
We sleep, paddle, or both. It’s an official Rutabaga Holiday.
The Week After Canoecopia
The store is essentially emptied of everything
during Canoecopia, so it all has to be put back
together. It’s kind of like watching a tornado
in reverse. Reams of paperwork and custom
orders are processed. We debrief and start
reviewing feedback to make improvements for
next year.
April 15
Test paddling starts! All those Canoecopians
waiting to try out their boats descend upon
Rutabaga. By now, the store is ready for the
paddling season.
May – July
We take a break from show planning and
launch into our Summer season.
September and October
We furiously write orders for product delivery
between January and March 1. We invite exhibitors and newly-discovered manufacturers
to attend. Speaker proposals are received and
reviewed to create the right balance of returning/new speakers and a wide range of topics.
November
Time to iron out details. Security, communication, and childcare is arranged. The floor
plan and speaker schedule are full and we start
a waiting list.
December
The Canoecopia Show Guide begins to take
shape. We begin recruiting workers for the
weekend; we couldn’t do Canoecopia without
them.
January
We solidify details with the Alliant Energy
Center (AEC), down to the number of tables
and chairs. Orders are still being written.
February
Canoecopia Show Guide mails to 50,000 people. The Canoecopia website goes live with
August
content for vendors, exhibitors, and speakers.
We attend the Outdoor Retailer Summer Mar- Product streams in, via freight or UPS, to the
ket where we work tirelessly to find new prod- store daily. We receive, tag and repack product
ucts from the most innovative companies. The into two semi-trailers. We confirm workers’
meetings start. We begin to invite vendors to
schedules. We drag out our 35 mothballed
return. With a full show, we need to plan every computers and get them ready for their three
square foot carefully. We begin readying the
days of fame.
Canoecopia website and updating it with the
latest information. We start defining the layout Wednesday before Canoecopia
templates we will use.
Rutabaga closes the shop for a week as we
pack final product and tear apart the store.
Darren Bush, the owner, chats about paddling
with Larry Meiller on Public Radio. Rental
trucks are loaded with fixtures, carpeting,
signs, and more. The computer backbone is
finally disassembled.
Thursday Before Canoecopia
Rutabaga moves to the AEC. Semi-trailers are
unloaded. Non-stop trailer loads of canoes
and kayaks arrive. Vendors begin setting up
their booths. By late afternoon the computer
network has awakened.
Friday Morning of Canoecopia
The AEC is bustling with activity. Exhibitors
and vendors are checking in, misplaced boxes
are finally found, last-minute booth setup is
finished, and a crash course is given to weekend workers.
Friday at 4:00pm thru Sunday at 5:00pm
It’s showtime! (This is the easy part.)
Sunday Night
We have ~5 hours to vacate the AEC. It’s
intense as we pack up the entire show. Around
11:00 p.m., our planning staff meets at Angelo’s to eat huge amounts of very good pizza.
Darren offers heartfelt thanks and gratitude
for his amazing staff.
After the celebration, with stiff legs, we stagger home to dream about next year’s show.
That’s how it’s been done for 30 years, and
every year it seems easier.
SAVE THE DATES!
We want to see you in the
years to come, too!
Canoecopia will be held at the
Alliant Energy Center for the
foreseeable future. We’ve got it
reserved for:
March 13-15, 2015
March 11-13, 2016
March 10-12, 2017
6 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
March 9-11, 2018
SPONSOR’S MESSAGE
Beauty and bread
Canoecopia would not be possible without the invaluable sponsorship of the Sierra Club
“EVERYBODY needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and
pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
—John Muir
I have baker friends who can make the most amazing bread, both
professionally and as amateurs. My wife makes a pretty dang
good loaf of whole wheat, judging by how fast it disappears.
Give my son a hot loaf, a stick of butter, and fifteen minutes and
both will vanish.
But we need beauty too. Pick up a Sierra Magazine and look
inside; the photography will inspire you and feed you a little
beauty. In the best of all possible worlds, it will inspire you to
get outside and get into some three-dimensional beauty. You
can’t smell pines on the page, but you can see them — go outside and smell them, there.
Once again Rutabaga Paddlesports is happy to welcome Sierra
Magazine as a Canoecopia sponsor. Their assistance has been
invaluable, and various Sierra Clubs in the area help us too.
They all want the same thing we do; to get into nature to heal,
and give strength to our bodies and our souls.
FARMING FOR BEAR BILE I 150 WILD TRIPS I WARREN BUFFETT’S DIRTY HABIT
SIERRA READERS
LOVE TO PADDLE!
E x p l o r e, E n j o y, a n d P r o t e c t t h e P l a n e t
26% Own a canoe
17% Own a kayak
PROTECT
25% Whitewater
29% Tour
77% Recreation
35% Long Weekend
71% Local Day Trips
19% Expedition of 5
days or more
34% Wear paddling-specific clothing
45% Fish from a canoe or kayak
&
PADDLE
OZARKS RIVER GUARDIANS GO ELBOWS DEEP
KNOCKED AROUND BY THE AILING RIO GRANDE
THE MAN WHO LOVES THE LOS ANGELES RIVER
$ 3.95 M AY/J U N E 2013
THE M AGA ZINE OF THE SIERR A CLUB
SIERRA is committed to help grow the paddling sport community.
The Sierra Club and its one million + members have been paddling, fishing and protecting our waterways for more
than 100 years. We encourage our members to explore and enjoy the waterways by providing paddling clinics and
trips nationwide through our Sierra Club Outings program. Sierra has regular paddling features, reviews the latest
in paddling gear, and publishes an Annual Paddling Issue every spring.
For more information contact
kristi@rummelmedia.com
Stop by our booth N10 for some free stuff!
· Copy of SIERRA’s Annual Outings Adventure Travel Issue.
· Wisconsin Sierra Club river touring trip listing.
· Daily raffle.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 7
WHAT’S NEW
EVERY AUGUST our product buyers attend trade shows all over the country to see what’s
the newest, best, and coolest. It’s an exciting time, and we have a hard time keeping our
enthusiasm to ourselves. This is the first chance we get to showcase some of the stuff we
saw last summer and fall. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here’s a good sampling. We think you’ll like what’s new too.
Werner
Ovation
MPowered Luci Outdoor Lantern
The Werner Ovation is sort of
a hymn to the lightness of kayak
touring. It’s light. Crazy light. The
straight shaft is 20 oz. and the bent
is only 22.75 oz. It has the strange
feeling of almost trying to lift off
your hand. It paddles beautifully
too. It takes the proven design of
the Kaliste (itself a refinement of
the Camano) and adds razor-thin
blade edges, foam core, and a
smoothed back which make for a
silent entry and release that feels like it
is almost springing out of the water.
Note: the Ovation is unreservedly
optimized to be lightweight. It should be used for touring applications.
Werner cautions that they don’t intend it to be used in the surf zone or
in extreme conditions. It’s plenty strong enough for its intended use but
requires a deft hand. Ogres and teenaged boys are cautioned to tread more
lightly than normal.
The Luci outdoor lantern is
unbelieveably cool. It’s a
solar-powered LED light. It
can shrink down to just above
nothing, then is inflated as
shown for lighting up the
world around you. Perfect for
camping trips because you
don’t need to ask your minder/
partner/spouse “Umm...
Where are the new batteries?”
and also a heck of a good thing
to have in times of emergencies or natural
disasters. Just leave it out to charge during the day and you’ll
get up to 8 hours of light when you need it. Luci can be a good
low-cost lighting
source for those
who live off the
grid, too. Like we
said, unbelieveably
cool.
Venture Kayaks Islay 12 & 12 LV
One of our staff’s favorite short touring kayaks
(the Venture Islay 14) just got a little brother and
sister: the 12 and 12 LV. They are perfect for
smaller lakes and rivers. The standard 12 is rated
to paddlers up to 250 lbs., while the LV is good
for someone up to 170 lbs. The LV was tweaked
with a narrower (24 in.)
beam
8 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
and a lower deck. Venture’s Islay 12 series
offers a nice combination of speed, efficiency,
and liveliness on the water. Retractable skeg,
adjustable thigh braces and stern bulkhead and
hatch are standard on both models. Venture also
has an optional “skudder” skeg-rudder system
that gives you the benefits
of both.
Thule Portage Bracket
Thule’s new Portage Bracket replaces
their venerable 579XT Canoe Carrier.
That was a favorite around here except
for one little thing: it only fit on Thule’s
square bar system. Well... the world has
become a little more forgiving of everyone else’s crossbars. The new Portage
Bracket uses their FlipFit mounting to
attach to most any rack system out there.
Thule rounded off the whole back of
the bracket to help loads slide over the
lip which makes loading your beloved
80-pound canoe that much easier at
the end of a long day. Includes two hull
straps and bow-stern attachement.
WHAT’S NEW
Wilderness
Systems Focus
Series
The Focus series brings a
sporty, fast, straight-tracking
hull that’s meant to be a
versatile craft for day trips and
even weekend excursions. The boats come in three sizes, 14' 5", 15'
and 15' 6".
The Phase 3 Air Pro XP seat outfitting will give you great all-day
comfort. It’s easy to adjust it (and re-adjust should it be necessary
later on) to fit your body. Air Pro venting keeps air flowing through
your seat, for more comfort.
The Wilderness Systems Focus series was built with an eye towards
speed. They’re on the narrower side, like most performance hulls,
with a 22.25" to 23.25" beam. W.S. claims it was designed with the
HullHound is this pair
intermediate paddler in mind, but we’ve seen lots of adventurous
beginners be happy with these kinds of boats as well. If you’re
willing to spend a little time getting used to what the boat is telling you (or perhaps take a
Rutabaga Outdoor Programs class), you’d have a kayak that would grow with you as you rack
up the miles.
SweetRoll has both sets
Yakima SweetRoll &
HullHound
The SweetRoll is what you get when you
let the Yakima’s EvenKeel court and marry
their HullyRoller: they end up making some
super-awesome kids that set the kayaking
world afire. Two of the mounts have integrated rollers to help you load up after a long
day on the water, but then have a nice large
surface area to better support your boat. The
wing-shaped surface will hug and protect
both arched and V-hulls. They even found a
way to make it a tool-free installation so you
won’t have to go diving for that set of tools or
snap-arounds when you want to get rolling.
Includes bow and stern straps, too.
They’re engineered to fit on virtually every
bar out there: round, square, factory, or
aerodynamic. That’s Sweet. Now get out
there and Roll.
A PA S S I O N TO PA D D L E
The HullHound is the half-brother of
the SweetRoll. It’s the front mount, sold
as a pair. You see, not everyone needs the
rolling capability, or they might want to mix
and match with other kayak mounts. The
HullHound comes with one strap for the bow
or stern. Get two and you’re ready to hit the
road and then the water.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 9
WHAT’S NEW — SUP
WHY SUP (STAND UP PADDLING)?
Yeah, surfboards look cool on your car, but that’s not why you
should try stand up paddling. SUP boards are great platforms for
exercise, including floating Pilates and yoga; you get a total body
workout you won’t believe. You get a totally different perspective
on the water, which makes them great for sight fishing or photography. They are so fun to paddle on a hot summer day. Try it! Come
to Rutabaga and take a class, test paddle, or rent one.
Aqua-Bound
Freedom & Challenge
These are essentially the same two paddles in different
materials. Both have the same carbon fiber shaft and blade
design. They come in two adjustable sizes: 70"–80" and
76"–86" for the Jim-sized* paddlers in your family. The
Freedom (blue) uses fiberglass-reinforced resin in the
handle and the blade. It weighs in at 29 oz.
The Challenge (black) has a carbon-reinforced blade that
weighs 28 oz. as a two-piece paddle. It is also available as a
one-piece tipping the scales at a mere 25 oz. (We generally
prefer 2-piece because they’re easier to transport.)
BOTE Boards
BOTE HD
The BOTE HD brings a
whole new concept to stand
up paddling. Turns out,
properly designed boards
can make pretty good fishing
platforms too. The BOTE
HD has two holes to support a fishing post/backrest, plus lots of
mount points and rigging for a YETI cooler (which makes a nice seat),
dry boxes, and dry bags. Note: the picture above is of the standard
Bote Board. The HD featured at Canoecopia has a displacement hull
that will track better on Midwest waters.
Werner Carve Series
The Carve SUP paddle blades are a new
line. They borrow last year’s Advantage
as the new “full” size and add in small
and medium sizes. We tend to think most
paddlers will pick the medium blade (just
like Goldilocks!), but if you’re looking for maximum
bite, we’d recommend the full. The full is a big blade,
so keeping a higher tempo will be more difficult. The
small is for those who want an easier or higher cadence
* Jim is large
stroke.
Every pack is made
by hand in Duluth, MN.
Crazy, isn’t it?
WATCH US AT WORK
IN BOOTH #4
Old No. 7 Canoe Pack
AUTHENTIC WAXED CANVAS CANOE PACKS, BAGS & GIFTS
FIND US ON
FACEBOOK
Shop at FROSTRIVER.COM
10 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
SUP — WHAT’S NEW
C4 Waterman
Muñoz UltraGlide 12
The UltraGlide SUP
board uses 60+ years
of designer Mickey
Muñoz’ experience
to create an incredible all-around hull.
It is in that sweet
spot of being stable,
fast, and maneuverable. C4 Waterman
suggests it’s best
for intermediate to
advanced paddlers,
but the gung-ho
beginner shouldn’t
be scared off either.
The UltraGlide 12
is recommended
for paddlers up to
about 250 lbs. It’s
quite light for its
size, coming in at 30
pounds.
We really like that it has
anchor points on the bow. It makes
for a much nicer way to attach a dry
bag or other sundries you’d want for
the day’s paddle. It’s a little thing,
yes, but after a while, those little
things add up.
MTI FLUID SERIES
Perfect for SUP, MTI has three new
Inflatable Belt Pack PFDs in a totally
new USCG approved slim line shape:
the STANDARD (shown here), the
RACE 1 for flatwater racing, and the
AQUA OM for SUP YOGA. Bodyhugging design securely holds pack to
core while paddling, 3D mesh padding
is softer, cooler, and quick drying. 3D
mesh buckle protector flap prevents
chafing at the waist. A zippered
pouch carries keys, cards,
or cell phone in a dry pouch.
PFDs help save lives and avoid
uncomfortable encounters with
the Coast Guard. Wear ‘em.
BIC Cross 10 Platinum &
Ace-Tec Wing 11
The Cross 10 board was built to be able to accomodate
the needs of those who like to do yoga on an SUP
board. BIC made it a bit
more stable, threw in
incredibly useful front
anchor points, beefed up
the pad for more comfort
with bare feet, and
extended the padding
across almost the entire
board. The Platinum
version includes the
sharp-looking ABS
color.
The Ace-Tek Wing 11
is new to Rutabaga in
2014. It’s a thoughtfully scaled down
version of their Wing
12.6. It’s an all-around
displacement hull
(one built for straighttracking more than
maneuverability) that
can be raced by paddlers
weighing up to about 170 pounds. The 29"-wide hull
makes for an easier paddling experience for shorter
riders. The pointed V bow helps the board cut through
chop, maintaining its excellent speed. BIC built in a
very slight V-shaped tail as well, which helps reduce
drag and improves glide. They recessed the standing
platform to improve balance and control. It’s a great
boat for our Midwestern waters.
Riviera PaddleSurf
NUGG 10’6” & 11’6”
Coastal Cruiser 11 & 12’6”
The Riviera-designed NUGG paddle board
is great for the surfing-inspired beginner.
They’re friendly and welcoming with
just the right amount of rocker along with
a pulled-in round tail. They’re easy for
novices to surf, and they're nice for casual
paddling and exercise too. It’s equipped
with a tri-fin system.
The Ron House-designed Coastal Cruiser
boards are “all-around displacement”
boards. They favor but don’t require flat
water over surf. They have a nice bit of
rocker, especially at the tip of the bow,
which helps them surf better than other
12'6" boards. The Cruiser also has 6 tie
downs on the nose, complete with shock
cord to secure your gear prior to setting off
for a day’s excursion. It’s remarkably stable
in rough conditions. Single fin only.
Also check out their Yoga Mat (not
pictured) which is about as unique of a
board as you’ll find, as well Coastal Cruiser
as their “I-can’t-believe-itis-that-light” carbon “Bump”
paddles. Our buyer, Scott, was
so impressed when he Nugg
first held one that
it was all he’d talk
about for a week.
We think you will
be impressed
too.
NEW VENDOR:
Riviera PaddleSurf
Riviera Paddle Surf is a familyowned and operated firm out of
southern California. Founded in
2007 out of a love of SUP fishing,
they’ve stayed focused on the
stand up paddle board market in
all its glory. We’re glad to have
them in Rutabaga’s shop and at
Canoecopia 2014.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 11
njoy
Sundays for
WHAT’SWisconsin
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Yakima RidgeBack
NRS Vapor PFD
The Vapor PFD continues NRS’ tradition of comfy, valuepriced life jackets. It’s simple to get on and off thanks to its two
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your day’s adventure on the water. The flotation is concentrated
in the center of the jacket to give you tremendous freedom of
motion, regardless of the paddling you’re doing. The Vapor has
unday
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel delivers the local and world news that
a generous front zipper for storing your camera, phone, and/
ortant
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f a 2011 Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting, the Milwaukee Journal
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after a concert had one encore too many. “Always leave them wanting more.” It’s okay to wish you had 3 more miles to go. There’s
Hitch-mount bike racks
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really hard to ignore. You
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assembled, right out of
the box. The RidgeBack
makes it easier still with
a top-mounted quick-release switch for an
easy tilt-out when you want to open your
back gate. Zipstraps keep the bikes from
moving around when you’re underway.
Available in a 2, 4, or 5-bike capacity.
TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE A FRIEND PADDLING:
something uniquely awful about hearing, “Ugh... 3 more miles to
go?!?” If they want more, there’s always the next time. If they’ve
had enough, you’ll rarely get a next time. —Jim P.
new subscribers only where carrier delivery is available. Delivery will continue after expiration unless the Journal Sentinel is notified. Online orders must be paid with debit or credit card at time of order.
mers agree to monthly charges applied to debit or credit card. Thanksgiving Day’s paper will be charged at retail rates. Sunday Only includes the 11/24/11 newspaper. Offer expires 7/15/11.
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WHAT’S NEW
Stohlquist Edge
The side-entry Edge sports a low-profile
shape that’s ideal for high-mobility paddlers.
It will amaze those venturing into the world
of stand up paddleboarding, too. If you’re a
minimalist at heart and would prefer a vest
with just one pocket (zippered, naturally),
we think you’ll fall in love with the Edge.
NRS Layering System Redesign
NRS H2Core is the first and only layering system designed specifically
for paddlers. Perfectly-placed seams create friction-free zones. Advanced
technical fabrics wick moisture, dry quickly, and protect you from harmful UV rays. Unlike general-purpose outdoor apparel, H2Core’s features
enhance your time on the water.
Current Designs
Kestrel Redesign & Kayak Changes
It’s no secret that the Kestrel is one of Jim’s favorite recreational
kayaks. It moves beautifully in the water. If he had any complaint,
it was that the hatch system was a little futzy and his large keister
sometimes wished for more padding on the seat. For ‘14, Current
Designs made a great boat even better. It’s got the new FlipLock
hatch AND more padding on the seat.
Current Designs has also decided to change to a fiberglass seam
on all of their new composite boats. The new construction
method applies glass inside and out, and allows the boats to get
most any color of gelcoat applied. The older vinyl H-channel
seam was strictly black. In theory, the newer method may make
for a more solid construction as well.
Redesigned for 2014, NRS Hydroskin is more comfortable and convenient than ever. Improved cut lines offer superior freedom of movement.
Advanced features like friction-free zones under the arms of shirts and
jackets extend your paddling day. NRS has also expanded the line by
adding two thicker, warmer fabrics to the original 0.5 mm Terraprene
Hydroskin material to help extend your paddling season.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 13
WHAT’S NEW
Hurricane
Skimmer Series
Hurricane has made a name for themselves with their Trylon thermoformed
plastic. Its first claim to fame is that it’s
inherently lighter than polyethelene. On average a Hurricane boat will be 20-30 pounds
easier to move around. It’s stiffer than poly,
too. That means you get better efficiency as
well. They’re faster than you might expect,
with Swede-form hulls that cut through
the water. The Skimmer series have comfy
Thule Sprint
The Sprint was made to help people with
flip-up rear hatches on their cars. See, most
hatches can’t be raised fully if you’ve got
anything attached to the rack. This
means you’re always on hyper-alert
around well-meaning children or
overly-helpful cousins who want to
force the hatch for you, or you have
to jury-rig some system of rope and
knots to keep it from opening too
far. The Sprint fixes this problem by
“AireStream” seats with generous padding
and adjustable back support. Deck rigging is
standard so you can hold all of your fishing,
birding, videoing, or lounging needs.
having a telescoping rear wheel tray; when it’s
not in use, it tucks in and allows the hatch full
freedom. As a bonus, the design means that
it gives maximum support to bicycle frames
of most any size. It comes with an AcuTight
knob at the front fork that clicks when you
reach the right pressure. The tool-free
Speed‑link system mounts to most any bar out
there.
