Our Clubs
The Wisconsin Hoofers is the premier outdoors club at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With nearly 2,000 members, Hoofers is one of the oldest and largest student organization on campus. From sailing on Lake Mendota to climbing at Devil’s Lake, Hoofers is a place where people of all abilities can learn outdoor skills and enjoy outdoor activities. Hoofers is proud to be part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the student programming and leadership board for the Wisconsin Union. Get outside with us and hoof on!
Mountaineering
Rock OnFrom conquering the rock wall at Boulders Climbing Gym to traveling the country in search of the most challenging climbs in the country, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
Outing
Get FoundFrom canoe trips and backpacking excursions in the fall, to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, Outing Club members explore the country through wilderness excursions.
Riding
Change PaceFrom horseback riding lessons to schooling shows, Riding Club members are involved in all the ins and outs of riding and horsemanship.
Sailing
Set SailFrom learning how to sail a C-Scow to weekly Friday night socials, Sailing Club members spend time with fellow sailors on and off the water. The Sailing Club’s claim to fame: they have the second largest inland fleet of boats in the nation.
Scuba
Go DeeperFrom year-round trips and training sessions to socials with other divers, Scuba Club members (both certified and not) explore life beneath the surface.
Ski and Snowboard
ShredFrom weekly trips to Tyrol Basin to the Jackson Hole spring break excursion, Ski and Snowboard Club members know how to take advantage of winter.
Get Out and Get Active
How to Join
1. Pick a Club!
We offer six clubs: Mountaineering, Outing, Riding, Sailing, Scuba, and Ski & Snowboard. You can join as many clubs as you'd like! For more information, check out each club's site from the menu above, or head over to the Clubs page for an overview!
2. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join a club (or multiple clubs!), head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You must be a Union Member to join. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
3. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined a club, you can search for events and sign up from the Member Site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
Contact Us
Wisconsin Hoofers
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofers.org
Contact Us
News
A special winter seminar is being held on March 6th at 6:30 in the festival room. Members and racers from the MYC will be there for a meet-and-greet.
Agenda:
- Why race sailboats
- History of E Scows
- Why race and E Scow – A Love Letter
- Spinnaker work
- Mendota Yacht Club
- Racing terms and what to expect.
- Tips for crew
- How to get involved
Nominations for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will open February 21st and close the 27th. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates and anything else you might need to know
HMC ventured down to Puerto Rico this Winter Break! Some beautiful weather and stellar sport climbing makes for a good couple weeks.
The club heads out to the Red Rocks area annually for some of the best sport climbing in the country. This year, the group stayed in the Las Vegas area. Two weeks of good times!
Annual Halloween weekend trip to the Red! HMC camps at the legendary Miguel's Pizza campground every year, and sport climbs some most legendary crags.
Upcoming Events
Gear Manager Office Hours
Gear Manager Office hours is a time to get gear and ratings from the gear managers. This even occurs every monday during the spring semester from 4-5pm.
Intro to Dinghy Sailing
Event Information: This three hour on-land lesson will cover the basics of sailing and introduce you to two of the Hoofer Sailing Club’s introductory boats, the Badger Techs and RS Zests. Instructional topics will include boat vocabulary, basic sailing principles, knots, and rigging (setting up) both types of boat. Students will not be in boats during this lesson and are welcome to wear regular clothes instead of sailing clothes.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: Ground School Attendance Rating.
Students who take this lesson will be issued the Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating
Post-Lesson Resources:
Canoe Orientation
This lesson is an introduction to canoeing. No prior experience is needed at all!
WHAT IS THIS LESSON
This is the Canoe Orientation, also known as the Canoe Lake Lesson. It is the prerequisite to most other canoeing events in the Outing Club.
This lesson will teach you:
- what is a canoe
- basic canoe vocabulary
- how to fit a Personal Flotation Device (PFD, or "lifejacket"
- how to fit a canoe paddle
- how to get in and out of a canoe while it's floating
- paddling a canoe
- basic paddle strokes, and generally getting the boat to move in the direction you want it to
- discussion of how to deal with a capsized canoe
- optional capsize of a canoe if we have time (it can be fun!)
- Hoofer-specific policies for boating and Lake Mendota checkout
ELIGIBILITY:
Participants do not need any prior experience and do not need any prior ratings at all to attend.
Participants need to be a current member of the Hoofer Outing Club.
Participants need to meet the first six essential eligibility requirements as specified by American Canoe Association: https://americancanoe.org/eec/
WHERE TO MEET:
Please meet at the outer entrance to the Outdoor UW boathouse in the lower level of Memorial Union. It's a large garage door facing the lake, where the canoes and kayaks are kept.
WHAT TO BRING:
Dress in clothing that is ok to get wet, and wear shoes that won't fall off if you are swimming.
Dress in clothing that is suited to outdoor exposure- remember your sun hat and/or sunscreen if you want those.
I highly recommend a glasses strap if you are wearing glasses.
Bring a towel and a change of clothing, just in case we get wet (though we are not necessarily planning to get wet).
A waterbottle is a good idea.
Virtual Ground School
Event Information: Want to learn to sail? Come join us! Our Ground School lesson is an introductory and informational course about the Hoofer Sailing Club and all it has to offer. No membership is required to sign up for this course, though one can be purchased afterwards for access to all lessons.
About the Club: The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working together to maintain a fleet of boats for recreational and competitive sailing. Membership includes unlimited lessons and boat usage. Our fleet, one of the largest in the nation, includes dinghies, keelboats, windsurfing and even winter kiting. The Hoofer Sailing Club is an association of individuals working together to maintain a fleet of boats for recreational and competitive sailing, and to offer a top-notch instruction program. More information can be found online here.
