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!

Please click here to register and for more information.

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

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 -

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!

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

Craig@FontanaSports.com

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!

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.

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!

Let's go for a Hike!

Our V.P. Judith took a Who's New Ramblers group hiking through the Token Creek Conservancy last week. Below is a note and some pictures from the hike. It looks like it was a beautiful day!

Clearly, “a good time was had by all.” Judith, on behalf of all those present, many thanks for our educational hike through the Conservancy, as well as your gracious hospitality before and after!
- Jennifer -

From left to right: Sandy Burrus, Betty Gray, Eleanor Jurkowski, (Jane Ramey, guest of Ann Campbell), Ann Campbell, Judith Hutchinson (or Jennifer Allen), Donna Schroeder, Dottie Schoenke (with grandson Max Schoenke standing in front), Pat Ellingson.

XTREME HIKE - Benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

SECOND ANNUAL XTREME HIKE

Saturday, September 27, 2014

 The Xtreme Hike (XH) is a one day, pledge-based, 30 mile, fully supported hike on the Ice Age Trail in the Nothern Kettle Moraine Forest and it benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Do you have what it takes to hike 30 miles in one day?
Find up if you are up for the challenge...

Join us for informational meetings to find out more about participation and volunteer information and have Fontana staff help you understand the proper gear you will need for hiking and training.

Fontana West: Thursday, June 26th 6:30pm-7:30pm
231 Junction Rd.
Madison, WI 53717

Fontana Downtown: Wednesday, July 16th 6:00pm-7:00pm
216 N. Henry St.
Madison, WI 53703

To RSVP and for more information contact Tim at 262-798-2060 or tschmitt@cff.org

Events & Clinics - June 2014

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Monday, June 23rd, 2014 at 10:00 am
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., 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, June 24th, 2014 at 9:00 am
Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Meet at County Lot (3rd parking lot on right coming from Century Ave.) on Pheasant Branch Rd., Middleton
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
Wednesday, June 25th, 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, June 25th, 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.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

Practice Clean Angling!

We learned some great tips to practice clean angling by helping to prevent the spread of New Zealand Mudsnails and other invasive species from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. We wanted to make sure to share them with you so that we can all work to keep our waters protected!

New Zealand Mudsnails are tough little buggers! Most chemicals, such as bleach, don't scare them. Due to their small size, mudsnails readily attach to gear and equipment and are hard to notice. They have a "trap door", called an operculum, which closes over their shell opening making them resistant to drying and many chemicals. In fact, they can survive for nearly a month out of water in a damp environment and resist bleach, ammonia and alcohol.

Before leaving a waterbody:

ALWAYS - Inspect equipment and remove attached plants and animals (required); Drain all water from equipment (required)
BETTER - Scrub equipment with a stiff brush, including crevices and rinse equipment with tap water
BEST - Soak in 2% Virkon soluion (2.7 ounces/gallon) for 20 minutes and rinse clean away from surface waters

The following methods can also reduce the risk of transporting mudsnails:

• Do not use felt soled boots
• Fish from upstream to downstream
• If you do not wish to use Virkon, the following steps are also effective at ensuring no mudsnails are transported on your gear

Before entering a NEW waterbody:

• SWITCH to a completely new set of gear OR
• FREEZE for 8 hours, OR
• WASH with 212 degree Fahrenheit water (steam clean)

Felt-soled Boots are difficult to clean. Please use alternatives. We know many prefer felt soles to the alternatives. However, they do pose an increased risk of spreading invasive species. They have been proven to harbor more invasive species and to be harder to clean.

Check out this Clean Angling Video here!

Celebrate National Trails Day at the Ice Age Trail Hike-A-Thon tomorrow!

May sure has gone quickly! We've been busy with all kinds of awesome events this month. It started with Cinco de Fido, which raised $450.00 for the Dane County Humane Society and last Friday the Headlamp Hustle, which raised over $700.00 for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Our last event of the month is tomorrow - The Dane County Ice Age Trail Hike-a-thon. It's a really great event where you hike 21 miles on the Ice Age Trail with other outdoor enthusiasts. It raises funds for the Ice Age Trail Alliance, who maintain the trails. The forecast is sunny with a breeze, so that's wonderful! Columbia Sportswear and Top Promotions helped us with the t-shirts for the event and they look awesome as you can see in the above picture! Consider joining us or making a donation to a someone hiking the 21 miles tomorrow. Find more info about the event by visiting Fontana Sports Facebook Events page!

Bright and beautiful summer dresses!

I think it's finally safe to say that summer is here!  Ladies, stay cool and look amazing in summer dresses (just a few pictured here.)  Don't worry guys, we have plenty of great apparel for you as well. Stop by and see for yourself.