Dean Karnazes will be here this Thursday!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet the Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes at our west-side location this Thursday, July 31st at 6:30 pm! He will be doing a 5K Fun Run leaving from the store that everyone is welcome to join in on and then doing a poster signing and Q&A session. If you don't want to do the run just hang around the shop until he gets back.  More info about the event can be found here. We hope to see you!

Wedding Season!

Recently we had a customer ask us for some suggestions for wedding gifts for some friends who are "kind of" outdoorsy. It didn't take us long to come up with some suggestions. We have wedding gifts for people that don't even consider themselves outdoorsy! You could go about 1,000 ways for answers here in the shop, but here are a few ideas that we know most couples would be thrilled to receive.

The gift that we sell the most of as a wedding gift - Eagle Nest Outfitters Double Nest Hammock -

Something we think makes perfect since for a couple - The Kelty Love Seat -

Are they from WI? We have some sweet shirts!

- The Wisconsin Native Shirts -

- Drink Wisconsinbly Shirts -
- Locally Grown Shirts -

Our favorite bottles ever – they look good, do not sweat and keep things cold or hot for hours! - Klean Kanteen Insulated Wide Mouth Bottles -

Are they going on a honeymoon somewhere tropical? Snorkel kits make great gifts, are pretty packable and then they don't have to put their mouths on rental gear.


This photo is of one of our past employees, Christina, on her wedding day. She stopped by the downtown shop before her reception at the Overture Center across the street. Also pictured from left Michael, Adam and Meghan. Beautiful photo and wonderful folks!

Maxwell Street Days is this weekend!

Don't miss our biggest Downtown sale of the year! We've got so much awesome stuff from all the great brands we carry that you don't want to skip this one! If you get the chance to stop down sometime this week beforehand we have quite a few of the deals out already. Many more will be out for the weekend, but what we've already put out is some pretty sweet stuff. Lots of apparel from The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and more. So many boxes of socks from Smartwool, Wigwam, and Point6. Plus, tons of great gear for you gear heads out there from The North Face, Osprey, Timbuk2 and more. Did we mention footwear? So much footwear! We just got in some great stuff from Chaco. The weather is looking great so far for the weekend which we are pretty stoked about. Come see us! Get some good deals and say hi!

MANY DEALS AVAILABLE ONLINE!! 

Visit FontanaSports.com

Don't Miss Out on Your Chance to Run with the Ultramarathon Man himself, Dean Karnazes!

We hope you'll join us for a rare opportunity to meet the exceptional ultra-marathon runner, Dean Karnazes at our westside location on July 31st! He'll be leading a 5K Fun Run and then you'll have the opportunity to chat with him, get pictures taken and a poster signed. It's going to be a great evening! No worries if you don't want to do the run. Join us after for the poster signing.

Dean joined us a few years ago at our downtown location for our Summit Speaker Series event and let us tell you that he is a really interesting, kind man who we can all learn from and be inspired by. Please let us know if you have any questions and we hope to see you!

The Summer of Kayaking!

There's always plenty going on here at Fontana Sports, but we wanted to make sure everyone knows about the great kayaking courses we are offering this summer. We've got everything you need so you can feel good about making your kayak purchasing decision as well as being ready to go and feeling safe on the water. Please join us!

July 8^th, 23^rd
August 5^th, 20^th
Sept 2^nd, 17^th

KAYAK DEMO at 5 PM

Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton

Come and try before you buy! Test different kayaks to make sure you get the perfect one for you. Pre-registration required. $20 cost that can be put toward the purchase of a boat. Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

KAYAKING 101 COURSE at 6 PM

Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton

Join us for a 45 minute class that will cover all the basics you need to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters in Madison and beyond. Participants will learn basic paddle strokes, launch techniques, and important safety tips. Expect 15-20 minutes on land and the rest of the class will be on the water. Pre-registration required. $30 cost (includes boat). Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

July 27^th

August 17^th

September 7^th

COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING with ACA Certified Instructor Crystal Neely at 9 AM – 12 PM 

Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton

This class is aimed at teaching beginners all the skills they will need to feel confident in their ability and safety while on the water. We will cover equipment, launching, paddle strokes and maneuvering, and basic rescues. This is a 3 hour course, expect the first hour to be on land and the rest on water. Space is limited, for more information or to sign up Contact Crystal at 608-662-9711. Cost $75 (includes boat, paddle, and PFD.)

Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.

Protect Yourself, Before You Wreck Yourself!

Check out this Fontana Sports mention from NBC 15 about dealing with bugs this holiday weekend! We've got everything you need to be well protected and able to enjoy your 4th of July weekend no matter what's thrown at you. We will be open at both locations tomorrow from 11 AM - 7 PM. Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone!