Telic Sandals
VISIT US AT
CANOECOPIA
www.stohlquist.com
Telic sandles are an American-made ecofriendly success story that are a joy to have on
your feet. Telic means “ultimate” in Greek,
and we think they picked a darn applicable
name. The heat-activated Terox material
conforms to your feet as you wear them while
providing an amazing cushion as you move
about. The textured footbed massages your
feet and maintains gription when wet. The
material used in them can be reground to
make brand new sandals. Ultimate indeed.
SAFETY
COMFORT
& UTILITY
BIG FUNCTION | SMALL FORM
14 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
EDGE
WHAT’S NEW
Whispbar
WB400 J-Cradle & WB401 Roller
After having determined that their WB400 &
WB401 were “not quite ready for prime time,”
Whispbar took an extra year to refine their design.
This really is a next generation roof rack system.
When not in use, they fold down into
a flat, wing-like design with tapered
curves. The result: exactly what you’d
expect from a company called Whispbar; they’re whisper quiet. They’re also
really, really easy to install on their bars.
You have to see it to believe it. For those
with legacy racks, don’t worry. They’re
compatible.
The J-Cradle incorporates an extending
arm with a gentle lifting ramp to make
loading your kayak easier after a full
day’s paddling. Tie-down strap mounting points are integrated in to the cradle.
The WB401 Roller has adjustable
flip-up cradle arms with three rollers
on the back mount and one centrallymounted roller on the front. Straps and
bow & stern tie downs are included.
Stop by the booth to
see the new SlatGrate
www.slatgrills.com
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 15
WHAT’S NEW — FISHING
Old Town Predator family
Yak Attack
1” & 1.5” Screwball
[Picture]
yourself in an MTI!
Visit the MTI booth to
audition for the
MTI youtube video project:
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
PLUS
Meet “National Geographic”
Adventures of the Year
Dave & Amy Freeman
“Wilderness Classroom”
• Share a “selfie” with
Dave & Amy on Facebook
• Get a free signed poster
(limited quanty)
new
2014
Race 1 Fluid 2.0 SUP
Cascade Mariner
DIO F SPEC
www.mtiadventurewear.com
16 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
The Old Town Predator MX and Predator 13 underwent
a complete redesign and we love the results. The seat is
super comfortable for all-day use and yet can flip up and
get completely out of the way to give you room for standup casting. If you want, it can also pull double-duty as a
stand up paddleboard with the seat up.
Predators are meant to be customized. Removable mounting plates let you attach your gear the way you see fit. The
Predator MX is 12' long. The fancier Predator 13 is — you
guessed it — 13' with a center console for mounting all
sorts of goodies like a GPS, a fish finder, and/or a rod
holder. Underneath the console is a storage hatch perfect
for keeping bug dope, a little dry bag, or a waterproof
camera.
Astral Ronny Fisher
The Ronny Fisher is an upgraded Ronny vest
that’s likely to be a favorite with fisherpeople.
It’s got two huge flip-down pockets for
storing your fishing necessities. Pockets are
on the outside of these pockets for extra
goodies like fishing licenses. Under a flap on
the side is a gear organizer for a hemostat &
clipper. The Thin-Vent back doesn’t bunch
up against backrests, regardless of their size.
Side-cinching straps have individual keepers
to prevent your
tackle from getting
hung up on them.
There’s a stowaway
high-viz hood just
in case you need
sun (or rain!)
protection
or to be
seen. Very
clever.
If you've got factory outfitted
tracks on your fishing boat,
this is the easiest accessory
holder base to install, remove
or reposition. Screwballs allow
you to affix any rod or portable
electronic RAM mounts to
the deck of your boat with
minimal effort. No tracks? No
problem. You can mount it in
one fixed position with one of
their Mightymounts, or you
can pick up a GearTrac mount
and install a track system on
virtually any kayak.
RAM Mounts
Tube Jr Rod Holder
This is probably
the smallest, most
compact spin/bait
cast rod holder we’ve
seen on the market
so far. Scotty (one of
our kayak fishing gurus)
is positively gaga for
it. Its compact design
limits the amount
of interference with
Rod not included
casting and landing of
fish, yet still provides
plenty of security for your rods. The RamRod
post can take a spinning reel mounted above,
on the side, or even below. When mounted
below, it won't interfere with the deck. It
includes a 1.5" ball base, but it can be quickly
re-mounted on a 1.5" Yak Attack ball if that's
what you're using with your system.
FISHING — WHAT’S NEW
WHY KAYAK FISHING?
Kayak fishing is accessible. Not everyone has the
means to purchase, store, transport, and service
your typical fishing boat. That leaves many
anglers stranded with limited access to good
fishing. Kayaks (and canoes!) are the perfect
craft for anglers. They’re affordable. Storage
is a cinch if you have a garage or shady spot in
your yard. No yard? Go inflatable (careful with
your hooks!). Transportation is simple: a quality
roof rack, an empty minivan, or just a kayak cart
will do. Service and maintenance is dead simple:
rinse with a hose and apply a UV inhibitor
semi-annually.
The absolute best reason for fishing from a kayak
or canoe is the strike of a hungry fish. Your body
reacts instinctively, raising your arms to set the
hook. The boat shudders beneath you. Slowly
the fish begins to succumb and approaches. You
are both on the same plane, almost intimate with
one another. Just before you reach out to land
him, he splashes you in the face with his tail and
takes off on another run.
Werner Hooked
Series
Werner has jumped in to the fishing &
sporting world with their new Hooked
series of paddles. The entry-level
Tybee and Skagit are a very subdued
solid brown color. The higherperformance Shuna and Camano
designs incorporate a muted camo
breakup pattern
in the blade.
It’s the best of
both worlds:
a paddle that
gets you there
efficiently
without
announcing
your presence
to the
underwater
Jackson Kayak Big Rig
The new Big Rig is true to its name: it’s big,
super stable, and fully rigged to fish. Up in the
bow, a fold-away leaning bar adds comfort and
stability while standing. Five Yak Attack tracks are
positioned around the boat for an infinite number
of rigging options and rod positions. The hole at
the stern is designed specifically to accept a Mini
Power Pole anchoring system (sold seperately,
not at Canoecopia). Its elite seat is cozy, cool, and
allows for both high and low seating positions.
The Jackson’s new beauty will accomodate larger
paddlers very comfortably, but you don't have
to be a Jimbo-sized guy to enjoy the Big Rig.
Incredibly cute dog not included.
world.
TAKE KAYAK ANGLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Discriminating anglers want more than outstanding kayak performance – they want a true fishing machine. Enter the
Ride 115X, featuring a removable console that consolidates fish/depth finder components (including battery), simplifies
installation of electronics, and provides added storage. The patented Phase 3® AirPro seating system, additional mounting
surfaces, newly integrated features and rear SlideTrax™ rails maximize rigging options to take your fishing to the next
level.
See the new Ride 115X and ouR full lineup of peRfoRmance fiShing kayakS at canoecopia.
www.WildernessSystems.com
Follow us on Facebook
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 17
WHAT’S NEW
Malone Clipper Cart
Helinox Table One & Chair One
If Malone built real “we’re-not-kidding-takethis-SUV-off-road” cars, this’d be it. This is
Malone’s off-road, upgraded, go-anywhere
canoe or kayak cart. It can handle loads up
to 200 pounds on its non-corrosive marinegrade aluminum and stainless steel hardware.
For 2014 the Clipper got upgraded with new
airless “never-go-flat” tires. To make loading
easier on you and your boat, they also fitted
it with dual-kickstands and oversized foam
pads.
These are two camping gems that use modern tent technology to give maximum comfort with
minimal size & weight. They have shock-corded tent poles that collapse down in to a bag not
much bigger than your hand and weigh under two pounds. The Table One stands just over a
foot high. It’s got two recessed cup holders in the center to minimize spills. (If you do suffer a
spill, the mesh material makes cleanup a breeze.
The Chair One is all about portable comfort. You almost
melt in to it. It’s designed to match the Table One’s
height so you can slowly sip your coffee without stress.
It’s built to handle up to a very generous 300 pounds of
caffeine-quaffing camper.
3156 Milwaukee Street
Madison, WI. 53714
Call: (608)244 - 4741
www.mccormicklumber.com
Lumber:
African Mahogany
Philippine Mahogany
Sitka Spruce (V.G.)
Douglas Fir
Western Red Cedar
White Cedar
White Oak
Teak
Plywood:
Okoume - Marine
BS1088
Adhesives:
Full line of West System Epoxies
Always on top.
18 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
WHAT’S NEW
Delta Fourteen
Yakima JayLow
The Fourteen takes design cues from
Delta’s 15LV and 12LV from last year. It
adds a third hatch to the forward deck for
easy access to your sundries. The thermoformed multi-faceted V-hull gives a stable
but responsive ride while weighing about
20 pounds less than conventional polyethelyne boats. We figure the Fourteen
will be a big winner for the day paddler
and the weekend warrior who wants to
explore inland and coastal waters. The
Twelve-Ten, Fifteen S, and Sixteen boats
also receive seat and hatch upgrades for
2014.
J-cradles are
popular because
they allow more
sea kayaks per car
top. The JayLow’s
quick-release
adjustable arm
can also function
as a kayak stacker and carry your short boats too. It
folds flat when not in use. The ramp does doubleduty: helps slide the boat in to the cradle and
keeps it from sliding once there. Yakima’s tool-free
clamping mechanism can attach to any standard
crossbar, so it’s easy to grab it and go.
Answer “yes” to the freedom of the unknown.
To a passion for adventure-seeking. To the
way less traveled. And to destination: where
ever your quest for exploration takes you.
Experience Crossover the Dagger Way –
ALL NEW DAggEr KAtANA
Princeton Tec Fuel
Headlamp
Do you ever find yourself saying, “Honey,
is this my headlamp?” Or just wanting a
headlamp unlike anyone else’s? Enter the
Princeton Tec Fuel. It’s incredibly customizable. Get the components you want made
while you wait in the Princeton Tec booth.
Then you’ll know when you’re looking at
your headlamp. Go with an ugly combination
and it’ll never be stolen.
JOIN THE ReVoLUtion.
For those who do it all, the Hercules is our most versatile blade
in our new Advanced Series whitewater paddle line featuring
Duraweave™ – a revolutionary new composite material that’s
lighter, stronger and safer.
Come see what’s new at CanoeCopia.
www.atpaddles.com
Find Us On Facebook
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 19
WHAT’S NEW
Platypus GravityWorks 4L Thermarest
NeoAir Venture WV
The GravityWorks got a nice
refresh this year. First, the water
bags are very clearly marked for
better identification.
A clip was added
to the webbing to
make hanging
that much
easier. The
valve was
moved to the
corner for
easier packing.
The good
things stay
the same: still
meets all EPA
and NSF guidelines for the removal of bacteria
and protozoa including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Salmonella and Cholera. Plus,
the whole gravity feed thing makes purifying
your water a hassle-free cinch.
Sperry Topsider
Ricochet shoes
The super-light, super-compact NeoAir line
of sleeping pads just got a lot more affordable
with the new WaveCore technology. They
simplified it with a single horizontal layer
of baffles. The Wave Core tech doubles the
insulation of an uninsulated air mattress.
We think it will be a great first pad for
someone, or maybe a nice upgrade from a
basic mattress. It packs down to
almost nothing for your
three-season camping
trips. Stuff sack is
included.
The Ricochet combines SON-R
Technology and a state-of-the-art lugged
outsole to provide excellent traction and
sensory feedback as you cross rugged, rocky
shorelines.
Stop by and visit us at our display
and see all the new models!
ProudAutomotive
Automotive
Proud
Sponsorofofthe
Sponsor
Canoecopia 2012
2014
Canoecopia
2014 Outback
Forrester
2012 Subaru
2014
2012 Outback
Subaru Forester
Two Locations to Serve You!
5339 Wayne Terrace
Madison • 608-258-3636
SALES: Mon. - Thurs. 9am-8pm; Fri. 9am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm
SERVICE: Mon. - Fri. 7am-5:30pm; Sat. 8am-1pm
5822 Odana Road
(at Tokay Blvd.) • 608-442-3232
SALES: Mon. - Thurs. 9am-8pm; Fri. 9am-6pm; Sat. 9am-5pm
SERVICE: Mon. - Fri. 7am-5:30pm; Sat. 8am-1pm
www.donmiller.com
20 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
WHAT’S NEW
Dagger Katana Series
Ticla Tea House
The Katana is the new crossover whitewater
brainchild from Dagger. Its Contour Ergo
outfitting is all-day comfortable as well as
secure, and easy to customize to your body’s
particular needs. Katanas come in two sizes
(9.7 and 10.4) that should fit everyone from 5'
to about 6'4". The retractable skeg helps keep
you moving forward on the flat portions while
giving you maximum maneuverability when
you need it.
Ticla is new to Rutabaga in 2014, in no
small part because Ticla is a new company,
full stop. Their motto is “Camp Better.”
It speaks to those of us “in a certain age
group” as we try to maximize our camping
pleasure. The Tea House (2 & 3) tents do
their best to let you see the great outdoors,
while still affording you protection from bugs
Whether you want to go on long expeditions,
and the elements. They’re supposed to feel
explore the local rocky rivers, or develop a nodlike you’re hanging out in a screened porch.
ding acquaintance with every just-submerged
If you know the magic of that on a sweet
boulder, the Katana is up to the task.
summer evening, you know you’ll want one
of these.
Think Differently. Live Differently.
Visit us at C13 in the Main Hall to learn
how Northland College approaches the
science and politics of the human-nature
relationship in practical and imaginative
ways. Offering liberal arts and sciences
programs with an environmental focus.
northland.edu
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 21
WHAT’S NEW
P&H
Flat Earth Sail System
Many years ago, kayaks sporting a sail were
quite common. No one would bat an eye at
someone batting a sail. Now they’re much
less common. P&H would like to change
that. A sail and a favorable wind can extend
your range or trim time off your return.
Shred Ready OSK
Folks are sometimes spooked about installing
a sail, but it isn’t a big deal. Yes, you drill
two holes in your hull, but we do that with
compasses all the time. The sail system
was created to stow and deploy quickly and
easily. You can enjoy it when you want to,
and safely ignore it when you don’t. Running
downwind takes just a few minutes to learn
since it’s a two-line system. One deploys it,
the other adjusts the angle of attack. It does
take some time to learn how to handle beam
winds, but that’s part of the fun.
One of Jim’s great loves is whitewater
kayaking. He readily admits he’s not in it for
death-defying feats but
“just bumping in to
rocks” will keep
him entertained for
hours. There’s a
snag, though. He’s
got a skull that taunts
normal helmets. Normal
helmets painfully taunt him
back. So when he heard how the new OSK provides a greater range of fit and
adjustability, he went giddy. The OSK uses a pressure-formed carbon fiber shell surrounding
an EPP impact liner to try to keep your head in good working order. It’s got slick-looking
aluminum strap anchors and interchangable brims to complete the form and function bit.
liquidlogic
Stinger XP
The Stinger XP is a logical
and wonderful extension of the Remix
XP line. The Stinger is a longer, faster,
downriver crossover boat. Originally
designed for the famous Green River Race,
the Stinger is the perfect boat for paddling
22 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
twisty-turny streams as well as up to Class
V whitewater. This is a perfect boat for a
first-time moving water paddler, and with the
drop-down skeg, she’ll track like a sea kayak
on the flat sections.
Wenonah Tour Elbow
Paddle
If you’ve seen any canoe races, you’ve
undoubtedly seen Wenonah’s Black
Elbow paddle. They’re ubiquitous
because they’re feather light and
incredibly efficient. Pure carbon fiber
paddles don’t come cheap. Worth it, yes,
but not something you want to hand over
to your 12-year old nephew, Bruiser.
Enter the Tour Elbow paddle. It’s a
bit heavier, a good bit more suited to
Bruiser, and less expensive to boot.
It’s got a carbon shaft but a fiberglass
blade. That gives it the best price/
performance/weight combination. We
love ‘em and think you will too.
Lendal US QRS Shaft
& Storm Blade
We’re really excited
about the Lendal US
new QRS shaft. It
complements their
MCS shaft. The
QRS has a shorter grip area with wider
positioning to get your hands nearer
to the blades. That gives you a higher
cadence and more powerful strokes.
Those with longer arms or broader
shoulders will find it gives them a more
comfortable hand position.
The Storm Blade takes the innate goodness of their Kinetic paddle and adds a
dihedral foil to it. The extra buoyancy
and easier recovery phase wrings every
last bit of efficiency out of your stroke.
CHANGES — WHAT’S NEW
R.I.P. Royalex
News about & options regarding end of the “Do Anything” wonder material
ROYALEX is a material developed and
created by Old Town Canoe. Old Town
called it Oltonar, but the industry settled
on Royalex since that was the name
Uniroyal (the manufacturer) used. It’s a
great all-around material. It’s a sandwich of ABS around sheets of vinyl. It’s
lighter and stiffer than a poly boat, but
flexible enough to bounce off rocks.
lot longer. Skid plates are felt pads
epoxied on and add years to the life
of a canoe. Cracks used to be fatal,
but new epoxy compounds have
them back in action. (Skid plates
can be a good idea for to a composite canoes, too. Add them where
they will take most of the impact
and spare the other parts of your
boat. It might affect the entry line,
but in general it’s good insurance.)
For more than thirty years a factory
in Warsaw, Indiana, made Royalex.
The plant changed hands a few times:
None of the manufacturers with
Uniroyal to Spartech, and then in March
whom we’ve spoken are looking for
2013, to PolyOne. The new owners
an exact replacement for Royalex.
looked at the Royalex production, saw
The market for such a material
the profit and loss of the production
is limited to where spending the
line, and announced a large price inR&D dollars for a maybe just isn’t
crease. Later they said that they would Old Town employees threw a Royalex canoe off the roof of in the cards. We must get used to a
would cease production whenever they their factory. It was dented, but still paddleable.
world where Royalex is an endanfelt like it.
gered species that will, someday,
Composite construction of canoes made
be extinct.
Manufacturers responded quickly by buying
with cloth and resins may seem like a bad
a large amount of Royalex, even at the new
If you want to keep paddling Royalex, your
idea after Royalex’s bombproof construction.
premium price. The future of Royalex was a
best bet is to buy your canoe this year. If
That’s a perceptual problem, not a reality.
complete unknown. We heard that it would be Kevlar, a material with tensile strength five
you really love it, buy two. You know how
moved to China. (Nope: too hard to move.)
some people find running shoes they like and
times greater than steel and used for bulletWe heard that there were new materials that
always buy two pair? Then they can wear out
proof vests, is up to the task.
would replace Royalex. (Nope: there was
one and start to use the other. With a canoe,
Our owner Darren tried an experiment last
nothing that performed quite like Royalex.)
you’ll have a spare, or a collectable! Boats
summer. He went to Wenonah and built a
don’t go bad…
So we find ourselves in an interesting posiKevlar Wenonah Argosy. Darren vowed to
tion as passionate canoeists. There is a 99.9%
We all still have choices. We just wanted to
“paddle it like it’s Royalex.” He took his
chance that new Royalex will cease to exist
lay them out for you. In the end, the best camid-weight construction with a flexible core
within the next six to ten months, and the
and paddled it everywhere he would normally noe for you is the one that gets wet the most.
prices of the material will probably go way up
paddle his Royalex canoe. Darren said that
if it does stay around longer than that. Roythe first few bumps and scrapes were painful.
alex, for all practical purposes, is gone. The
However, after a few hours on the river, he
allternatives work quite well.
Acknowledge concerns.
turned his boat over and saw a few thin lines
on the bottom. He relaxed. After that, it was
On a guided trip, one 9-year-old kid
Polyethylene has been used for decades in
just a canoe, like any other.
started to have a tizzy because there was
the construction of both canoes and kayaks. It
a bug in her tent. “You’ll have that,” the
is less expensive with great impact resistance. What happened then surprised him and us.
guide replied. Later, it was sand in her
It is heavier and more flexible than Royalex,
We saw his orange Kevlar Argosy more and
shoes. “That will happen.” The guide
so it’s not as efficient. We expect river runmore. His Royalex Argosy gathered dust. He
noted it, and kid let it go. Peace reigned.
ners, Boy Scouts, and people who are hard
grew to appreciate Kevlar’s lighter weight,
“That’ll happen” and “You’ll have that”
on their equipment will turn to polyethylene
and it took everything he threw at it. At the
have changed my life. I’ve started to use
when Royalex is no more. People who run
end of the season, it looked just fine: no holes,
those phrases with the kids I take out and
bigger water or do longer trips may want to
cracks or gouges.
it has worked beautifully. (It has also let
paddle a polyethylene canoe, especially if the
Extending your boat’s lifetime: If your Royme get a lot more Zen about my own failability to repair the boat is limited, such as
alex canoe is getting a little thin at the bow
on a two- or three-week trip to the Canadian
ings and shortcomings. Win-win.) —JP.
and stern, a skid plate kit can make it last a
bush.
