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...Providing News and Insights to All Ohio’s Boaters       May Issue

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Ohio PaddleQuest 2008 Begins May 10

Gander Mountain Company, the nation's largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping, boating, marine, and outdoor lifestyle products and services, plans to host ten canoeing and kayaking events throughout the state as part of Paddle Quest 2008. The event series is a partnership with Ohio State Parks and the Ohio Division of Watercraft. The ten event canoeing and kayaking series will be hosted at locations around the Buckeye State and kicks off May 10 at Shawnee State Park near Portsmouth.

“We hope to raise public awareness of the excellent opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors right here in Ohio,” said Joe Hardin, district manager of Gander Mountain’s Ohio stores. “Paddling is fun, great exercise, and something that can be done inexpensively and close to home.”

In addition to enjoying a day on the water at the events, participants will enjoy a cookout- style lunch, door prizes, and a chance to win a matching pair of kayaks at the end of the series, all courtesy of Gander Mountain. The series begins May 10th at Shawnee State Park in southern Ohio, and concludes September 20th at Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge. Each event begins at 10am. 

Paddling opportunities in Ohio State Parks will be the focus of Paddle Quest 2008Schedule:

May 10 - Shawnee State Park
May 31 - Burr Oak State Park
June 14 - Hueston Woods State Park
June 28 - Deer Creek State Park
July 12 - Salt Fork State Park
July 26 - Mohican State Park
August 9 - Geneva State Park
August 23 - Punderson State Park
September 13 – Maumee Bay State Park
September 20 - Salt Fork State Park.

“We’re really excited to partner with the Ohio DNR on this event,” claims Tom Wert, store manager at the Reynoldsburg Gander Mountain. “It’s a great chance for the whole family to get acquainted with canoeing or just to get out with other outdoor enthusiasts.”

No experience is required to participate in these events, and they are open to all ages. Participants are required to wear approved life jackets during the event. For more information on Paddle Quest 2008 and to pre-register, visit www.gandermountain.com or call your local Gander Mountain store.