Open canoeing in the U.K.

The U.K. has a strong history of canoeing and kayaking and every fall they hold an "open canoe" symposium. The 2010 Welsh Open Canoe Symposium was held in Wales Oct. 8-10th. Owner and Founder of Wenonah Canoe Mike Cichanowski attended and was the keynote speaker at the event. He gave a full presentation on american style paddling, and how open boat design and manufacturing has changed in the last 40 years to several hundred eager paddlers. He also provided 2 full days of on water instruction detailing proper technique and skill development for sit and switch paddling.

Also in attendance as main supporter and sponsor of the event was Richard Bennett, the owner of Outdoor Active (The Canoe and Kayak Store) our European importer.

Dana Henry Whitewater Paddling the Flooded Root River

Watch the video here!




In a 24 hour period around September 23, 2010 localized heavy rainfall dumped 8-10” in areas of Southeast Minnesota. Many of the small rivers and creeks swelled well out of their banks in a short order and wide spread flooding occurred in many of the regional communities.

Wenonah Canoe’s own World Class whitewater paddler Dana Henry and Marketing Director Jake Greseth grabbed the video cameras, loaded up a trailer and headed for the Root River near Lanesboro, MN in search of some rare whitewater paddling in Southeast Minnesota.

They found some gnarly water, did some great play boating and caught it all on film as the small river ragged at over 13,000 cfs. With his extensive experience, Dana tamed the river and made the Wenonah Rendezvous dance with effortless strokes.