Breaking the ice

Paddlers in the 18 to 49 age group for the long race take off from the starting line at Fontana Paddling Company’s sixth annual Ice Breaker on June 11. While the annual event was originally held in the spring, not long after the ice melted, organizers opted for June this year, hoping to “break the ice” on paddling as a sport without newcomers having to fear the cold waters. The event featured numerous vendors of paddleboard equipment as well as races, which were sanctioned this year for the first time. (Penny Gruetzmacher photo)