CXC Nordic Super Fit Event is this weekend!

CXC Super Fit Weekend

CXC Super Fit is coming to Fontana Sports this coming weekend with CXC Team athletes and coaches! Bring your old skis to test if they have a good fit for you, learn what conditions they will ski the best and compare them to new skis side by side.

To learn more and see the schedule of events please click here!

Marmot Calen Jacket Review

- MARMOT CALEN JACKET -

With shoulder season arriving quickly, it's good to have an insulated jacket that can work in all conditions. The lightweight, Primaloft® Black insulated Calen jacket will keep you warm and happy in cool weather and excel in wet climates. DriClime®-lined collar and pockets wick away extra moisture and keep your neck and hands comfortable during your outdoor pursuits. The Calen also features Marmot's Angel-Wing Movement™ for ease of movement, and elastic bound cuffs and draw cord hem to finish off this piece. A perfect piece for layering in mixed conditions or a standalone jacket for cool days on trail.

Check out the Men's and Women's Marmot Calen Jacket here >> 

Events & Clinics - October 2014

PSIA - BEYOND LEVEL 3 - SEPARATION (Part 2)
Thursday, October 9st, 2014 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Join us for a private, after-hours event with drinks, light bites and some tunes… Presenters - Bill Davis PSIA L3, Matt McGinn PSIA L2. Bill & Matt bring decades of ski experience, thousands of hours of big mountain teaching experience, hundreds of hours of intermountain clinic and ski college experiences, and a racing background to share. Audience participation last session contributed a wealth of knowledge - from new ski instructors to PSIA Central examiners. Our goal – improve your skiing and teaching.
Power Point guided “Beyond PSIA L3 ski discussion -question and answer session.” First session on August 28th we covered Stance (part I). This next presentation will build on principals from session one with a primary focus on Separation (part II of our 4 part series). This will be a high level interactive ski discussion aimed directly at PSIA Instructors interested in out West; All Mountain, All Terrain skiing. Principals apply directly to racers and advanced general public skiers as well. We now move from just standing on skis “riding and reacting” taking what skis give you – to taking control with anticipation and moving purposefully - supercharging micro movements from a managed balanced position – movements that create a cause and effect on skis for performance. We are excited to present this material and are looking forward to your contributions through question, answer, and discussion format.


WISCONSIN FALL COLORS RUN
Saturday, October 18th, 2014
Ice Age National Trail
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. EVENT DETAILS


NORDIC WAX BASE PREPARATION
Tuesday, October 28st, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Learn how to get the most out of your skis with early season base preparation. We’ll discuss the hot box, personalizing your skis, conditions in our region and give lots of great tips for making your skis happy and fast! Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This event is free to attend.

DOWNTOWN MADISON FAMILY HALLOWEEN
Wednesday, October 29st, 2014 at 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Enjoy trick-or-treating with your little ones on State Street. Be sure to stop by Fontana for some family fun too! Visit: downtownmadison.com/events for more info.

CXC NORDIC EVENT
October 31st - November 2nd, 2014
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
"Super Fit" is a weekend program filled with seminars, presentations & store specials. You can even have your equipment fitted by CXC Elite Team professional athletes & coaches using a state of the art 3D ski pressure mat. Bring your old skis in to test if they have a good fit for you & get an independent opinion. It’s a great chance to mingle with others that love Nordic skiing! Check out some of the weekend’s events:
Friday, Oct. 31st: 
10 am - 8 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing &/or Salomon Flex Table Testing
10 am - 8 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on the "SKI ERG"
(simple double pole test will give you an idea where you will finish at the 2013 Birkie)
Saturday, Nov. 1st:
*All clinics meet at Fontana's west side location*
8 am: Free "Taste of Nordic" Dryland & Rollerski Technique Clinic
10 am - 8 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing &/or Salomon Flex Table Testing
10 am - 8 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on the "SKI ERG"
Sunday, Nov. 2nd:
11 am - 6 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing &/or Salomon Flex Table Testing
11 am - 6 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on the "SKI ERG”

Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.

