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
Construction of the Tong Family Marina is underway and work is progressing smoothly. We are looking forward to enjoying the marina with all of our members next summer. If you are looking for more information about the marina project check out take a look at the project page here. If you are interested in showing your support for the Marina Project more information on how to donate can be found here.

Hey Hoofers! Come join Isabel Rojas-Viada and your fellow Hoofers in sparking a dialouge about big mountain climbing. She will be showing photos and telling stories of her climbing experiences on Aconcagua - the highest summit in South America! Bring your most adventurous self!
This year we have gotten a new advisor to help oversee all that is going on at SnS. A familiar face if you have ever made your way into Fontana Sports on Henry St. and State St. Meet Adam Remus, our new advisor and mentor to help guide us through this 2018-2019 school year.

As a tribute to the unveiling of our winter break trip to Telluride, Colorado, I am dedicating this blog post to getting all of us stoked!

What’s up climbers! This trip was an intro to sport climbing trip to the Red River Gorge, Kentucky!
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Ice Climbing
We will head to Winona, MN to do some ice climbing with Eric from Big River Climbing Guides. Eric has given us a sweet university deal of $60 for each person and we will be taking a Fleet van (vroom vroom) transportation, which will be $20 each (so $80 total). This will be a full day and gear is provided. Once the event is full we will send out an email to all participants to get shoe sizes for ice boots and other logistics.
The drive is about 2.5 hours (just a little over), leaving at 7:15 a.m. from the Memorial Union circle.
Here is some more info: https://www.cityofwinona.com/city-services/parks-recreation/ice-climbing-wall/ and https://www.bigriverclimbingguides.com/guided-trips
A great way to get out and go ice climbing if you haven't done it before or even if you have!
Tyrol Ski Trip
Join fellow Hoofer SNS members on our trips to Tyrol Basin, just 30 minutes away in Mt. Horeb!
Trip Costs:
$25 lift ticket
FREE transportation
$18 Rental
*Note: You do not need to purchase all three options if you already have your own equipment or own a season pass.
Policies:
Van leaves Madison at 9:00- 9:30 AM (depends on pick-up location) and leaves Tyrol Basin at 4 PM
MUST EMAIL PREFERRED PICKUP LOCATION (Union South, Elizabeth Waters, Witte) TO LOCALTRIPS@HOOFERS.ORG
Tyrol Ski Trip - Lift Ticket Only
Transportation not provided. Tickets/Rentals can be picked up starting at 10:30am.
Join fellow Hoofer SNS members on our trips to Tyrol Basin, just 30 minutes away in Mt. Horeb! This is for a lift ticket only. For package deals, go back to the calendar and select Tyrol Ski Trip option.
Trip Costs:
$25 lift ticket
$18 Rental
Winter Kiting A at hoofers
This class meets at the University Bay Fields. Meet over by the shelter on the Northwest part of the fields. Students will be introduced to the sport of kiting and will learn how to safely fly the kite on land. Students will work in pairs to practice launching and flying the kites. For information on the Kiting fleet we recommend reading the Winter Kiting Manual. For some introductory video's that will help you get up and flying quickly check these out! Ozone 3-line trainer video Slingshot B2/B3 trainer kite instructional video Heavy Air Instructional Video Survival in the Ice (what to do when you go through)
Winter Kiting C - Rig and Ride at Hoofers
Note: This lesson and all riding lessons are subject to cancellation if ice conditions are deemed not safe on the day of the event. Please check your email before you leave for the lake for any last minute news.
**Basic Proficiency in skiing or snowboarding expected before signing up**
Pre-requisite: Kiting B Rating. Prior to this lesson, please watch and be prepared to discuss this video:
You will be receiving ice picks for your safety, to view how to properly climb back out of the ice in the event of an emergency, please watch this very brief video.
This lesson will meet in the lakefront lounge, unless your instructor emails you with different instructions. Check your email before the lesson - as the weather forecast changes, the location may change as well. Be sure to wear plenty of warm clothes and good boots. Bring your skis or snowboard. The first hour or so of the lesson we will be going over safety and practicing flying the kite - so you may not want to put your ski boots on right away.
For general information on ice conditions, please read this link:
Survival in the Ice (what to do when you go through)
Winter Kite Riding (C-rated Members Only) @ H
Pre-requisite: Kiting C rating
This is a Riders-only lesson for individuals with their C-Rating to be done in conjunction with a lesson for people working on their C-lesson.
You will be receiving ice picks for your safety, to view how to properly climb back out of the ice in the event of an emergency, please watch this very brief video.
This lesson will meet in the lakefront lounge, unless your instructor emails you with different instructions. Check your email before the lesson - as the weather forecast changes, the location may change as well. Be sure to wear plenty of warm clothes and good boots. Bring your skis or snowboard. The first hour or so of the lesson we will be going over safety and practicing flying the kite - so you may not want to put your ski boots on right away.
For general information on ice conditions, please read this link:
Survival in the Ice (what to do when you go through)
Pool Session - Sierra Club River Touring Section Guests Sunday, Feb 17
Pool Session - Sierra Club River Touring Section Guests
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019
UW Hoofers Outing Club is partnering with the Wisconsin Sierra Club River Touring Section to increase participation in these pool sessions and to increase opportunities for Hoofers members to learn with/from experienced members of both communities during these pool sessions.
This simply lists the guests from the Wisconsin Sierra Club River Touring Section who have already paid the MATC pool rental fee to participate in the February 17, 2019 kayak pool session.
UW Hoofers Outing Club members will sign up directly for the February 17, 2019 pool session.
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Boats must be pristine and clean *before* arriving at the pool.
(a) Vacuum out any and all dirt, sand, and debris.
(b) Wash out/off any remaining dirt, sand, and debris.
(c) Rinse inside and out with 10% bleach water solution.
(d) Rinse with water again.
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Instructor Sign-Up for Kayak Pool Session
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This is the INSTRUCTOR sign-up for the 2/17/19 kayak pool session at the MATC Pool. We usually need two people to teach the kayak lake lesson and another two to teach rolling. The fifth will be put with either lake lesson or rolling depending on the needs of the group. Additionally, an instructor will need to administer the swim test for those who need it at the start of the pool session. When signing up, please indicate you preference to teach either kayak lake lesson or rolling lesson.
We will be in the pool from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., so arrive at 11:30 a.m. in the Outdoor UW boathouse and plan to be available until 3:45 p.m. at the latest to account for returning gear.
If you did not instruct at a pool session last season, please email Petra Wakker (poolsessions@hooferouting.org) explaining why you are qualified to instruct.
Thank you for your time, instructors! It is greatly appreciated.
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Kayak Pool Session
While the lake is frozen, we need to find somewhere else to kayak! The MATC swimming pool is nice and warm (and clean)! During the off season, you can learn to kayak or practice your skills in the pool. Whether you need a kayak lake lesson, want to learn rolling or wet exits, or you just want to float around and hangout with cool people, this event is for you! It is open to all skill levels. You may also complete your swim test at this time too.
This is the event sign up for participants. If you are qualified and wish to be an instructor at this pool session, please sign up on the instructor event listing: https://events.hooferouting.org/event/68661
Sign-up and Payment: Sessions are $10 to cover the cost of the pool rental. You will be prompted to pay online when you sign-up. Otherwise, you may pay with cash/card in the Outdoor UW office, and they will manually add you to the event.
Clothing: bring swimwear, towel, change of clothes, and nose plugs and goggles if you have them (handy when you are upside down). Also, full toe protection is advisable as this is what you would wear when you're paddling on rivers/lakes, but it's not mandatory. If you have a rash vest or a wetsuit top these will be helpful to keep you warm as the pool water may be a little chilly.
Logistics: Meet at Memorial Union inside the Outdoor UW boathouse at 11:30. We will then organize which boats/gear we are taking and carry them out to the cars. Once we have all the gear and people packed we will drive to the MATC pool. Changing rooms are available at the pool (please shower before entering the pool). The group is split into groups i.e. “Lake Lesson” or “Rolling Lesson”. Some of the more experienced members may practice their skills in the pool on their own. Swim tests will occur at 1:00 p.m. Instruction runs from 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m., but plan to be available until 3:45 to account for packing up gear and getting it back to the Union.
Any questions, email Petra Wakker (poolsessions@hooferouting.org)
If you are planning on working on rolling (or just curious!) here are some helpful videos to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_nvVwnrIhg&t=110s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oJGraaEbpU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8JP4DyDGLA&t=14s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xHdx8Rvhsk&t=14s
Winter Kiting C - Rig and Ride at Hoofers
Note: This lesson and all riding lessons are subject to cancellation if ice conditions are deemed not safe on the day of the event. Please check your email before you leave for the lake for any last minute news.
**Basic Proficiency in skiing or snowboarding expected before signing up**
Pre-requisite: Kiting B Rating. Prior to this lesson, please watch and be prepared to discuss this video:
You will be receiving ice picks for your safety, to view how to properly climb back out of the ice in the event of an emergency, please watch this very brief video.
This lesson will meet in the lakefront lounge, unless your instructor emails you with different instructions. Check your email before the lesson - as the weather forecast changes, the location may change as well. Be sure to wear plenty of warm clothes and good boots. Bring your skis or snowboard. The first hour or so of the lesson we will be going over safety and practicing flying the kite - so you may not want to put your ski boots on right away.