TAKING KIDS OUT TIPS
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 23
STAND UP PADDLING
Stand Up Paddle Days at Rutabaga
Discover the easy fun and excitement of SUP!
Sat & Sun, June 14 & 15, 2014
■■
■■
■■
■■
On-site demos all weekend long
Factory reps on hand Sunday
Door prizes and giveaways
BIC SUP One Design Challenge
Race Series - Sunday
■■ A Full Day of SUP Classes on Saturday
Join our ACA certified instructors for beginner and intermediate classes
For more information go to www.rutabaga.com/SUPDays
Classes require advance registration — call us or visit http://learn.rutabaga.com
BIC SUP One Design Challenge Race Series
■■
■■
■■
Coming to Madison –
Summer 2014
3 official classes: Men’s /
Women’s / Unisex Youth
Prizes!
For more details see
www.rutabaga.com/BIC_SUP_Races
24 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Becoming an SUP
Instructor
By Erica Munson
Like most who enjoy Canoecopia, I love
to be on the water! At times paddling
has been something that’s been a very
large part of my life, and at times it’s
something that fits when I can find the
time. But however often I’m able to get
out on the water, each time is fulfilling.
My progression of water sports has been
continual, and most recently I’ve gotten
hooked on stand up padding (SUP). SUP
has been a new and energizing experience, and I’ve found that I want to go out
again and again!
I have been teaching canoeing and
kayaking for over a decade now, but after
a few years of playing with Stand Up
Paddling, I decided to become an ACA
certified SUP Instructor this last summer. I wanted to learn new techniques
and ideas about how to teach stand up
paddling. I didn’t realize just how much
there was to learn nor all the things
you can do with a paddleboard. This
certification has taken my knowledge
and teaching to a new level, and I am
excited to get back on the water and
share it with others.
Instructor Erica Munson
People ask us “Don’t you fall off”? Yes. Please do. It’s darned fun.
whitewater the Moisie will get you through
and keep your heart pounding!
The Moisie 16'6"
Named after one of the most beautiful wild
Length 16' 6"
Beam 34"
Weight 78 lbs.
Capacity 1100 lbs.
rivers of North America, this exciting canoe will
Shallow Arch
High Volume Ends
Symmetrical
Moderate Rocker
appeal to seasoned paddlers with a taste for
whitewater. Extremely responsive under the
toughest conditions, the Moisie is perfect for
turn-on-a-dime action... even when carrying
a big load!
novacraft.com
866 88 CANOE
PRESENTATIONS
Canoecopia Presentations for 2014
89 great presenters, 114 topics highlight this year’s show
ONCE AGAIN we have an abundant selection of presentations that we hope will
inform, entertain and inspire you. With over 110 topics, the hard part may be
deciding which to see! For speaker bios and schedules, please see our website:
www.canoecopia.com
Matt Abbotts
Greg Anderson
A Kayak Circumnavigation of
Russia’s Lake Baikal
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The Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande
Following their 2009 paddle around Lake
Superior, kayakers Matt and Hannah Abbotts
decided to head to Siberia and take on the
world’s other largest lake, Baikal. It took two
years of planning, a month of travel, and 1,200
miles of kayaking to get around the deepest,
most voluminous lake in the world. The trip
was full of beautiful scenery, international
mishaps, and unbelievable paddling, making for
the adventure of a lifetime.
The Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande are one
of the most remote stretches of river in the
contiguous United States. Eighty-three miles
of scenic Chihuahuan Desert canyon country
provides paddlers with a classic off-season
wilderness trip. This federally protected Wild
and Scenic River begins near the eastern
boundary of Big Bend National Park along
the Mexico-Texas border and passes through
countless Class II rapids with the occasional
Class III/IV on the way to the take-out at
Dryden Crossing. Greg assures you that the
more difficult rapids can be lined or portaged.
Join Richie Bekolay, pro-staff for Werner
Paddles, in the Clarion Suites pool to take a look
at five essential skills you need to get the most
from your kayak fishing. As you watch on from
the poolside, he will teach you to be a more
efficient paddler and effective angler.
Kayak Fishing 101: Getting Started abc
Have you ever wanted to get into kayak fishing
or wonder what all the hype is about? Join
Richie as he breaks down the basics of one
of the largest growing outdoor sports; kayak
fishing. From the type and style of kayaks, the
necessary gear, to putting it all to use on the
water, Richie will leave no stone unturned in
your quest to become a kayak angler.
John Bates
The Farthest Side of Wildlife Ecology abc
Daniel Alvarez
The Big Bang, evolution, natural selection,
population dynamics, adaptations, reproductive
strategies, animal behavior, wildlife management — here’s Wildlife Ecology 101 in 50
minutes through the lens of Far Side, Calvin
and Hobbes, and others. Laugh your way to
knowing more about wildlife.
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Predictably Lost: 7,000 Miles, 503 Days,
2 Pink Flamingos
Having never paddled a sea kayak before, Daniel
Alvarez left the northern tip of Minnesota to
paddle to Key West. Nine months later, saltstained and exhausted, he arrived, ate all the key
lime pie he could, and decided to paddle back.
From portages through New Orleans to almost
being arrested in New York, from Everglades
alligators to woodland caribou, from Memphis
BBQ to Montreal poutine, this presentation
brings to life an adventure spanning 22 states
and 3 provinces and will inspire you to cut
through your fears, dream big, and go.
26 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Birding Northern Lakes and Rivers: What
Species to Look for and Where abc
From wailing loons to plunging ospreys to
secretive rails, every paddler experiences a
wealth of bird life along any northern waterway.
Each bird species has its own story, and all are
worth knowing. We’ll visually ID birds, listen
to their songs, describe their habitat, and share
what’s remarkable about each one. Make your
jouneys richer by understanding more about the
wildlife you’re sharing the water with.
Richie Bekolay
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Brought to you by Werner Paddles
Kayak Angling : Five Essentials Skills You
Need to Know abc
Featured speaker
Sharon & Alec Bloyd-Peshkin
Troubleshooting your T-rescue
Ever have a tough time with the T-rescue? In
this session, Sharon & Alec demonstrate ways
to get nearly anybody back in a kayak in under a
minute and without injury. They’ll demonstrate
best practices for where to put the swimmer,
how to maneuver and position the boats, how to
empty the swimmer’s boat without lifting, how
to secure the boats during reentry, and various
reentry options.
Greg Blust
Exploring an Island Wilderness: Isle Royale
National Park
Isle Royale offers 894 square miles of isolated
wildness. The smallest portion of the park is
found in its islands, the largest being 45 miles
long and 9 miles wide. Interspersed throughout
the park are over 450 smaller islands, which
serve to protect the magic of this place. Water
makes up 75% of this wilderness park, offering
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATIONS
unparalleled opportunities for canoe and kayak
enthusiasts. With 165 miles of trails, 51 miles
of canoe routes, and over 336 miles of Lake
Superior shoreline, visitors are led towards
discovery, adventure, and exploration.
on Baffin Island, Boomer and friends descended
into the Weasel River Valley. Here, Boomer did
a first descent of the Class V glacier-fed river
surrounded by some of the world’s tallest cliffs.
At the ocean the team picked up their self-built
traditional Inuit style kayaks and followed old
traditional Inuit routes across Baffin. Tidal
rapids, portages, snowstorms, and polar bears
were a few of the many challenges along the
way. Boomer will talk about this and his past
adventures; waterfalls, rapids, and a 104-day
expedition around Ellesmere Island.
Jeanne Bourquin
Erik Boomer
Brought to you by NRS
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Building and Repairing Wood/Canvas
Canoes abc
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Project Q: An Expedition across Baffin Island
American professional whitewater paddler
Erik Boomer and team recently completed a
grueling 65-day expedition across Baffin Island,
covering over 1000km by kayak, ski, and foot.
Avoiding crevasses to cross the largest icecap
Jeannie has been building wood-and-canvas
canoes for over two decades and is one of the
most respected builders and teachers. Her
presentation will give you an overview of how
she builds and repairs a wood/canvas canoe.
She’ll present the skills and techniques she
teaches her students in classes at the North
House Folk School and in her own shop in Ely.
Tips for Enjoying
Canoecopia Speakers
■■ The Exhibition Hall is large; plan
enough walking time to arrive on time,
especially on Saturday when the aisles
can be crowded.
■■ Some presentations are only offered
on Friday and Sunday. Many presentations are standing room only on
Saturday; try seeing those speakers on
Friday or Sunday for better seats.
■■ The pool sessions have a limit of 99
attendees for each time slot. Please
arrive early to assure your spot.
■■ Strategically use speaker presentations
as an opportunity to sit down and rest.
Your feet will appreciate the break!
■■ If needed, changes to the speaker
schedule will be posted at the Information Booth and in the speaker room area.
Updates at www.canoecopia.com
www.point65.com
A new level
of flexibility
The take-apart Martini from Point 65 kayaks is a rigid
high-performance kayak that you can carry with
a smile on your face, easily stow on your boat and
transport in the trunk of your car.
Go solo, go tandem go triple!
The Martini snaps apart and re-assembles in seconds.
Snap in the mid-section and your Solo transforms
into a Tandem. Add another mid section and it’s a
triple!
In 2012 Point 65 launches two new take-apart models: the 8’10”/12’9” sit-on-top Apollo and the 9’4”/14’
high performance Mercury.
Camp skills
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Youth & family
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 27
PRESENTATIONS
She’ll give you tips and tricks to maintain or
restore a canoe.
Ken Braband, Kevin Carr, &
Craig Esposito New
Adaptive Paddling with Team
River Runner abc
When it comes to overcoming physical and mental obstacles, water is the great equalizer. See
how Team River Runner (TRR), a non-profit
organization, gives active duty service members
and veterans an opportunity to find health,
healing, and new challenges through kayaking.
And learn about the latest adaptive paddling
gear that can open the world of paddling to you
or someone you may know.
Todd Bradley had to cancel
this year due to a freak injury.
We hope to have him back for
Canoecopia 2015
Julie Brown
Hygiene Tips for Women in the
Wilderness abc
Planning ahead and preparing for paddling trips
is necessary in all areas, especially hygiene.
Learn about about feminine hygiene in remote
environments. We will discuss signs and
symptoms of female medical concerns, supplies,
and tips to use regarding the three p’s...peeing,
pooping, and periods. Julie will also cover some
techniques for women paddlers who don’t plan
to come to shore every time they need relief.
John Browning
Injuries and Illness Common to the
Paddler abc
An examination of some of the more common
injuries and illnesses that a paddler may
encounter. We’ll examine traumatic, medical,
and environmental injuries and illness, as well
as their treatment and prevention. The intent is
to leave you with a better understanding of what
can happen, whether you are currently prepared
to prevent them from occurring, and managing
them if they do.
Navigation 101 for the Coastal Kayaker
Todd Bradley
Brought to you by
C4 Waterman
SUP: Roots, Culture, and Future abc
SUP (Stand Up Paddling) has exploded in
popularity. With roots in Hawaii’s waterman
culture and Aloha spirit, the sport transcends its
beach-boy tradition and comes to inland waters.
Todd will teach you to recognize the differences
in types of equipment and offer hints for quicker
learning and better health. Mahalo!
Stephen Brede
Circumnavigation of Lake Erie
Ports, parks, power plants, wetlands,
kilometers of cottages, miles of beaches. Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Ontario. Eagles and wind farms.
Botanists taking inventory. Surfers barbecuing.
Kayaks, sailboats, swimmers. Silt, salt, sewage,
munitions, road runoff, fertilizers, plastic and
paper. Sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, thunder
and lightning. From a near-death experience to
resurrection as Walleye Capital of the World,
Lake Erie encapsulates the challenges facing the
Great Lakes. The view from a canoe.
28 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
get a glimpse of what it is like on a multi-day
fly-fishing journey in Northern Maine on the
Allagash Wilderness Waterway. This riveting
slide show will lay out the experience and also
include a demonstration on how to pack a kayak
for similar overnight trips.
The essentials of navigation principles important for the coastal kayaker. Included will be an
overview of the “tools of the trade” and their
use, including charts, compasses, and course
plotting tools. Basic rules of the nautical road
will be discussed, as will basic chart reading. All
valuable information as you plan your journey
in the comfort of your home, as well as while on
the water.
Julie Buckles & Charly Ray
Paddling to Winter
Kevin Callan
Once Around Algonquin: An Epic Canoe
Journey
Kevin will present on his latest canoe trip
around Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park.
This is going to be good. The route taken is
titled “The Meanest Link” and includes 93
portages that add up to 68 kilometers. Kevin’s
canoe buddy, Andy Baxter, joins him — and
wishes he hadn’t. He’ll be showing pictures
and film of the misadventure—and explain
What do those icons mean?
Featured speakers represent a
cross-section of esoteric topics
that we wanted to highlight.
abc Newbie-friendly talks appeal to
Reporter Julie Buckles tells the story of a yearlong canoe honeymoon traveling the Voyageur
Highway 1,700 miles from Lake Superior to
Wollaston Lake where she and husband Charly
stayed for the winter. “Paddling to Winter” is
filled with humor, love, adventure, and has, as
one reviewer notes, characters worthy of a Coen
Brothers film.
Damon Bungard
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Brought to you by Jackson Kayaks
Multi-Day Kayak Fishing on the Allagash
Wilderness Waterway abc
If you are interested in experiencing selfsupported kayak trips but need some tips, come
Featured speaker
abc Newbie-friendly skills
those just starting out. Seasoned
paddlers will gain tips too.
Ontario presenters feature the
wisdom & charm from our neighbors to the north
Camp skills give you ideas on
how to live the easy life when
you’re in the wilderness.
Lots of water drops form a Pool.
Pool found in the Clarion Suites.
Youth & family topics help adults
get kids outdoors
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATIONS
why spending 20 days paddling Algonquin is
a life-altering experience. Time spent in the
woods is definitely a good thing.
conditions, old-growth wilderness and the rich,
ancient culture of the Haida people are a few
of the factors that make this area so intriguing.
Sam will share paddling stories and incredible
views of this National Park/UNESCO World
Heritage Site/National Marine Conservation
Area from the seat of his kayak as he covers
three different expeditions spanning 70 days.
Denny Caneff
& Erin
Courtenay
Can Your Canoe
Sustain the Pounding of Flying Fish?
Asian Carp and
Other Invasives
Group Leadership and Managing Risk
Preston Ciere
Come for an update
on Asian carp in
Wisconsin’s rivers.
Denny and Erin will
convey facts and
dispel myths about
Asian carp, and also
discuss other worrisome invasive critters and
plants, how paddlers can help keep an eye out
for them, and take actions to not spread them.
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From the Bayou to the Backcountry:
A Canoe Dog Story
What makes a great canoe dog? Why is camping
so much better with a canine friend? How
do you prepare your dog for your outdoor
adventures? Preston will answer these questions
by sharing the unique and inspiring story of his
perfect paddling partner. Nancy was in poor
health when she was rescued by a shelter in the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Adopted to a
loving new home in Ontario, Canada, Nancy
has fully recovered and can be found running
around the backcountry — her natural calling.
Terrie Cooper & Tim Pflieger
Circumnavigating Door County:
A Paddler’s Paradise
John Chase
Power to the Paddle: Exercises to Improve
Your Paddling abc
Join this fun hands-on session where you’ll learn
and practice functional exercises to help you
paddle longer, faster, and stronger. Learn simple
exercises requiring little or no equipment and
targeting crucial muscles to be a better paddler,
build endurance and prevent injury. You’ll
improve your outdoor experience and become
the best paddler you can be!
Secrets of the Strongest Paddlers: Designing
Your Personal Exercise Program abc
The spring paddling season is just around the
corner. Get the tools you need to make 2014
your best year ever. John will outline the process
to develop your own personalized fitness plan.
You will leave with the knowledge to improve
mobility, increase stability, develop strength and
power, and lose a few pounds.
Camp skills
With over 315 miles of coastline and 13
lighthouses, Door County is truly a paddler’s
paradise. Join local paddlers Terrie and Tim as
they take you on a visual journey highlighting
their favorite paddling destinations and launch
sites in northern Door. They’ll share tips on
launching and experiencing the bounty of
cultural and natural resources found along their
favorite paddling routes and reveal favorite
camping, lodging, and eateries along the way.
They will discuss the unique geology and
ecology of this beautiful county and the efforts
taking place to protect its coastlines.
Sam Crowley
Haida Gwaii
An archipelago off the
coast of northern British Columbia, Haida
Gwaii is a world-class
paddling destination
worthy of a spot on
any paddler’s bucket
list. Dynamic and
challenging paddling
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Sea kayaking is all fun and games till someone
gets lost, run over by a boat, or stepped on by
Godzilla. Seriously, keeping a group together
and safe is a big challenge for leaders. This
presentation covers concepts, strategies, and
techniques of leading a group and managing
risks in calm and advanced conditions.
Developed in professional instructing and
guiding environments, much of what is covered
transfers into other settings such as paddling
with friends, family, and in horror movies.
Planning a Paddling Expedition
What does it take to be an expedition paddler?
How can you prepare to be self-supported for
weeks or months in wild, unfamiliar places?
Forward thinking, a detailed planning process,
and a flexible strategy are essential for facing
the inevitable challenges (both known and
unknown) that come with undertaking an
expedition. Come see how one experienced
expedition paddler does it!
Ann Dunphy
Wilderness
Medicine abc
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Some day you may find
yourself in a location
that will have delayed
access to medical care,
limited equipment and
a hostile environment.
Explore the general
principles of remote
medicine before
your next outdoor adventure. Ann will discuss
preventative medicine with the ultimate goal:
come back safely from your next adventure
with a ton of pictures, awesome memories, new
skills, and perhaps some new friends!
Don Easley
Fishin’ the Canoe Country abc
Learn how to catch more walleye, smallmouth
bass, and northern pike in the North Woods
Youth & family
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 29
PRESENTATIONS
without carrying in 25 pounds of tackle and live
bait. Find where to look for active fish, the best
bait to use, and which color of bait will be most
effective. Discover how to keep fishing when it’s
too windy for most people. Determine how deep
the water is without a fish locator. Pick up safer
and easier methods of handling, cleaning, and
frying up a stringer of walleye for shore lunch. If
you are not catching all the fish you want, stop
in and pick up a few secrets.
with great laughs and paddling. They have
perfected systems for packing gear, planning
meals and food preparation. Whether it’s the
lakes of Killarney or the French River, they are
ready for any conditions. They are excited to
share their suggestions for all ladies interested in
a girls’ paddling trip. Their years of practice will
give you some great ideas for your next big trip
in to the wilderness.
Al Fairfield
Kids, Canoes, Fishing, and Fun: Successful
Strategies abc
The secret to a great outing with kids is a little
pre-planning and knowing a few key things.
Shorten the learning curve with tips to make the
experience fun and successful. If you are ready
to take a youngster or inexperienced adult on
their first fishing or canoeing adventure, this
is the program for you! Share in an interactive
program with the equipment, modifications, and
tools Al uses as a guide on the water.
Cliff Fawcett
Social Media for the Paddler abc
You love canoeing, kayaking, and paddling
of all types, but how can you connect with
other paddlers? What are the best places to go?
How can you find out specifics on outfitters,
put-ins and take-outs? How can you find out
what’s going on in the paddling community?
The answers to these questions and more are
available on social media. Experience the best
social media has to offer and learn tips and tricks
for using Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr,
and others.
Dave & Amy
Brought to you by MTI Adventurewear &
Wenonah / Current Designs
Across the Continent by Kayak, Canoe, and
Dogsled
National Geographic Adventurers of the Year,
Dave and Amy Freeman began a three-year,
11,700-mile journey across North America on
Earth Day of 2010. Their human-powered trek
took them from Bellingham, Washington, to
Key West, Florida, via the Arctic. From coming
eye-to-eye with humpback whales and grizzly
bears to kayaking past Manhattan during rush
hour and hunkering down as Superstorm Sandy
battered the New Jersey coast, the Freemans
have an unforgettable story to share.
w
Ne
Traditional Greenland Rolling
Learn about the art of traditional Greenlandstyle rolling. From basic techniques and skills
to advanced rolls, learn how these graceful
techniques were originally developed. See how
the paddle isn’t the core of the technique but
how the paddler is the driving force of any roll
or rescue technique.
