Jim Gallagher, far north paddler, goes in-depth on the Aqua Bound Edge Canoe Paddle – it’s specifically designed for challenging situations, the paddle breaks down into sections for easy packing – a big plus for fly-in canoe trips. From performance in whitewater to packing for an arctic canoe trip….
Read Jim’s take >
Do you dream of paddling icy arctic rivers amidst muskoxen and caribou? Ever look at a map and let your thoughts drift across the rivers of Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Saskatchewan…? Join a group of intrepid paddlers who have canoed the Far North at a one-day event in St. Louis Park MN. Explorers and paddlers will share their adventures, hard-won wisdom, and stories of special trips to a wilderness where travelers are few.
This year’s themes and speakers include:
North Knife River, Manitoba – Peter Vaughan, Bruce and Anders Arnevik
Horton River, NWT/Nunavut – Jim Gallagher
Seagull Lake to York Factory/Hudson Bay, MN/Ontario/Manitoba – Chelsea Froemke, Steph Branchaud, Tessa Larson
Wabakimi Prov. Park, Ontario – Andrew Vavra, Allison Carolan
Baillie/Back Rivers, Nunavut – Mike Brumbaugh
Thelon River NWT/Nunavut — Lee Sessions
Movie Labrador Passage — Peter Marshall
Plan a trip, find a group to join, or just get inspired.
Find out More >
]]>Read our Interview Here >
Top left: Sawbill’s founders, Frank and Mary Alice Hansen, with children Ranna, Bill and Karl in 1957. Bottom left: Bill and Cindy Hansen. At right: Clare (Hansen) Shirley and Dan Shirley with their new baby Kit Floriselle.
One of the Boundary Waters’ historic outfitters lives on with the third generation of the Hansen family! Sawbill has been outfitting paddlers of all experience levels, helping them enjoy the canoe country wilderness of the BWCA for 60 years. Now, new parents Clare and Dan Shirley are excited to embark on the next chapter of Sawbill’s legacy and continue the tradition of personal service and family-friendly canoe trip outfitting.
Find your ‘Welcome to Wilderness’ with Sawbill Canoe Outfitters >
A full day of canoeing and kayaking in the Adirondacks! Whether you’re new to paddling or well-versed, the Paddlers Freshet Fest is for everyone. Sign up now for morning training clinics, an afternoon guided trip, and an evening dinner followed by a guest presentation.
See complete schedule at http://
Activities include:
- Solo Canoe Paddling Clinic
- Tandem Canoe Paddling Clinic
- Double-Blade Paddling Clinic
- Moving Water Clinic
- Afternoon Guided Trips
- Island Tour on Lower Saranac Lake
- Raquette River History Tour
- Saranac River Naturalist Tour
There’s a new paddling race event in Townsend Wi along the beautiful Townsend Flowage. The first annual Northwoods Paddlin’ Shootout, June 10th, 11th and 12th will feature five paddle sports races on a ½ mile closed course around four turns. Participants in Kayak Singles, Pro Kayak Singles, Kayak Doubles, Canoe Doubles and Paddleboard Singles will challenge the course and each other during the three day event. Participants from the local area, around the state and the Midwest are expected to compete for cash prizes and the “Thrill of Victory.”
Hopefully the Northwoods Paddlin’ Shootout will grow to be a first class annual event and is produced by FishingBoatingOutdoor of Lakewood, Wisconsin with collaboration by selected businesses, groups and individuals.
Find out more about the Northwoods Paddlin’ Shootout >
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Voyageurs National Park Photo courtesy http://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/voyageurs-national-park
… and that means entry to each and every National Park is totally free. Its time to get out, explore and #findyourpark! http://www.nationalparkweek.org
A few highlights:
April 16–24: Visit for free! Throughout National Park Week in 2016, every national park will give you free admission!
April 16: National Junior Ranger Day
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: National Park Instameet
April 24: Park Rx Day
Find A National Park Near You >
National Park Week is the time to discover national parks and the wonders they contain. Find your park!
Photo courtesy National Park Service
For years we’ve been digging through the ACA web site for events, classes, and paddlesports news, and we’ve never really grasped the depth of the American Canoe Association and all it does. So what is it?
The ACA was founded in 1880 and has since grown “into the nation’s largest and most active nonprofit paddlesports organization with 30,000 members and over 300 Clubs and Affiliates across the United States and abroad.” These days, the ACA produces paddlesport events, certifies instructors, facilitates stewardship, organizes world-class competitions, promotes adaptive paddling, and supports local clubs in a myriad of ways. As paddlesports grow, and the health of our waters becomes more important every day, the ACA is on the leading edge — “to work at the grassroots, regional and national levels to promote fun and responsible canoeing, kayaking, rafting and stand up paddleboarding and advocacy for recreational access and stewardship of America’s waterways.”
What can you find on their site? A ton! Here are just a few highlights and links we use frequently:
- What’s New >
- Paddlesports Events Calendars >
(everything from races to classes, at all skill levels across the entire US) - Explore Water Trails >
(Find a water trail near you with this handy search tool!) - PADDLE eMagazine >
(Love this magazine, its free to everyone in a digital edition)
Canoeing.com is proud to be an affiliate of the ACA, families, individuals, and clubs can join for number of benefits, find out more HERE…
Try out new paddling gear, research trip destinations, and connect with other paddlers at Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin March 11-13. Stop by the Canoeing.com booth and sign up for a chance to win a trip to the BWCAW!
Presented by paddlesports shop Rutabaga, Canoecopia features 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, Stand Up Paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing. More than 200 manufacturers, outfitters and guides, schools and other paddling organizations are represented. Education opportunities include more than 150 seminars, speakers and clinics for inspiration, and learning everything you need to know to select, purchase and use the perfect gear for your style of paddling.
Canoecopia is held at Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Admission is $15 per day or $25 for the weekend. Visit the Canoecopia website for more information, including nearby lodging.
Visit the Canoeing.com booth to share your stories, pick up our “I Heart Paddling” sticker, and sign up to win our BWCAW fully outfitted trip for two. The outfitting package from Bearskin Wilderness Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail, includes:
- Kevlar canoe with paddles and life vests
- Alps Taurus tent with ground tarp
- Alps Mountaineering sleeping bag with micro fiber liner
- Thermorest full length sleeping pad
- Dining fly with rope
- Folding saw
- First aid kit (minimal)
- Camp stove plus fuel
- Water filter
- Water bottles and jug
- Cook kit with plates
- Coffee percolator/tea kettle
- Cooking/eating utensils-kitchen clean-up items and dish soap
- Insulated food pack
- Portage packs for gear and personal items
See you in Madison!
As paddlers, we’re often the people who do the most to protect and improve the waterways that we love, and this is a great way to do even more — Eligible projects include: cleaning up waterways, clearing in-stream safety hazards, maintaining access areas, erecting signs and controlling erosion, establishing and maintaining paddle trails, acquiring threatened access points, and providing sanitary facilities. Grant amounts range from $100-$1,000.
Find Out More >