For general information on ice conditions, please read this link:
Survival in the Ice (what to do when you go through)
Winter Kite Riding (C-rated Members Only) @ H
Pre-requisite: Kiting C rating
This is a Riders-only lesson for individuals with their C-Rating to be done in conjunction with a lesson for people working on their C-lesson.
You will be receiving ice picks for your safety, to view how to properly climb back out of the ice in the event of an emergency, please watch this very brief video.
This lesson will meet in the lakefront lounge, unless your instructor emails you with different instructions. Check your email before the lesson - as the weather forecast changes, the location may change as well. Be sure to wear plenty of warm clothes and good boots. Bring your skis or snowboard. The first hour or so of the lesson we will be going over safety and practicing flying the kite - so you may not want to put your ski boots on right away.
For general information on ice conditions, please read this link:
Survival in the Ice (what to do when you go through)
Talk on Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Madison Lakes
Discussion by UW Civil and Env Eng Prof Trina McMahon on blue-green algae blooms and their effects on Madison Lakes, at Eagle Hts Community Ctr, 611 Eagle Heights Dr. If driving, may have to park at UW Lot 131 and hike in. Toxic algal blooms adversely affect Hoofer Lake Mendota activities, so talk may be of great interest to HOC boaters. This event set up by the Friends of the UW Nature Preserve.
Winter Kiting B: (Harness) at Hoofers
This class will meet at UBAY FIELDS! Meet at the shelter on the NW portion of the park. Prerequisite: Winter Kiting A rating, Winter Kiting Classroom.
Students will work in pairs to practice launching and flying the kites. Instructor will offer guidance in technique and evaluate students' abilities. Primary goals for this class are mastering harness use, safety releases, and other skills needed to test-out prior to taking Kiting C. An Introduction to 4 line kites will also be offered.
SATURDAY Coaching Fees Northwestern Show
Coaching Fee is $300/day. There were 8 riders on Saturday. $300 / 8 = $37.50 per person
Becca
Michelle
Sydney
Kayla
Alex
Bailey
Sarah
Kendra
SUNDAY Coaching Fees Northwestern Show
Coaching Fee is $300/day. There were 10 riders on Sunday. $300 / 10 = $30 per person
Becca
Michelle
Sydney
Sonia
Alex
Erin
Sarah
Liz
Anna
Dravin
Hotel Fee Northwestern Show
Hotel room cost $77.28. 13 riders. $77.28 / 13 = $5.94 per person
Becca
Michelle
Sydney
Sonia
Kayla
Alex
Erin
Bailey
Sarah
Kendra
Dravin
Liz
Anna
Scuba Club President Office Hours
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Weekly Office hours held by SCUBA President, Samantha Schiereck, held in the Leader Lounge at Memorial Union.
Feel free to swing by with questions!
Winter Kiting Classroom
Location: Check TITU
Prerequisite: None
This intro class will cover the basics of kiting and serve as an introduction to the sport. Through the viewing of a snowkiting DVD and/or YouTube videos, important concepts and theories will be explained. A trainer kite will also be available, so that aspects of rigging can be taught prior to taking the outdoor classes. A brief talk on ice safety will also be given. Those students who have already progressed to outdoor classes but have yet to see the video are also welcome. This class must be taken prior to earning the "B" or harness rating.
For information on the Kiting fleet we recommend reading the Winter Kiting Manual.
Kiteboarding Safety precaution instruction video
This video uses a water kiteboarding example, but the story is still extremely pertinent & the safety precautions are universal between sports.
Ozone Access, Frenzy, & Summit De-power Foil Kites
Survival in the Ice (what to do when you go through)
Weekly Hoofer Council Meeting
Hoofer Council meets weekly from 8:00 to 9:30 pm on Mondays. Your Commodore, Lukas Duddleston, represents the club at the Hoofer Council level. If you had ideas, questions, concerns, etc. that you believe should be taken up at the Council level, please email the Commodore at commodore@hoofersailing.org.
Additionally, this year's VP-Admin on Council is one of our own, Charlie Childs. She also serves as the sailing club's treasurer.
Intro to Ice Climbing Gov Dodge
This is an intro to ice climbing. We will be touring 2 areas and likely climbing at 1 area. Flexible start time depending on student schedules, but we would like to be on the road no later than noon.
You will need...
- Lots of layers of clothes (waterproof pants and jacket)
- Extra socks
- 2 or more pairs of gloves (we like a pair of thick and a pair of thin)
- Lots of water, snacks, food items
- headlamp (just in case)
- Harness and helmet (talk to the gear managers if you need to borrow)
- Adventurous Spirit
If you know how to set up top ropes, we will show you some of the ways to do that specifically at Governor Dodge for ice.
This trip is totally dependent on weather. We may have to cancel in the case of... no ice, poor conditions, too cold of temps.