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Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:

Paddling into Beauty, Bend by Bend

Illustrated river waves in white
Presented by Brett Dufur
Brett Dufur paddles beneath the Manitou Bluffs
Brett Dufur, editor for the Conservation Department and river guide, will discussed the unique draw of the Missouri River – what propels some ultra-marathon paddlers in the annual MR340 race, as well as those paddling in the wake of Lewis & Clark, looking for what only the river can provide. What is it about our culture, our past, that draws us to test ourselves on the Missouri?
 
Brett also discussed his MR340 graduate research on the psychology of Flow, or optimum experience, and the MR340 race, which he has completed five times. His goal is always to propel and excite more explorers to discover and continually rediscover the Missouri River. 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of his founding of Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals, where he has guided more than 5,000 people on the river.
 
Brett Dufur is an editor for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation, contributing articles to the Missouri Conservationist and other publications. He is the owner of Pebble Publishing, which specializes in Missouri history, tourism and the natural world. He is the author of The Katy Trail Guidebook, Exploring Lewis & Clark's Missouri and many other books. He is a five time veteran of the Missouri River 340 race, is the owner/guide for Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals and co-owner of the Katy Trail Bed and Breakfast in Rocheport, MO.

Meet Your Presenter

Big Muddy Speaker Series

Brett Dufur

, editor for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Brett Dufur is an editor for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation, contributing articles to the Missouri Conservationist and other publications. He is the owner of Pebble Publishing, which specializes in Missouri history, tourism and the natural world. He is the author of The Katy Trail Guidebook, Exploring Lewis & Clark's Missouri and many other books. He is a five time veteran of the Missouri River 340 race, is the owner/guide for Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals and co-owner of the Katy Trail Bed and Breakfast in Rocheport, MO.

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Related Presentations

Resources & Links

Here's some links for more on Missouri River paddling, the MR340 and Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals

The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport

is hosted by these wonderful partners.

Special thanks to Les Bourgeois Vineyards for giving us the opportunity to use their beautiful space overlooking the Missouri River. All speakers are presenting for free! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us! Click here for a list of upcoming presentations» The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Kansas City and St. Charles.

The Big Muddy Speaker Series is partially funded by the Columbia Ecological Services Field Office (USFWS) and the Mo. Dept. of Conservation.

Upcoming Presentations

Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy

November 10, 2026
Columbia, MO

Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.

See Event

Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality

November 11, 2026
St Charles, MO

Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.

See Event

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by our presenters do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of Missouri River Relief, the Big Muddy Speaker Series or any of the partners that support this public forum. The Big Muddy Speaker Series believes that hearing diverse perspectives is a crucial building block for an informed public.
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