Bethany Fosdyck &
w
Lorna Cook Ne
Two Canucks and a Mennonite abc
Every year three women leave their husbands at
home and set out for a week of solitude, filled
30 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Doug Gilmore
It Was Just a Little Snow:
Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
Join Doug for the latest updates on the
wilderness paddling opportunities in Woodland
Caribou Provincial Park located near Red Lake,
Ontario. Learn about the weather event called
Featured speaker
Gail Green
Sea Kayak Brittany: France’s Northern Coast
Enormous tidal ranges meet spectacular coastlines providing sea kayakers with a delightful
paddling playground! On the softer side, quiet
water estuaries weave paddlers through villages
and manicured gardens reminiscent of the
Celtic roots of northern Brittany culture. Hiking
the famed Pink Granite Coast is an enchanting
journey through immense naturally-sculpted
boulders and arches. All this laced with French
cheese, bread, wine, and a restored fourth
century villa. A musical slide jam concludes this
presentation and voila, c’est tout!
Peter Grubb
Freeman
Tim Gallaway
a “snow-down” that the park experienced in
October 2012 and the effects on the park’s
backcountry activities. Find out what efforts
have been made since to improve travel in the
park as well as plans for the future.
Winter Paddling Bliss: Baja’s Legendary
Waters & Whales
The iconic, red-hued peaks and turquoise
waters of Baja have captivated sea kayakers
for decades. With abundant underwater life,
tremendous whale activity, and margaritas on
the beach, Baja’s rich wilderness hosts wonders
to explore for outdoorsy people of all pursuits.
Discover why the desert islands of the Sea of
Cortez remain North America’s classic winter
paddling destination.
Dan Henderson
What Makes an
Efficient Forward
Stroke? abc
w
Ne
What really makes a
kayak go? How can I
sustain my paddling
for longer periods of
time, keep up, and
explore more distant
destinations? How do
I paddle so my joints
don’t hurt? What’s the story on high and low
angle? Kayak forward stroke efficiency is defined
as the distance the kayak travels for each stroke.
Dan will outline simple concepts that you can
incorporate into your kayaking technique to go
farther and with greater endurance, based on
his world-renowned graduate-level research in
kayak forward stroke biomechanics.
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATIONS
Wayne Horodowich
Essential Equipment For Paddling abc
Whether you go out for a day, a week, or a
month, there are certain skills and equipment
that paddlers need to make the most out of their
trips. Join Wayne for an enthusiastic give-andtake discussion where he will share his “Must
Have” list with you so you can better enjoy your
own adventures on the water.
How To Choose The Kayak That Works Best
For You abc
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, join Wayne
for a dynamic and detailed discussion. Wayne
will draw upon his 30-plus years of teaching
kayaking and fitting paddlers into kayaks so they
can have an enjoyable experience.
groups. For example, how do you make oatmeal
for eight on a one-burner trail stove without
burning the porridge?
Solo Canoeing in Lapland
In June 2011, Cliff Jacobson and friends paddled
100 miles of remote, rapid-filled rivers in
Arctic Norway and Finland. The trip began
with a tundra portage that wandered uphill for
12 hours! Their folding solo canoes had to be
dragged over land and through river shallows.
Most rapids rated Class III and often ran
for miles. They ended their trip at the Sami
community of Kautikeino where they toured the
world-famous Juhls Silver Gallery (amazing!).
Later, in Oslo they were in awe of ancient Viking
ships, the Kon-Tiki and Fridtjof Nansen’s
Arctic expedition ship, the Fram.
40 Favorites for Canoeing and
Camping abc
Cliff has been canoeing and camping for more
than 60 years, and over time he has formed
strong opinions about what works and what
doesn’t. In this new, fast-paced seminar, he’ll
show 40 of his favorite canoeing and camping
items, and tell why he likes them. Tips and
laughs are naturally part of the game. The
session ends with a mini-rant on tents.
Cooking Secrets abc
Here’s a wealth of food ideas that will make
your canoeing and camping trips more fun.
Emphasis is on fast-to-prepare entrees that take
no more than 20 minutes to make. Discover
Pita Pizza, Tortilla Melts, Northwoods Stir
Fry, Garlic-Cheese Pita Melts and Egg McPita,
Caramel Tortillas, tricks for preparing meals
in cold, blustery weather and ideas for large
32 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Travel Like a
Wilderness Guide
w
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If you’ve always wanted to pick up a canoe and
portage like the “big boys,” then this energetic,
hands-on workshop is for you. For decades
the Northern Lakes Girl Scout Canoe Base
has been training women and girls to travel
through the BWCAW and Quetico Parks. They
specialize in teaching novices to feel like pros
regardless of size or experience. Learn tips and
tricks for women and youth in the wilderness,
and practice specific techniques to flip up and
portage canoes.
Pete Kuhn
Getting that Perfect Fit
Marty Koch
Paddling Adventures In The Ozarks
The Ozarks is a vast area of low mountains,
deep valleys, and amazing paddling in Southern
Missouri and Northern Arkansas. Over 10,000
miles of streams course through the rugged
countryside, offering everything from gentle
waters to raging Class V whitewater. Many
have heard of the more famous streams like the
Current, Jack’s Fork, and Buffalo. But there
are nearly a hundred others with names like the
Big Pine, Mulberry, Gasconade, Huzzah, Kings
River, and the North Fork of the White.
Joe Kochevar
Treasures of the Apostle Islands
En route through this presentation you’ll
vicariously experience the multitude of features
that bring adventurous paddlers here each year;
breathtaking sea caves, emerald green waters,
Featured speaker
Doris Kolodji
Power to the Pipsqueaks: Everyone
Can Paddle, Portage, & Pack abc
Rob Kesselring
Rob will share canoe
camping tips and
secrets from hundreds
of trips: planning,
packing, paddling,
navigation, campsite
selection, weather
concerns, wildlife
issues, the three essential knots, whitewater
challenges, cooking, fire building, group
dynamics, open-water crossings, and more.
Cliff Jacobson
historic shipwrecks, remote beaches, and
stunning lighthouses. Of course the power of
Lake Superior has shaped many a destiny over
the years, and no Superior story is complete
without its mention.
This talk/demonstration will cover how to make
adjustments to the inside of a kayak cockpit.
These will cover seat and foot peg adjustments
and modifications, how to customize thigh
braces with foam — all using a cutaway kayak
to show possible placement of modifications.
Materials and shaping techniques will also be
discussed.
Mary Langlie
Paddling Through the Ages abc
This session will explore the many ways we can
experience the joy of paddling, no matter our
age. Young children, teens, and adults of all ages
can find opportunities to challenge themselves
and build relationships with family and friends
through canoeing, kayaking, and stand up
paddle boards. Paddling is truly a family-friendly
sport that can last through a lifetime!
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATIONS
Ben Lawry
Brought to you by P&H Kayaks &
Lendal Paddles
Biomechanics of Paddling abc
Four of the main components of successful
paddling are interactively played with in this
session. Join Ben to discover how sitting and
balance will affect your paddling and your boat
choice. We will look at power, where it comes
from, and how it is transmitted to your kayak.
Dry Land Rolling
Rolling is the holy grail of kayaking: a skill that
most people would benefit from mastering for
reasons of safety, confidence, and sheer fun of
it. Join Ben for a look at a couple of dependable
rolls that will work in all situations and get
you quickly paddling again in a strong, safe
position. Having attended the dry land rolling
session, join Ben at the pool where you can see
the theory put into practice.
The Rescue Progression
Pool Rolling
Diane Leavy
Rolling is a lot easier to demonstrate in a
controlled environment like a warm hotel pool.
Join Ben as he breaks down the two basic types
of rolls and shows you the parts and how they
relate to the paddler. Ben highly recommends
that you first attend his Dry Land Rolling
classroom session as there are many subtleties
missed by coming straight to the pool.
The Big Three: Drysuit, Life Jacket,
and Sprayskirt abc
Dress for immersion! Ben will teach you how
to correctly use a sprayskirt and paddling attire.
What is the correct fit and size of a lifejacket?
How do you put on and take off a drysuit
without being a contortionist? What do you
wear underneath it? Ben will tell you.
Ben Lawry and Steve Scheerer show a progression of kayak rescues that most paddlers should
master. They use their 60+ years of experience
teaching paddling to show folks tricks they can
use to have success when practicing rescues.
Brought to you by
Cascade Designs
w
Ne
Load and Go
Paddling! abc
Whether you’re
headed out in your
kayak for several weeks
or just for the weekend, loading your boat
is a special skill that
takes practice, time, and patience to master.
Diane Leavy has been paddling the waters of
southern British Columbia and Washington
for several decades. Join her for a presentation
featuring handy tips and strategies for packing
your boat for both short and long trips.
TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE A FRIEND PADDLING:
Meet them where they are, especially at first.
We’ve got some adopted nieces who we took camping in ‘13. Their mom was glad
for the invite, but cautioned that she didn’t think the girls would like it. Their
father—a serious, hard-core backwoods hiker—had tried to take them the year
before and it wasn’t successful. He had wanted them to experience the outdoors
as he loved it, but it wasn’t the experience they were ready for.
Because they were “City Girls” we decided we’d let them have our pop-up
as it offered comfy beds, privacy, and a furnace if needed. Flush toilets were
nearby. We camped overlooking a most beautiful valley. We took a short but
lovely paddle. We took a quick hike. I let the kids cook their own hot dogs over
the campfire. I showed them how use a Dutch oven to make cinnamon rolls for
dessert. We told stories by the firelight. It was a great re-introduction to camping
for them. They’re actually looking forward to our next trip together.
Have one at least one secondary/alternate route planned.
I’ve been on some trips where the trip leader had a grand plan for a Big Honkin’
Paddle. Generally, that’s great. But what if someone (typically the new guy, not
always) in the troupe ends up not having a good time? Even if they can muddle
through to the original take-out, their bad memories are going to color their
experience. The longer the trip, the more secondary or tertiary routes you need
to plan for, especially with newcomers. It makes trip planning trickier, but hey,
that’s why you’re the super-awesome leader. You’ve thought ahead, you’ve got
options planned, and outstanding outcomes are in the bag. — Jim P.
Camp skills
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Youth & family
Call: 1-800-295-0042
www.maloneautoracks.com
CAR RACK ACCESSORIES
SPORT TRAILERS
Malone Auto Racks, 81 County Road, Westbrook, Maine 04092
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 33
PRESENTATIONS
or “How can I load my boat by myself?” you’ll
want to check out this seminar. Learn tips for
choosing the right kayak and gear to suit your
needs as well as techniques for carrying, loading,
launching your kayak and more!
Stand Up Paddleboarding: Beyond Bikinis
and Surfer Dudes abc
Anna Levesque
SUP Yoga Demo abc
Anna demonstrates how to practice yoga on a
paddleboard for fun, balance and relaxation.
She’ll go over the benefits of an SUP Yoga
practice and teach poses that you can try on
your own. If you haven’t been introduced to
SUP yoga, this is your opportunity to come find
out what it’s all about!
Kayaking Tips for Women abc
If you’ve been asking yourself questions like:
“Am I strong enough to do that?” or “Is there
a graceful way to get in and out of my boat?”
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is becoming
more and more popular on lakes and rivers
across the US. Learn about board materials,
equipment, and paddling techniques. Find out
why SUP is great and how it keeps you healthy
and balanced. This talk will give you the basics
you need to start exploring the world of stand up
paddleboarding in a setting that is comfortable
and friendly to all body types and ages.
Yoga for Paddling abc
Relax, stretch, strengthen, and balance in
this gentle yoga class designed specifically for
paddlers. We’ll target the areas of the body
specific to paddling to stretch the muscles that
we overuse and strengthen the muscles that
we under-use. No previous yoga experience
necessary and beginners are welcome! Please
bring your own yoga mat or towel and wear
comfortable, stretchy clothes.
Christopher Lockyer
w
Ne
A Fun Day on the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy boasts the largest tidal range
in the world. Come on a journey exploring the
many moods of the Bay of Fundy. The Bay is
home to many different species of whales as
well as an abundance of different sea life. This
presentation is in support of the Bay of Fundy
Sea Kayak Symposium.
Amy Lukas &
Mary Catterlin
Brought to you by MTI
Adventurewear
How to Plan a
Ridiculous Dream
Trip and Survive It:
Lake Michigan in a
Dugout
When Mary Catterlin
started hand-carving a
cottonwood tree into
a dugout canoe, Amy
Lukas knew they were
in for an adventure. Come hear the comical
and inspiring story of two girls chasing their
dream using scrapyard know-how and thrifty
ingenuity aboard a tree-boat. While telling the
story of their 93-day/1200-mile trip around Lake
Michigan, they will provide you with tips on
planning and surviving a ridiculous dream trip
of your own.
Paddling and the Arts
Ever since someone by the water’s edge
suddenly improvised a story, sang some
music, or a sketched out a drawing—
ok... ever since recorded history—there
has been a link between water and
the arts. As we developed the skills of
paddling, the arts have followed along
with it as well.
We are proud to feature a variety of
speakers who have been inspired by water
and paddling: Jim Pfitzer, Actor; Peter
Olsen, Natalie Warren, & Anna Johnson,
Filmmakers; Jerry Vandiver & The One
Match Band, Musicians; Geri Schrab,
Painter; John Van Den Brandt, Photographer; and too many authors to mention
here. See www.canoecopia.com
34 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Featured speaker
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATIONS
Scott MacGregor
Trip Stories That
Don’t Suck: The Art
of Great Adventure
Writing abc
Step inside an editor’s
office and learn the
simple rules of great
adventure writing,
better blogging,
sizzling slideshows,
and journals that
jump off the page. Scott offers a practical and
lighthearted guide for adventurers packing pens
as well as paddles. Learn about the Nut Graf,
how to use contributor guidelines, and how to
write good queries. Learn why nobody cares
about your blueberry pancakes. Discover how to
avoid the six adventure-writing pitfalls and the
cliché adventure story.
Darrell Makin
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Paddling the Coast of Pukaskwa
National Park: A Trip of a Lifetime
Pukaskwa National Park is in essence “A
Camp skills
Wildshore on an Inland Sea” and nowhere on
any Great Lake is this more true than here.
This wilderness national park is a part of the
longest undeveloped shoreline on any of the
Great Lakes, stretching over 200 kilometers.
It is rugged, remote, and beautiful. Paddling it
will change you forever. Join Darrell for a trip
of a lifetime as he shares stories of his many
adventures along this incredible coast.
Kim McCluskey
Cinque Terre by
Kayak
Paddle the Italian
Riviera’s Ligurian
Sea beneath stunning
cliffs and ancient
Italian villages. Lunch
in tiny family-run
Italian restaurants.
Hike the path along the cliffs, paddle to grottos,
visit a medieval abbey, and eat a sumptuous
dinner of seafood pasta, local wines, and roasted
peppers in local olive oil. Drift off to sleep in a
400-year-old guesthouse. This trip offers Italy’s
charm and gourmet cuisine combined with the
freedom and fun of paddling on bright water.
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Youth & family
Don McCumber
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Kayak Camping 101: Everglades National
Park Kayak Camping abc
Escape from the cold to a place where paddlers
enjoy pristine waters all year. When the lakes
and rivers up north are frozen, that’s the
best time for camping in Everglades National
Park. Join Don to learn some of the “Do’s and
Don’ts” of kayak camping... some applicable
to wilderness camping anywhere, but many
tips geared specifically for camping on the
beautiful beaches and chickees in Everglades
National Park. In his talk, Don will explain how
this incredible experience can be enjoyed by
first-timers to advanced paddlers.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 35
PRESENTATIONS
The Xtreme Dream: The Role of Kayakers in
Diana Nyad’s Swim from Cuba to Florida
Don was Captain of Diana Nyad’s Xtreme
Dream Kayak Team and will talk about the
challenges Diana and her support team faced
during her epic swim from Havana, Cuba, to
Key West, Florida in the summer of 2013. He
will be showing some previously unreleased
GoPro video clips and pictures taken during
Nyad’s successful swim.
O. Ross McIntyre
Ontario’s Rideau
Canal by Canoe
The 120-mile-long
Rideau Canal
connects Kingston,
Ontario, with Ottawa
and is operated for
recreational boating
by Parks Canada.
Because of the
historic and cultural
aspects of the canal,
it has been recognized
as a United Nations World Heritage site.
A transit pass enables canoeists to camp at
garden-like lock stations along the canal as one
passes through lakes, historic towns, and rural
countryside to an exciting finish at the Ottawa
River near the Canadian Houses of Parliament.
This trip, ideal for seniors and families, will be
shared through stories and photos.
save yourself a lot of grief by learning from the
experience and mistakes of long-time paddler
and instructor, Sherri Mertz. Make smarter
equipment purchases the first time, speed your
learning curve, and avoid risks and dangers you
may not even be aware of!
Reggie McLeod
Paddling the Upper Mississippi River
Reggie will explain why and how to paddle the
most interesting stretch of the largest river in
America, whether you want to paddle a short
loop through the backwaters or a long-distance
odyssey to the Gulf of Mexico. He’ll cover opportunities to join group paddles, how the river
works, locking through, river wildlife, and how
to get quality maps and other useful resources
for a river adventure. After the presentation
he will make available detailed river maps and
other useful materials.
Sherri Mertz
Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started
Kayaking abc
There is so much to learn when you start kayaking and so much equipment to acquire. You can
Scott Mestrezat
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Stand Up Paddleboarding the Length of the
Missouri River
Scott Mestrezat launched from Three Forks,
Montana, on a home-made, wooden stand up
paddleboard on June 7, 2013, with 100 pounds
of gear strapped to the deck. His aim was to
Continued on page 41
SOME FACTS
YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT
Rutabaga has been awarded
Magazine’s Retailer of the Year
Award a record eight times.
We’ve won some of these too.
Not sure how many.
We have a full-service repair
department to fix your boat.
We rent canoes, kayaks and
SUP boards right at the shop.
36 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Featured speaker
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS
CANOECOPIA IS jam-packed with things to do and see. Use this 4-page pull-out section to keep track of speakers and
events happening throughout the weekend.
Aluminum Chef Competition
Our crowd-pleasing cook-off returns
Saturday, 4:30. Quetico Room
Finding Farley—a Film
A family treks to visit writer Farley Mowat
Friday, 7:30 & Saturday, 4:30. Superior Room
THE Aluminum Chefs are back! Once
again, our three chefs will test their camp
culinary skills against each other in true
outdoor style. Using MSR stoves and cook
kits and a pantry of simple ingredients
you might have on your next camping
trip, outdoorsmen Marty Koch and Kevin
Callan will again compete against our local
Chef Joey Dunscombe of Madison’s Weary
Traveler Freehouse.
Come join the fun – you could be one of the judges from the
audience who will determine the winner of each course!
IN this full-length documentary, husband-and-wife team
Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison (Being Caribou), along with
their 2-year-old son and dog, retrace the literary footsteps of
Canadian writer Farley Mowat. Rather than fly or drive the
thousands of kilometers to see this aging Canadian icon, they
paddle east from Calgary towards the Prairies (the geography
of Born Naked and Owls in the Family). They then traverse the
same paths that Farley took more than 60 years earlier, which
became the foundation for Never Cry Wolf and People of the Deer.
Their epic 5,000 km journey—trekking, sailing, portaging and
paddling—ends in the Maritimes, at Mowat’s Nova Scotian
summer home.
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada, this film
compares two views of Canada—one of the iconic Canadian author, the other of the adventuring family. Told in part
through the exchange of letters between the two, the family’s
journey culminates after five months of travel when the pilgrims
finally meet their hero face-to-face. Finding Farley is a powerful pilgrimage that explores our relationship to the land and the
power of stories.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 37
SPEAKER SCHEDULE
Voyageur
Atrium
Bear
Caribou
M. Langlie
Paddling Through the
Ages
S. Scherrer
Understanding Boat
Design
D. Mongno
Selecting the Perfect
Kayak Paddle
D. McCumber
Kayak Camping in
Everglades National Park
R. Bekolay
Kayak Fishing 101:
Getting Started
C. Scherrer
Paddle Like a Girl
D.Caneff &
E. Courtenay
Asian Carp & Invasives
S. Crowley
Group Leadership and
Managing Risk
D. Leavy
Load and Go Paddling
J. Browning
Injuries and Illness
Common to the Paddler
6:30
B. Perry
Holy Water: The “Zen”
of Paddling
S. Mertz
J. Vore
Things I Wish I’d Known Repairs in the Field
When I Started Kayaking
S. Nelson
Planning your BWCA
Adventure
W. Horodowich
Essential Equipment For
Paddling
7:30
Wright, Koscik &
Bourquin
Wooden Boats
A. Levesque
SUP: Beyond Bikinis &
Surfer Dudes
B. Lawry
The Big Three: Drysuit,
Life Jacket, and Sprayskirt
J. Pfitzer
Aldo Leopold: A
Standard of Change
W. Horodowich
Choosing The Kayak
That’s Best For You
9:30
C. Fawcett
Social Media for the
Paddler
B. Perry
Holy Water: The “Zen”
of Paddling
A. Levesque
Yoga for Paddling
D. Easley
Fishin’ the Canoe
Country
B. Lawry
Dry Land Rolling
L. Sobota
Overcoming Fear: One
Stroke at a Time
D. Shapiro
A Wilderness Experience
for Your Youth Group
D. Kolodji
Everyone Can Paddle,
Portage, & Pack
J. Buckles & C. Ray
Paddling to Winter
W. Horodowich
Choosing The Kayak
That’s Best For You
L. Nett
I Paddle NYC: Adventures in Urban Paddling
S. MacGregor
The Art of Great
Adventure Writing
D. Mongno
Selecting the Perfect
Kayak Paddle
R. Zvirbulis
Kayaking the Canyons of
Lake Powell
B. Paulsen
The Land of Sand
J. Brown
Hygiene Tips for Women
in the Wilderness
G. Schrab
Painting Pictographs: A
Spiritual Journey
D. Mongno
The Forward Stroke
D. McCumber
Diana Nyad’s Kayak
Team
W. Horodowich
Essential Equipment For
Paddling
C. Scherrer
Paddle Like a Girl
D. Henderson
What Makes an Efficient
Forward Stroke?
