Canoecopia 2026 is less than a week away! Once again, guidebook scribe, and Milespaddled.com’s own Timothy Bauer will be presenting two talks over the three-day event. As always, they are sure to be both informational and entertaining.
Here are the details on both talks:
What Makes a River Wild?
In 1965, the Pike, Pine, and Popple rivers in northeastern Wisconsin were designated as “wild” by state lawmakers to preserve them in “a free flowing condition and protect them from development.” The landmark legislation inspired the federal government three years later to list “wild and scenic” rivers throughout the country – including the Namekagon, St. Croix, and Wolf rivers here in Wisconsin. But does legislation alone make a river wild? Are rivers inherently wild? What if a river is dammed, or drained – is it still wild? And what do we even mean by “wild”? Do we need wilderness to be wild, or can we feel a sense of “wilder-ness” in more common spaces? Are Class III rapids less wild when a house is built above the river’s banks? Is it the absence of development that makes a river wild, even if it is quiet and has no rapids? Must “wild” relate to nature “red in tooth and claw,” or can it also be the crocus poking above the snow in spring?
Timothy cordially invites you to teasing out these thought-provoking questions by offering your own notions that he will incorporate into this presentation about specific wild rivers and the wiles of rivers in general. If interested, kindly share “what makes a river wild?” to you by responding here.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Room: Superior – Main Floor
Time: 11:30am-12:15pm
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Room: Superior – Main Floor
Time: 2:30pm-3:15pm
The Pleasures and Perils of Cold Weather Paddling
Winter paddling started for Timothy one year when there was no snow to ski on. The following year, he realized that he’d paddled at least once a month for the previous 12 months, which in turn led him to wonder how long he could keep it up. Fourteen years later (or 168 months in a row), the quest has superseded the question.
But isn’t it dangerous? Isn’t it cold? Isn’t the water frozen? Sometimes. But it’s also a bewitching time of year. The stern serenity of the season defies its austerity in multiple ways: the Zen-like landscape itself where nothing unnecessary is present nonetheless offers fractal-like ice sculptures enwreathing bare tree limbs; natural springs exude warmth; snow tracks tell tales of scampered ambles; and the mellifluous whistle of bald eagles fills the air. For the curious and prepared paddler, there’s a wonder of splendor in winter.
Come join Timothy and special guests who’ll discuss how they dress for success (and safety), where they like to go, boat modifications they make, and any other pertinent adaptations to enjoy paddling even during the coldest months of the year. Disposable hand-warmers or USB-charged? How many layers of socks and what kind of boots? Wetsuit or drysuit? They’ve got you covered. So, skip the flip-flops and Crocs. Leave the bug repellant and sunscreen at home. Grab your Gore-Tex jacket and faux fur-lined hat instead, fix a thermos of cocoa, and let’s go paddling!
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Room: Superior – Main Floor
Time: 2:30pm-3:15pm
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