CANOECOPIA EXClusIVE OffEr

bAD WEATHER, GREAT mEmoRiES P.20

frEE dIgItAl North America’s Magazine

Epic TAlES of courage & madness how To ThRivE when Things geT scary find food anywhere clAyoquoT Sound sander Jain's Terrifying suBsCrIPtION sasquaTch encounTer GET SMART Tim shuff's crazy, reckless, common sense alTernaTive To doing whaT you're Told

ThE inconcEivAblE expedition 's Top-secreT $6.99 | FALL 2015 and unrepeaTed solo Trip Display until December 30, 2015 around alaska. we dare you.

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($48 value) 10 bushcraFt essentials: Knots, tracKing, shelter, slingshots and more all rise for the king of river sup | what your roll says about you

Photo Annual 2015

profile 54 | rescue gear talKing shop with the 11 lifesaving canoecraFt author essentials ted moores Artists Gone Wild treasured $2,500 voyageur sash, one-oF-a-Kind Frog , ornate hand-drawn maps and the 56 | sHOOT THIs world’s tiniest boat builder see page 42 latest & greatest river action cameras skills how to sleep in your 66 | gO BIgger on paddle Further, hurt way less why we all suck at growing our sport pacK & prepare a scrumptious weeKend menu crossovers fOur ulTImaTe mulTI-day rIver runnIng langFord’s all-new trapper 16’6 BOaT InsIder: h2o’s 33 lbs nova craft canoe’s ultralight new tuffstuff beatDown prospector pyranha’s smoking hot the NeW thirD Degree burn partner wanted for hazardous journey, no wages, tortuous $6.99 | Fall 2015 $6.99 | fall 2015 Worlds Display until December 30, 2015 muskeg, weeks of unmarked bushwhacking, Display until December 30, 2015 ravenous mosquitoes, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition found on page. 38 wHy THe 2015 freesTyle cHampIOnsHIps On THe OTTawa pm 40033446 PM 40033446 PM kevin callan’s Betcha DiDn’t know aBout … DReaM tRiP scariest Ghost story explore the everglades rIver wIll Be THe BesT One ever and lasT Of ITs kInd www.canoerootsmag.com Poison ivY www.rapidmag.com

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WHERE PM 40033446 PM www.adventurekayakmag.com Photo Annual 2015 (Regular $19.95) 54 | rescue gear the 11 lifesaving essentials 56 -a-Kind | sHOOT THI F and the latest & greatests profile $2,500 voyageurrawn sash, maps one-o river action cameras ing shop with Artiststreasured Gone seeWild page 42 talK Ft author canoecra Frog paddle, ornate hand-d oores 66 | gO ted m world’s tiniest boat builder BIgger Doug a why wemmons all suck on at growing our sport skills sleep how to Claim this limited time offer at Booth: A1 in your canoe Further, paddle crossovers hurt way less fOur ul TImaT prepare rIver runn e mulTI pacK & Ing kayaks-day a scrumptiousenu Kend m or at: www.rapidmedia.com/free-digital wee BOa T InsIder: n ova craft canoe’s oes new CAN tuffstuff beat langFord’s pyranha’s smokingD ownhot thir all-new D Degree trapper 16’6 burn ’s 33 lbs $6.99 | fall 2015 h2o Display until December 30 ultralight ages, tortuous, 2015 the N whacking, e prospector partner wanted W for hazardous journey, no w return doubtful, muskeg, weeks of unmarked bushon page. 38 pm 40033446 W ravenous mosquitoes, safe orlds w honor and recognition found Hy USE CODE: iP TH CANOECOPIA16 M tRwww.rapidmag.com e 2015 frees DRea rI $6.99 | Fall 2015 aBout … everglades ver w T Display until December 30, 2015 n’t know explore the Ill B yle c Betcha DiD e THe B HampIO ivY esT O nsHIps Poison ne ever and lasOn TH kevin callan’sstory e OTTawa

scariest Ghost T O PM 40033446 PM f ITs kInd www.canoerootsmag.com

AttENd thE CANOECOPIA PrEsENtAtIONs By rAPId MEdIA’s fOuNdEr ANd PuBlIshEr, sCOtt MACgrEgOr Good Dad, Bad Dad: Exploring the Benefits Trip Stories That Don’t Suck: Trip Photography That Doesn’t Suck: and Risks of Taking Kids Outside The Art of Great Adventure Writing The Secrets Pros Don’t Share Sylvania: Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm Clarion Hotel - Voyageur: Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm Sylvania: Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm Clarion Hotel - Killarney: Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm Sylvania: Sun 10:30am-11:15am CANOECOPIA EXClusIVE OffEr FEATURES The more things change, the more they stay the same bAD WEATHER, GREAT mEmoRiES P.20 A 130 year-old book prompts Darren Bush to reflect on the passage of time and water frEE dIgItAl North America’s Kayaking Magazine Of the Upper Fox, the Rock and the Wisconsin were driving down Highway C, and through As I write this, the River is approaching eight