J. Chase
Exercises to Improve
Your Paddling
S. Crowley
Planning a Paddling
Expedition
P. Ciere
Bayou to Backcountry: A
Canoe Dog Story
Braband, Carr &
Esposito
Adaptive Paddling
J. Bourquin
Building and Repairing
Wood/Canvas Canoes
B. Lawry
The Big Three: Drysuit,
Life Jacket, & Sprayskirt
R. Peterson
Conserve the Wolves of
Isle Royale Nat’l Park?
S. Mestrezat
SUP the Length of the
Missouri River
N. Schroeter
Hypothermia
J. Browning
Navigation 101 for the
Coastal Kayaker
B. Lawry
A. Dunphy
Biomechanics of Paddling Wilderness and Rescue
Medicine
S. Crowley
Haida Gwaii
A. Levesque
SUP: Beyond Bikinis and
Surfer Dudes
A. Fairfield
Kids, Canoes, Fishing,
and Fun: Strategies
5th Annual Paddle Club
Rendezvous
(4:45-6:00pm)
J. Pfitzer
Aldo Leopold: A
Standard of Change
D. Walters
A Grandmother’s Solo
Expedition
A. Fairfield
Kids, Canoes, Fishing,
and Fun: Strategies
A. Dunphy
Wilderness and Rescue
Medicine
A. Levesque
Yoga for Paddling
B. Lawry
Dry Land Rolling
J. Buckles & C. Ray
Paddling to Winter
M. Wenholz
Overcoming Adversity in
the Wilderness
J. Browning
Navigation 101 for the
Coastal Kayaker
B. Lawry
S. Crowley
Biomechanics of Paddling Planning a Paddling
Expedition
O. McIntyre
Ontario’s Rideau Canal
by Canoe
D. Shapiro
A Wilderness Experience
for Your Youth Group
A. Levesque
Kayaking Tips for
Women
D. Mongno
The Forward Stroke
D. Easley
Fishin’ the Canoe
Country
D. McCumber
Kayak Camping in
Everglades National Park
1:30
M. Langlie
Paddling Through the
Ages
J. Bourquin
Building and Repairing
Wood/Canvas Canoes
P. Kuhn
Getting that Perfect Fit
B. Fosdyck & L. Cook
Two Canucks and a
Mennonite
S. Mestrezat
SUP the Length of the
Missouri River
S. Scherrer
Lower Columbia River
Water Trail by SUP
N. Warren & A. Johnson J. Chase
Paddle Forward
Exercises to Improve
Your Paddling
S. Raymond
Michigan’s Keweenaw
Peninsula
D. Sproule
Paddling Georgian Bay
12:30 11:30 10:30
4:30
3:30
2:30
1:30
12:30 11:30 10:30
5:30
4:30
Killarney
2:30
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Changes (if needed) will be posted at the Info Booth and at canoecopia.com
Hotel
38 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Upstairs
The pool schedule is on page 40
SPEAKER SCHEDULE
Revised 2/21
Algonquin
BWCA
Superior
Quetico
S. Raymond
Michigan’s Keweenaw
Peninsula
G. Green
Sea Kayak France’s
Northern Coast
B. Rees
Ontario’s Northwest
Wilderness Parks
J. Bates
Birding Northern Lakes
and Rivers
C. Jacobson
Cooking Secrets
G. Anderson
The Lower Canyons of
the Rio Grande
M. Abbotts
Kayak Circumnavigation
of Russia’s Lake Baikal
A. Lukas & M. Catterlin R. Kesselring
Lake Michigan in a
Travel Like a Wilderness
Dugout Canoe
Guide
R. Zvirbulis
Kayaking the Canyons of
Lake Powell
M. Koch
Paddling Adventures In
The Ozarks
J. Vandiver & Band
D. & A. Freeman
K. Callan
Songs for the Heart of the Across the Continent by
Once Around Algonquin:
Paddler
Kayak, Canoe, & Dogsled An Epic Canoe Jounrey
D. Makin
Paddling the Coast of
Pukaskwa National Park
D. Alvarez
Predictably Lost: Minnesota to Florida & Back
The Savoie Family
Quetico Play List
Finding Farley — A
Film
T. Cooper & T. Pflieger
Door County: A
Paddler’s Paradise
7:30
S. Scherrer
Understanding Boat
Design
M. Koch
Paddling Adventures In
The Ozarks
D. Perry
Three Men, Two Countries, & the River Between
K. McCluskey
Cinque Terre by Kayak
C. Jacobson
40 Favorites for Canoeing
and Camping
9:30
D. Sproule
Paddling Georgian Bay
G. Green
Sea Kayak France’s
Northern Coast
M. Schroeder-Beers
The Unpacking of Mr.
Food
L. Ricker
Boundary Waters For
Newbies
C. Jacobson
40 Favorites for Canoeing
and Camping (repeat)
S. Mertz
D. Alvarez
Things I Wish I’d Known Predictably Lost : MinneWhen I Started Kayaking sota to Florida & Back
S. Nelson
Planning your BWCA
Adventure
J. Bates
Birding Northern Lakes
and Rivers
M. & M. Morrall
Paddling Southern WI &
Northern IL
G. Anderson
The Lower Canyons of
the Rio Grande
P. Grubb
Baja’s Legendary Waters
& Whales
E. Boomer
Project Q: An Expedition
Across Baffin Island
G. Blust
Exploring Isle Royale
National Park
K. Callan
Once Around Algonquin:
An Epic Canoe Jounrey
D. Bungard
Kayak Fishing on the
Allagash Waterway
The Savoie Family
Quetico Play List
J. Van Den Brandt
Wildlife Photography:
Tips to Inspire
D. & A. Freeman
J. Kochevar
Across the Continent by
Treasures of the Apostle
Kayak, Canoe, & Dogsled Islands
1:30
N. Warren & A. Johnson B. Rees
Paddle Forward
Ontario’s Northwest
Wilderness Parks
C. Wright
Paddling America’s
Everglades National Park
J. Bates
The Farthest Side of
Wildlife Ecology
K. Salwey
The Dogs and I: Tales
from a River Rat
2:30
A. Levesque
Kayaking Tips for
Women
R. McLeod
Paddling the Upper
Mississippi River
J. Vandiver & Band
T. Cooper & T. Pflieger
Songs for the Heart of the Door County: A
Paddler
Paddler’s Paradise
S. Nelson
Unique BWCA Sites You
Should Visit
3:30
J. Chase
Designing Your Personal
Exercise Program
R. Bekolay
Kayak Fishing 101:
Getting Started
C. Lockyer
A Fun Day on the Bay of
Fundy
Finding Farley — A
Film
Aluminum Chef
Competition
D. Henderson
What Makes an Efficient
Forward Stroke?
C. Wright
Paddling America’s
Everglades National Park
J. Van Den Brandt
Wildlife Photography:
Tips to Inspire
L. Ricker
Boundary Waters For
Newbies
K. Callan
Once Around Algonquin:
An Epic Canoe Jounrey
D. Makin
Paddling the Coast of
Pukaskwa National Park
Williamson & Porter
Planning a Fishing-based
Wilderness Canoe Trip
E. Boomer
Project Q: An Expedition
across Baffin Island
M. Schroeder-Beers
The Unpacking of Mr.
Food
M. & M. Morrall
Paddling Southern WI &
Northern IL
R. Mullen
Bears, a Boot and a Boat
in the Brooks Range
S. Nelson
Unique BWCA Sites You
Should Visit
K. Salwey
The Dogs and I: Tales
from a River Rat
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2:30
G. Blust
Exploring Isle Royale
National Park
1:30
P. Grubb
Baja’s Legendary Waters
& Whales
10:30 11:30 12:30
R. Kesselring
Travel Like a Wilderness
Guide
R. McLeod
Paddling the Upper
Mississippi River
4:30
P. Ciere
Bayou to Backcountry: A
Canoe Dog Story
10:30 11:30 12:30
C. Jacobson
Solo Canoeing in Lapland
6:30
R. Peterson
D. Gilmore
J. Vandiver & Band
J. Kochevar
Conserve the Wolves of
Just a Little Snow: Wood- Songs for the Heart of the Treasures of the Apostle
Isle Royale National Park? land Caribou Prov. Park
Paddler
Islands
5:30
S. Brede
K. McCluskey
Circumnavigation of Lake Cinque Terre by Kayak
Erie
L. Ricker
Memories from the
Boundary Waters
4:30
Sylvania
Downstairs
The pool schedule is on page 40
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 39
SPEAKER SCHEDULE & HIGHLIGHTS
B. Lawry
Pool Rolling
S. & A. Bloyd-Peshkin
Troubleshooting Your
T‑Rescue
B. Lawry & S. Scherrer
The Rescue Progression
K. Wikle
Power and Stability through
Linked Strokes
R. Bekolay
B. Lawry
Kayak Angling: 5 Essential Pool Rolling
Skills
A. Levesque
SUP Yoga Demo
B. Lawry & S. Scherrer
The Rescue Progression
S. & A. Bloyd-Peshkin
Troubleshooting Your
T‑Rescue
T. Gallaway
Traditional Greenland
Rolling
D. Mongno
SUP Made Easy
D. Mongno
SUP Made Easy
2:30
1:00
SUNDAY
1:30
SATURDAY
2:00
12:30 12:00
POOL DEMOS — CLARION HOTEL
Get involved, informed, active
5th Annual Paddle Club Rendezvous at Canoecopia
Saturday, March 8, 4:45-6:00pm, Atrium (Upstairs)
Ready to Launch?
Boat
PFD
?
Don’t miss this opportunity for paddlers
from all over the Midwest to:
■■ network with other paddlers in your
community and region
■■ share information about your club
Paddles
■■ discover new paddling destinations
Paddling
partners
■■ plan joint activities
■■ recruit new members
Drawings for great prizes! Drawing at 5:45pm. Must be present to win.
If your paddling club would like to participate, contact Tom Lindblade of
the Illinois Paddling Council by March 1st at lindbladet@sbcglobal.net.
Pool Demonstration Notes
■■ Pool demonstrations have signifcant capacity limitations. Due to fire code restrictions we’re limited to 99
people.
■■ Since they’re so popular and space is limited, we clear
out the audience before each new demonstration.
■■ Line up early to see the demonstrations you’re excited
about.
American Canoe Association Midwest Division
Meeting
Saturday, March 8, 2014, 6:30 – 7:15 pm
Voyageur Room, Clarion Hotel
Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national
nonprofit organization serving the paddling public by providing education
related to all aspects of paddling, stewardship support to help protect paddling environments, and sanctioning of programs and events to promote
paddlesport competition and recreation. The ACA Midwest Division encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. This eleven-state
region abounds with great paddling opportunities, a wealth of outstanding
paddlers, and over 1000 ACA members.
The ACA Midwest Division Meeting is a chance for all paddlers to learn
about the ACA and the value of membership for individuals or clubs, and
to explore the role the ACA plays in our region. With input from paddlers
in the ACA Midwest Division we can provide a unified voice to the national
organization on what the needs are regionally, collaborate on instructional
& education programs, identify paddling/conservation initiatives worth
recognizing, and ensure that the region is represented as one of the largest
paddling communities in the entire country.
40 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Join us for this interactive, educational, and fun meeting. Bring a friend, club
member, or anyone you paddle with so we can get to know you and together
explore how the American Canoe Association can better serve the region!
PRESENTATIONS
continued from page 36
be the first person to SUP the length of the
Missouri River. He accomplished that goal 107
days later when he paddled into St. Louis. An
avid photographer and filmmaker, Scott will
show photographs and video clips as he relates
stories from his life-changing trip down the
Muddy Mo.
more efficiently. Join Danny as he starts with
the paddle, defining low-angle and high-angle
paddling, paddle fit options, proper lengths,
and then reveals paddle fit guidelines that work
for everyone. From there we will dissect some
everyday strokes and see how you will be using
less energy and having more fun on the water.
Whether you are sea kayaking, fishing, or quietly
exploring the waters in your back yard, this
seminar is for you.
SUP Made Easy abc
Danny Mongno
Brought to you by Werner Paddles
Selecting the Perfect Kayak Paddle abc
The sure-fire way to guarantee more fun while
paddling is to use less energy by using a properly
fitted paddle and learn how to perform strokes
Camp skills
Danny loves talking about SUP. He will cover
information about stand up paddling, catering
to the entry-level to mid-range skill paddler.
He also invites advanced paddlers who may be
looking to learn some teaching skills to help
others. This will be an interactive seminar, so
get ready to follow along on land while Danny
teaches on water. You will walk away with skills
and exercises to take home that will advance
your SUP paddling.
The Forward Stroke abc
Whether you’re on a SUP board or in your
kayak, the forward stroke is your most common
stroke. See how similar techniques can be
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Youth & family
applied to maximize efficiency regardless of
your boat. Join Danny as he gives some simple
tips to make your stroke more efficient and allow
you to use less energy on the water. This is an
interactive seminar, so be ready to join along as
Danny demonstrates. You’ll have plenty of drills
to take home and work on.
Mark & Merri Morrall
Paddling Southern
Wisconsin &
Northern Illinois
Mark and Merri will
take you on a video excursion down a variety
of the best rivers in
Southern Wisconsin
and Northern Illinois.
They’ll share details
on a diverse mix
of streams. You’ll
witness the pleasure of paddling past sheer
rock cliffs and through deep-cut valleys. You’ll
experience the thrill of paddling down fast,
turbulent creeks as well as the peacefulness of
floating down a lazy river.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 41
PRESENTATIONS
Rob Mullen
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Bears, a Boot, and a
Boat in the
Brooks Range
This is a firsthand
account of a solo
traverse of Alaska’s
Schwatka Mountains
above the Arctic
Circle with a canoe. It
was the second—and
by far the most
difficult—of three expeditions that circumnavigated the western Brooks Range. Young black
bears vandalized Rob’s gear and stole one of his
Chota boots. He was stuck in “alder hell” for a
week, ran short of food, and was ambushed by
a hungry grizzly. Nonetheless, the expedition
succeeded in all of its goals in support of a
developing Boreal Forest exhibition.
Steven Nelson
Planning your BWCA Adventure abc
Have you wanted to experience the Boundary
Waters (BWCAW) for years, but don’t know
where to begin? Come find out the details of
planning your wilderness adventure from an
outfitter’s view. Learn about necessary permits,
what to bring, recommended routes, food
choices, and more.
Unique BWCA Sites You Should Visit
mystery, adventure, camaraderie, and fabulous
city views. Join Lisa for an urban paddling
travelogue.
Peter Olsen won’t be able to
make Canoecopia 2014 due to
new job commitments. We wish
him the best and hope he can
make Canoecopia 2015.
Peter Olsen
Holy Water: The “Zen” of Paddling
Dipping the blade into the water propels us past
our daily lives, our doubts, our worries, and our
concerns, and brings us to that place that matters so very much: the landscape and seascape
which enables us to come closer to the truths of
our lives. Paddling—be it in a canoe, kayak, or
SUP—enables us to calm our souls and enliven
our spirits. Join Bonnie Perry, a BCU 5-star
paddler and coach, ACA L4 Instructor Trainer,
and an Episcopal priest who has a completely
new take on how immersing ourselves in the
world of self-propelled boats makes us better
people.
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The Singing Wilderness
—
Behind The Sigurd Olson Documentary
Filmmaker Peter Olsen will show excerpts from
his work-in-progress about the patron saint of
paddlers, Sigurd Olson, the man responsible for
the preservation of the BWCAW as we know it,
best-selling author of nine books on wilderness
including “The Singing Wilderness” and
“Listening Point,” and one of the 20th century’s most important conservationists. Peter
will talk about how his adventures in shooting
the film have afforded him the gift of experiencing firsthand the values Sigurd espoused at the
core of everything he ever wrote: the power of
wilderness to sustain and rejuvenate our spirit.
Traveling the Boundary Waters is more than
paddling a canoe. Enhance your next wilderness
adventure by visiting unique historical and
natural sites. Updated for 2014, come and see
map locations and hear stories that will spark
your curiosity.
Lisa Nett
Bonnie Perry
Dan Perry
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Three Men, Two Countries, and the River
Between
Dan Perry was invited to paddle a wooden
dugout canoe down the Itenez River, which
marks the remote border between Bolivia and
Brazil. He accepted with enthusiasm. Soon after
launching their canoe, Dan and his compatriots
— one French, one Australian — discovered a
leak that threatened to sink it. The river itself
was inundated, making navigation difficult
and camping on sandbars impossible. But the
generous local people, including a professional
fisherman, a Bolivian baker, and a group of
Brazilian cattle ranchers, helped to make the
expedition a success.
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I Paddle NYC—Adventures in Urban
Paddling
The great outdoors
and city living meet
near the mouth of
Newtown Creek.
While it may be a
famously polluted
waterway, it is the
launch location for the North Brooklyn Boat
Club and gateway to the East River for many
devoted urban paddlers. For a Wisconsin
woman who moved east for unknown adventure,
the waterways of New York City hold immense
42 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Bear Paulsen
The Land of Sand
Saskatchewan boasts the most northerly sand
dunes in the world. Bear circled the Athabasca
Sand Dunes Provincial Park on a 27-day solo
canoe trip. He descended the MacFarlane
River’s remote and challenging whitewater,
paddled Lake Athabasca, and then ascended
the William River. Hear tales of rough portages,
forest fires, and whitewater — downstream and
upstream!
Featured speaker
Rolf Peterson New
Should We Conserve the Wolves of Isle
Royale National Park?
Wolves in Isle Royale National Park reached
their lowest level — just eight individuals — in
2013. An 80% reduction in ice connections to
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
PRESENTATIONS
the mainland has resulted in extreme inbreeding
from genetic isolation. The National Park
Service is considering three options: no action,
genetic augmentation to attempt to conserve
the present population, or restoration of a
new population after extinction. Rolf, who
has studied wolves and moose on Isle Royale
for over forty years, will discuss how genetic
augmentation — adding a few wolves from the
mainland — appears to be the most conservative and economical alternative and most apt to
preserve the ecological integrity of the island.
as he reconnects with his beloved landscape,
remembers friends and family, and ponders his
legacy.
Sam Raymond
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Adventures In Michigan’s Keweenaw
Peninsula
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is the upper
Midwest’s premier destination for year-round,
human-powered recreation. Learn about Lake
Superior sea kayaking on the Keweenaw Water
Trail and Isle Royale National Park, mountain
biking on Copper Harbor’s internationally
recognized trail system, hiking the area’s many
parks, nature sanctuaries and preserves,
canoeing inland lakes, and winter sports too.
Join Sam as he shares his stories and prepares
you for your next adventure!
Barb Rees & John Thomson
Bucket List Adventure: Paddling Ontario’s
Northwest Wilderness Parks
Jim Pfitzer
Aldo Leopold: A Standard of Change
Set in one evening in and around the famous
Wisconsin Shack that inspired much of his
writing, this one-man play explores the influences and challenges that led Leopold to pen
his book “A Sand County Almanac.” As the
sun sets, Leopold walks up the path. It has been
65 years since his death, and as long since he
has seen his historic Shack. Awaiting him are
surprises, memories, and stories. Join Leopold
Camp skills
Northwestern Ontario, Canada, is home to
three of Ontario Parks’ large, remote (yet
accessible), wilderness canoeing parks. Why
not consider making this your personal quest to
visit Quetico, Wabakimi and Woodland Caribou
Provincial Parks in the waterway playground
of this tri-park area in the next few years. Join
John and Barb as they provide an overview of
each park, describing these wilderness gems
and illustrating one sample route per park for
your trip consideration. This session provides
valuable trip planning information to help make
your dream paddling trips a reality.
