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July 11-12, 2026
9am-3pm
Take your canoeing and camping skills to the next level with this hands-on, two-day course designed for paddlers ready to explore wilderness waters with confidence.
Day one focuses on planning and preparation, including gear selection and use, waterproof and balanced pack loading, shelf-stable meal planning, food dehydration and storage, navigation with map and compass, and tips for trip planning, permits, and logistics for remote destinations such as the Boundary Waters, Quetico, and other backcountry areas. Stories, photos, and slides from past expeditions will provide real-world insights and inspiration.
On day two, we move to a local waterway for on-the-water practice. Students will learn efficient portaging techniques, proper canoe loading and weight distribution, and essential paddling strokes. Additional skills covered include campsite setup, tarp setup, camp cooking, weather and wildlife considerations, beginner river reading, basic water rescue, and overall wilderness safety. By the end of the course, participants will gain practical skills and confidence for planning and enjoying multi-day canoe trips in remote settings.
Students should make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing and good footwear for uneven surfaces. Students are also welcome to bring any gear they may have questions about or may want to become more familiar with during the course.
Students are encouraged to camp on Saturday night! There may be an option to share a meal as a group, cooked over a camping stove or fire. (Add normal camping paragraph here with link to register for camping)
Tuition: $155
Materials: $0
Since this is an all day course, lunch is included.
This course is for students 16+.
Look out for Wilderness Canoeing 101 in our course catalog, as well!
Your Instructor
ZACH FRITZ
(he/him)
Zach Fritz found his love for all things canoeing and the outdoors when he went on his first canoe trip when he was four years old. Since then, he has paddled thousands of miles through some of the last remaining wild places left in North America. Zach is passionate about sharing his love for the outdoors, seeking adventure, and the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. When off the water, Zach has found a love for building his own canoe paddles, bird hunting with his dog Scout, or anything else that will get him outside! Zach is currently living in Madison, WI while his girlfriend pursues her PhD at the University of Wisconsin.