Friday, August 22, 2014

Join us for the Wisconsin Fall Colors Run this October in support of the Ice Age Trail Alliance!


Who else loves the fall in Wisconsin? We think it's one of the most beautiful times of the year. Join us for a 2, 4 or 8 Mile Run/Walk on the Ice Age Trail on the Gibraltar Segment in Lodi. Enjoy the fall colors seen along the bluffs on this run! $10 from each registration will go directly to the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin Fall Colors on the scenic Ice Age Trail!


No, we will not be throwing any color powder on you...this is just a good old fashioned trail run on a beautiful (but challenging) segment of the Ice Age Trail. You will enjoy amazing views of Lake Wisconsin and Devils Lake from the top of the bluffs and finish in the valley right next to the Merrimac Ferry Landing.

Three distances available so no matter your age or ability we've got an event for you: 2 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk (not timed), 4 Mile Run/Walk, or 8 Mile Run.

Race packets will include a The North Face race sack, a logo'd The North Face wicking t-shirt, a pro bar and many other goodies. The male & female overall winners of the 4 mile and 8 mile runs will be receiving The North Face Ultra Trail Running Shoes!* There will also be some prizes just for fun given away randomly during the Awards.

Event details and schedule: 

Saturday, October 18th, 2014

    7:30 - 8:30 am - Race Day Packet Pick Up
    9:00 am - 8 Mile Run Start
    9:10 am - 4 Mile Run/Walk Start
    9:15 - 10:00 am - 2 Mile Run/Walk Start (Non-timed flexible start)
    11:00 am - Awards

All courses are on the Lodi Valley Segment of the Ice Age Trail, course maps will be provided in race bags. E-mail if you would like a copy in advance. Parking and restrooms are available at Wayside Park, all distances start and finish there as well. We will be hanging out outside after the races end so please bring warm clothes so you are comfortable!


*If for some reason your size is unavailable we'll get you another comparable shoe.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Importance of Outdoor Recreation

Did you know that this year marks the 50th anniversary of both the Wilderness Act and the Land and Water Conservation Act (signed by President Johnson on September 3, 1964), providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the federal designations that have supported outdoor recreation on our public lands and waters. That's pretty awesome! Thank goodness for people like President Johnson for realizing the importance of such special resources as our land and water.

Fontana Sports Specialties has joined with at least 125 other outdoor industry companies to send industry sign-on letters on both topics to be distributed to all Members of Congress in September 2014. This is made possible through an organization we are a member of called the Outdoor Industry Association. They work very hard with our government to continuously remind them of the importance of our outdoor spaces and resources. Thank you OIA!

We hope you'll take some time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of these important Acts by enjoying the outdoors in your own way! Share it with us on our Facebook page. Get out and play!

Here are some photos of our past and present employees enjoying their favorite outdoor spaces -











Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Who's Ready for Ski Season?!

Hello fellow ski instructors, patrollers, racers, and ski enthusiasts! Can you believe that we are already talking about Ski Season?! It really is just around the corner and we have a great event coming up that will help you be at your best for ski season.

Who: Presenters - Bill Davis PSIA L3, Matt McGinn PSIA L2. We bring hundreds of hours of inter-mountain clinic and ski college experiences to share. Our goal – improve your skiing and teaching.

What: Power Point guided “Beyond PSIA L3 ski discussion - question and answer session.” Title of presentation Understanding Stance, Separation, Outside Ski, Pressure Management. This is the first hour (Thursday, Aug 28) of a 4- 6 week presentation. We are digging deep to discuss ski equipment, snow conditions, movement patterns from balance that produce predictable cause and effects on ski bases and edges which in return produce sensations. 

Where: Fontana Sports Specialties West location (231 Junction Rd, Madison, WI 53717)

When: Thursday, August 28th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm. If interested in social hour afterward - we will pick a place nearby to regroup for beverages.

Who is invited? Specifically - PSIA members preparing for L2, L3 certification, National Ski Patrollers, Race club members, and anyone (general public) interested in becoming better skiers. So invite and bring friends and family. 

Former PSIA Demo Team member Stu Campbell said: ““The Art of skiing is, ultimately, the search for sensation.” Bring your ski boots with you for some fun interactive participation exercises. You will leave this presentation with a new awareness - feelings related to skiing.

Arrive early - for a Movement analysis power point presentation (do loop) that will be running from 6:15 - 6:30 - "Seventeen critical components of Movement Analysis." At 6:30pm sharp we shift gears and go right into Beyond PSIA L3 - by introducing you to "Rope Thing" which propels us into the presentation.

