Speaker Biographies and Program Descriptions


In addition to being the owner of Cooke Custom Sewing and a previous ACA Freestyle Paddling Instructor, Dan Cooke has been paddling and camping for the past 55 years.
From the Rio Grande to the Kazan River and many places in between, you will likely find Dan capturing the landscape through photography or crafting the finest canoe gear available.
Website: cookecustomsewing.com.

Follow along on a solo paddle down the Kobuk River from the Kobuk village to Hotham Inlet and almost Kotzebue Alaska.
The lower Kobuk River is not technical, but it is remote with surprisingly easy logistics if you have a folding canoe, no bush-plane needed.
The Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the least visited national parks include the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the historical Onion Portage.
Sunday, Nov. 20th, 12:15p.m., U of M – Hanson Hall, Room 1-103

Does your rain-fly flap in the wind? Have you ever wanted to leave the tent behind and sleep in a tarp shelter?
Dan Cooke, of Cooke Custom Sewing, will show a variety of ways you can utilize a tarp to better enjoy your wilderness adventure.
He'll demonstrate various rigging methods, suggest some creative ideas to common challenges and show the best knots for setting up a storm-proof shelter.
Saturday, Nov. 19th, 1:00p.m., Grassy Knoll (across from Expo tent entrance)