Reposted from The Skillet Creek Journal - Outdoor lovers from all over the mid-west will be gathering in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend, March 12 – 14, 2010, for Canoecopia, the world’s largest paddle sports expo. Hosted by Rutabaga of Madison, Canoecopia features hundreds of vendors from the outdoor industry and 3 days of presentations by some of the world’s foremost paddling experts and instructors. In addition, many outfitters and guides from around the country will be on hand to promote their 2010 trips from Great Lakes excursions to full-on world class expeditions. Did we mention the sales, promotions & discounts?

This is a good time to get your stuff. Really. Canoecopia offers an event-wide discount on pretty much everything you’ll see including canoes, kayaks, camping gear, clothing and more. What’s more, you have a chance to try things and talk to the vendors directly. In addition many merchants and exhibitors will be offering a variety of special offers and give-aways all weekend long. We hear Duluth Pack makers of leather and canvas luggage, backpacks and other outdoor gear will be giving away a $50 gift card each day for Rutabaga for a start.

Paddlers will also not want to miss the world premiere of This is Canoeing by Justine Curgenven. Well known for her This is the Sea kayaking series, Justine’s new film is a long overdue celebration of the single blade, showcasing some of canoeing’s most talented paddlers as they explore wilderness & run challenging whitewater in open boats. The premiere party will be at the High Noon Saloon on Saturday at 8pm. There will be Dancing and a DJ after the premiere. $5 cover at the door.

Yours truly will also be at the event to talk about the 2010 Door County Sea Kayak Symposium, and on Sunday afternoon I will be in the pool demonstrating traditional or “Greenland” kayak rolling.

While you’re at Canoecopia, you may also want to visit the huge Bike-O-Rama sale next door where you’ll find thousands of bikes and tons of gear as well. Both events are held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, so it’s easy to walk from one to the other.

Canoecopia & Bike-O-Rama is the real kick off to spring in this part of the country. It’s more than simply “sales”, it’s a celebration of the outdoors, a show, a gathering of friends, an education, and a party all rolled into one big weekend. It all begins in just 4 days.. See you there!

Related Posts:

1. Waste
2. GKC Hosts “This is the Sea 4″ Premiere
3. Dawn Chorus
4. This is the Sea 4 Takes The Stage
5. Lady Pictureshow