Epic TAlES of Rivers, the Wisconsin is the most picturesque the trees I saw a glimpse of this big, beautiful feet on the gauge at Muscoda, about six and courage & madness how To ThRivE when Things geT scary find food of the three. Probably the best route is from the river. I saw a wide spot on the side of the road a half feet higher than is normal this time anywhere clAyoquoT Sound sander Jain's Terrifying suBsCrIPtION sasquaTch encounTer head of the Dells to the mouth; but the run and pulled over. of year. Every sandbar upon which I have GET SMART Tim shuff's crazy, reckless, common sense alTernaTive To doing whaT you're Told from to the mouth is the one which has camped this summer is under at least four feet I slid down the embankment up to the edge ThE inconcEivAblE the merit of antiquity, and is certainly a long of water. 300,000 gallons of water are flowing expedition paul caffyn's Top-secreT of the water. I stuck my hand in the water $6.99 | FALL 2015 and unrepeaTed solo Trip Display until December 30, 2015 enough jaunt to satisfy the average tourist. around alaska. we dare you. down the Wisconsin every second. My river

To Adventure Kayak, Kayak PM 40033446 GEAR: fivE bEST NEW PfDS & CLEvER WET WEATHER ESSENTiALS and felt an electric shock. The water might WHERE To fiND: ENDLESS bEACHES, EmPTy CAmPS & HiDDEN SuRf www.adventurekayakmag.com -- Reuben Gold Thwaites, “Down Historic is enjoying a nice scrubbing. All the detritus Angler, Canoeroots and Rapid Waterways” 1887 have been cool, but it felt different than that. left after a season of inconsiderate campers Not to get all new-agey, but I felt something is being flushed out downstream, sadly, to tangible. My river was greeting me. We were become the Mississippi River’s concern. ($48 value) 10 bushcraFt essentials: Knots, tracKing, shelter, slingshots and more all rise for the king of river sup | what your roll says about you connecting. As it thus sweeps along, wherever it fancied, The river appears to be but little used. It is an Photo here to-day and there to-morrow, it forms Annual 2015 idea sketching-ground. The canoeist with a profile 54 | rescue gear innumerable Islands which greatly add to the talKing shop with the 11 lifesaving canoecraFt author essentials ted moores Artists Gone Wild treasured $2,500 voyageur sash, one-oF-a-Kind 56 | sHOOT THIs camera will find occupation enough in taking Frog paddle, ornate hand-drawn maps and the latest & greatest world’s tiniest boat builder see page 42 picturesqueness of the view. Now and then river action cameras skills how to sleep in your canoe 66 | gO BIgger Doug ammons on views of his surroundings; perplexity as to paddle Further, hurt way less why we all suck at there are two or three parallel channels, run- growing our sport pacK & prepare a scrumptious weeKend menu what to choose amid such a crowd of charming crossovers ning along for miles before they join, perplexing fOur ulTImaTe mulTI-day CANoes rIver runnIng kayaks langFord’s all-new scenes, will be his only difficulty. trapper 16’6 BOaT InsIder: the traveler with a labyrinth of water paths. h2o’s 33 lbs nova craft canoe’s ultralight new tuffstuff beatDown prospector pyranha’s smoking hot the NeW thirD Degree burn partner wanted for hazardous journey, no wages, tortuous $6.99 | Fall 2015 $6.99 | fall 2015 Worlds Display until December 30, 2015 muskeg, weeks of unmarked bushwhacking, Display until December 30, 2015 I once bucked the cold April winds laid face- ravenous mosquitoes, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition found on page. 38 Sandbars are semi-predictable. There are wHy THe 2015 freesTyle cHampIOnsHIps On THe OTTawa pm 40033446 PM 40033446 PM kevin callan’s Betcha DiDn’t know aBout … DReaM tRiP scariest Ghost story Poison ivY explore the everglades rIver wIll Be THe BesT One ever and lasT Of ITs kInd www.canoerootsmag.com www.rapidmag.com down in the sand, propped on my elbows, places where sandbars usually stay put, with scraping the top few inches of sun-warmed iES P.20 mEmoR currents tickling their borders. There are , GREAT AD WEATHER b PluS, uPGRADE TO A sand into a pile to warm up my fingers. other places where a week of flood waters There I sketched for my own entertainment, will make a favorite campsite disappear

North America’s Kayaking Magazine enjoying my first solar collection of the year, mine forever. A few of my favorites now exist only It reeks of hubris to call an entire river . neck reddening for want of sunscreen. Rivers really can’t belong to anyone, but if in memories. But my river is kind to me and ES of Epic TAl 1 yEAr PrINt courage & madness creates new sites for me to find. A random log ivE To ThR T scary they could, I think the Lower Wisconsin is as how hings ge I’ve taken hundreds, maybe thousands of when T find food anywhere might catch in the sand and create an eddy T Sound much mine as anyone’s. clAyoquo pictures of my river, sometimes with my Ter sanderT Jain'sch encoun Terrifying sasqua phone, sometimes with a digital point-and- where sand slows down enough to sink, which GET SMART ernaTive Tim shuff's crazy,T reckless,Told common senseT alyou're suBsCrIPtION It started thirty years ago. I was new to creates a bigger eddy. After a few weeks a To doing wha EivAblE ThE inconc shoot, sometimes with a digital SLR and