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Youth & family
Larry Ricker
20 Years, 50 Trips: Memories from the
Boundary Waters
In 2012, photographer Larry Ricker celebrated
the 20th anniversary of his first trip in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and also completed
his 50th overnight canoe trip in the paddlers’
paradise. Join him for a trip down memory lane
as he recounts the high and low points of his
journeys. The presentation includes many of the
photos he took along the way.
Boundary Waters For Newbies abc
Larry dishes out all the information you need
to know before taking your first trip into the
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in
northern MN. This presentation explains the
permit process and entry points, describes
campsites and portages, and provides health
and safety information. Larry’s photos, many
taken during his three trips in 2013, are used
throughout the presentation.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 43
PRESENTATIONS
Steve Scherrer
Brought to you by Wilderness Systems
Lower Columbia River Water Trail by SUP
Kenny Salwey
The Dogs and I: Tales from a River
Rat
Join Kenny Salwey as he remembers the dogs
who have shared his life in the backwater swamp
along the Upper Mississippi River. From his
earliest memories of Brownie, Rover, and Pepper, who helped with chores and hunting trips in
the countryside where he grew up, to his faithful
black labs Joey and Spider, Kenny recalls the
much-loved dogs who enriched his many years
hunting, fishing, and just living along the river.
These humorous, heartfelt stories will touch
anyone who has experienced the companionship
of man’s best friend.
Michelle, Madeleine, & Joseph
Savoie New
Quetico Play List
Beginners and expert paddlers, an unforgettable
eco-adventure awaits you in Quetico! Let the
Savoie Family host you in their traditional
Voyageur style of joie de vivre or “zest of life.”
Come explore Quetico’s culture, history,
biodiversity, and amazing wilderness.
Cindy Scherrer
Brought to you by
Wilderness Systems
Paddle Like a Girl
Paddling is a journey.
From the moment
you’ve wondered
what it would be like
to paddle a kayak or
a canoe you’ve taken
the first step. Do
we as women have
specific challenges? Some may be overcome
with a few tricks and ingenuity. Other obstacles
are not so clear and may take some trial and
error. With Cindy’s guidance, the goal is to
help women access the watery trails they’ve
imagined.
44 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Veteran kayaker Steve Scherrer recently paddled
a solo 8-day, self-contained journey down the
last 145 miles of the Columbia River on a stand
up paddleboard. This is the last leg of the Lewis
and Clark trail and Steve happens to live right at
the end! Come see some sights of his adventure
on the Mighty Columbia and learn how multiday trips are possible on the versatile SUP.
Understanding Boat Design abc
Understanding how boats are shaped can help
anyone become a better paddler. Come learn
how different hull shapes are designed for
different purposes and how the environment
where we paddle and the conditions we choose
can contribute to paddling frustration, a BAD
thing….or pure bliss, a GOOD thing.
Geri Schrab
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Painting Pictographs: A Spiritual Journey
Join watercolor artist Geri Schrab for a visual,
artistic journey to the pictographs of the Greater
Lake Superior Region. Visit Missinaibi, Lake
Superior Provincial Park, Quetico and the
Boundary Waters through the eyes and heart of
this artist. What started as a curiosity for Geri
in 1993 has evolved into a life-changing spiritual
journey. She will speak candidly about visiting
and working with these culturally sensitive,
ancient, sacred sites.
Neal Schroeter
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What Every Paddler Should Know About
Hypothermia abc
So, you say you’ll stay dry? Famous last words!
Cold water goes with paddling in the Midwest.
Cold water immersion and hypothermia are
two of the biggest dangers paddlers face.
To stay safe, it’s necessary to have a good
understanding on how to prevent, recognize,
and potentially treat hypothermia.
Dave Shapiro
Plan a Wilderness Experience for Your Youth
Group abc
Team building, leadership training, connecting
with nature. Whatever your goal, there is nothing better for a group of teenagers than planning
and executing an extended wilderness paddling
trip. Help your group put together the trip of
a lifetime. Join Dave, an experienced Scout
leader, as he covers choosing a destination,
obtaining equipment, establishing a budget,
crossing the Canadian border, and more.
Mona Schroeder-Beers
The Unpacking of Mr.
Food abc
Mr. Food is a canvas
Camp Kitchen Pack
that has dutifully
carried food and food
prep items. Thirty
years of tips will be
unpacked as Mona
shares secrets and
stories of a wellperfected wilderness
camping menu. If
you’re looking to pack food that is lightweight
and nutritious, attend this session.
Featured speaker
Lenore Sobota
Overcoming Fear:
One Stroke at a Time abc
There is no shot that can immunize you against
fear — but you can inoculate yourself in other
ways. From progressive exposure to refocused
attention, learn a few strategies for managing
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
photo: Nick Doll
Helga Goebel, Cody White & Anthony Berry, on their 25 mile paddle from Key West to the Marquesas!
Riviera Team Rider Helga Goebel & Cody White paddling the Ron House 12’6” Coastal Cruiser...
Anthony paddling the Riviera 12’6” Voyager... Photo: Charles Dasher
PADDLES
PRESENTATIONS
John Van Den Brandt
your fears and not letting them get in the way
of enjoying your time on the water. Share your
ideas with others. You might even find yourself
whistling a happy tune.
Wildlife Photography:
Shots to Admire — Tips to Inspire abc
Join professional wildlife photographer John
Van Den Brandt as he shares his photographic
strategies ranging from preparation to real-world
field advice for capturing that “golden wildlife
photo opportunity” on your next adventure.
John illustrates this all-new presentation with
his incredible wildlife images, many of which
have appeared in his nationally-distributed
calendars.
Dave Sproule
Georgian Bay: Paddling Champlain’s
“Freshwater Sea”
G’Bay has a significant
“cool” factor. The
Bay has two World
Biosphere Reserves
along its shores. It’s
got history: French
explorers like Champlain, missionaries,
and the IroquoisHuron wars of the 1600s. It boasts significant
habitats for rare species, ancient fossil beds, and
the geology of the 30,000 Islands. It has inspiring scenery and, of course, lots of paddling.
Dave will talk about coastal kayaking, interior
canoe tripping, and day tripping for everyone in
parks like Killarney, French River, Killbear, and
the Massasauga.
Jerry Vandiver
& The One Match
Band
Songs for the Heart of the Paddler
Jeremy Vore
Back to Canoecopia by popular demand, awardwinning songwriter Jerry Vandiver has song
credits on over 15 million records and paddling
credits on countless rivers, streams, and lakes
across North America. Jerry has combined his
music and paddling passions in the creation of a
CD entitled “True And Deep — Songs For The
Heart Of The Paddler.” He’ll be performing
these songs and more with The One Match
Band for a unique addition to your Canoecopia
experience.
TIPS FOR TAKING A
FRIEND PADDLING
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Repairs in the Field
Most paddlers carry repair kits, but few have
actually used them or understand all of the
various techniques and methods that can be
used to fix a boat in the field. This learning experience begins with a sledgehammer, an audience
member, and a fiberglass kayak. From there, it
only gets better as you learn about emergency,
on-the-water repairs and durable, land-based
fixes that will get even the most catastrophically
damaged boat back to a safe take out, all with
nothing more than Jeremy’s actual repair kit.
THE
NEW
Check in early and often:
Don’t assume that your (new) paddling
friends are going to tell you anything.
You need to make it clear that you’re
not psychic. They need to tell you when
they’re tired, sore, or need a bathroom
break. Then assume they won’t tell you
unless you ask how they’re doing, really.
Probe. Ask detailed questions. Don’t
assume you’ll get the straight dope with
a “How are you?” Don’t get upset when
they tell you something that changes the
whole Grand Plan. Adapt and overcome.
Hydration Matters: Monitor
hydration levels of your party, especially in the heat of summer. Declare
it “National Hydration Day” and ask
everyone to consume some good cool
water. Make sure it’s water—not soda,
or worse, beer. Once you’re behind the
8-ball on hydration, it is hard to get back
to normal. —Jim P.
46 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
CHOOSE ADVENTURE.
TRUST TRADITION.
Featured speaker
abc Newbie-friendly skills
Ontario presenters
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 47
Lighter, stronger with
higher endurance
From short local trips on easy winding rivers to extreme expedition on
raging torrents, Twaron supplies the power of aramid. “Nova Craft Canoe
has been using aramid fabrics to build safer, stronger, lightweight canoes
for more than three decades. We’ve found Twaron to be an excellent
partner in helping us bring that power of aramid to our customers,”
states Tim Miller, President of Nova Craft. Twaron is engineered with
speed, strength and endurance in mind. Canoes and kayaks reinforced
with Twaron are extremely rugged, and afford a built-in comfort zone for
safe, reliable paddle sports performance. Navigate the waterways with
the proven power of aramid… Twaron.
TEIJIN ARAMID USA, INC.
801-F Blacklawn Road
Conyers, GA 30012
800-451-6586
usainfo@teijinaramid.com
www.teijinaramid.com
PRESENTATIONS
Deb Walters
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Expedition Planning: A Grandmother’s Solo
Expedition from Maine to Guatemala
Imagine planning a 3000-mile solo kayaking
expedition from Maine to Guatemala. What
skills and gear would you need? How would
you obtain sponsors and media coverage? Are
you crazy? Join Deb for advice on expedition
planning, from mental preparation to researching navigational challenges, from gear selection
to custom outfitting your kayak, from food
selection to logistics. Finally, how do you keep
your family and friends from freaking out? See if
a long expedition is in your future, or just come
and see what motivates Deb.
Keith Wikle
Power, Stability, and Control through
Linked Strokes
In order to progress as paddlers, we learn
individual strokes as tools for power, stability or
control. As we develop, we can begin thinking
about how one stroke leads into the next
for more than one purpose. We can rely on
how strokes work together to provide power,
stability, and control simultaneously. This fun
pool demonstration takes the core concepts of
each type of stroke, demonstrates its strength
and weaknesses, and shows how combinations
can be used together to your advantage in
“textured” water.
Rich Williamson &
Mike Porter New
Planning a Fishing-based Wilderness
Canoe Trip
Natalie Warren & Anna Johnson
Paddle Forward
Last fall, eleven young adults paddled the
Mississippi River from Bemidji, MN, to New
Orleans, LA, to engage with schools and to
capture their trip on film. Come watch Paddle
Forward’s documentary about the experiences
they had, the people they met, and the things
they learned about the river and themselves on
this 70-day expedition.
Michael Wenholz
Overcoming Adversity During
Wilderness Adventures
Adventures into the wilderness often include
surprises. How you face and adapt to unexpected or adverse situations can significantly
influence your well-being, as well as the quality
and enjoyment of your trip. Through a combination of humorous and sober stories, learn from
a variety of trials overcome by an ordinary guy
spending time in wilderness. Find out how a
bear, a wolf, wool, a flipped canoe, “missing”
portage trails, a forgotten tent, and more can
prepare you for the unforeseen on your next
adventure.
Camp skills
Rich and Mike, both seasoned Quetico vets,
discuss the planning decisions that can enhance
or undermine the success of a trip before it begins. Several questions need clear answers well
ahead of departure. Who is going? When and
where are we going? Which lakes will we fish?
Mike and Rich will share suggestions for how
to gather pre-trip intelligence and how tackle
and tactics are situational tools. Suggestions
and tips will be shared for how to customize
your canoe to be fishing-friendly. Come to hear
some practical advice and tips to maximize your
fishing time in your favorite wilderness area.
Charles Wright
Paddling America’s
Everglades
National Park
Learn about DIY paddle routes and practices, as
well as adventures deep in the wildernesses of
six different parks and preserves.
Greg Wright, Ken Koscik,
Jeanne Bourquin New
Poetry On The Water: Wooden Boats in the
Age of the Smartphone
Faster, smaller, lighter — the smartphone age
has cast a spell on the world. If it’s not 4G+,
feather-light, and GPS compatible, who wants
one (whether a phone OR a boat)? And yet, a
vibrant community of paddlers imagines that
there are real alternatives: boats that speak of
beauty, utility, craft, and heritage. This round
table engagement features multiple voices:
Ken Koscik, Madison-based cedar-strip canoe
builder; Jeanne Bourquin, Ely-based woodcanvas canoe builder; and Greg Wright, North
House Folk School director. Where and how do
wooden boats fit in? Easily: on the water, with
the family, and in your life.
Ray Zvirbulis
Kayaking the Canyons of Lake Powell
Over the years, Ray has advanced from paddling
local waters like the Kankakee River in Illinois
to lengthy trips on the Yukon River of Canada
and Alaska, and from small local lakes to Lake
Powell. The lake is about 175 miles long but has
almost 2,000 miles (that’s right!) of shoreline.
The scenery is breathtaking: countless canyons,
Rainbow Bridge, and Native ruins. The waters
of Lake Powell provide access to otherwise inaccessible places. Come discover why Lake Powell
is one of Ray’s favorite paddling destinations.
America’s Everglades
is North America’s
premier wintertime
paddling destination.
With water and air
temperatures in the
70s, spectacular wildlife, good accommodations, and nearly a million acres of protected
wilderness, it is “the Paddler’s Paradise.”
Diverse paddling opportunities abound just 90
minutes from three major airports. From halfday canoe/kayak trips in the mangrove forests
to multi-day expeditions down the Wilderness
Waterway, the area has something for everyone.
Pool demo (Clarion Suites)
Youth & family
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 49
RUTABAGA OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
ABOUT US…
THIS IS a sign from the London Underground railway. It ever so politely
reminds passengers to watch their step
as they enter the cars. We like it because
it reminds us that there are often gaps
everywhere, and life is better when we mind
them, especially gaps in our knowledge. The
better we do to mind — or better still, fill in — gaps, the happier we are.
Many Midwesterners regard paddling as part of their birthright. It’s
something that we assume we must know because water is everywhere.
We — or our parents — grew up doing it, so we obviously know what there
is to know.
Ah, but it isn’t so easy. What if there’s a gap that you don’t know about?
Or worse, what if what you think you know, just ain’t so?
We’re incredibly passionate about finding, minding, and filling
knowledge gaps. We live for the moment when someone discovers how
to do something more easily, efficiently, or safely.
Paddling is your birthright. Embrace it. Learn the techniques that make it
even more fun.
Nancy Saulsbury
Outdoor Programs Director
nancys@rutabaga.com
Talk about having a great job! As someone
who loves to paddle, I actually get paid to
help others become excited about being on
the water. I can walk out of my office on a
busy summer day and hear the sounds of
kids excited about paddling on the Rutabaga
pond or see the face of an adult who is eagerly
discovering a new passion. Add a wonderful
and dedicated group of instructors and
coworkers — what could be better?!
Amelia Musser
Why take a class with Rutabaga?
Good question. Let’s break it down.
We invite you to join us on the water this season.
■■ Small classes. With a small student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll get a lot of
personal attention.
■■ High-quality equipment. It’s hard to learn when you’re fighting with your
gear. Our gear lets you focus on the task at hand.
■■ Best. Instructors. Anywhere. Our instructors’ sole focus is on improving
your paddling skills and experiences.
■■ Relaxed vibe. Our instructors provide a supportive atmosphere where you
can challenge yourself while having fun.
■■ Risk management. We teach more than just techniques. We help you learn
how to keep yourself safe as you paddle off in to the sunset.
■■ No shrieking eels. Eel-infested waters reduce learning by 31%.
50 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Youth Programs Coordinator
ameliam@rutabaga.com
Spending time on the water was one of my
favorite things to do as a kid, and still is
today! I gain confidence and feel truly free
maneuvering my boat as I wish. I see the
same with the students here in our classes at
Rutabaga. No matter how excited or hesitant
a student is initially, I see the growth that
paddling encourages in each of them by the
end of the day, and I love that!
See our complete list of courses and details at http://learn.rutabaga.com
RUTABAGA OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Getting Started
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with
a single step.” — Lao Tzu
GET off to a great start as you learn to canoe, kayak, or stand up
paddleboard! Rutabaga Outdoor Programs offers many options to
help you get the most out of your paddling adventures.
We offer beginner classes in:
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Recreational Kayak
Sea Kayak
Solo Canoe
Tandem Canoe
Stand Up Paddling (SUP)
We’re proud of our outstanding instructors and the quality of our
classes, but don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a few of our
students had to say about their first paddling class:
“Instructor was clear, reassuring and helpful. I’d take another
course from her in a heartbeat!” — Abby D.
“Great class! I was nervous to start but by the end was kayaking comfortably and having fun!” — Chris B.
“I felt nervous at the start. My instructor was unbelievably
patient and clear—highly recommended.”— Cecelia P.
“From fear to confidence. Enjoyed the small class with relaxed
pace and great info.” — Rose R.
“This was great! Wonderful use of time and money. Learned
a lot—never felt incompetent or clumsy, even when I was!”
— Paul C.
Stand Up Paddling
No surf? No problem!
Grab (y)our board and go.
Instructor Amber Dolphin
Instructor Dan York
DISCOVER why stand up paddling (SUP) is an ideal craft for our
Midwestern waters. SUP is perfect for exploring area lakes, cruising
down rivers, and getting the ultimate total-body workout. Whatever
your skill level, we’re ready to help you get on the water.
Join us to check out what’s SUP!
■■ Introduction to Stand Up Paddling
■■ SUP for Teens & Kids
■■ SUP Days – June 14 & 15, 2014
A full day of classes on Saturday, June 14
Guest Instructor Cindy Scherrer
See our complete list of courses and details at http://learn.rutabaga.com
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 51
RUTABAGA OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Get Out and Paddle
“What a beautiful river. I’m so glad to discover such wonderful paddling so close to home!”
Evening Paddles
Join us for a few hours as we explore areas near
Rutabaga! Paddle with us under the full moon
or join us for our monthly women’s paddles,
offered May through September.
Day Trips
Once you have a few basic skills, what better
way to put them to use than on our day trips?
Enjoy the beauty of Southern Wisconsin’s
rivers and lakes as you spend the day with
folks who love the water as much as you do.
Join us to explore some of our favorites: the
Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River, Mirror
Lake, Kettle Moraine Lakes, the Grant River,
and more!
Developing Your
Skills Private lessons focus
on your specific needs in
canoes, kayaks, or SUP
As you develop as a paddler, you’re likely to have specific skills you want to
hone and refine. A private lesson with Rutabaga is an effective way to learn
what you want to learn at a time that is convenient for you. Whether you‘re
into canoeing, kayaking, or stand up paddling, private lessons are a great way to
work on your skills. Give us a call to discuss your next steps and to schedule a
private lesson.
“I took an individual lesson with an instructor. I highly recommend the
attention and flexibility of a private lesson!”
■■ Learn the finer points of boat control, the key to efficient and effective kayaking. Focus on techniques such as rotation, edging, and tilt.
■■ Perfect your forward stroke. It’s the stroke you use
the most, so why not give it a bit of extra attention?
■■ Develop your braces and recovery strokes, which
allow you to recover from a near swim.
■■ Bomb-proof your rescue techniques. It’s great to
have a tool kit of rescue and towing techniques so
you can react quickly when needed.
■■ Learn to roll your kayak—the ultimate self-rescue.
Plus it looks cool!
■■ Develop skills to enjoy river canoeing or kayaking.
Learn about eddy turns, ferries, and other maneuvers that will help you enjoy moving water.
Guest Instructor Rolf Kraiker
Instructor Nancy Moore
52 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
See our complete list of courses and details at http://learn.rutabaga.com
RUTABAGA OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Youth and Family
“My children had a lot of fun. They want to paddle again right now!”
Kids, now’s the time to get off the couch and out on the
water! Our youth programs let you learn new skills, get
outside, make new friends and explore Madison’s lakes.
Rutabaga Outdoor Programs Kids Camps feature:
■■ Canoeing, Kayaking, & SUP camps and classes
for kids 3rd to 8th grade.
■■ Half-day, full-day, and week-long day camps for
beginners and more advanced paddlers.
■■ Family canoe & kayak classes.
“Another excellent experience for youth in our
community! I look forward to next summer at
Rutabaga.” —John H.
Help Kids Enjoy Paddling
Rutabaga offers many ways to keep the next generation paddling
Junior Leadership Development Program
Have a positive influence on young people and enjoy a fun
and rewarding summer as a Junior Leader. No previous
leadership or paddling experience is required. For teens
entering 9th-12th grade. Contact Amelia (ameliam@
rutabaga.com) to apply. Applications due by April 15th.
Community Organizations, Scouts, Youth
Programs
Rutabaga’s 2013 Junior Leaders
Canoeing and kayaking can add a whole new level of excitement and
team building to your organization’s summer programming. Call us to
discover how we can create a unique and memorable experience for your
youth.
Josh Kestelman Scholarship Fund
Rutabaga provides scholarships to help community agencies and
individual kids attend our summer programs. Call Amelia for more
details or to make a contribution.
THIS JUST IN...
Canoecopia Special Deal*
Purchase your class (or two, or even three) at Canoecopia
and receive a 15% show discount.
