wisconsin river 5th overall, 4th place Solo

5D, 19H, 48M*

Dr. Joe Spennetta, age 54, of Madison, Wisconsin

May 24th - May 30th, 2026.

424 Miles (approx.)

This is the 2nd fastest time in a solo canoe

*SPECIAL NOTE FROM SCOTT MILLER OF FASTESTKNOWNPADDLE.ORG:

Dr. Joe Spennetta undertook this Wisconsin River attempt with the goal of breaking the existing canoe record held by Kyle Parker.

Kyle's time had been reported in multiple media accounts as 5D, 19H, 57M. That was his time to Wyalusing State Park, which is located downstream on the Mississippi River beyond the Wisconsin-Mississippi confluence. For recordkeeping purposes, I had determined that the Wisconsin River route should end at the confluence rather than at the Wyalusing boat ramp.

Kyle's GPX track shows that he reached the confluence in 5D, 19H, 22M. Due to an error on my part, this website displayed his time to Wyalusing in one location and his time to the confluence in another. Dr. Joe saw the longer time and conducted his attempt believing that 5D, 19H, 57M was the canoe record to beat at the confluence.

After completing his trip, Dr. Joe believed he had broken the record by nine minutes and submitted his documentation for verification. During that verification process, I discovered the discrepancy and determined that his time was actually 26 minutes slower than Kyle Parker's confluence time.

I have apologized to Dr. Joe for this error and have implemented additional verification procedures to help prevent similar mistakes in the future.

Start: Lac Vieux Desert, 12:01pm, May 24th, 2026.

Finish: Wisconsin/Mississippi Confluence, 7:49am May 30, 2026.

Boat: Savage River XX Solo Canoe

Paddle: Double blade

GPS Equipment: Garmin InReach2

Supported by Josiah Spennetta and Kyle Parker

Trip report from Dr. Joseph Spennetta: The beavers were quite busy during miles 15-25 forcing 16 exits of the boat to get around trees. Right after whirlpool rapids on day 2 (16 hrs in) developed a 10-15mph headwind that persisted throughout the day which made flowage crossings difficult/dangerous. Wind was so bad crossing Petenwell that I had to use an outrigger. The heat (85-90 degrees) was horrible; I won’t trust meteorologists ever again.

Could not have even come close to beating the record for solo canoe without the help of ground support Kyle Parker (previous record holder) and my nephew Josiah Spennetta.

I sincerely thing solo canoe could complete this trip in 4D12H with good weather.