T all rise for Wisconsin, newly married and in love with sandbar appears. Crazy how little things make expeditionTop-secre the Trip king of rarely, with a medium format film camera. paul caffyn'sT ed solo river King, shelter, slingshots unrepea and more sup | w and hat your around alaska. we dare you. roll Ft essentials: Knots, trac says a both my wife and my new homeland. We big things happen. 10 bushcra iALS bout Rf you $6.99 | FALL 2015 iDDEN Su Display until December 30, 2015 vER WET WEATHER & H ESSENT Reuben was right over a century ago and & CLE mPS fDS , EmPTy CA E bEST NEW P bEACHES GEAR: fiv : ENDLESS To fiND FOR Only $10

WHERE PM 40033446 PM www.adventurekayakmag.com Photo nothing has changed. These islands are often mere sand bars, some- Annual 2015 (Regular $19.95) 54 | rescue gear times as barren as the Sahara, but for the most the 11 lifesaving essentials Between these ranges 56 F-a-Kind | sHOOT THI s part they are well-wooded, their banks gay and the latest & greatest profile $2,500 voyageurrawn sash, maps one-o river action cameras ing shop with Artiststreasured Gone seeWild page 42 K stretches a wide expanse of tal Ft author canoecra Frog paddle, ornate hand-d oores 66 | gO ted m world’s tiniest boat builder BIgger Doug a with the season’s flowers, and luxuriant vines why wemmons all suck on at growing our sport bottoms, either bog or sand- skills sleep how to Claim this limited time offer at Booth: A1 in your canoe hanging in deep festoons from the trees which Further, paddle crossovers fO plain, over all of which the hurt way less ur ul TImaT prepare rIver runn e mulTI pacK & Ing kayaks-day a scrumptiousenu overhang the flood. ... The islands became more Kend m or at: www.rapidmedia.com/free-digital wee BOa T InsIder: river flows at high water, n ova craft canoe’s oes new CAN tuffstuff beat frequent, as we progressed. Many of them are langFord’s pyranha’s smokingD ownhot thir all-new D Degree and through which the trapper 16’6 burn ’s 33 lbs $6.99 | fall 2015 h2o Display until December 30 ultralight ages, tortuous, 2015 the N singularly beautiful. whacking, e prospector partner wanted W for hazardous journey, no w e return doubtful, swift current twists and muskeg, weeks of unmarked bushon page. 38 pm 40033446 W ravenous mosquitoes, saf orlds w honor and recognition found Hy USE CODE: iP TH CANOECOPIA16 M tRwww.rapidmag.com e 2015 frees DRea rI $6.99 | Fall 2015 aBout … everglades ver w T Display until December 30, 2015 n’t know explore the Ill B yle c Betcha DiD e THe B HampIO Poison ivY esT One everns andHIps las bounds like a serpent in On THe O kevin callan’sstory TTawa They are singularly beautiful and I marvel

scariest Ghost T O PM 40033446 PM f ITs kInd www.canoerootsmag.com agony, constantly cutting at the variety of them. I have camped on out new channels in filling islands that were barely big enough for my up the old, obeying laws of AttENd thE CANOECOPIA PrEsENtAtIONs By rAPId MEdIA’s fOuNdEr ANd PuBlIshEr, sCOtt MACgrEgOr camp, sleeping under my canoe with the open its own, ever defying the side facing where the sun will rise, a small Good Dad, Bad Dad: Exploring the Benefits Trip Stories That Don’t Suck: Trip Photography That Doesn’t Suck: calculations of pilots and fire reflecting off the back of the canoe. I’ve and Risks of Taking Kids Outside The Art of Great Adventure Writing The Secrets Pros Don’t Share engineers. Sylvania: Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm Clarion Hotel - Voyageur: Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm Sylvania: Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm Continued on page 68 Clarion Hotel - Killarney: Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm Sylvania: Sun 10:30am-11:15am Rutabaga Paddlesports presents — Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 | 67 FEATURES

