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

We are excited to partner with Badger Branch Out for some weekly outing recommendations!
Whether you are looking for a place to have a picnic, play volleyball, watch birds, take a stroll, or kayak, Tenney Park is the place to go. When it's too cold for many of these activities, ice skaters delight in the frozen lagoon during the winter months. Tenney Park has a unique location in Madison. Not only is it on the shore of Lake Mendota, but there you will also find the Yahara River that connects Lake Mendota to Lake Monona. Tenney Park rests between Sherman Avenue and E. Johnson Street and takes about 45 minutes by foot or 15-minutes by bike to get there from the Memorial Union.

We are currently navigating unchartered waters, for an update regarding the impact of Covid-19 on Hoofers, the Director of Outdoor UW, Joe Webb has put together the following message.
Hoofer Outing teamed up with Hoofer Mountaineering to climb the 200 foot ice park in Winona, MN!
Hoofers journeyed to Winona, MN for some gorgeous late winter XC skiing featuring a hard-packed ski jump!

One of our very own veterinary school professors, Dr. Alex Powers, gave a lecture on how to spot the warning signs of colic as well as the different types and treatment methods.
Upcoming Events
Governer Dodge sport climbing clinic
Join us for a sport climbing clinic at Governor Dodge! This clinic is aimed at climbers who are confident in top rope climbing and belaying and want to expand their climbing skills.
Itinerary:
-
8am: leave from Memorial Union circle
-
9:30am: arrive at Governor Dodge State Park
-
9:30-12: teach/practice skills
-
12-1pm: lunch
-
1-4pm: climb!
-
5pm: arrive back at Memorial Union
To bring:
-
Helmet*
-
Harness*
-
Climbing shoes*
-
Belay device*
-
Chalk
-
Sturdy shoes for hiking
-
Lunch/ snacks
-
Water
*can be rented from HMC, email a gear manager (gearmanager@hoofermountaineering.org) to reserve
What we’ll provide:
-
Draws
-
Rope
Transportation:
We will provide fleet transportation from Memorial Union to Governer Dodge and back free of charge for those that need it. You may drive your personal car as well.
Ratings:
All participants must have a top rope rating to attend this clinic. To obtain your top rope rating, attend gear manager or president office hours (posted on rechub). Participants will not earn any ratings on this trip, but may test for their sport rating at a later date.
Canoes & Canoe Leader Orientation
Let's plan to meet at Park Street Circle, the north end of Park Street, between Union Theatre and HC White, at 9:00 am on Sunday Apr 11!
We have a second driver for this event; thank you!
DESCRIPTION: This trip is for Hoofers who have taken the Basic Leader Training (BLT) course and are interested in leading boating trips. Trip capacity is 7 people maximum. Participants will depart from the campus area at 9:00 am on Sunday and will drive to the Olson Road bridge on Black Earth Creek, behind Wisconsin Heights High School, meeting there at about 9:45 am. Participants may be assigned to a carpool (max three people, with "green" Badger Badges) or can arrange to drive themselves. Caroline will meet the group at Olson Road bridge with canoes, paddles, and PFDs. We will shuttle vehicles, then will paddle canoes on Black Earth Creek from Olson Road to the Twin Bridges/Wolf Run trailhead in Mazomanie. According to current rules, we have to wear masks, even outside, even while paddling. We don't have an exception for water-based activities yet. We do have an exemption to forego masks while paddling, since we are outside and can maintain good distance. I will be taking off my mask for instructing. If you choose to wear a mask while canoeing, that is ok too, but it's not a requirement. We don't intend to be in the water, but it certainly could happen. If a mask gets wet, it will have to be changed; we will have dry extras. Since Black Earth Creek is small and shallow, swims are not long or deep.
PREREQUISITES: No prior Outing Club trip experience. Preferably, prior experience paddling canoes. Interest in leading boating trips with the Outing Club.
OUTCOMES: By the end of this trip, you should be familiar with moving water fundamentals, including eddy turns, ferries, and peel-outs. We will also discuss the basic moving water hazards: strainers and snags/foot entrapment. We will also discuss the expectations of being a Quietwater Leader for Hoofers.