Farewell to 2014 Wisconsin Trout Season

We're not done yet-there's muskies, salmon, steelhead, and big lake-run browns to chase. Grab your 8-9 weight, some big flies, wire, and go get 'em. Enjoy the cool fall weather.

Visit our Fly Fishing Department

Preferred Customer Parties are this week!

Make sure our Preferred Customer Parties are on the calendar for this week! Tuesday at our downtown location and Wednesday at our westside location from 7 - 9 pm. We're having a killer ice cream sundae bar - we're talking caramel, chocolate, strawberry, bananas, nuts, sprinkles, oreos, gummy worms! Plus, we'll be giving out gifts to the first 50 people as well as lots of drawings and giveaways both nights. Thank you for your business and we hope to see you!

5% of Sales to Benefit Overture Foundation this weekend!

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, we’ll celebrate our Madison Overture’s first 10 years by turning the entire downtown neighborhood into a performing arts circus! Circus wagons will roll down from the famed Circus World Museum in Baraboo and line the streets around Overture Center. We’ll have outdoor trapeze artists, roving performers and even a spot for you and the kids to try your hand at circus skills! Inside and out, we’ll have more than 20 performances, all FREE! Plus, stores up and down State Street will offer deals and discounts to help us celebrate.

That's where we come in! Fontana Sports downtown location will be donating 5% of our Saturday and Sunday sales to the Overture Foundation in honor of their 10th Anniversary. For more information about the awesome events going on downtown this weekend click here. We hope to see you!

Support our Henry Vilas Zoo!

Have you heard of Madison's Zoo Run Run or the Roo Run Run? It's a great event coming up Sunday, September 28th that supports our Henry Vilas Zoo! You get to run or walk in support of our free zoo and help raise funds to keep our zoo free! It costs a lot to keep our zoo free! Fontana Sports has donated $500 and 36 pairs of Smartwool light hiking socks for prizes in order to do our part. We'd love to see you there! There is a course for everyone including the kids. All kids get a t-shirt, race bib and metal! Pretty awesome. Please click here for more information. Can't make the Zoo Run Run? Check out Halloween at the Zoo here! Thanks for supporting Madison's awesome Zoo!

65th Anniversary Giveaway!

Don't miss the opportunity for your chance to win 2 FREE Zip Lining passes for Bigfoot Zip Lining in the Wisconsin Dells! Visit here for your chance to win! 1 day only! WIN 2 Bigfoot Zipline Tour ($190.00 value) vouchers! Don’t miss your chance to visit this world class zip line course in the Wisconsin Dells for FREE! Valid 2014 season. Good luck and make sure to follow us on Facebook for more opportunities like this to win cool stuff!

Millionaire for a Day - Win a $500 Fontana Sports Gift Card!

Win a $500 Fontana Sports Gift Card! Plus a bunch of other awesome prizes in Magic 98's Millionaire for a Day contest! Check out all the awesome Fontana Sports stuff you could buy with $500!

"Aahhh ... the life of a Millionaire: shopping, primping, galavanting about. You'll do it all when you’re the next Magic 98 Millionaire for a Day! Your limo will whisk you off to the Magic 98 Morning Show with Pat & Bob to pick up some cash - one day’s interest on a million dollars! You'll then enjoy a shopping spree to Fontana Sports Specialties and Pandora Jewelry!

Afterwards, your chauffeur will merge onto I-90 to drop you off for a 2-night stay at Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells. You’ll indulge in relaxation, gourmet food, luxury spa services and anything else your Millionaire heart desires. Dinner? That’s covered, too, with casual fine dining at The Del-Bar.

Oh - and while you're gone - we'll have a professional maid service clean your house. Now that's living!"

Who wouldn't want to be a Millionaire for a Day?! Visit here to sign up to win and good luck!

Get signed up with the Early Bird Discount for the WI Fall Colors Run!

The courses are set and its going to be beautiful scenery for our Wisconsin Fall Colors Run! We have 2, 4 and 8 mile courses so something for everyone!
Visit http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/wisconsin-fall-colors-run for more information.