* does not apply to Wilderness First Aid, ACA Instructor
Certification courses or Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
See our complete list of courses and details at http://learn.rutabaga.com
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 53
RUTABAGA’S SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM
11th Annual Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
Our family-friendly symposium improves skills and makes memories
You’ve felt it before: that magical moment you pull a perfect soufflé out of the oven or hit the golf ball
perfectly straight. Your dovetails slide together with no play at all. You finally play that piece you’ve been
trying to master.
Whatever it is, it feels great. Rutabaga’s Door County Sea Kayak Symposium was designed to create those
moments when your skills take that leap from “that felt pretty good” to “Wow...that felt perfect!” Over three
days our little community grows and feeds off the positive energy that happens when a bunch of people have
that “that felt perfect” moment...together.
Discover the joys of kayaking along
some of the most scenic shoreline in the
world — Door County!
■■ Quality on-water classes and land-based
workshops that will help you develop and
improve your sea kayaking skills.
■■ Guided trips with experienced instructors
to the rocky coves, rugged cliffs, and
sandy beaches of Door County.
■■ Building community with other paddlers
around the beer wagon, nightly dinners
and evening campfires.
■■ Experienced and dedicated instructors
from all over the country. Come learn
from the pros!
■■ Paddling classes for kids and guided tours
for the entire family.
Instructor Dick Silberman
Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
July 11-13, 2014
Rowleys Bay Resort
Door County, WI
Space is limited. Learn more and register at:
www.everyonepaddles.com
54 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
For complete information visit www.everyonepaddles.com
Instructors Jeff &
Kathy Schmidt
RUTABAGA’S SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM
Here’s what our guests had to say about the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
I bought my first kayak at Canoecopia 2013. I loved it but knew I would
need to learn to handle it better. With some trepidation, I registered
for the symposium. I had several concerns: my strength and endurance, the weather and water conditions, and as I often seem to learn
physical skills rather slowly, whether I would hold other classmates
back.
one wanted to opt out of conditions they felt they could not handle,
the staff provided them support and an escort back if needed.
I hope to go to the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium every year.
Look for me. I’m the eager beginner in the red hat and matching
kayak. —Kristine H.
What I found was a very comfortable and fun event. Rowleys Bay is
lovely, mostly shallow, and protected from the big lake – great for a
beginner like me. I particularly liked the women’s track classes. The
instructors were very skilled and stressed the importance of form over
strength while providing consistent posi“What I found was a
tive reinforcement and a lot of individual
attention. I alternated classes with tours so I very comfortable and
could practice what I was learning. The tour fun event. “
leaders put our comfort level first. If some-
first class of the weekend, a student asked, “How do you get out of a
kayak gracefully?” and half of us in class nodded vigorously. I knew I
was in the right place!
“For three days in July a community is formed, teaches and
encourages each other, and moves on. “
Instructor John Browning
I signed my 17-year-old son and I up for the DCSKS with some trepidation. We’d been paddling for 5 years, but I wasn’t sure we were doing it “right.” What would “real” kayakers think? As we were driving
to the event Friday morning we were passed by four cars with kayaks
on top – we felt a part of something before we’d even arrived! At our
I paddled more in three days than I’d paddled the previous month.
I learned more in three days than I’d picked up from the internet
and other paddlers in the previous 5 years. My son learned to roll
his kayak. We met people from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin we will
never forget.
For three days in July a community is formed, teaches and encourages
each other, and moves on. —Guy C.
THE Door County Sea Kayak Symposium was absolutely the most fun
I have had in years. I played in a beautiful place all weekend as I became
“I have been recommending this symposium, with its food,
laughter, and sharing, to every kayaker I meet!”
more confident with each class I took. I got to know my boat better,
and I learned how to improve my kayaking experiences with equipment
modifications that really worked for my own body and my own boat.
The “sea kayaking” skills I learned have transferred to river kayaking
as I’ve improved my over-all boat handling.
I have been recommending this symposium, with its food, laughter,
and sharing, to every kayaker I meet! There is something for everyone! The two gals I attended with often reminisce on what fun we had
and yes, we will be back as there is more to experience!! —Mary Ann P.
For complete information visit www.everyonepaddles.com
Instructor Ken Ring
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 55
RUTABAGA OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
But Wait… That’s Not All!
“This was a great experience and it increased my confidence greatly. I would recommend this
class to anyone!”
Customized Courses & Adventures
MORE of our amazing instructors...
Let us create an adventure for you! Whether you’re looking to
spice up a company outing, host a family reunion, or get your
neighborhood kids out on the water, we’re here and we’re game.
Give us a call!
■■ Adaptive Paddling for People with Disabilities
■■ Birthday Parties
■■ Group Outings
Leadership Training & Certifications
■■ Wilderness First Aid
■■ Out of the Classroom: Canoeing and Kayaking
Adventures for Educators
■■ BCU 3 Star Training
■■ American Canoe Association Instructor Certification
in Canoe, Kayak and SUP
See more at http://learn.rutabaga.com
Molly McGrath
Katya Ouchakof
Kris Stepenuck
Jake Tissue
Paddle Classic Northwest Wisconsin
Your Escape. Your Adventure.
Stop by Hayward Lakes VCB (D5), Wooden Canoe Heritage Museum (A13), Mercer Area
Chamber of Commerce (N5), or Price and Rusk County Tourism (L10) for your free copy of
our Northwest Wisconsin Outdoor and Trail Guide, or click on our website or give us a call.
www.northwestwisconsin.com
56 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
IBTEC-ad2.indd 1
866-535-7875
866-535-7875
1/10/2014 12:29:15 PM
Visit us at the SealLine® booth to learn about your canoe and kayak trip preparation.
FEATURES
From student to instructor to student
The joys and pains of teaching the next generation from instructor Robin Nelson
I LOVE kayaking. But, it was a journey of overwhelming, frustrating,
and anxious fear.
We prepared for certification without
a clue of what we didn’t know and
trying to perfect what we did know.
I wasn’t outdoorsy until my husband, Chuck, dragged me camping,
canoeing, and hiking with our sons. I
always tried my Boy Scout best.
Chuck and I headed to Rutabaga and
met Sam Crowley, our Instructor
Trainer. When you’re an instructor,
your focus goes from you to your
students. I can still hear Sam say,
“Is it beginner appropriate?” When
I was not able to grasp a concept,
Sam, instead of being frustrated and
telling me to work on it and paddling away, remained with me. He
made my problem his. He helped me
understand the concept by suggesting
different ways to approach it. In that
moment, I learned more than how to
model a low brace: I learned how to
instruct.
We transitioned into kayaking as
our younger son transitioned into
college. Although we took a class, I
am one of those students who does
everything wrong to learn how to do
it right. What I lacked in savvy and
finesse, I made up for in hard work
and determination.
When Chuck and I became proficient, we assisted with kayak classes.
That’s when I really learned to kayak. I had
patience because of my personal struggles,
and I love people. I understood how learning
a new skill can be overwhelming, especially
when you might end up in an environment
where you can’t breathe. It felt good to help
people learn to enjoy what I had come to love.
When Bill Merrick from North East Wisconsin Paddlers (NEWP) asked us to become certified instructors, Chuck jumped on it but said
he would only do it if I did. I struggled with
this. It was hard for me to get to this point: I
enjoyed paddling, I no longer whined when we
paddled over three miles, I didn’t mind being
wet, waves were extremely fun, wind was my
friend, and I didn’t want to throw up every
time I did a roll. Was I ready?
After sleepless nights, more anxiety, and
fear-filled days, I became a certified instructor.
Chuck and I became the lead instructors at a
YMCA in Green Bay for classes sponsored by
NEWP.
Our first classes, I forgot everything I had
learned about being an instructor and taught
everything I had learned about kayaking. In a
Come see us in booth C4
58 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
FEATURES
small, warm room, I was ready to fall asleep,
as were my students. What had happened?
Once again, I had to fail to learn what worked.
students referred to DCSKS as summer camp
for adults. I must agree, as DCSKS is always a
highlight of my summer.
For my next class, I used the “Less is More”
approach. Students were talking and asking questions! Was I losing control in the
classroom? No. Just the opposite. Instead of
overwhelming and overloading them with in-
Being a kayak instructor has blessed me with
lifelong friends, strengthened me, given
me wisdom and courage. The best part of
instructing is introducing people to the sport
and giving them solid building blocks for their
futures in kayaking. I get to directly mentor
the kayak gene pool.
“The best part of instructing is I get
to directly mentor the kayak gene
pool. I love being a kayak instructor.”
formation, I engaged my students. And I left
them with reverberating quotes: “A moving
paddle is a bracing paddle” or “I am going to
do the best wet exit ever!”
In addition to instructing NEWP classes, I
plan local kayak events and instruct at Door
County Sea Kayak Symposium. One of my
The moral of this story is in order to be
an effective teacher, I returned to being a
student. I recalled the fear, the anxiety, and
the overwhelming overload of information. I
made my student’s process my priority.
I love being a kayak instructor. You might love
it too. Consider this your invitation.
Robin Nelson believes her greatest flaw is either
her infernal optimism or her habit of pointing
when she gets excited. Friends note she is often
excited.
TRY ONE BEFORE YOU BUY ONE!
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Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 59
FEATURES
The interesting uncle strikes again!
Adventure, ecology, and paddling go hand-in-hand with uncle Jake Stachovak
OVERBOOKED. The word used so often to describe many of
today’s kids; my nephews are no exception. As the “interesting”
uncle (with lots of help from Marit), I have taken on the task of
providing my brother’s kids with an alternative to stick-and-ball
sports. Of course, being who we are, paddling is the alternative
Marit and I are most likely to choose.
It was a beautiful sunny day in early May when a gap in their
schedule allowed us a chance to get my nephews on the water. They
had been along in canoes before, amply provisioned with Teddy
Grahams and juice boxes, fending off would-be attackers with squirt
guns. This time was different. This was their first time in their own
kid-size boats on open water where they would get to paddle by
themselves. We chose the Eau Claire flowage. With all of the twisty
channels and many islands, it was the perfect place to explore.
With the eight-year-old leading the way, the first half hour was
spent hunting for snails around submerged stumps. A little
prodding (and the promise of something even cooler than snails)
convinced our leader to continue on. By then the six-year-old had
already had enough and started calling for the “tow hook.” He was
having a hard time controlling the kayak and was getting frustrated.
Some coaching was not making it much better, so we tied on the tow
line and set off for a backwater adventure. With the eight-year-old still
in the lead, we wound our way thru narrow channels and over shallow
sand bars until we reached a “secret island.” By then everyone was
getting a little hungry, so it was the perfect opportunity to get out have
a snack and see what there was to see. During their island explorations
the kids managed to collect a bunch of trash, I mean um… “treasure.”
We got a lot of both off the island. With the new loot to examine, and
facing the long paddle home, the kids opted to pile into the canoe for
60 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
The “secret island” and its “treasure”
the return trip. With all hands on deck, two boats in tow, and a wet
bucket of trash—er, treasure—we set off.
It takes a bit more time and a lot more patience to bring the boys
along. But watching them discover all the freedom and adventure that
paddling and the outdoors have to offer is worth the effort. I’m just
looking forward to seeing where they take me next.
Adventurer, kayaker, carpenter, and rabid proponent of the Oxford comma,
Jake Stachovak resides in Wausau. He can often be found in Madison
canoodling with our amazing Inventory Manager, Marit Haug. Jake is also
an instructor at Rutabaga’s Door County Sea Kayak Symposium.
Photo: John Hyde
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Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @deltakayaks // Proudly manufactured in North America
Good stewardship of our planet is important to us. Delta Kayaks are made using environmentally sound and responsible practices.
FEATURES
How to be a good solo trip leader
Tips for when the friend you’re taking paddling is you — from Woody Osborne
BEING a good trip leader
is a challenge. You have to
anticipate the demands of the
trip and balance it against the
personalities involved. You
need to prepare for both the trip
as planned, as well as the trip
that might be, and make sure
that the group is ready for both.
The deep wilderness is no place
to discover that none of the
participants can read a map or
compass.
All of that is compounded when
you set yourself up to lead a
solo trip. As trip leader you are
responsible for everything. As
the sole participant, you will be
doing all the work. This might seem obvious,
but I’ve talked to many a paddler for whom
that reality has come crashing home at some
inopportune moment. My best advice to
any who consider solo paddling (by which I
specifically mean paddling with the intent to
spend one or more nights camped out alone)
is to work up to it. Develop and refine your
skills, make sure you like your own company
(and your own cooking), and know how to
handle your boat by yourself.
For me, that meant scores of nights at the
local state park, getting up early to paddle
and fish. From there it was destinations like
the Wisconsin River or some of our northern
Scenic Waters Areas. I can clearly remember
my first October solo trip to the north woods.
My gear was relatively primitive back then
and the weather was not very forgiving. Still, I
find pictures I took of myself and I am almost
always smiling (or, at least, not looking too
grim). My walleye dinner happy-dance in the
sleet will stick in my mind for a long time.
My next piece of advice for all you solo trip
leaders is not so simple. Learn and know
your limits. There will be no bow paddler
for you when the waves get mean and the
sky goes steely. No one else is carrying that
food pack. You will not have a companion to
62 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
take that fishhook out of your thumb (I once
spent twenty minutes working a treble hook
out of the back of my hand after a pike and
I disagreed about who was hooking whom).
Only you can determine those limits; be careful about exceeding them. Build your skill set
carefully and patiently.
The lament I hear the most is obvious. There
is no one to talk to, no one to share it all with.
Yes, that is true. The trade-off is perhaps not
so obvious. Sure, it can be lonely and sometimes scary. But, if you enjoy a challenge and
can stand your own company, the rewards
“Being able to stay calm in a crisis
is an important skill to cultivate.
You can always freak out later…”
add up quickly. The satisfaction and selfreliance bred by conquering a tough portage
or wending your way down a wind-tossed lake
are yours and yours alone. When you settle
into a snug camp and tuck into a hot meal, all
prepared by you, you can indulge in a little
pride. And, when you glide silently towards a
wading moose, or approach an otter blithely
eating a crawfish on a stump, the lack of other
human voices becomes a boon.
As with any trip, the leader’s
job is to ascertain the needs of
the participants and to create
a trip that meets those needs
while addressing other important criteria. Those criteria vary
from person to person. Some of
the most important to me are
physical ability, gear (or lack
thereof ), and attitude. Speaking as someone with several
herniated discs, knees that have
seen better days, and assorted
arthritic joints, the physical side
is very important. It is worth
doing some research to determine how rugged a trip might be
and deciding if it is appropriate.
So far as gear goes, everyone
starts somewhere. Good gear is a boon, but
serviceable will do until you figure out what
you really need.
The tough one is attitude. Resilience is
important, as is flexibility. You need to be able
to bounce back and adjust your plans when
things get tough. Sometimes “tough” is just
not being able to get a good hang for the bear
bag, or sinking to your knees in a mudhole.
Sometimes it’s battling waves and winds that
are stronger than you can handle. Speaking
of that, let’s add “a tendency to not panic” to
attitude. Being able to stay calm in a crisis is
an important skill to cultivate. You can always
freak out later…
It’s not for everyone, the solo trip. If you do
it, own it. Make it yours in every way. Value
the challenges as much as the payoffs and you
may just find that some of those trials become
rewards in their own right.
Woody Osborne’s secret superpower wish
is to be able to turn Aquaman-haters in to
dwarf Amercan toads (Anaxyrus americanus
chalrlesmithi). He is also one of Rutabaga’s
esteemed floor managers.
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FEATURES
Evangelize paddling
Go spread the good word about paddling says Jim Pippitt
PREACH THE gospel at all times; use words if
necessary. That quote gets a lot of use on the
Internet. It is attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas.
It’s unfortunately not his, at least according to a
cursory web search. No matter. I like this variation better: Evangelize paddling like crazy; use
words and media as necessary.
I love paddling. I expect you do too. Whether
it’s the rush of hitting a rapid just so, or the way
water and sunlight lift my spirits, or the way my
soul shifts into its “Just Be” mode, paddling is
one of my Deep Joys.
It turns out that paddling is very much like
Christmas for me as I get older: I have learned
that it is better to give than receive. Yes, the kids
are happy, but I’m getting even more pleasure
than they are. I can see that I’m giving them a
lifetime activity, plus I get the joy of being there
at the start.
Jim’s niece and nephew get hooked on paddling
Nowadays I can’t wait to hear the giggle of a new
as they watch their mother run the Brule
paddler as a turtle splashes in to the water, or the
chortle of someone who says, “I had no idea this much beauty was so nearby!” I grin when one
of my new paddling friends says, “Is there still time to go once more?” To me, those are the
best words in the English language. These shared experiences tie us together for the rest of our
days and set the stage for their lifetime of paddling too. Win-win.
The best part about Paddling Evangelism is that it is so darn easy. Even an introvert‑y guy like
me can do it. If I can do it, you can too. Step one: I recount a fun time I had paddling. Maybe
if I’m lucky I’ll have some pictures or a movie on my phone. (Tip: audio-visual aids are a huge
help since you just have to hold the device. You don’t have to speak at all. Aside: you’re not so
timid that you can’t hold a smartphone in public, are you? Didn’t think so.) Step two: I look
around the room watching for eyes to light up or who comes closer to hear/see more. Step
three: I ask that person/parent, “Hey, next time I’m going to the River, wanna come along?”
That’s it. I’ve got ‘em booked and hooked.
My first time evangelizing, my palms were sweaty and my voice was not its normal librarianannoying, booming self. I felt like I was Young Jim squeaking out, “Umm… would you like
to go a movie?” Funny thing was that 10 seconds later every nervous twitch was gone. Just a
simple, “I’m going to do this amazing thing again and would love your company.” It worked,
as it has almost every single time thereafter.
“The best part about Paddling
(Wish I could say I had such a hit rate when I
was a dating lad. The less said about my early Evangelism is that it is so darn easy.”
dating, the best for all parties concerned.)
I encourage you to give it a try. The world needs more paddlers. Spread the good word about
paddling. Be the good word about paddling. It lets you have Christmas in the warm seasons,
and mutual memories for a lifetime.
Jim Pippitt once managed to get a Florida gal to go out with him by nervously blurting, “Idaho is your
assurance of Quality!” Over 18 years of marriage later, neither is quite sure what he meant. Note,
however, that it worked; reportedly they’re both very happy. He is Rutabaga Paddlesports’ head
computer wrangler.
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 65
FEATURES
Memories etched in hulls and dust
Canoes and kayaks speak to you if you listen, says Darren Bush
BACK in the corner of one of our warehouses we’ve got a spot for our personal
boats. I’ve got seven canoes, six kayaks
and three SUP boards. They’re the
boats that don’t fit in my garage. Yes, I
own quite a few canoes and kayaks, but
that’s what I do. When people poke fun
at me, I usually respond, “You should
see my paddle collection!” I don’t ask
a woodworker how many saws, chisels
or power tools she owns. Besides, how
can I take friends without a few spares
in my fleet?
As I looked at my canoes I started to
reminisce about the people whose
first paddle strokes were in some of
those canoes. I wanted to stand there
for a while, but the warehouses are
unheated and another trailer needed
unloading, so I wrote “Paddle me” in
the dust with my finger and headed
back to work.
Obviously, I love to paddle. I love the
feeling of being one with a canoe. I
love how the boat responds to my
strokes and corrections, the feeling of
acceleration when I pour on the coal,
and the soft kiss of the bow when
it runs up on a sandy beach. I love
it when I feel like I can’t tell where
my body ends and my kayak begins,
where I’m literally one with the kayak.
A few days ago I was over at the warehouse unloading a trailer of kayaks,
many of which you will see in a few
weeks at Canoecopia. I wandered back
to see my sleeping babies, covered by a
thin blanket of dust.
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66 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
FEATURES
I love when I’m surfing down a wave and the
feedback from my kayak is instantaneous and
my response reflexive.
bystanders. Many of them have never seen a
solo canoe, and the extroverts ask questions;
the introverts just gaze in wonder.
Aside from getting lost in the moment from
the sheer joy of it all, I love where paddling
can take you. The most beautiful places are
accessible from a craft whose only power
comes from muscle and is transmitted by tendon. The combination of the act of paddling
and the places it takes me is hard to beat.
“Here, jump in.” I take off my life vest and
adjust it to the somewhat bewildered bystander, who with a few instructions takes off from
the dock, wobbling a little and often unsure of
how they found themselves in that situation.
Their keys, wallet and cell phones are safe in
my pocket, so what’s the risk? Out of the dozens of times I’ve done this, no one ever took
a swim. Most times they paddled back with a
1000-watt grin. “This is cool!” they say.
And yet, as I look at those dusty boats, what I
see are the faces of people who first paddled
in some of them. I’ll limit it to two instances,
otherwise I could write forever. Memories
reflect off of those dusty hulls.
The big Perception Mirage is an old-school
whitewater boat, made back when whitewater
boats were all about speed and volume. She’s
massive, all thirteen feet of her. That boat was
my first kayak. My daughter Whitney’s first
time in a boat was in that old Mirage.