just spent a good hour Reuben is one of my heroes. He is proof that warming up and they’re you can love books, both reading and writing not about to give up all them, but still roll up your sleeves and get that sunlight for a silent out there. We share a common love of many canoeist floating by. rivers, but I like to think we both love the Wisconsin most of all. It wouldn’t be my river without the herons and Since that first brief encounter, I have spent turtles and kingfishers, countless nights sleeping on sandbars, and now, over a century gazing at the Milky Way, and watching for later, sandhill cranes satellites floating across the celestial sphere and bald eagles. Now like bright motes of dust. I’ve sat next to the owls hoot back and forth dark orange coals of a comfort fire, watching across the river at night, the Supermoon reflect off the water, so their calls amplified by bright that I could read by it. I’ve listened to the water’s surface and beavers slapping their tails at my belligerent pitched my lean-to on a sandbar where you plovers skitter across intrusion into their private willow reserve. could throw a Frisbee without worrying about the wet sand picking up insects. All my birds; I’ve also stood up at three in the morning it hitting the water. I’ve camped on the last their calls, their tracks, their plumage, even and screamed at the aforementioned beavers spit of land during high water, poking sticks their excrement; are familiar to me. My river to shut up, so I could get some sleep. They in the sand to monitor the water, waking up is for the birds. kindly complied. to water within an arm’s reach and my canoe We landed with something akin to reference, The upper Midwest owes its settlement to floating, full of gear, tied off to a tree. for this must have been about the place where the canoe. Here, it has always been the canoe, I also marvel at the disrespect with which Joliet and Marquette, two hundred and from the first natives to come to the area, to rivers are treated. The River is my friend, and fourteen years ago, gazed with rapture upon me sliding a canoe into the water yesterday, those who leave beer cans, toilet paper, food the mighty Mississippi, which they had at last like it has been done countless times before. wrappers and half-burned plastic bottles are discovered, after so many thousands of miles of punching my friend in the gut. Although my arduous journey in through a savage wilder- friend doesn’t show it, I can tell it hurts. ness. ... It is an imposing site. To the west, two miles away, rise the wooded peaks on the Iowa Darren Bush Herons drifting through the air on their wide- side of the Great River. Years at Rutabaga: 27 spread wings, heads curved back upon their What got you : I got shoulders, and legs hanging straight down to Reuben Gold Thwaites was no academic interested in paddling when I was a kid settle at last on sunburned sand-spits, and dandy. Though he was the editor of the playing around in the surf in California. It stand in silent contemplation of some pool of Wisconsin State Journal, President of the wasn’t or kayaking but it was still dead water where perhaps a stray fish might American Library Association, and later the a lot of fun. reward their watchfulness. Solitary kingfishers President of the Wisconsin State Historical kept their vigil on numerous snags. Now and Society, Thwaites paddled over a thousand Favorite part of Rutabaga: My favorite part then a turtle shuffled from his perch and went miles down the Ohio River. of Rutabaga is the solo canoe aisle. That’s a tumbling with a loud splash into his favorite In the summer of 1887, Thwaites paddled story for another day. watering-place. 600 miles on three of the most historic rivers Favorite Rutabaga story: A customer came Nothing has changed as far as the flora and of Wisconsin and Illinois. He paddled from in and told me that she bought a kayak from fauna, that’s for sure. Herons still squawk Lake Mendota in Madison (known as Fourth me 20 years ago. She and her husband had up and down the river, flying downstream a Lake at the time, down the Catfish River paddled all over the hundred yards only to be surprised when you (returned to its native name, the Yahara later world, and she said it show up a minute later. Despite their size, on) to the Rock River at Indianford to Rock all started with me. you can’t expect much from a creature with a Island on the Mississippi. Add to this his 1891 We are so fortunate to brain the size of a chickpea. bicycle trip from Canterbury to Dartmoor and change lives every day. back and you get the idea that this bespec- Turtles still line up on logs, plopping into tacled bookworm was a dyed-in-the-wool Sand Strategies: Tuna the water just like Reuben said they did. The adventurer. Hardly the imagined life of the can lids under the legs big ones don’t because they know you’re not cloistered intellectual. of my Dutch oven. a threat. The small ones don’t because they

68 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 — Presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports

FEATURES NEW VENDOR BOOTH M08 A new dog once more. The Lab known as Kahshapiwi talks to Woody Osborne

CALL me Kahshapiwi.

I was named for a remote lake in the wilds of Quetico Provincial Park, Ontario. Though there are many pleasures in my life, none can quite compare to spending time in or near water. Preferably with a good stick. The human I live with, Anne, occasionally persuades our old friend, Woody, to take us out to the river. When I see that golden 15% OFF STANLEY PRODUCTS canoe on top of his beat old truck, I know that I am in for a good time.