SCHEDULE: Coordinate with your car-mates to leave campus area at 9:00 AM. Arrive at Black Earth Creek before 10 am. Begin paddling before 11 am. We should be off the water before 12:30 pm. Estimated return to Madison: about 2-2:30 pm.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring shoes that you are willing to get wet and will not fall off if we end up swimming. We will probably be walking in mud and possibly in water. I wear rubber boots. Dress for being outside for several hours. Bring a change of clothing and a towel, in case we end up wet (we are not planning to practice capsizing canoes, but it could happen).
COVID PRECAUTIONS: Each participant riding in a vehicle with others should have a current "green" Badger Badge. Yellow is ok, but don't make it a habit. Aside from driving, the event is outdoors. While paddling, canoe partners are about than 6 feet apart. We will maintain space between boats whenever possible. Spare masks will be available if one gets wet. (But it's best if you can bring your own spare)
Trail Run
We're going to switch it up a little bit and meet outside of Union South at the entrance on Johnson Street across from Steenbock's on Orchard! From there, we will vote on running down the bike path, to the Henry Vilas zoo or to the arboretum. Masks are required and so is having a green badger badge so please bring your phone!
HRC President Office Hour
HRC President (Kendra Lofthus) Virtual Office Hours
I'll be hanging out in the link below for this hour, feel free to drop in or email me at ridingpresident@hoofers.org to schedule a different time to meet!
Google Meet:
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/scf-ecyj-pyz
Scuba President Office Hours
If you have any questions or would just like to chat please join! Here is the link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/8290560599
Council President Office Hours
Hi Hoofers!
Swing by my office hours any Tuesday from 2-5 pm to chat about anything Hoofer-related. Any Hoofer member of non-member is welcome, I would love to answer your questions about Hoofer Council, elections, programming, current covid protocol, or any other concerns or ideas you have.
To join, either sign up ahead of time and I'll send you a Zoom link, or email me at any time 2-5 pm at president@hoofers.org to join.
Some Tuesdays I'll be in the Hoofer Office in the basement of the Memorial Union, so stop by if you're in the neighborhood! Socially-distanced meetings are welcomed.
SNS Office Hours- Virtual
Join me for virtual office hours to ask questions about the club, offer reccomendations or voice your complaints. I would love to hear from our members.
Meeting Link:
https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/93548514263?pwd=WEtWekZmNW5Tbi9oZHJ2dWYwM3JyUT09
Meeting ID: 935 4851 4263
Passcode: 181122
One tap mobile
13126266799,,93548514263#,,,,*181122# US (Chicago)
19292056099,,93548514263#,,,,*181122# US (New York)
Dial by your location
1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 935 4851 4263
Passcode: 181122
Find your local number: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/u/abMuwuZuj1
Join by SIP
93548514263@zoomcrc.com
Join by H.323
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
213.244.140.110 (Germany)
103.122.166.55 (Australia)
149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
69.174.57.160 (Canada)
207.226.132.110 (Japan)
Meeting ID: 935 4851 4263
Passcode: 181122
Scuba Exec Board Meeting
These meetings will be held on teams. If you are interested in joining, please reach out and let me know and we will find a way to get you there! These are open for observation for all club members who would like to attend.
Scuba President Office Hours
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, please join! Here is the link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/8290560599
Mountain Biking Quarry Ridge
I will be leading an all-levels mountain biking trip to Quarry Ridge this Wednesday. Quarry Ridge is about 5 miles away, and it usually takes about 30 minutes to get there on a mountain bike. All skill levels welcome, and Hoofers has helmets and some dope mountain bikes making this the perfect opportunity to try out the sport!
Quarry Ridge is an actual trail system, meaning it has a variety of singletrack trails ranging from beginner to expert, so the ability to ride a bike comfortably is a must, with basic skills like shifting, braking, and riding over and off small curbs. In addition to basic riding ability, you should be comfortable in your ability to bike up to 15 miles in a 5 hour period. If you have these skills, you have what it takes to go on your first mountain biking trip!
