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 Annual HMC Welcome Weekend returned once again for 2024! Even though the weather did its best to hinder the trip, the club persevered and had an excellent time climbing at the lake. Many returning as well as new members enjoy the Railroad Amphitheater and Birthday crags. On top of climbing, those who went early Friday were able to enjoy a classic camping experience with swimming and cooking s'mores over the fire. The trip was topped off with a brat cook-out at Brittingham Park on Sunday once back in Madison.
No Sailing Experience Required!
This year's Commodore's Cup is a 6-day activity taking place during the last full week of August and culminates with a formal ball at the end. This event celebrates both the sailing and social aspects of the club and stems from delightfully wacky traditions formed during the typical doldrums due to lack of wind we experience in July.
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.
Upcoming Events
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!
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.
Tech 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 Badger Tech. 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 Tech 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:
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!
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Intro to Badger Sloop Sailing
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 spend some time on shore and some time on the water and should dress accordingly.
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: