Why do I have to take a Lake Lesson and what do I learn?
To ensure everyone's safety, the Outing Club has a ratings system for canoeing and kayaking. This means that before you can use any of the Club boats or go on any boating trips you must take a Lake Lesson in the appropriate type of boat.
Lake Lessons are offered for both canoeing and kayaking. The lessons are divided into three sections: 1) review of Club and Lake rules, 2) dry land instruction, and 3) water instruction. The dry land instruction will teach you how to pick out and adjust the equipment for yourself and how to properly store the gear when you have finished using it. You will also learn how to get in and out of the boat safely and how to correctly hold the paddle. The water portion covers basic strokes and techniques. You will learn and practice the forward and reverse strokes, sweep strokes, draws, and braces. In the Kayak Lake Lesson, you will also be required to capsize the boat and demonstrate a wet-exit, so be prepared to get wet!
Things to bring:
1) membership card
2) clothes and shoes that can get wet (Note: it is important to wear shoes because there may be broken glass or other hazards on the lake bottom or on the dock. Modern kayaks have very little space for your feet, so low profile shoes like aqua socks work best. Old tennis shoes or sandals that can get wet are the next best choice. Avoid flip flops -- they fall off.)
3) dry change of clothes, towel, plastic bag for wet clothes
4) optional, but very nice to have: a strap to keep your glasses on, noseplugs, goggles, water, sunscreen, and a warm fleece and windbreaker if it's cold. Also, if you plan on taking the swim test after the lesson you will need a long sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes
There is usually a swim test offered after the lesson. You only need to pass the swim test once, so you can take it after either the canoe and kayak Lake Lesson. After successfully completing the Lake Lesson in either canoeing or kayaking, you will have earned the Lake Rating for that craft and you will be allowed to use Club equipment for that craft on Lake Mendota (your life jacket must be worn at all times). Once you have also passed the swim test, you are eligible to go on some beginner whitewater trips including the trips to Prairie du Sac.
Gear - The Six Essentials
The Hoofer Outing Club has all necessary gear. It is subdivided into Lake equipment (accessible in the outer cage) and the Trip Equipment (only accessible with instructor who has a key). Any broken gear should be brought to the attention of your instructors. Please make sure that we don't loose pieces, replacing them would take a lot of time. For kayaking on whitewater all 6 things are required. For the kayak pool sessions only a paddle, boat, and sprayskirt are required. For practicing on calm, flatwater you need a life jacket (pfd), boat, paddle, and sprayskirt. See Boats and Gear for more information about choosing gear.