Events & Clinics - July 2014

KAYAKING 101 COURSE
Tuesday, July 8th, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Join us for a 45 minute class that will cover all the basics you need to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters in Madison and beyond. Participants will learn basic paddle strokes, launch techniques, and important safety tips. Expect 15-20 minutes on land and the rest of the class will be on the water. Pre-registration required. $30 cost (includes boat). Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

KAYAKING DEMO
Tuesday, July 8th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Come and try before you buy! Test different kayaks to make sure you get the perfect one for you. Pre-registration required. $20 cost that can be put toward the purchase of a boat. Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

FAMILY CAMPING BASICS
Tuesday, July 9th, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Family camping is a fun and affordable way to take a vacation. Not sure how to get started? Learn what you need to make family camping enjoyable and easy. We will cover the basics including: how to be warm, dry and comfortable, gear and equipment necessities, ideas for fun activities and great local areas to give a try. No experience necessary! This is a free event.

PADDLING BASICS
Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
Before you head out on the water, be sure to learn the paddling basics. This class offers you an overview of info on Kayaks & Stand-up Paddleboards. Our expert staff will cover Equipment, Apparel, Trip Planning and Transportation. This class is free.

Informational Meeting - 2nd Annual EXTREME HIKE
Thursday, July 16th, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
Mark your calendars for a one-day, pledge-based 30 mile, fully supported hike on the Ice Age National Trail, Northern Kettle Moraine Forest benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday, September 27, 2014. During the Information Meeting on July 16th learn about Xtreme Hike, training and trail, participation and volunteer opportunities. Fontana Sports will present about proper gear for hiking and training.

MAXWELL STREET DAYS
Friday, July 18th, 2014 at 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 19th, 2014 at 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison, WI
Maxwell Street Days are the greatest shopping days of the year in Madison! Enjoy three days of amazing shopping bargains and fabulous food, up and down State Street. Join Fontana Sports for some of our biggest deals of the year! www.MaxwellStreetDays.org

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014 at 9:00 am
Lake Farm Park – Meet at the Lussier Family Heritage Center at 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison (parking lot on the left coming from Beltline)
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 at 10:00 am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

KAYAKING 101 COURSE
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Join us for a 45 minute class that will cover all the basics you need to get out and enjoy the beautiful waters in Madison and beyond. Participants will learn basic paddle strokes, launch techniques, and important safety tips. Expect 15-20 minutes on land and the rest of the class will be on the water. Pre-registration required. $30 cost (includes boat). Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

KAYAKING DEMO
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Come and try before you buy! Test different kayaks to make sure you get the perfect one for you. Pre-registration required. $20 cost that can be put toward the purchase of a boat. Contact Crystal at 608.662.9711 to reserve your space.

COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING with ACA Certified Instructor
Sunday, July 27th, 2014 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
This class is aimed at teaching beginners all the skills they will need to feel confident in their ability and safety while on the water. We will cover equipment, launching, paddle strokes and maneuvering, and basic rescues. This is a 3 hour course, expect the first hour to be on land and the rest on water. Space is limited, for more information or to sign up Contact Crystal at 608-662-9711. Cost $75 (includes boat, paddle, and PFD.)

CAMP COOKING BASICS
Tuesday, July 29th, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
With years of experience to share, we'd like to help you learn how to create easy and fun meals for eating outside. We will cover the basics including: what to bring, gear and equipment necessities, ideas for fun meals and desserts and how to make the most of cooking in the outdoors. No experience necessary! This is a free event.

RUN WITH ULTRAMARATHON MAN, DEAN KARNAZES
Thursday, July 31st, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes will be in town Thursday, July 31st to promote The North Face Endurance Challenge – Wisconsin event taking place this September 13-14 at Kettle Moraine State Park. Join Fontana, Dean and The North Face team for a fun run, inspiration, refreshments and poster signing.
Don’t miss this chance to meet the Ultramarathon Man – and get 20% off.
Along with an autographed poster from the Ultramarathon Man himself, Dean Karnazes, you can use the following discount code to get 20% off The North Face Endurance Challenge – Wisconsin. Even if you are unable to attend this event – but do want to race, you can still use the following code to receive 20% off of your registration, courtesy of Fontana Sports.

Event Website: Endurance Challenge Series

Registration Page: ECS Wisconsin Registration

20% off Code: ECSWIDEAL193 (case sensitive)

Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.

Win a Patagonia Atom Bag!

Visit our Facebook Page, like us and share this photo (the one on our page) for your chance to win a Patagonia Atom Bag! Only going through July 31st so get entered soon. Good luck!