Location: This Lesson will occur virtually through the Zoom platform. Members signed up for this event will receive an email from the lessons site on the day of the presentation containing a link and password for joining the meeting. Please keep an eye out for it.
Using Zoom is free. You do not need to install the app or create a Zoom account, but doing so may result in a better user experience. Please visit the Zoom website for more information (https://zoom.us).
Students who attend this lesson will earn their Ground School Attendance rating, which opens access to other sailing lessons.
Post-Lesson Resources:
HOC General Meeting
Hey folks!
Join us every Tuesday night for our Hoofer Outing Club general meeting! These are free to the public, and we meet in the Mendota Lodge in Memorial Union at 7pm (near the Lakefront and Outdoor UW office). We will be telling stories of recent trips, discussing upcoming events, and getting to know each other. Our meetings are open to all who wish to be involved in the outdoors! See you there!
No registration is required!
How to get there:
The General Meetings are typically in the Mendota Lodge in Memorial Union. This room is across from the Outdoor UW desk in the basement of the Union. To find it I would recommend either using Union doors right by the 80 bus stop, walking down a full level to the Wheelhouse, then taking the long hallway that will start with brown wallpaper and transitions to blue; the Mendota Lodge will be the last room on your left. You can also access it from the terrace if you walk inside the doors to the Union right by the wood staircase that goes onto the lake; the Mendota lodge will be the first room on your right.
Look forward to seeing you all there!
Zest Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the RS Zest. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Zest Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the Instructor.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing (On Land)
Event Information: This lesson will cover the basics of sailing and introduce you to the Badger Sloop. Instructional topics will include boat vocabulary, basic sailing principles, knots, and rigging (setting up) the boat Students will not be in boats during this lesson and are welcome to wear regular clothes instead of sailing clothes.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: Ground School Attendance Rating. Please read the Badger Sloop Manual prior to this lesson.
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Sloop Light rating. The Sloop fleet uses a series of skill check-off ratings (Rigging, Crew Overboard, Landing, Boat Handling) to help keep track of proficiency. Once all of the check-off ratings have been earned by a student, they will be issued a Badger Sloop Light rating. It is recommended that students take this lesson once, followed by a Badger Sloop Lesson two to three times to earn their skill check offs and eventually Badger Sloop Light rating.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Intro to Dinghy Sailing
Event Information: This two and a half hour on-land lesson will cover the basics of sailing and introduce you to two of the Hoofer Sailing Club’s introductory boats, the Badger Techs and RS Zests. Instructional topics will include boat vocabulary, basic sailing principles, knots, and rigging (setting up) both types of boat. Students will not be in boats during this lesson and are welcome to wear regular clothes instead of sailing clothes.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: Ground School Attendance Rating.
Students who take this lesson will be issued the Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating
Post-Lesson Resources:
Parfrey's Glen Day Hike
Come celebrate the end of the school year and start of summer with a half-day hike at Parfrey's Glen, Wisconsin's first State Natural Area located along the eastern edge of Devil's Lake State Park. The hike follows a creek through a deep gorge, offering both geological sights and diverse flora and fauna along the way to a small waterfall.
The first half is on a maintained trail; the second half is "choose-your-own-adventure", and will require some light scrambling and water crossings. In addition, the route will likely be muddy due to projected rainfall on days prior. Roundtrip, the hike covers 1.6 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain.
- 8:30 AM - Depart from Memorial Union circle (in front of entrance to Helen C. White parking garage)
- 9:30 - Arrive at trailhead parking lot
- 9:30 - 11:00 - Hike/stare at nature's beauty
- 12:00 - Return to Madison
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Virtual Ground School
Event Information: Want to learn to sail? Come join us! Our Ground School lesson is an introductory and informational course about the Hoofer Sailing Club and all it has to offer. No membership is required to sign up for this course, though one can be purchased afterwards for access to all lessons.
About the Club: The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working together to maintain a fleet of boats for recreational and competitive sailing. Membership includes unlimited lessons and boat usage. Our fleet, one of the largest in the nation, includes dinghies, keelboats, windsurfing and even winter kiting. The Hoofer Sailing Club is an association of individuals working together to maintain a fleet of boats for recreational and competitive sailing, and to offer a top-notch instruction program. More information can be found online here.
Location: This Lesson will occur virtually through the Zoom platform. Members signed up for this event will receive an email from the lessons site on the day of the presentation containing a link and password for joining the meeting. Please keep an eye out for it.
Using Zoom is free. You do not need to install the app or create a Zoom account, but doing so may result in a better user experience. Please visit the Zoom website for more information (https://zoom.us).
Students who attend this lesson will earn their Ground School Attendance rating, which opens access to other sailing lessons.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two Day Snowshoe Rentals
Two Day Snowshoe rentals are available Saturday ONLY.
1. Snowshoes MUST be picked up on the day of your event signup from OUW office anytime between 11am and 5pm.
2. Snowshoes MUST be returned the following Monday of your event sign up to the OUW office by appointment only.
- Appointments can be made be emailing ouwmanager_union@wisc.edu on the Day of pickup or before
- Appointment times are flexible during business hours, but afternoons are preferred.
- If you do not return your snowshoes the following Monday, we will have to charge you for an additional day(s).
If you are looking to rent snowshoes during the week, please see our Daily Snowshoe Rental event.
If you have any questions please email outdooruw_union@wisc.edu or call our office at 608-262-1630