2013 Dates: June 23, July 21, and August 3

4th Annual Paddle for Polar Bears
Sponsored by Paddleboard Specialists and Wingra Boats

The fast-growing sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is making waves (and raising funds!) on the waters of Lake Wingra in Madison, Wisconsin with a series of three introductory lesson sessions on Saturday, June 23; Sunday, July 21; and August 3, 2013.

This is the fourth year for the Paddleboard Specialists "Paddle for the Polar Bears" event, which raises funds for the Henry Vilas Zoo's state-of-the-art Arctic Passage exhibit, a home for polar bears and seals. Hosted by Paddleboard Specialists and Wingra Boats, "Paddle for the Polar Bears" is all about having a good time while engaging in a fast-growing, simple-to-learn water sport.

"Give me 10 minutes and I'll have you paddleboarding. It's easy, fun, and it's a great workout," says Gary Stone, event organizer and owner of local outfitter Paddleboard Specialists. "The gear required is minimal: a board, paddle, leash and personal flotation device...and you're off!"

Anna Reynolds, executive director of the Henry Vilas Zoological Society, says, "We're thrilled that Paddleboard Specialists and Wingra Boats are hosting this fun, popular fundraiser for the fourth year in a row. Madison residents love the Zoo and love being active, so learning how to paddleboard while helping to build the Arctic Passage is a win-win for everyone who participates."

Paddleboard Specialists donates fifty percent of each $30 lesson to the Henry Vilas Zoo, while co-host Wingra Boats offers participants a special incentive to continue the fun by donating $2 from any boat rental during Paddle for the Polar Bears. Wingra Boats is located adjacent to the event site.

Pre-registration is highly recommended as lessons fill up quickly; however, walk-in participants will be accommodated on a space-available basis. For more information or to register, visit www.paddleboardspecialists.com.



Paddleboard Specialists "Paddle for the Polar Bears" details:

Location: Wingra Park
824 Knickerbocker Street
Madison, WI 53711
on Lake Wingra.

Dates:
Saturday, June 23
Sunday, July 21
Saturday, August 3

Time: 9 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. lessons

Advance registration is encouraged as space is limited and sold out for last year's events. For more information and to pre-register for lessons, click here:

REGISTER HERE



For a brief history of SUP, click here
Since 1984, Gary Stone has built his business around a passion for the water from the shores of Lake Mendota to the serious swells of Maui. A full-service retailer of paddleboarding and windsurfing gear based in Westport, Wis., Paddleboard Specialists (and Isthmus Sailboards) offer specialty equipment for enthusiasts both online and at their retail location at 5495 Catfish Court, in Westport, Wis. For further information contact Gary Stone at 608.849.0600 or info@paddleboardspecialists.com

SPONSORS