Woody knows me well. He always stops early, to let me burn off some energy. Little willow islands are perfect for this, so full of good smells and things to roll in! I find Woody Osborne a stick (STICK!) and Anne Years at Rutabaga: 7 throws it for me, laughing as I splash in and out of the What got you paddling: I got river. Woody throws it a few back into paddling as an adult after a back in- times, too. I could do this jury left me unable to play Ultimate Frisbee. all day! Soon the humans are urging me back in the canoe and I, reluctantly, leave the little My friend, Lee, got me back into fishing, island. They assure me there are more down river. At least they give me the front seat. I get which got me into paddling. My friend, Erik, the best view! inspired me to get into wilderness canoeing. A couple more stops, on this glorious fall day, to let me run, to eat some lunch, to just enjoy One trip to Isle Royale (and the portage that the river. Finally Woody declares an island ours, and begins unloading the boat. I check the just keeps going up!) and I was hooked. perimeter (a job I take very seriously), noting where raccoons, deer, and cranes have stalked Favorite part of Rutabaga: The canoe aisles the island’s edge. Soon I am ready for more play, but Anne is putting up her tent and she won’t let me in, yet. Woody just laughs when I try to get into his. They call me Ms. Sandy Longest trip: 20 day solo in Quetico Paws. Provincial Park, fall of 2007 As the sun starts to sink, Anne puts a solar lantern in the tent, knowing that the darkness Sand strategies: Bring makes me nervous. I stay up as long as I can, but it has been a full day. My cozy bed at the a small tarp (I use old end of the tent calls me. Settling in, I prepare myself to guard the camp, all night, listening tent footprints) to lay for intruders, sniffing the air. When Woody gets up in the middle of the night, I join him. We out your gear on the check the perimeter and mark territory. He gets me back into Anne’s tent without waking her. sandbar. This goes In the morning she will exclaim over how much sand is in the tent, and I will look at her with a long way towards innocent black lab eyes. preventing getting sand The humans are up again before the sun, and I happily join them. While they make a fire in everything. This is and tea, I watch the light come up and listen to the cranes and geese. When I am sure that especially useful when all is secure, I head back to the tent for a lie down, trusting the humans to guard camp. It’s cooking. Continues next page 70 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 — Presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports FEATURES exhausting, keeping one ear cocked all night, so I nap while the humans begin to pack up. All too soon, the tents come down, the canoe is loaded, and we, once more, move on down the river. A couple of days on the river and I am refreshed. My coat is lustrous. I am relaxed and centered. I am a new dog. You can findWoody online at Ottertrackadventures.com or on Facebook at Otter Track Adventures. All photos: Woody

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Rutabaga Paddlesports presents — Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 | 71 FEATURES

Strategies for taking your dog out on the water Tips and tricks for keeping Fido happy by Woody Osborne

CANOEING with dogs is incredibly rewarding. It can, however, the dog love to rest her head on them, but they also provide a present some challenges. I often suggest that folks start with bit of traction for exits and entries. In the event of a botched their canoe on dry land, in a familiar environment. Practice attempt at getting in and out (it does happen, especially with having your dogs get in and out of the canoe, and reward them older dogs and dogs who are worn out from chasing sticks), it when they do it on command. Let your dogs explore the boat provides a bit of cushioning. (see photo on pg. 71) and get familiar with it. Let them feel your enthusiasm. You know your own dog best. The one I paddle with, the I find that dogs settle best when they have good traction beneath estimable river dog, Kahshapiwi, gets a bit restless. We keep their paws. Most canoes are somewhat slick on the inside and her in the bow, between her owner’s legs. This allows for more do not provide good footing. I use a piece of closed cell foam. control and is helpful for calming her in rough situations. On This provides both traction and insulation from the (potentially) one occasion, we put her amidships and vowed “never again!” cold water beneath your hull. My favorite solution to this is to Every bird, stick, beaver, etc. was just too fascinating, and the cut a Thermarest Ridgerest pad in half. One piece goes in the canoe rolled alarmingly as she surged from side to side. canoe, the other serves as the dog’s bed in the tent. The piece in the canoe will become wet, mucky, and sandy, so remember to One last thing I recently discovered. A small twisty river has the shake it out and let it dry a bit when you take breaks. potential to engage a dog much more than a wide-open lake or broad prairie river. Everything is much more immediate. A couple of pieces of pipe insulation can stand you in good stead, too. I put them on gunwales near the dog. Not only does Take your dog out. He or she will appreciate it.

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72 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 — Presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports FEATURES

Overcoming obstacles (to ) What if we call it bumping off rocks? says Jim Pippitt

ONE of the first as loafing down questions Rutabaga the Interstate at sales folks ask is 70 mph. They’re “So, what type of actually pretty paddling do you darn good on want to do? Where smaller lakes and do you want to go?” rivers as well. and almost without They have a skeg question the first (a drop-down response is “no fin in the back) whitewater!” that can help Is this whitewater to you? you go straight Darren has a really when you want funny line he uses: to cruise, and be retracted when you want “Every time some gung-ho kayaker posts a maximum maneuverability. Think of it like video of him- or herself going over a water- shifting in and out of 4WD. They are pretty fall, we lose a potential paddler.” If that’s darn comfortable, too. They’re much more what someone has in mind when the word roomy than a dedicated whitewater kayak, “whitewater” is spoken, then I guess I’d say and can carry a good load. They’re easy to “no whitewater!” too. get in and out of. Do you want to race in I wish there was some way to ask, “Would them? Probably not, but who cares? How you like to be able see some incredibly often do you go racing anyway? beautiful, twisty rivers, with riffles or sleeper Canoeists don’t get the skeg option. They rocks and maybe casually bump into a rock have something arguably better: two pad- or two?” dlers, working as one. In a 15´ or 16´ canoe One of the most common questions we get with decent rocker, high secondary stability, asked is “What happens and an expedition if this hits a rock? Is it ”Would you like to see some beautiful layup, you’re good going to break?” Almost rivers and bump into a rock or two?” to go. One half-day without exception, your lesson can give you boat (and you) are going to be fine. However, the skills to turn the the fear of breaking a new boat, or the worry boat on a dime, or keep going straight in of being stranded keeps people away from conditions. some of the prettiest water I know. Luckily, For a small hit in efficiency, these boats open there are a class of boats that are built for up a whole new world on the water, just like a rock bumping. Whatever comes your way, 4WD drive car opens up a whole set of other they’re up for it. options on or off road. So instead of pressur- Allow me a quick car analogy. Most people ing you to try whitewater (Connie, featured don’t really need a SUV or 4-wheel drive. on pg. 78, says “You can’t force a horse to They like that it gives them the confidence steeple-jump. Don’t even try.”) what if we to go where they could probably take a suggested you be open to “bumping into hid- sedan, if they were careful and used good den rocks” or “going wherever you felt like judgment. They’re willing to give up some today” or “seeing some absolutely gorgeous efficiency and handling for the freedom to go stretch of a twisty river.” That way you can anywhere. keep your “no whitewater!” but discover new streams and watersheds. It’s really quite It’s the same with boats. Hybrid kayaks make fun. No gonzo video required. little twisty rivers with small ripples as easy Rutabaga Paddlesports presents — Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 | 73 FEATURES

