Celebrate the Start of Spring on Geneva Lake
The 1st annual “Ice Breaker” took place Saturday, May 7th, celebrating the arrival of a beautiful summer on Geneva Lake, raising money for a very worthy cause and kicking off the first full season of the Fontana Paddle Company.
The festivities included a 1 Mile Relay Kayak Challenge, an Open House and a Grand Opening Celebration, starting at 10 AM and ending at 2 PM on the first Saturday of May.
All proceeds from the event go towards the purchase of fishing kayaks, gear, and special adaptive equipment for the disabled, which are provided free of charge to the “Heroes on the Water” organization; a national non-profit that provides kayak fishing and family kayaking for War Veterans and their families.
The “Ice Breaker” Kayak Challenge is a 1 mile tandem kayak relay race that launches from the public beach in Fontana. Kayaks and all necessary equipment is provided for up to 48 teams. The entry fee for each team, consisting of four to eight people, is $60. The focus of the race is on fun competition and is open to all ages; everyone is invited to get out and enjoy the lake.
Medals are awarded to the top three teams as well as prizes for “Best Team Name” and “Best Team Spirit.” Prizes include t-shirts, posters, Paddle Company gift certificates, and a special Sunday Brunch package, provided by the Abbey Resort.
In the spirit of “Winning!” all participants get a Heroes Pass. The pass entitles them to 50% off kayak and paddleboard rentals every Tuesday throughout the season. To further encourage pass holders to take advantage of the reduced rates, we give all proceeds from the reduced rental program to “Heroes on the Water.”
In addition to the first running of what we hope to become a recurring spring-time tradition for our local community, we are hosting an open house that is free and open to the public. Stop in throughout the morning and check out one or all of our free clinics on kayaking, kayak fishing, stand-up paddle board, paddle board fitness, rowing and sailing. If that is not enough, Lake Geneva Canopy Tours will be on-hand to reveal the thrills of their new zip-line facility in Lake Geneva.
The clinics are being taught by individuals who are passionate about their chosen sport, and will take place every half hour. You are sure to learn something interesting and possibly even pick up your next favorite pastime.
To top it off, we are celebrating our first full year in business with a Grand Opening sale. Come down on the 7th to find great deals on new and demo gear, including kayaks and paddle boards, as well as everything from sport vests to paddles, and cool T-shirts to event posters. Or just stop by and sign up to win incredible door prizes, including a Jackson Riviera Kayak and an overnight package from the Abbey Resort and Spa. (Winner need not be present to win)
To sign your team up for the Ice Breaker Kayak Challenge, call Kevin or Joe at (262) 275-5708, or feel free to drop by the shop at 454 Lake Street.
To learn more about great work being done by “Heroes on the Water” visit their website at: heroesonthewater.org.
