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
The famous Friday socials are starting up May 19th @ 6pm. Come down and enjoy the Nacho bar with your fellow sailors.

A group of Hoofers explored the stunning Suwannee River of northern Florida. They paddled about 45 miles of the river and explored the other scenery that Florida has to offer.
📍Timucua Land

These Hoofers hiked in North Carolina with a major portion of their trip following the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, they had the pleasure of meeting many thru-hikers who started their journey in Georgia and are making their way to Maine! This trip was a LIT trip that focused on teaching the elements and steps required in leading a successful trip.
📍Cherokee Land
Soaking up the sun, sand, and scenery of New Mexico! This group explored the amazing views of the Gila Wilderness for spring break!
They spent four days hiking and exploring the grand valleys, stunning mesas, and immense sand dunes of the region. Everyone on this trip experienced amazing opportunities, including sand sledding!
📍Chiricahua Apache Land
Elections for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will be held between Tuesday, March 21 and Monday, March 27. Information about the canidates will be posted on the website. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates.
Upcoming Events
Namekagon Canoe Trip !!!!!!!!
Howdy there! Hope you're lookin for some serious fun. If so, you've come to the right place! We'll be canoeing down Wisconsin's beautiful Namekagon river with a group of great Hoofers (you!). It'll be about a 4.5 hour drive to the landing and we'll do about 18 miles of river canoeing. This trip is for Outing members who have never been on an Outing Club canoe trip before. Also, if you sign up for this trip without the Canoe Orientation/Lake Lesson Rating, you must be able to attend the Canoe Orientation/Lake Lesson THIS FRIDAY 3-5PM or THIS SUNDAY 9-11AM.
Payment:
- The trip will cost $25(paid upfront) plus about $15 for gas (to be Venmoed to the leaders)
Itinerary:
Friday
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leave around 3pm, arrive around 7pm to Fritz Landing
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Paddle to campsite (~1 mile)
Saturday:
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Paddle ~10-11 miles to campsite near Dogtown Creek
Sunday:
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Paddle ~5-6 miles to Riverside Landing
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Leave around 12, back to madison by 5ish
Copper Harbor Mountain Biking PAYMENT
This event is only for making payment after you have been moved off of the waitlist. Please see the other RecHub event to sign up on the waitlist.
Cost:
The cost for the trip will be $100. Once you have been moved off of the waitlist, you will need to pay this amount within 48 hours. This covers camping, food, and fuel. Plan to bring some money for food on the road or at the restaurant in town. If we have participants volunteer to use personal vehicles, this price may come down some.
Before Friday 9/22:
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Sign up on the waitlist
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Send me an email (mseiler3@wisc.edu) if…
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You have your own vehicle and you would be willing to drive
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You are fleet-certified
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You have your own mountain bike
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You do not have the required MTB2 rating or above, but you have other adequate riding experience and would like to participate
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Space is limited to the first 6 participants who sign up on the waitlist AND have the appropriate rating/experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions.
Copper Harbor Mountain Biking Waitlist
Howdy Shredders!
Joe and I will be leading a mountain biking trip to Copper Harbor, Michigan. Located in the Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior, the views (and fall colors) should be spectacular! The trails in this area are some of the best in the region and unlike anything else in the Midwest. They range from intermediate to advanced. You can check out some of the trails here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXbPMkxnSOg&t=312s.
Logistics:
We will meet up at the Hoofer Boathouse ready to drive up north at 3pm on Friday 9/29. We will be camping Friday and Saturday at a nearby campground. Plan to ride all day Saturday and all morning on Sunday before driving back to the Union (arriving around 7-8pm). Bikes, helmets, and camping gear can be borrowed from Hoofers. A full packing list will be distributed around Friday 9/22.
Cost:
The cost for the trip will be $100. Once you have been moved off of the waitlist, you will need to pay this amount within 48 hours. This covers camping, food, and fuel. Plan to bring some money for food on the road or at the restaurant in town. If we have participants volunteer to use personal vehicles, this price may come down some.
Ratings required:
At least an MTB2 rating is required for this trip. This is an intermediate mountain bike rating. If you don’t have your rating yet, but have relevant experience and would like to participate, get in contact with me (mseiler3@wisc.edu) and we can chat.
Before Friday 9/22:
-
Sign up on the waitlist
-
Send me an email (mseiler3@wisc.edu) if…
-
You have your own vehicle and you would be willing to drive
-
You are fleet-certified
-
You have your own mountain bike
-
You do not have the required MTB2 rating or above, but you have other adequate riding experience and would like to participate
-
Space is limited to the first 6 participants who sign up on the waitlist AND have the appropriate rating/experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions. The event will open for signup (onto the waitlist) after the general meeting on Tuesday 9/19.
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS THE WAITLIST. RECHUB IS BEING WEIRD WITH THE PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR THE TRIP. SIGN UP ON THIS WAITLIST AND WE WILL CONTACT THE FIRST QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS TO SIGN UP ON THE ACTUAL PAID EVENT FOR THE TRIP. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine - Wilderness First Aid 2-day Course (WFA) - 21254
Description: The Wilderness First Responder (WFA) is a 16-hour certification course that will help you prepare for unexpected medical emergencies in wilderness settings. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care.Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations. You will also leave the course with a certification that is valid for two years from the date of the course. The course is hosted by OutdoorUW and taught by seasoned NOLS instructors in a two-day format, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. To learn more about the curriculum please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/courses/
Should I take the WFA or the WFR? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR is a 10-day long course that is the industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies..https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/
Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union in Madison-800 Langdon Street. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/
Register below, call, or stop in the office if there are any questions about this course. Office hours are posted at https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/outdoor-uw/. For additional information or questions about this certification course please contact Dan Dunne 608-262-7445 ddunne@wisc.edu
Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.
* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *
Sport Climbing Clinic in Necedah
Greetings mountaineers!
Come on down to Necedah to learn how to sport climb! We will go over the basics of sport climbing with a mock lead scenario. You'll learn proper lead belay technique, proper clipping technique, how to rappel, and everything else you'll need to know in order to obtain your HMC Sport Rating. We have lots of fun sport climbing trips coming up that require a rating, so this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with sport climbing before attending these stellar trips! We will be leaving in my car from the circle between Memorial Union and Helen C White at 8AM and will be returning in the early evening.
If you have your own transportation, you don't need to officially sign up for this event but feel free to meet us there. Please shoot me a text if you plan to do this (262 408-1703). Also if you are able and willing to provide transportation for others for this event please let me know!
Please contact our gear managers (gearmanager@hoofermountaineering.org) if you do not own your own gear that is required for this trip because they can get you what you need!
Pre-Requisite(s): A Hoofer Mountaineering Top Rope Rating, so please plan accordingly
Gear Required: Harness, Climbing Shoes, Helmet, Belay Device
Food to bring: Lunch/snacks, lots of water
Salam Lesson
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Salam is an Ericson 26 and her name comes from the Arabic word meaning "Peace." She is part of the club's cruising keelboat fleet and lessons will focus on cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Post-Lesson Resources:
Chargeback (Catalina 22) Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to Chargeback, a Catalina 22, and the knowledge gained in Intro to Keelboat. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.
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 Keelboat Attendance Rating
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Charegback Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a Chargeback Light rating. It will 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:
Safety Boat Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will cover the safe, effective operation of Hoofer Sailing Club Safety Boats.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab or in the Mendota Lounge. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: In accordance with Wisconsin State Law, any individuals born after January 1, 1989, must possess, while operating the boat, a valid DNR Boater Education Card. The DNR Boater Safety course can be found here. You must meet this requirement to be in the lesson.
A skipper or crew rating on a keelboat.
(If you cannot sign up, please email the instructor or head of instruction.)
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Safety Boat rating.
Keelboat Instructors: If you have a non-instructor student that you want to have this lesson, please email me with details.
Materials for lesson:
Here are links to the two handouts for the lesson:
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pjt03t8oonlkmj7cqa0gy/Safety-Boat-Lesson-Handout-1-07.15.2023.pdf?rlkey=4io9c6iux51s4ziyvgpb15fus&dl=0
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pw6l4132th036n75mi7zu/Safety-Boat-Lesson-Handout-2-Illustrations.-2023-07-15.pdf?rlkey=nanlii2tjw38zlu0nqrott6cq&dl=0
Here are two links to Wisconsin Boating Regulations (two links to same thing):
- https://widnr.widen.net/s/0vw8hwrae3
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dwqwo0e6n5bmy0pyhx7vy/BoatRegulations.pdf?rlkey=z43jc6evh3dc20ltz20yfou9b&dl=0
Three links to the same article on what drowning looks like:
- https://patch.com/us/across-america/drowning-doesn-t-look-you-think-it-does-how-recognize-it
- https://slate.com/technology/2013/06/rescuing-drowning-children-how-to-know-when-someone-is-in-trouble-in-the-water.html
- https://www.army.mil/article/109852/drowning_doesnt_look_like_drowning
"Harvey" Lake Rescue
Here is a link to the Hoofer Sailing Guide to Weather:
Marine VHF Radio - the Basics
Post-Lesson Resources:
Laser Lesson
Event Information: This three and a half hour lesson will review the topics of the Advanced Dinghy Classroom lesson and focus on the rigging, boat handling, landing, and capsizing procedures of the Laser. Emphasis is placed on learning the finer details associated with sailing dinghies as the Laser’s are a responsive, high performance boat. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Advanced 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: Advanced Dinghy Classroom Attendance Rating and either a Tech or Zest Light Rating
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Laser Light rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are given at the discretion of the Instructor.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Spray Lesson
Event Information: Spray is a 30ft classic cruising yacht that has sailed the great lakes before coming to Hoofers in 2003. Lessons on Spray focus on cruising and general sailing skills including care and use of the inboard diesel engine, sailing with a roller furler jib, and ensuring the crew has a safe and enjoyable sail.Please bring your rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing.
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.
Prerequisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Post-Lesson Resources:
Rhubarb Lesson
Pre-requisite: Intro to Keelboat or Badger Sloop rating
Location: Meet under the Yellow Canopy
Suggested reading is U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, available in the Outdoor Programs Office.
Siege, Sassafras and Rhubarb are Tartan 10s, 33ft fractional rig sloops designed for racing. They are the largest boats in the hoofer fleet and have raced on the Great Lakes! Lessons will focus on basic seamanship as well as learning racing skills such as sailing under spinnaker, fine tuning sail trim, reading the wind and geometry of a course and timing a start.
Lessons proceed in all weather conditions except thunderstorms, your instructor may have on-land discussions about sailing theory or advanced topics if the weather doesn’t permit sailing. Dress appropriately; expect cooler temperatures on the lake.
Please bring you rating progress form for check off after the lesson. If you have areas you would like to focus on, please let your instructor know. You can find the progress forms and other instructional material at hoofersailing.org/manuals
Post-Lesson Resources:
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.
J24 Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will focus on refinement of skills specific to the J24 and the knowledge gained in Intro to Keelboat. Students will have the chance to further practice rigging, boat handling, landing and crew overboard procedures. This lesson will take place predominantly on the water.
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 Keelboat Attendance Rating
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their J24 Light rating. The Keelboat fleet uses a J-Fleet sign off sheet for earning ratings to help keep track of proficiency. Once the student has filled out a J-Fleet sign off sheet, they will be eligible to earn a J24 Light rating. It will 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:
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.