Old Canoe, Young Paddler Restoring and renewing a boat, and oneself — from Ethan Scheiwe THERE are enthusiasts for many were ants burrowing through the hobbies and trades everywhere; gunwales and foam bulkheads, whether it’s cars, bikes, wine, or which had also been blown out. cigars, there’s a level of passion No big deal ­— a few late nights that people bring to them. If in the garage is all I needed. This you’re reading this, you might would be my first time restoring be an enthusiast of your own. In and repairing a canoe. During this 2015 we lost one of those great process, Rutabaga’s Darren Bush canoe enthusiasts who was able would relay my progress to Jim, to pass his passion on to others. who was bedridden from cancer I was able to acquire a vintage at the time. The smiles and Mad River TW Special, built in laughter from Jim at some of the 1977, from a friend of Rutabaga the bulkheads. This was, arguably, one of comments I was making about named Jim. This canoe, with its three layers the most rewarding aspects of this canoe. I his old boat made me even more appreciative of Kevlar, olive fiberglass gel-coat, and wanted to fix it up a bit and take it back into of what I had. Jim ‘fixed’ some of the boats wooden gunwales, is fifteen years older than the wild where it belongs. issues in interesting ways that will forever I am. When the boat came to me, it needed a confuse me. First, the gunwales needed to be sanded and short list of work done to it: sanding and re- re-varnished. The hull was in good shape but varnishing the gunwales, full buff and polish Sanding down an 18’6” foot canoe’s gunwales was developing an unsightly patina which on the gel coat, and some new fiberglass for took longer than I expected it to. I can’t even needed to be buffed and polished. There Continued on pg. 76

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Continued from pg. 74 and he told me I had no need to explain it to him, because he was the original person count how many sheets of cheap sandpaper to sell it to Jim way back in 1977! On the I went through with my equally cheap palm first wilderness trip I took with the canoe sander. (Word for the wise — cheap tools after refinishing it, I found the original are actually expensive, whether measured salesperson for this canoe. It’s an incredible in time or frustration.) After some trim feeling to have the full story behind a canoe tape and five layers of Captain’s Barnish, that predates me by a decade and a half. the original wood gunwales shone in the Having fixed the canoe back up so that sunlight with a beautiful amber glow. To it’s able to see those wild places again, my battle the ants, I poured some Borax into appreciation and fondness for the craft, and the bulkheads and on the gunwales and the sport, multiplied. This canoe will take waited a few days. Conveniently, the Borax me to the wild for the rest of my waking life, was already in the garage and was ultimately and I only hope that it can be appreciated by the easiest part of restoring this canoe. A generations to come. little bit of epoxy to fill the holes in and everything was in tip-top shape.