What you should bring:
- At least 1.5L of water (aka 2 water bottles)
- Snacks and possible a small lunch (for some extra calories on the ride)
- Something to carry these items!
- Clothing (Long socks, athletic shirt and shorts, light gloves if you have them, shoes with a flat bottom and strong sole/toe protection work best)
- If you have your own bike, let me know so I can open the trip to more participants
Logistics:
- Meet at the boathouse at 5PM (right next to the Mendota Lounge where we have our weekly meetings)
- Shred trails for 2 hours
- Return by 7:30PM
Covid Policy
- We will be outside and spread out the entire time
- Bring a mask for the short period of time where we will be grabbing bikes and putting them away in the boathouse
- Don't come if you feel unwell
If you have any questions, please reach out to me! (ultimatefoye@gmail.com)
Happy Trails,
-Joe Foye
PS!!: If the trip is full but you want to go, sign up on the waiting list! People drop last minute all the time, and if you're on the waiting list I'll be sure to reach out to you to see if you still want to go.
The Racing Rules of Sailing
Join Dave Elsmo, the Hoofer Sailing Club Program Manager, for this overview of the Racing Rules of Sailing. Dave is a lifelong sailboat racer and has competed in everything from dinghy regattas to long distance offshore races. Please feel free to bring questions and or scnearios you'd like to discuss.
Participants 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.
This online presentation will be held on the Zoom platform.
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).
Backpack Fitting and Packing 101
Planning or participating in a backpacking trip this summer? This clinic is for you! Come learn how to make all the necessary adjustments to your backpack and ensure the best fit possible to make your hike more enjoyable. We will also review how to properly pack a backpack for best weight distribution, and discuss what to bring depending on the duration of your trip.
This event will take place in the Mendota Lodge located on the lower level of Memorial Union near the lake front. If weather permits, we will take a short hike down Lake Shore Path to ensure that packs feel good and are the right fit.
Gear Office hours
Meet at the Gear Locker Rm B123 (Hallway across from bathrooms just before Outdoor UW Office)
Check out or check in gear, take a gear rating, learn or practice a skill.
**Note to enter the Memorial Union you must have a green Badger Badge** If you are a comunity member and do not have a UW ID or are not elligable to seek Covid-19 testing through the UW system please reach out to a club officer for alternate arrangements.
HRC President Office Hour
HRC President (Kendra Lofthus) Virtual Office Hours
I'll be hanging out in the link below for this hour, feel free to drop in or email me at ridingpresident@hoofers.org to schedule a different time to meet!
Google Meet:
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/scf-ecyj-pyz
"Horizontal" Into to Sport Climbing
This introduction to Sport Climbing clinic will be an on the "ground" simulation to cover some basic information. (NOT at a crag) We will be indoors at my Barn with plenty of space to physically distance and practice techniques. (**Allergen notice - There are cats, dogs, horses, hay and dust**)
This clinic will NOT provide you with all information and experience needed to get a Sport rating. It is an excellent preparation for a new climber to learn, meet other climbers, and discuss crag etiquette before attending an outdoor clinic.
To get the most out of this clinic it is recomended to have a Top Rope rating.
This clinic will cover:
Clipping (Draws and Rope)
Sport/lead Belay
Standard Comunication
Simulated Sport climb/Belay on the ground
Safety Discussion
Hillbilly Hollow Sport Climbing Clinic
We will be having a sport climbing clinic at Hillbilly Hollow to teach anyone interested how to sport climb.
You will need your top rope rating to participate in this event.
HRC President Office Hour
HRC President (Kendra Lofthus) Virtual Office Hours
I'll be hanging out in the link below for this hour, feel free to drop in or email me at ridingpresident@hoofers.org to schedule a different time to meet!
Google Meet:
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/scf-ecyj-pyz
Scuba President Office Hours
If you have any questions or would just like to chat please join! Here is the link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/8290560599