I was a poor grad student, and paddling kept
me sane. The only place we could keep a
“I’m a firm believer that
experiences, not things, bring you
happiness. A life full of treasured
experiences is a rich one indeed.”
kayak was in our living room, crowding the
front door of our little apartment. Even as
a toddler she loved the Mirage, and would
crawl into it with her little Golden Books and
favorite blanket, and I’d rock it slowly with
a foot on the bow until she fell asleep. She
accompanied me to many a pool session and
little jaunts on the Erie Canal.
This started my baby on a lifetime of paddling. Twenty-five years later, she can’t find
her car in a parking lot unless there’s a kayak
or SUP board on it.
As I float up to a floating pier on a lake a few
blocks from my house, my little solo canoes
are often admired by the non-paddling
A few of those faces showed up in the shop
later on, but that’s not really the point. I do it,
well, because my business card says Paddling
Evangelist and I love 1000-watt grins and
happy people.
I’m a firm believer that experiences, not
things, bring you happiness. A life full of
treasured experiences is a rich one indeed.
My philosophy is to own and use tools that
bring me joy. Sometimes the tool is a really
nice chisel for woodworking or a new hammer. Last year it was a new camp stove that
actually simmers so I can cook sauces without
burning a black circle on the bottom of the
pan.
Most often, however, it’s a canoe, kayak,
paddle, or some other tool that allows me to
be in my favorite places. Whether kayaking
along the Amalfi Coast or toodling around on
my favorite little Lake Wingra, it’s not about
the location. My favorite place is in a boat,
and I firmly believe that the more people I put
in boats, the more beautiful the world is for
all of us.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Darren Bush has a perfectly rational,
explainable affinity towards redheads as he’s
got a whole household of them (dog excepting).
He also has an inexplicable aversion to slightly
off-color, cheeky biographies. He is the executive
editor of the Canoecopia Show Guide and the
owner of Rutabaga Paddlesports.
www.granitegear.com
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 67
ADDITIONAL NOTES
SUNDAY IS FUN-DAY
It’s no secret around Rutabaga that we’re a fun-loving
group. Canoecopia is a lot of work for sure, but we love to
have a good time and wanted to share with you a little of
the fun. Sunday’s a little slower and a little more laid back,
so we’re adding some fun activities that’ll make Sunday
Fun-day too!
■■ Speakers: There’s generally a little more space in the
speaker rooms, and some presentations are happening only on Sunday, like Cliff Jacobson’s Solo Canoeing in Lapland, Steve Brede’s
Circumnavigation of Lake Erie, and a half-dozen others. If you’re always standing in
the back of the room for Kevin Callan or Kenny Salwey, Sunday’s awesome!
■■ Drawings and Prizes: Some exhibitors will have drawings, games, and prizes for
people who stop in their booths. Don’t worry about finding them; they’ll find you!
■■ Special Deals: We’re never too sure what’s going to happen Sunday with extra
discounts on closeout merchandise. Sometimes we have a little extra discount on stuff
we don’t want to carry back to Rutabaga later that night.
■■ P.S. Buy a three-day pass: it’s still cheaper than two individual day passes and you can
stay an extra day!
A TIP ON TAKING KIDS PADDLING
Document. Take pictures and/or video—but not just for your own memories.
I discovered an interesting fact of the kids I’m around. Even though the weather can be beastly (rainy, hot or both), by taking
photos of the kids smiling, the photos set the memory as a great time. In no time, they’ll forget about the heat and mosquitoes,
or how hungry and crabby they were because I messed up their meal schedule. The photos and videos I take strongly influence
what they remember. (They also make for a great photo album/movie to give to their mom.) —Jim P.
M A Y 1 7 – 18 : J O I N U S F O R A
CANOETANANNY
Grab your gear for a two-day, 17.6-mile paddle and music jam. Day one, paddle the Wisconsin
River from Bridgeport to Wyalusing, and stay overnight in Wyalusing State Park. Day two begins
in Plum Creek on the Kickapoo River to Wauzeka, WI. Hope to see you there!
O T H E R U P C O M I N G 2 0 1 4 PA D D L E E V E N T S :
May 31: Mecan River
August 16: East River, Green Bay
June 21-22: Wisconsin River
September 27: Fox River –
July 19: Fox River – Park-To-Park Paddle
Find more launch details
& registration forms at
wisconsinpaddlers.org
Germania Dam to the Upper Fox River
at Princeton (15.5 mi.)
Veterans Park in Prairie du Sac to Ferry
Bluff (9 mi.), (Camp at Sky High Resort)
Newport Park in Lake Delton to Pine Island
(13 mi.) (Tour the Leopold Center)
Shattuck Park, Neenah to Lutz Park,
Appleton (8.5 mi.)
68 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
Manderly Lane Landing to Green Bay
Metro Marina (7 mi.)
Appleton Locks Paddle
Tour 4 hand-operated locks Lutz Park,
Appleton,to Sunset Park, Kimberly (6 mi.)
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FEATURES
Swim support during Ironman Wisconsin from a kayak
The friend you take paddling may be an “adopted” swimmer says Henry Nehls-Lowe
I’VE been kayaking for almost 40
years, and I love paddling beautiful
places with other kayakers—kindred souls with an ancient, primordial love of moving on the water.
Water people stick together, in or
out of kayaks. A few years ago I
became one of the fortunate few,
joining other kayakers to provide
swim support for the Madison
Ironman triathlon.
The first time I saw the start I was
energized. 2,300 swimmers churning the waters is an amazing sight. It was then I saw a few kayaks on
the course and realized they were out on the water to be there for the
swimmers for over two hours. For most athletes, the swim is usually
the hardest part of the Ironman, and I knew that was where I wanted
to be: helping out and witnessing it close up.
Next September I found myself in a parking lot at 5:30 a.m. on race
morning, rubbing elbows and
chuckling with almost a hundred
other kayakers, laying our boats in
rows in the dark, munching bagels
and drinking coffee, waiting for
the signal to get on the water. We
launched in the predawn light,
paddling out to our stations as the
sky brightened.
It was a bit chaotic when the
volunteers paddled out onto the
course, but as we waited for the
sun to rise and the race to start,
there was a Zen-like peace that settled over me, along with the euphoria of being on the water with other passionate paddlers, ready to be
there for any swimmer who needed help.
Ironman Wisconsin swim starts in deep water. Along the start, stationary kayaks are magnets for the swimmers. They quickly cluster about
your kayak, hanging onto the side, deceptively moving your boat. Soon
you are surrounded by hundreds of people with nowhere to put your
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70 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
FEATURES
paddle into the water, much less paddle away.
You give them words of encouragement at the
same time you tell them to let go and give you
some room. The athletes’ adrenaline is infectious. They’ve been training for months and
are ready to go. It’s all smiles...for now.
Kayaks form the starting line to hold swimmers back, but the loud music and the
announcer’s voice booming from the sound
system made hand signals and shouting at
each other necessary. A minute before the
race starts, we cruised along the starting line.
We heard the increasing roar of thousands
of family and friends of the athletes. With
just seconds to go, we frantically paddled out
of way. Then the cannon sounded and we
watched them dash off, a frenzy of swimmers,
looking like a huge school of sardines trying to
escape a school of tuna.
Kayakers follow up from behind the start,
weaving between and assisting swimmers who
were re-adjusting their goggles or swim cap,
and giving a place to rest or connecting with
those who were bruised or bumped by the
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start. Getting kicked in the face is not uncommon, and we were there to help. Along the
“…a Zen-like peace settled over me,
along with the euphoria of being on the
water with other passionate paddlers
ready to be there for any swimmer who
needed help”
entire course, kayakers formed an inside and
outside line along the swim lane and watchful eyes looked for swimmers in distress. We
were the first point of contact for swimmers,
providing a place to regroup, calling over a
lifeguard when needed, and sometimes relaying a message when the swimmer wanted to
be taken off the course by a bigger craft.
Most athletes do well in the swim, but each
year there dozens who struggle to finish within the 2:20 time limit. The few dozen who are
struggling are “adopted,” and we cheer and
provide words of encouragement with each
stroke of the athlete. It is extremely gratifying
when your “adopted” swimmer finally staggers from the shallows in front of the finish,
heading for the next challenge: a 112-mile bike
ride, then a marathon run. But we know we
did our job and got them that far.
It’s a true joy to serve each other, kayakers
and swimmers, one in and one out of the
water, but in the end, we both love the water.
Kayaks are amazing tools for doing any number of tasks, but for me, the most satisfying
one is keeping phenomenal people safe.
TRIP LEADER TIPS
Food is Important
Ask ahead of time if anyone has any
food issues. A ham sandwich is a
poor lunch to a vegetarian.
Remember that kids (and spouses!)
get cranky when they’re hungry.
Bring sufficient kid-friendly munchables to keep them from having a
meltdown. —Jim P.
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H2Core L/S Rashguard
MSRP: $79.95
Canoecopia Price: $63.95
MSRP: $79.95
Canoecopia Price: $67.95
MSRP: $49.95
Canoecopia Price: $42.45
Paddle Shoe
Boater’s Gloves
cVest
MSRP: $49.95
Canoecopia Price: $42.45
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Canoecopia Price: $91.95
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EXHIBITOR & VENDOR LISTING
Vendors—Main Hall
adidas Outdoor
Aqua-Bound
Astral
AT Paddles
Badger Paddles
Bending Branches, LLC
BIC Sport
Black Diamond
Book Area
Bote Boards
C4 Waterman
Cache Lake Camping Foods
Cascade Creek
Chosen Valley, LLC
Chota Outdoor Gear
Cloud 10 Gear
Cooke Custom Sewing
Current Designs
Dagger
Danuu Paddle Gear
Delta Kayaks
Duluth Pack
Eagles Nest Outfitters
Ecase
Esquif Canoe
Eureka Tents
Exped LLC
Filson
FITS Socks
Frost River
Granite Gear
Harken Inc.
Harmony
Hurricane Aquasports
Jackson Kayak
Jetboil
Katadyn North America
KEEN footwear
Kialoa
Kokatat
Lendal NA
Level Six
liquidlogic kayaks
Mad River Canoe
Malone Auto Racks
MSR
MTI Adventurewear
Native Watercraft
Necky Kayaks
North Water
NorthWest Canoe
Nova Craft Canoe
NRS
Old Scout Outdoor Products
Old Town Canoe
Original Bug Shirt Company, The
Outdoor Research
P&H Custom Sea Kayaks
Packtowl
Perception Kayaks
Platypus
Point 65
Princeton Tec
Pyranha
QCC Kayaks
Quantum Engineering, LLC
Rack N Roll
Riviera Paddlesurf
Rutabaga Booth
Sawyer Paddles and Oars
Sea to Summit
SEA-LECT Designs
SealLine
Seals Sprayskirts and Accessories
SealSkinz
Shred Ready Inc
Snap Dragon Design
Sperry Top-Sider
SteriPen
Stohlquist WaterWare
Superior Portage Pads
Surftech SUP
tasc Performance
Telic Footwear
Teva
Thermarest
Thule
TICLA
Venture Kayaks
Wenonah Canoe
Werner Paddles
Whispbar
Wilderness Systems
WindPaddle Sails, Inc.
Yakima
Zemgear
Exhibitors —Main Hall
7 Treasures
Adirondack Guide Boat
Adriatic Kayak Tours
Adventure Sherpas
Airchair
Ally Canoe
Angle Oar
Aspen Trailers
Bad River Watershed Association
Balance Solutions, LLC
Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort
Bearskin Lodge & Wild’ns Outft’r
Boundary Waters Journal
Camp Manito-wish YMCA
Canoe and Kayak Magazine
Canoeing.com
Cap’n Redbeards
Capitol Brewery
Cedar Falls Tourism & Vis. Bureau
Charles City Whitewater
Chesapeake Light Craft
Conserve School
Cook County Visitors Bureau
Don Miller Subaru
Door County Adventure Center
Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
Eagle Optics
Everglades Area Tours
Family Tent Camping - OzTent USA
Flex Lite Table
Folbot
Geneva Kayak Center
Girls at Play/Mind Body Paddle
Green Lake Country Visitors Bureau
Hayward Lakes Vis. & Conv. Bureau
Hyde Expedition LLC
Jerrys Camping Center
Kayak Chicago, Inc.
Kayak Trader
Kettlelist Adventures
Keweenaw Adventure Company
Lightweights
Living Adventure Inc.
Lucid Fishing, Inc
Madawaska Kanu Centre
McCormick Lumber & Cabinetry
Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce
Minocqua Area Chamber of Comm.
Mountain Bay Outfitters
Munising Visitor’s Bureau
MyCapCam.com
Naturally Superior Adventures
New Vision Wilderness
NOLS
North House Folk School
N’thn Highland Am. Leg. St. Forest
N’thn Lakes Canoe Base-Girl Scouts
Northern Tier Nat’l High Adv., BSA
Northland College
NorthPoint Paddles
Novorca LLC
Old Indian Secret Fruit & Nut Co
Ontario Parks
Ontario Tourism
Ontario’s Algoma Country
Oru Kayak
Paddling.net, Inc.
Pakboats/ScanSport, Inc.
Parks Canada—Northern Ontario
Piragis Northwoods Company
Price/Rusk County Tourism Dept.
Pygmy Boats
Rapid Media
Red Lake Outfitters
Remackel Trailers
River Alliance of Wisconsin
Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota
RiverSport Adventures LLC
Rock Art in Watercolors, LLC
Rutabaga Outdoor Programs
Savage River Works
Scotty
Sea Kayak Adventures
Sierra Magazine
Silent Sports Magazine & Website
Silverwaves Jewelry LLC
SlatGrills LLC
Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters
Spring Creek Outfitters
Squid Anchor, The
Stellar Kayaks & Surf Skis
Stewart River Boatworks
Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply
Sundownideas
Superior Kayaks
Surf-Wing
SylvanSport
Tarka’s Whitewater Journey LLC.
TCTeardops LLC
For the most up-to-date information go to canoecopia.com
tera’swhey®
Tour Dubuque
Tourism Thunder Bay
TRAK Kayaks
Trek & Trail
Uncle Ducky Outdoors, LLC
University of Sea Kayaking
Voyageur North Outfitters
Voyageur Outward Bound School
Voyageur Wilderness Programme
Wabakimi Wilderness Outfitter
Washington Island Cham. of Comm.
Waupaca Area Cham. of Commerce
Whitecap Kayak LLC
Wild Rivers Interpretive Center
Wilderness Ironworks
Wilderness Medical Associates
Williams and Hall Outfitters
Winchester Boat Works
Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum
Wisconsin DNR
WI River Outings
WI Sierra Club, River Touring Sec.
Wisconsin State Park System
WNR Magazine
Wooden Canoe Heritage Ass’n
Wooden Waters
Lobby
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
American Canoe Association
Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Sympsoium
Big City Mountaineers
Callie Rohr Mem’l Canoe/Kayak Race
Chicago Adventure Therapy
Chicago Area Sea Kayak Association
Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway
Friends Apostle Is. Nat. Lkshore
Friends of the Lower WI River
Gales Storm Gathering, The
Gilda’s Club Madison / Kiwanis
Girl Scouts: WI-Badgerland Council
Ice Age Trail Alliance
Illinois Paddling Council
Ironman Wisconsin
Isle Royale National Park
Isthmus Paddle & Portage 2014
Jefferson County Parks Department
Ladies of the Lake Kayak Symp.
Lafayette Development Corporation
Mad City Paddlers
Mendota Rowing Club
North Country Trail Association
NE WI Gt Lks Sport Fishermen
NE Minnesotans for Wilderness
Northwest Indiana Paddling Assoc.
Prairie State Canoeists
Singing Wilderness Documentary
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
St Croix River Association
Team River Runner
TEAMSurvivor Madison
Upper Sugar River Watershed Assoc.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Wabakimi Project, The
Canoecopia Show Guide 2014 | 73
PARTING WORDS
Who is a paddler? How do I get started?
Clearing up paddling misconceptions by Jim Pippitt
Who is a paddler? That’s the easiest question to answer. It’s you.
There’s a common misconception that paddlers are the ultra-fit,
crazy-gonzo types. Sure, we’ve got those. I think there are about 200
total in the world. I love ‘em; nice folk. Paddlers are also 88-year-old
grandmas and 8-month old children. Paddlers are those who bench
press 500 and those that struggle to get off a bench. Paddlers are
fishermen, birders, wildlife ecologists, thrill-seekers, and lazy-dayoff sunbathers. Paddlers are those with physical limitations: missing
limbs, paralysis, or bad hips. I love them, too. If being outside and
being on or near water gives you an excited thrill or that tingle of
anticipation, then you’re a paddler, or—we hope—soon will be.
You’ll find that on average, paddlers are the nicest, kindest group
of people around. They’re happy to trade stories, ideas, wisdom—
even gear in a pinch. You’ll fit right in from the start.
?
If this were a magical
mirror, you would see
yourself here. We tried to
get one. Too expensive.
How do you get started? That’s the second easiest question to
answer. Canoecopia and/or Rutabaga. At Canoecopia you’ve got access to the most boats,
gear, and advice under one massive roof. Rutabaga Paddlesports features the best retail sales
staff, a huge test-paddling pond, two warehouses full of boats, and our own Rutabaga Outdoor
Programs. Our staff isn’t on commission, so our focus is on matching you with the best boat
for your needs. Our test paddling pond gives you the confidence that you’ve found “the one”
for you. Our inventory lets you take your boat home and not wait for it to arrive; there are
waterways to explore!
Rutabaga Outdoor Programs, though, is our ace in the hole. I think it is the absolute best
resource for the beginning paddler. If you’re curious about this paddling thing, come and
take a class first. They’re not expensive, you don’t need to have a boat, and if you get hooked,
you’ll be able to get so much more out of
“If being outside and being on or near your test paddle experience. It is harder to
hear what the boat is telling you when you’re
water gives you an excited thrill or
that tingle of anticipation, then you’re concentrating so much on “don’t flip over” or
a paddler, or—we hope—soon will be.” “please go straight.” If and when you want to
advance your skills further, Outdoor Programs
has classes—or better still, private lessons—to
get you where you want to be. Paddling isn’t hard, but it isn’t obvious either. Getting the tricks
and tips in a controlled environment with an amazing instructor pays huge dividends later on.
(For more information, turn to page 50.)
Why should I be a paddler? Well, let’s see. It gets you out and moving. You can be as social
or as alone as you want. It lets you re-connect with yourself and nature. It takes you places
you’d never be able to go otherwise and hear things that would have gone missed. It gives
you stories for a lifetime. It is more fun than the proverbial barrel o’ monkeys. Why not be a
paddler?
Welcome to the paddling community. We’re so glad we’ve found you and delighted you’ve
found us.
When he’s not writing about obvious things, taking friends,
family, or perfect strangers out paddling, or composing cheeky
biographies, Jim Pippitt edits the Canoecopia Show Guide.
74 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2014
SPERRY TOP-SIDER® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF THE SPERRY TOP-SIDER CORPORATION
Revolutionary outsole
design drives water away
underfoot for a sure grip
on wet surfaces.
T h e M e n’s H 2 O E s c a p e. V i s i t u s a t B o o t h R 3
4–9 pm
9–6 pm
10–5 pm
Where Exhibition Hall at the Alliant
Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center
Way, Madison, WI 53713
Admission $15/day, $25/3-day pass
(17 & under free)
pre-order at rutabaga.com
Presenter Rutabaga Paddlesports
Parking $6.50/day, $18/3-day pass
Rimr
ock
Rd
.
(Canoecopia)
ld
Bo
12
N
W Broadway
12 18
18
(Beltline)
CANOECOPIA CHARITIES
The Josh Kestelman Scholarship Fund helps
Rutabaga partner with local community centers to
get kids out on the water. Last year we got 240 kids
out and supported over 2218 hours of paddling fun.
You can donate when you check out at the registers.
Second Harvest Foodbank is dedicated to
ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin through
community partnerships, serving nearly 141,000
people who don’t have enough food to sustain
active, healthy lives. Please consider donating a
non-perishable food item in one of the collection
barrels near the Information Booth. If you donate,
you’ll get a free gift from Rutabaga!
Add’l Info. www.canoecopia.com
608-223-9300
Main Store Jan. 1–Tues., Mar. 4
Hours 10–6 Mon.–Sat.,
Closed Sun.
Mar. 5–Mar. 12
Closed for Canoecopia
Mar. 13–mid April
10–6 Mon.–Sat.
12–5 Sun.
see our website for updates
X
Monona Dr.
When March 7:
March 8:
March 9:
r.
nD
EnergyPaddlesport
What World’s Largest
Center
Expo. Filled with canoes,
kayaks, paddle gear,
speakers, exhibitors, and the
coolest visitors in the world
from all over the world.
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CANOECOPIA
Information in Brief
Alliant
For the most up-to-date information, go to canoecopia.com