Next, I labored on the white patina that was forming on the hull. I wasn’t sure how much of an improvement I was going to see after using a rubbing compound and polishing Ethan Scheiwe compound, and was pleasantly surprised. Years at Rutabaga: 5 Except for the many scratches that rocks in the Boundary Waters claimed, the boat How did you get into paddling: looked almost brand new. I remember doing I had paddled a canoe and a kayak once the final polish and my elderly neighbor before I started working for Rutabaga and, coming out to admire the work I had done. well, one thing led to another… His words were, “It looks like you’ve made Favorite boat & why: We-No-Nah Argosy. it so it can flow effortlessly through the -wa It’s the boat that really sold me on solo ter.” He was dead on. About ten laborious canoeing. Perfect for Madison’s local rivers. hours later, the boat and I were ready for our Paddle Clip, New for 2016 maiden voyage. A full moon paddle on Lake Favorite Rutabaga story: Canoecopia Mendota with fellow coworkers showed Split Clip Design Sunday 10:45pm. We were on about hour what this colossal boat could amount to. Integrated Hook Eyes fourteen of work for that day, and despite Sylvania Wilderness and Wisconsin River Anti-Snag Ends having a lot of fun, we were getting tired trips showed me how incredible this boat and just ready to be done. The last load will treat me on extended trips for what I finally comes in and as I’m wedging hope to be the rest of my life. (forcing) a boat into a gap, all of a sudden Industry Leading the kayak next to it popped out and caused a Gear One of the best experiences I have had domino effect through four rows and about with this boat was actually returning from twenty-eight boats fell to the ground; bury- the Sylvania Wilderness Area in the Upper ing me. Nothing was damaged, fortunately. Peninsula of Michigan. My group stopped Gotta love polyethylene. It wasn’t the in Rhinelander for a very late lunch. I greatest thing to clean up but it made for a wanted to visit Mel’s Trading Post, another good story! small outdoor shop, before we headed home. Once there, I started talking to a Little known fact Kayak Outfitting, gentleman. It came up that I worked at about you: I really Accessories and Rutabaga. Apparently he had recently been Replacement like Death Metal. talking to Darren on the phone about Jim’s Hatch Covers passing. I told him that I had one of Jim’s Sand strategies: old boats on my car as we speak, and started Admit defeat. Industry Leading Kayak come visit describing the TW Special. His eyes lit up us at booth L24 Fishing Gear 76 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 — Presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR INFLATABLE SUP EXPLORE YOUR WORLD

220 W Broadway, Madison, WI 53716, United States http://www.rutabaga.com/ +1 608-223-9300 for more info head to redpaddleco.com FEATURES Connie Lane ‘Baga Booth? Bargain ‘Baga? Years at Rutabaga: 5 What is the difference between them? What got you paddling: Child- Connie’s ‘Baga Booth (M1) Bargain ‘Baga Booth(N22) hood vacations in Maine to visit family… relatives had “camps” (aka, a cabin or If you’ve been attending Canoecopia Hunting for summer clothing before house) on a lake and we paddled around in for a number of years then you know summer, and searching for the last great my uncles’ canoes, eating blueberries and that there are treasures hiding in some deal on warm winter apparel? Visit collecting leeches, and living the good life. booths that begin with a “B.” Can’t find the Bargain ‘Baga booth with blowout Favorite place to paddle: “O, Canada, I something in one of the hundreds of discounts of 40-75%. All Sales Final. Go stand on guard for thee.” That’s right, vendor booths? Then check the ‘Baga nuts,just leave the hanger behind. Canadian canoe trips inspired me to learn booth, affectionately called Connie’s the Canadian national anthem. Favorite ‘Baga Booth. You’ll find Connie with the part of Rutabaga: Running test in gear she knows and loves. Featuring well autumn. And convincing customers to try loved brands like Adventure Medical snowshoeing. Kits, Buff Headwear, Granite Gear, GCI Sitbackers, Eds and Essex (wooden canoe Favorite boat: seats, thwarts and yokes), Tilley hats, NovaCraft Prospectors. Canoes logoed T-shirts, SpiBelt, Superfeet, and that will take you more. where you want to go.

Sand strategies: Acceptance.

Just you and 2,300 lakes, rivers and streams With one of the highest concentrations of freshwater in the world, you’ll have no problem finding your own space in the Minocqua area.

Minocqua.org • 800.44.north 78 | Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 — Presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports SIDEBAR: CARING FOR OUR WATER We must become better, more informed Surveys) and see what the EPA has stewards of our watershed. Water quality is found regarding the conditions of your a multi-layered, complex issue. It isn’t just water and pollutant levels. Search the “is this stream clear?” True water quality DNR (wi.dnr.gov) for “Water Condi- is actually a pretty interesting and detailed tion Viewer” to link to interactive subject, well beyond the ability and space maps reporting the quality of water to delve into. (Trust us. We’ve tried to resources of interest to you. shoehorn it in, and it is a complete no-go.) ■■ Become more politically involved. As our waters are under increasing Know who your elected state govern- pressure, it is our duty to become more ment officials are (legis.wisconsin. engaged, more involved in their protection gov) and their legislative proposals and use. There are four major things we and voting records related to land and ask you to do. water resources policies. ■ ■ Become more informed about ■■ Join one or more advocacy groups that factors that influence what we call share your perspectives on natural “water quality.” Learn about the five resources. major elements to true water health: quantity, quality, riparian (shoreline) Thank you for becoming an advocate for and aquatic habitats, food chain, and the aquatic playgrounds that we all love so connectivity of the water chain. much.