After Thursday Aug 28th we will take about a month break and resume weekly presentations early in October.

We will eventually work our way into big mountain themes like Fluidity, Attack, Technique, and Control. And work in Alpine Team concepts - a conceptual outline to help ski instructors guide students to understanding.

So…. how do you – stand, and move on your skis?

Think about it, come prepared to discuss if you care to contribute - what in balance and moving on skis means to you.

The idea is to have fun in a lively discussion - you will leave with a new awareness.

Please invite all members of your organization - PSIA, NSP, Racers- coaches. The fundamentals we are covering apply to all good skiers – especially race team members. We hope you'll join us!

Friday, August 08, 2014

Annual Fall Muskie Hunt

Want to catch a big Musky on a pink 11” fly called the Bleeding Flamingo?

Join us in Hayward, WI October 15-18, 2014



Fall is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about chasing big toothy fish and casting flies the size of small mammals in the brisk autumn air. I’m hosting the Annual Fall Muskie Hunt in Hayward, WI October 15-18, 2014 for folks fishing 3 days and October 16-18 for those fishing 2 days. As always we’ll be fishing with the great Guides at Hayward Fly Fishing Company and staying with the good folks at the Lumberjack Steak House and lodge. Anyone who’s interested in the trip please contact me as soon as possible because space fills fast. Look forward to fishing with you all.

This is the best opportunity to catch the biggest, meanest, and most legendary fish of the North Woods on fly tackle. We’ll be fishing the Flambeau and Chippewa Rivers near Hayward, Wisconsin-THE MUSKY CAPITOL OF THE WORLD-with the expert guides at Hayward Fly Fishing Company. You’ll get to cast big rods and flies the size of small mammals, float scenic north woods rivers in a drift boat during fall colors, see eagles, and hook into big toothy fish. Because we’re not flying out of the country, the trip doesn’t take too much time or involve price air fares and extensive travel logistics. This is a unique chance for fly anglers to expand their horizons and maybe catch a musky over 40”-anything can happen to anyone at anytime. We’ll be staying at the Lumberjack Steakhouse and Lodge in Hayward which offers comfortable lodging and excellent food.


Trip Costs:
  • Option 1: October 16-18: 2 nights lodging, 2 days guided fishing, lunch. $650 Double Occupancy, $1299 Single Occupancy.
  • Option 2: October 15-18: 3 nights lodging, 3 days guided fishing, lunch. $850 Double Occupancy, $1699 Single Occupancy.




If anyone wants to stay over on the night of October 18, you may have to find alternate lodging if the Lumberjack is reserved for a wedding party that day. We can arrange guide day options for people with cabins in the Hayward area-ask Craig about guide rates and details.

Who’s in?


Anyone who’s interested in the musky trip please contact:
Craig Amacker
Fly Fishing Manager at Fontana Sports Specialties
(608) 833-9191

Monday, August 04, 2014

Chance to win a ticket for The North Face Endurance Challenge Wisconsin!


Be sure to visit our Facebook page and like or share the above graphic for your chance to win a ticket for The North Face Endurance Challenge Wisconsin! Odds are even better since we are giving away 2 tickets! The ticket can be used for any of the many endurance challenge events going on that weekend. Visit here for more info on the Endurance Challenge. Good luck!


Friday, August 01, 2014

Events & Clinics - August 2014

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Monday, August 4th, 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.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Tuesday, August 5th, 2014 at 9:00 am
Cherokee Marsh - Meet at the parking lot at the end of the gravel road at 6098 N. Sherman Ave., Madison
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.

KAYAKING 101 COURSE
Tuesday, August 5th, 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, August 5th, 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.

DISC GOLF BASICS
Tuesday, August 12th, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Interested in getting into Disc Golfing or wondering what all the buzz is about? We will cover how disc golf works, the best places to go around Madison, and how to best get into this sport. This is a free event.

COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING with ACA Certified Instructor
Sunday, August 17th, 2014 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Boulevard, Middleton
Join ACA Certified instructor Crystal Neely for a comprehensive Introduction to Kayaking. 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.)

KAYAKING 101 COURSE
Wednesday, August 20th, 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, August 20th, 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.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Tuesday, August 26th, 2014 at 9:00 am
Token Creek County Park, Deforest, WI - Use 6200 Highway 51 entrance. Meet at the first shelter (on right).
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, August 27th, 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.

Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.