Getting Ready for Demo Day!

If you’re eyeing a new canoe or just want to test the waters, Demo Day is your perfect chance to get hands-on with some of the best boats in the business. The headliner this year is Wenonah Canoe, a company with deep roots in paddling culture and a lineup that's as thoughtfully engineered as it is varied.

Founded in 1968 in Winona, Minnesota, Wenonah has long been a name synonymous with performance and innovation. Built by paddlers for paddlers, the company has stayed true to its mission—creating ultra-light, fast, and stable boats designed for real-world adventures, whether that's backcountry tripping, recreational cruising, or marathon racing. Wenonah’s boats are still built by hand in the U.S., and they’re known for pushing the boundaries of material science and design in the world of human-powered watercraft.

At this year’s Demo Day, Wenonah is bringing a dozen canoes, offering a generous cross-section of their fleet. Among them are some longtime favorites and a couple of exciting new models.

You’ll be able to try the Minnesota II, a flagship tandem that’s fast, stable, and ideal for extended trips, along with the Escape, a slightly shorter but still high-performance alternative. The Spirit II stands out as a true all-rounder, handling both lakes and rivers with confidence, while the Champlain is built for volume and stability, making it perfect for families or gear-heavy expeditions. Solo paddlers will have plenty to choose from too, including the efficient and responsive Prism, the long-distance cruiser Voyager, the speed-oriented Advantage, and the gear-friendly Wilderness. On top of these familiar names, Wenonah will showcase at least one of the new Superlite models, which focus on ultralight builds, and one of their InTek infusion canoes, built with cutting-edge vacuum-infusion technology for enhanced strength and reduced weight.

Understanding the materials behind each canoe can help you make the best choice. Wenonah offers a few different construction options depending on your needs. Tuf-weave® Flex-Core is a durable fiberglass-polyester blend suitable for general-purpose paddling. Amid Ultra-Light offers excellent strength-to-weight ratios and is ideal for long-distance trips. Graphite Ultra-Light is the lightest and stiffest, built for those who prioritize speed and performance. Their newest innovation, InTek Infusion, brings even more strength with minimal weight, using a vacuum infusion process that bonds resin and fabric with precision. T-Formex canoes are incredibly tough, offering outstanding durability and resilience.

They're a perfect choice for sportsmen, whitewater paddlers, families, or anyone looking for a canoe that can handle rugged conditions and years of adventure.

When it comes to getting the most out of Demo Day, a little prep goes a long way. Start by thinking about how and where you paddle most—are you looking for speed and efficiency on long trips, or something more versatile for day outings and mixed conditions? Come ready to try several canoes, even if some seem similar on paper. You’ll be surprised how different they can feel on the water, especially once you factor in things like balance, tracking, and how they respond to your paddling style.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions—Wenonah’s reps know their stuff and can explain the differences in hull shape, rocker, width, and materials in practical terms. Also, try to test the boats in conditions similar to how you'll normally paddle. If possible, bring the gear you’d typically carry to get a real feel for how the canoe performs when loaded. Lastly, make time for reflection between each test run. Jot down your impressions, even if it’s just a quick note on comfort, speed, or handling. Your future self—especially one deciding between two great canoes—will thank you.

Wenonah is bringing both legacy models and fresh tech to the water this year, so there’s something for every kind of paddler. Don’t miss the chance to test them out and talk to folks who know these canoes inside and out.