■■ Learn about your local water quality. Darren Bush, with thanks to friends who Do a web search on “EPA NARS” know more about these things. (NARS: National Aquatic Resource

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Don’t fear your local specialty retail shop Why we do what we do from Kate Westphal I can still remember the day I got the phone staff is a diverse group of people, with many mine. I hope you are reading this thinking the call with the news that I had been hired by different interests and paddling experiences. same thing too. In the end, we just want you Rutabaga Paddlesports. It wasn’t that long We have strengths and weaknesses. Some of to feel confident out on the water and in all ago, about the beginning of February. I was my co-workers are very seasoned paddlers your outdoor adventures. We hope to do that leaving my current job at the time, sitting in and outdoor enthusiasts, and have logged a by providing good customer service, the right my Jeep. There was some squealing, and a lot lot of hours out there. They have the stories gear, and a whole bunch of classes. So the of smiles. After my excitement had subsided, and gear to prove it! But we all remember next time you need anything paddle related — another feeling set in. “Wait, can I do this?” the beginning. Everyone here at Rutabaga is if you don’t already — come to Rutabaga first. I thought to myself. It was my passion for the happy to share tips and tricks or favorite spots outdoors and outdoor clothing that brought to go. If you are overwhelmed with how to me to Rutabaga. “These people are paddlers, begin, come to us for that too. Just come. We serious canoeists and kayakers.” I had been can tell you what you need now and what can canoeing since I was a kid, but only up nort’ wait for later. in the summer, never in a serious manner by Kate Westphal any means. Sure, Rutabaga goes into their “These places seem intimidating, like Years at Rutabaga: 2 season with plenty of training for staff (they you have to be a total pro to come in How did you get started pad- discussed that in the interview) but I just had and talk to the staff or look at product. this feeling like I wasn’t going to fit in. There ding: I started paddling as a kid, with my is a bit of a misconception that make these But many of our customers are first- mom at my grandparents’ house up north. places seem intimidating, like you have to be time paddlers, from all over the place.” Nothing fancy, and no formal training of a total pro to come in and talk to the staff or any kind. We would just paddle around the look at product. I had felt this way for years in My first season here I was relieved to find lake looking for turtles and other creatures. regards to ski shops. that many of our customers are first-time paddlers, from all over the place. There are of Longest trip: Weekend trips are about the Even with my butterflies, I was excited to course, more experienced paddlers who come longest I have been out on the water. start at Rutabaga. My first couple of months in knowing exactly what they are looking for Favorite place to paddle: That’s got to be were a whirlwind! First I met all my new and do know more than me. It turned out I the place I started, Lake Hodstradt, near co-workers, then training started immediately, liked working with them because I learned Rhinelander, Wisconsin. then Canoecopia was here and gone, and then from the experience. the season started! Rentals, test paddles, and Best memory of Rutabaga: I would say the This past summer I had a really great more training! Time flew by! In that time, day that the huge, dead snapping turtle customer experience that I don’t think I will without even knowing it really, I became washed up on the back lawn. Everyone went ever forget. They were a family of three ­— a comfortable, well more than comfortable. back there to see it. We threw its body in mother, father and son — really nice folks, Perhaps quietly confident. I realized that our the tall grass. Later in the summer some of new to paddling and looking to have some us went back there to collect parts. Tadhg fun together. We started at the beginning. It got his shell and I took the skull. was a long sale, they had a lot of questions, and I had a lot of information. When it was Favorite boat: This is a tough one. If we all said and done, they left with everything are talking canoes, NovaCraft Prospector they needed to go kayaking. Before they left, 16. Kayaks, it’s the the mom told me that she felt more confident. Current Designs She called later to tell us how much they Willow. enjoyed their boats and how well their son was paddling around. I was touched and a Sand strategies: little impressed with myself. These types of It helps if you just interactions really make this place and my consider it a great job special. Getting outside can truly change exfoliant. someone’s life. It most definitely changed

Rutabaga Paddlesports presents — Canoecopia Show Guide 2016 | 83 ‘ baga staff Rutabaga’s 2016 Core Staff: Back Row, L-R Ethan Scheiwe, Mike Kelly, Amelia Musser, Darren Bush, Tadhg Barrett, Jim Pippitt, Joel O’Neill. Middle Row: Sasha Stone, Mary Bonk, Connie Lane, Kate Westphal. Front Row: Nancy Saulsbury, Kirk Wall, Marit Haug, Sawyer Hamstra, Scott Hamstra, Valerie Hamstra. Not pictured: Woody Osborne CANOECOPIA Information in Brief

What World’s Largest Paddlesport Expo. Filled with canoes, Rutabaga’s 2016 Seasonal ‘Hard Core’ Staff (these kayaks, SUP, paddle gear, staff have been with us for speakers, exhibitors, and the 2 or more seasons): L-R coolest visitors in the world Claiborne Seier (4), Bob from all over the world. Plewa (2), Lisa Kummer (3), Richard Retzlaff (2), When March 11: 4–9 pm Ian Doherty (2). March 12: 9–6 pm Not pictured: Andrew March 13: 10–5 pm Whitenack (3) Where Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center. Map on pg. 6 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 Pre-order $12/day, $22/3-day pass paddlesports admission pre-order at rutabaga.com before 3/1 Admission $15/day, $25/3-day pass (17 & under free) Cash or check at the door Parking $7/day, $19.50/3-day pass

Add’l Info. www.canoecopia.com canoecopia.com