Bear Paulsen doesn’t have any real memories from his first canoe trip in the wilds. Not because of advanced years or injury, but because he had not yet celebrated his second birthday. Bear is a prominent figure in the canoeing and outdoor recreation world, known for his expertise and advocacy for wilderness enjoyment and preservation.
That first canoe trip in the wilderness with his family was followed by many more. Bear is a firm believer that early exposure of children to wilderness trips will keep the outdoors traditions alive. In their early years kids are not yet overexposed to electronic diversions and their natural curiosity teaches them to appreciate all the woods and water offer. In fact, Bear and his wife took their son Dash, now a thriving 6-year old adventurer, into the wilds when he was just an infant. His wife says that maternity leave is just another word for vacation.
Canoecopia
You have a chance to see and gain some wisdom from Bear at Canoecopia March 7-9 in Madison, WI. Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world and takes place at the Alliant Energy Center Exposition Hall. The main hall contains more than 100,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing.
Bear attended his first Canoecopia in 1997 and has been there almost every year. The first Canoecopia event was in 1976 as a sidewalk sale for the outdoor store Rutabaga in Madison, Wisconsin. With over 100 presentations and clinics, Canoecopia is also an educational event where you can learn about specific gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far.
The name Canoecopia itself conjures images of shimmering water, the gentle dip of a paddle, and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, not just a trade show; it’s a celebration of paddling. One of the most appealing aspects of Canoecopia is its strong sense of community. It’s a gathering of like-minded individuals, all sharing a passion for the water. Whether you’re chatting with a vendor about their latest design, swapping stories with a fellow paddler, or attending a presentation by a renowned explorer, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who understand your love for the outdoors.
On Sunday at 10:30, Bear’s talk, one of three presentations he’s scheduled for, will cover the SIX Ps for enjoying the BWCAW: Permits, Planning, Packing, Paddling, Portaging, and Protecting. It starts with the all-important pre-trip items of permits and planning, along with hints on avoiding crowds. Bear loves the wilderness and has made many long solo trips, both in the BWCAW and the wilderness in Canada.
Northstar Canoes
Bear is the longtime general manager for Northstar Canoes, a leading manufacturer of high-quality canoes in Minnesota. Bear is a longtime friend of Rockwood Lodge where Northstar Kevlar canoes are the pride of our fleet.
Northstar Canoes are handcrafted for the Wilderness. The company’s designs prioritize maneuverability and tracking for experienced canoeists, yet their canoes are also remarkably stable, which makes them a comfortable choice for people new to the BWCAW.
Ted Bell, the driving force behind Bell Canoe Works, had a lifelong passion for canoeing. His interest in building faster, more efficient canoes began in his youth. Bell Canoe Works, founded in 1988, holds a significant place in the history of canoe manufacturing, particularly for its innovative designs and high-quality construction. Bell Canoe pioneered the use of composite materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber, resulting in exceptionally lightweight and durable canoes.
The company gained a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs, In 2006, Ted Bell sold Bell Canoe Works to ORC Industries. ORC Industries eventually ceased production of Bell Canoes.
Bell’s legacy continued with the founding of Northstar Canoes in the spring of 2013. Joining him in the new venture were former Bell staff Bear Paulsen as General Manager and Charlie Thompson, known as “The Mad Scientist” due to his expertise in Chemistry and Naval Architecture.
Bell’s dedication to quality and innovative design remains a strong influence in the canoe manufacturing world.
The pairing of a Northstar Canoe and Rockwood Lodge creates a synergy that elevates the entire BWCAW experience. Both share a commitment to quality, a passion for the wilderness, and a dedication to providing exceptional service. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time visitor, this combination ensures you’ll have the tools and support you need to create lasting memories in one of North America’s most treasured wilderness areas.
Bear Paulsen
Bear graduated from St. Olaf College in 1993. With a BA in English and Philosophy he embarked on a long solo canoe trip in Ontario over the summer. When he got back, he entered the corporate world of suits and ties until he was hit with a layoff that sent him off on another wilderness trip.
When another try at the corporate world didn’t pan out, Bear asked himself, “Why don’t I try the outdoors?”
He landed at REI as a Sales Specialist in 1995 before joining Bell Canoe works for seven years. When Bell was sold, Bear joined Midwest Mountaineering as Project Manager. He joined Northstar Canoe as General Manager in 2013.
With decades of experience in paddling and wilderness expeditions, Bear is a respected voice in the outdoor community. He is a key figure in the canoeing world, combining business acumen with a deep commitment to wilderness preservation and outdoor adventure.
An excellent writer, he’s been featured in publications like the Minnesota Tribune, sharing his insights on winter camping and other outdoor pursuits. An article he wrote for Friends of the Boundary Waters Blog in 2019 titled Thanksgiving in the Boundary Waters , about a late fall hiking trip in the BWCAW is one of our favorites.
Bear recently joined the ownership group of Paddle and Portage, an online magazine in Grand Marais, MN, focusing on paddling throughout North America.
Bear said that he saw, “A big gap in media devoted to canoeing.” He finds the site to be “very attractive,” and he likes that it steps in to fill the void left by a number of print magazines leaving the business.
Bear is passionate about protecting the BWCAW and has written and spoken extensively about the importance of preserving our unique wilderness area.
Clear Memories
From the conclusion of Thanksgiving in the Boundary Waters by Bear Paulsen”
“I recall many details from my earliest trips. Those clear memories are gifts in themselves. Even more, I remember how exquisitely alive I felt. Most importantly, wilderness trips, especially solitary ones where I am the only person for miles, bring me a spiritual inner peace. That is a feeling worth leaving the car and civilized comforts for.”