Sign up now and get the early bird discount! $10 from each fee goes directly to the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Please join us!

Please Join Us for our Preferred Customer Party!

We hope you'll join us for our Preferred Customer Parties coming up late this month. There's one at each location in hopes that most people can make it to one or the other. Dress up and win prizes! First 50 people get gifts too! We appreciate your business and want to say thank you - please join us!

WHEN & WHERE:
Tuesday, September 30th from 7 pm – 9 pm at our Downtown Location: 216 N. Henry St.
Wednesday, October 1st from 7 pm – 9 pm at our Westside Location: 231 Junction Road.

WHAT:
Join us for a private, after-hours event with drinks, light bites and some tunes… There will be free gifts for the first 50 guests. There will also be special deals, drawings for prizes, and a costume contest for the best retro powder junkie. It’s going to be a guaranteed good time!

WHY: 
To thank our wonderful customers for their 60+ years of support!

CALL:
Elizabeth 608.662.9706 with questions!

Events & Clinics - September 2014

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Wednesday, September 10th, 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, September 10th, 2014 at 11:00 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.

THE NORTH FACE ENDURANCE CHALLENGE
Saturday - Sunday, September 13th - 14th, 2014
Kettle Moraine State Park, Dousman, WI
The North Face Endurance Challenge Series returns to Wisconsin for the 7th year. The 2014 race takes place September 13-14, 2014 at Kettle Moraine State Park. Join your host, Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes, for a scenic, two-day trail running event perfect for runners of all levels, offering seven race distances including 50 Mile, 50k, Marathon, and Marathon Relay races on Saturday, and Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races on Sunday. An ideal course layout for elite speedsters and those taking their first strides in the world of ultra trail running, the Endurance Challenge Wisconsin course is run-able from start to finish, provided that you’ve trained properly. A large portion of the course takes place on the renowned Ice Age Trail located 60 miles southeast of Madison in the southern reaches of the picturesque Kettle Moraine State Park.
Don’t miss this chance to challenge yourself on the trails of Wisconsin – and get 20% off
All registered participants receive a The North Face tech tee with FlashDry Technology, a pair of SmartWool pHD running socks, an Endurance Challenge water bottle and more. Plus, you can use the following discount code to get 20% off The North Face Endurance Challenge, courtesy of Fontana Sports.
Event Website: Endurance Challenge Series
Registration Page: ECS Wisconsin Registration
20% off Code: ECSWIDEAL193 (case sensitive)

THE BEST 5 PLACES FOR FALL HIKES WITHIN AN HOUR OF MADISON
Wednesday, September 17th, 2014 at 6:30 am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Who else loves the fall in Wisconsin? We think it's one of the most beautiful times of the year. Enjoy the natural beauty on some of our suggested fall hikes near Madison. This is a free event.

TMAN'S ULTRA-LIGHT BACKPACKING DEMO & WHERE TO GO BACKPACKING IN THE UPPER MIDWEST
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison, WI
Fall is a great time to try backpacking with its beautiful colors, cooler less rainy weather and fewer insects. Backpacker and Eagle Scout, Todd McMahon (aka Tman) will make sure you’re all set for your adventure by sharing the ultra-light backpacking equipment options he uses on his weekend and weeklong backpacking trips. He’ll also share a handout on where to go backpacking in the Upper Midwest that covers everything from Devil’s Lake State Park to the Superior Hiking Trail. Google “I Saw Tman” to learn more.

2nd Annual EXTREME HIKE
Saturday, September 27th, 2014
Ice Age National Trail, Northern Kettle Moraine Forest
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. XH is an event that challenges people to test their fitness ability and endurance during a one-day hike. The hike is fully supported and is inspiring people across the U.S. to hike until a cure is found. Wisconsin is the perfect place to host this event. The natural beauty of our State is unparalleled, especially in fall. During the hike, we will be showcasing Wisconsin food & beverage products on and off the trail, making this a true celebration of all that is Wisconsin!

Visit FONTANA SPORTS EVENTS PAGE for additional events information.

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!