Canoecopia: The World’s Largest Paddlesports Expo
6-minute read
If you’re a paddling enthusiast in North America, you probably know about Canoecopia, the mecca of paddlesports expos. This annual March event draws thousands of people for three days of workshops and a peek into the newest and best gear of the year.
“Every year, right before we open the door on Friday at 3:00, I take a selfie with the crowd that stretches back all the way to the entrance of the Exhibition Hall. Lots of familiar faces in these, and I'm always blown away by the love our customers show me.”
Darren Bush has been the driving force behind this event since its inception. He recently announced his upcoming retirement from host retailer Rutabaga for a career change, and so we wanted to sit down with him to talk all things Canoecopia.
If you’ve been an attendee yourself, you’ll appreciate this look at the history and future of this massive event. If not, hopefully this will inspire you to attend sometime soon!
How Canoecopia Got Started
Darren has been with Madison-based Rutabaga Paddlesports since 1990. He became the sole owner in 2007. As he said, “Canoecopia started with ‘meet the folks who built the boats.’ The presidents of the boat companies would come to a shop down on Park Street with a trailer full of boats. People would come to talk with them and buy one.”
They originally hosted the event at the Dane County Forum with one speaker room reserved. As it grew, they eventually moved it to Alliant Energy Center, where they now have eight or nine speaker rooms going throughout the three days.
The most recent years (other than the COVID knock-back) have seen fifteen to twenty thousand people attend. They represent paddlers of all skill levels, ages, locations and watercraft. It’s the largest paddlesports expo of its kind in the US, and honestly, probably in the world.
Who Will Benefit from Canoecopia?
When we asked Darren what type of paddler benefits the most from this event, he laughed and said, “All of them!” But he was quick to point out that it’s the beginners who can potentially glean the most.
Someone could never have picked up a paddle before, attend workshops for the three days of Canoecopia, pick the brains of the experts in the vendor hall, and leave with a head full of enough information (not to mention some top-quality gear) to be well on their way.
They’ll learn how to choose a kayak, which safety practices are the most important, what type of water demands which skills and a myriad of other topics to benefit them.
But intermediate and expert paddlers can go away with just as much value, too. About 100 workshops are offered each year, including destinations, advanced skill topics, wilderness First Aid and outdoor cooking, just to name a few.
Workshop participants learn some outdoor cooking tips
And of equal benefit for everyone is the chance to meet the folks who make and sell the products they’ll use. Vendors have their new and best-selling items there in the hall for participants to get their hands on.
It’s an in-person connection where potential buyers can see and feel the difference between quality paddleshop products and cheap budget store items.
The Vendors Benefit, Too
“The real benefit for vendors,” Darren said, “is that it’s kind of the bellwether of the industry. It’s the first time consumers are seeing their [new] product. And because it’s in March, the vendors get to be there and watch how people react to their product. A lot of times, the owners, CEOs and sales managers are there just to watch.”
And, of course, it’s always the icing on the cake for them to sell product at the event as well, which is usually offered at an expo discount.
A team from Aqua Bound is in the Vendor Hall every year, and we can testify to the value of connecting personally with the people who use our paddles. Also, the paddlesports community is a tight one, so it’s always good to see our friends from other companies when we’re there.
The Aqua Bound team’s Canoecopia booth in 2025 (photo courtesy of Aqua Bound)
2025 saw about 200 vendors in the 100,000-square-foot hall, with another 50 in the speakers’ rooms. Canoecopia also hosts around 40 non-profits from the paddlesports world each year.
The Future of Rutabaga and Canoecopia
At first, Darren planned to close down Rutabaga when he decided to make a life switch to become a part-time hospice chaplain—an area where he’s been volunteering for many years. But he received so much unexpected encouragement from different sources to sell instead of close, that he agreed to that direction.
He decided he’d wait for the right person or people to invest in the shop. As we publish this, he’s in the process of working with an interested party.
He said, “It’s gonna keep going with the same level of customer service that I’ve had. The right person will get it. That’s my commitment to the store and to the staff that this is going to continue with the same ethos.”
His other commitment is to keep Canoecopia linked with Rutabaga. He’s already working on the 2026 event and is willing to work with the new owner to ensure it’s as big a success as it’s ever been.
What’s Next for Darren?
Moving more fully into hospice chaplaincy is a natural fit for Darren. He said, “People have asked me what the number one thing of importance is in hospice work. I say that people need to be seen, be heard and be loved. But, really, that’s true for everything.
“When I’m in the shop and there’s someone who’s clearly struggling with pain or whatever, I often say, ‘Let’s go outside and sit on the dock. Whether you buy a boat or not isn’t as important as the fact that you’re suffering right now.’
“I have to look in the mirror every day and feel good about what I do. That’s what my life is. It’s just gonna change who I do it with. I just want people to be happy and at peace, and if I can help with that, great.”
Darren and his wife, Stephanie, on the water
He plans to spend 2026 decompressing and doing some traveling. He talks of writing a book. In 2027, he hopes to finally get in a few paddling trips with friends.
Plan Your Canoecopia Participation
Your next chance to go to Canoacopia yourself is March 13-15, 2026. As always, it will be held at the Alliant Energy Center Exposition Hall in Madison, Wisconsin.
You’ll get the most out of it by participating all three days. Choose from among the dozens of great workshops for paddling education on a huge variety of topics. And be sure to spend time browsing through the vendors and non-profit organizations—taking advantage of event discounts while you’re at it.
Finally, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow paddlers from all over the world. Who knows, maybe you’ll get to know folks who’ll turn into lifelong friends!
Learn more and register on the Canoecopia website
You can also keep up with event news by following Canoecopia’s Facebook page.
We—along with everyone in the paddlesports community—thank Darren for his commitment and the years he’s invested. You’ll find him on Facebook and Substack.
Photos courtesy of Darren Bush and Canoecopia, except where noted.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or sales@aquabound.com.
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