Paddle Fest 2023 - Youth Registration

Presentations
7:30 - 9:00       Registration and Exhibits

8:00 - 9:00       Session 1

Boreal Birds and the Big River - Vern Fish                                                                                                                                                                            

The Big River is actually a little river that flows through a remote segment of the Wabadowgang Noopming Forest three hours north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. This small river is an historic canoe route with outstanding wilderness values. We explored this wild river with a paddle, bird book and an audio recorder. Waterfalls, rapids, rugged portages and species at risk can still be found along this challenging wilderness canoe route.

Many of the birds that nest in the boreal forest past though Iowa during the migration. The two organizations, the Friends of Wabakimi and Ontario Nature formed a partnership to conduct a bird survey of the Big River Watershed. This survey was used as an argument to protect bird habitat and the wilderness values of the Big River canoe route. “This trip was a great demonstration of combining efforts and resources for a common goal of protecting natural spaces and species,” said Kristen Setala, Community Science Intern for Ontario Nature.

9:00 - 9:15       Welcome

9:15 - 10:00     Session 2

A 99 County Tour of County Conservation Parks – Sherry Johnson                                                                 

In 2018, Sherry set out on an adventure to explore Iowa and visit a county park in each of Iowa's 99 counties. Join her as she takes a look back on how it all started and hear about her travels along the way.

4500 Mile Whitewater Kayak and River Surf Adventure – Hannah Ray J and Marty Colbert

Take a ride from Iowa to Oregon and back with 4 kayaks, 6 surfboards, and all the other van-ssentials needed.

Kayak Fishing Iowa’s Driftless Rivers - Tanner Speidel                                                               

Iowa can be broken down into two areas; the driftless and everything else. Tanner will discuss how the area is unique, areas to paddle, and how to catch the cold water fish.

10:15 - 11:00   Session 3

 Minnesota’s Water Trails – Erin Bjork

Join a Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa Field Coordinator for tales from the MN Water Trails, a 4,500+ mile system encompassing 35 designated Water Trails. Bjork will discuss Water Trail maintenance theory and methods, outlining how Conservation Corps Minnesota trains crews to carry out this unique type of work in partnership with the MNDNR. Come for discussion of conservation and recreation, stay for the videos of underwater chainsaws!

Boundary Waters Trip Planning  – Jim Janssen

An introduction or refresher for those wishing to explore Minnesota's magnificent Boundary Waters Canoe Area wildness or Ontario's Quetico wilderness area.   Topics will include attributes of wilderness travel, desired equipment and skills, trip planning, and the rewards gained through such experiences.  Presenter has lead 30+ trips and authored numerous articles in the Boundary Waters Journal.

How To Get Started In White Water Kayaking – Chuck Ungs and Lynne Majetic

Iowa is making an amazing transition - low head dams are being removed, and in their place, we are growing white water opportunities here.  If you have an interest in getting started in the sport, we can offer some thoughts and ideas on how to begin, what groups you may wish to join and where you may want to look to connect with this community.  While only you can really answer why – our guess is the thrill of the adventure, we are pleased to give you some direction and we’ll be excited to see you grow in the sport!

11:15 - 12:15   Keynote Speaker

 Missouri River: 3 Forks MT to the Gulf of Mexico - 3700 Miles of Fun- Dave Hillman 

In the summer of 2022, Dave Hilllman completed a solo kayaking journey from the Headwaters of the Missouri river at 3 Forks MT to the Gulf of Mexico. The trip covered 3700 miles, 13 states and took a total of 123 days. This presentation covers the amazing wildlife, geography, history, people and places connected to the longest river system in the United States. 

12:15 - 1:00     Lunch and Exhibits

1:00 - 1:45       Session 4

Charles City Whitewater Park and the Charles City Challenge – Ginger Williams and Hannah Ray J

Charles City was the first city in Iowa to develop and build a whitewater park.  Learn about the whitewater park and some of the great events like the Charles City Challenge that brings paddlers from the Midwest and around the country to Charles City, Iowa.

Paddling Waterfall Heaven on the Rio Claro, Chile– Glenn Harman

Join Glenn on this unbelievable trip to Chile on a whitewater adventure.

Kayak Journaling – Rene Robinson

Creating a record of your Kayak trips is fun, creative, illuminating, history making, and helpful in solving arguments among fellow paddlers! (“10 miles! No, it was 9.8 miles!”) Come learn how to improve and expand your journaling skills, discuss Your Favorite Paddling apps, master tips for better photos, and gain a deeper appreciation of paddling through journaling. Whether you use a physical journal or an online app, recording your passion has many advantages.

2:00 - 2:45       Session 5

From the Urban Scene to the Prairie Stream: Iowa’s Water Quality Challenges – Josh Balk and Clark Porter    

Josh and Clark will explain the signs and symptoms of Iowa's water quality threats as seen from the perspective of a paddler. They will also share ideas for how Midwesterners who care about their streams can get involved.

Paddling The Maquoketas – Dubuque County – Dan Cohen                                                                                                            

Last year, Dan presented a travelogue for paddling the Maquoketa River in Jackson County, and just began to move on to the North Fork of the Maquoketa and Little Maquoketa rivers in Dubuque County, when time ran short.  This program continues the adventure, with descriptive photos and information of what to expect while meandering down these shallow water trails.  If time allows, the program also will include a short stretch of Lytle Creek as it winds through the Driftless Area.  

Paddling Emergency Preparedness (PEP) – Are you ready? –Vern Fish

Have you ever had to deal with a serious injury on a canoe trip? Have you ever been truly lost in the “wilderness”? If it breaks, can you fix it? Have you ever had to make either an emergency or a non-emergency exit? Do you carry whistle and are you PEP’ed and ready?

Meet my Guardian Angel and understand the difference between “next of kin” and “friends & family”. Experience an emergency exit and see the value of a satellite phone. Dig into my first aid and repair kit and tell me what you carry. In the past five years I have had to do one emergency and three non-emergency exits. Together, we can both learn how to prepare for these unplanned adventures.

2:45 - 3:15       Community Share                                                                                                                 

This is your opportunity to share with those in attendance anything you want to regarding paddling groups, trips, questions, or anything else related to paddling.

3:15 – 4:30      Iowa Whitewater Coalition Annual Meeting at The W    

The Iowa Whitewater Coalition will be having its Annual Meeting at Paddlefest! The IWC meeting agenda will include: (1) A short review of the 2022 IWC Year in Review Highlights by Dave Hillman; (2) An Update on the IDNR low head dam mitigation activities by Glenn Harmon. The IWC meeting is open to everyone - please join us to wrap up the Paddlefest day of paddling fun and education!

3:15 – 5:00      Reception at CrawDaddy Outdoors                                                                                   

We will have an afterhours reception back at the store only for those in attendance at Paddle Fest.  Join us for some beverages and snacks as well as some great deals throughout the store. 

After Hours Deals at CrawDaddy Outdoors

20% off all in stock Kayaks, Canoes, SUP’s               40% off clothing                     25% off everything else in the store.

Exhibitors

CrawDaddy Outdoors

Conservation Corps of Minnesota/Iowa

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

Dry Run Creek/Miller Creek Watershed Projects

Black Hawk Co Water Trails

Friends of Wabakimi Provincial Park

Charles City Whitewater Park

Green Iowa AmeriCorps – Trees Forever

Waverly Chamber of Commerce

North Cedar Water Trail Network

Cedar Valley Paddlers