Outing

Come down to the Mendota Lodge on Tuesday 1/22 at 7 pm for the first Outing Club Meeting of the spring semester! We'll be talking about winter break stories and what trips are coming up during spring break!

Pool Session - Sierra Club River Touring Section Guests

Sunday, Jan 27, 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 January 27, 2019 kayak pool session.

UW Hoofers Outing Club members will sign up directly for the January 27, 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.

------------------------------------

This is the INSTRUCTOR sign-up for the 1/27/19 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.

While the lake is frozen, we have 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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wTYpPb_a8Q&t=14s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b6nLMTnpiA&t=14s

Kayak/Canoe/Swim Test Pool Session - Sunday Feb 10 - Hoofers are Welcome!

Yet another pool session opportunity in February!

Saturday February 10, 2019 - Kayak/Canoe Pool Session - Hoofers are Welcome! - Sierra Club Kayak Pool Session

No previous experience is required. This is for you!

Would you like to join us on club paddling trips? Are you curious to try these kayaks or canoes? Would you like to make sure you have the ratings and training to prepare for upcoming spring and summer trips? This is a great opportunity to learn and refine paddling/teaching skills, to earn paddler ratings and take swim tests, and to prepare for the upcoming canoe/kayak season.

There are confirmed plans at MATC on Sunday February 10 for another pool session. (Ideally, there may be another member or two who would be willing to lead and haul club boats. We specifically need people who can transport boats. If so, please contact me.) Details are below. (This is located at the MATC swimming pool.) Mainly, this is another great opportunity to paddle in the 82.5 degree water.

If you are certain you would attend, please sign up. The cost is $10 (you will pay in advance) for each person - just to cover the pool rental costs. I will provide instructions for paying to those who commit to attend.

The Feb 10 pool session at MATC is from 12:30-3:00 pm at the MATC swimming pool. The address is 1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704. This is about a 15-20 minute drive from the UW Memorial Union. https://madisoncollegerecreation.com/facilities/?id=8

Any size boat is fine. There are several people that bring their whitewater and sea kayaks, and a few even bring canoes. There are showers with warm water for you to use before and after the pool session. It's a big pool and there always seems to be plenty of room.

Of course, any boat that comes to the pool session needs to be clean inside and out.

If you choose to bring a personal boat, please complete the following cleaning steps before you arrive at the pool.

------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------

Bring cash for food/snacks and bring your swim wear, towel, dry/warm change of clothes, and extra cash for food and driver.

I hope to see you there!

-Michael

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.

------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------

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.

 

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wTYpPb_a8Q&t=14s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b6nLMTnpiA&t=14s

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. 

Kayak/Canoe/Swim Test Pool Session - Saturday Feb 23 - Hoofers are Welcome!

Yet another pool session opportunity in February!

Saturday February 23, 2019 - Kayak/Canoe Pool Session - Hoofers are Welcome! - Sierra Club Kayak Pool Session

No previous experience is required. This is for you!

Would you like to join us on club paddling trips? Are you curious to try these kayaks or canoes? Would you like to make sure you have the ratings and training to prepare for upcoming spring and summer trips? This is a great opportunity to learn and refine paddling/teaching skills, to earn paddler ratings and take swim tests, and to prepare for the upcoming canoe/kayak season.

We have confirmed plans at MATC, I plan to attend the Saturday February 23 Sierra Club pool session. (Ideally, there may be another member or two who would be willing to lead. We specifically need people who can transport boats. If so, please contact me.) Details are below. (This is hosted by the Sierra Club River Touring Section and is located at the MATC swimming pool.) I will plan to bring a few of my personal boats and gear to meet at the pool to help coach you. Mainly, this is another great opportunity to paddle in the 82.5 degree water.

If you are certain you would attend, please sign up. (The cost is $10 for each person - just to cover the pool rental costs. I will provide instructions for paying to those who commit to attend.)

The Feb 23 Sierra Club pool session at MATC is from 1-3 pm at the MATC swimming pool. The address is 1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704. This is about a 15-20 minute drive from the UW Memorial Union. https://madisoncollegerecreation.com/facilities/?id=8

Any size boat is fine. There are several people that bring their whitewater and sea kayaks, and a few even bring canoes. There are showers with warm water for you to use before and after the pool session. It's a big pool and there always seems to be plenty of room.

Of course, any boat that comes to the pool session needs to be clean inside and out.

If you choose to bring a personal boat, please complete the following cleaning steps before you arrive at the pool.

------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------

Bring cash for food/snacks and bring your swim wear, towel, dry/warm change of clothes, and extra cash for food and driver.

I hope to see you there!

-Michael

Sea Kayaks - Long Boats in the Pool!

Saturday, Feb 23, 2019 (11:30 am - 3:45 pm)

***Sea Kayaks - Long Boats in the Pool!

Please sign up online so I know who and how many to expect. Space in this lesson is limited by my capacity to transport sea kayaks.

You must also sign up and pay $10 for the pool session as described at this link below. 

https://events.hooferouting.org/event/68738

[For those of you with previous experience (and your own boat), you are welcome to help me teach. Please email me directly.]

Are you ready to try a boat that is designed for paddling in the sea and is equally enjoyable in quiet waters?

We will focus on rescue and paddling essentials in the relative warmth of the MATC swimming pool to prepare you for the upcoming season.

I will bring 2-3 sea kayaks to the MATC pool for the pool session. If others can transport or bring sea kayaks, we can open this up to a few more participants.

Ideally, you would have already completed the Kayak Lake Lesson and Standard Swim Test in a previous lesson. (Those who have already earned the swim test and kayak lake ratings will have priority.)

The goal is to learn and earn the following.

(a) Construction/Operation of Sea Kayaks

(b) How to efficiently hold the paddle and basic/intermediate paddling strokes to move the boat forwards, backwards, sideways (draw strokes), turning (sweep strokes), how to use your hips/thighs to edge the boat to move the boat more efficiently (edging), and how to use your paddle to prevent capsize (bracing).

(c) How to exit the boat safely in the event of capsize (wet exit - you will get wet).

(d) How to upright your boat with assistance from a fellow paddler (the bow rescue - sometimes called the Eskimo rescue).

(e) How to re-enter and empty water out of your boat with assistance from a fellow paddler (The T-rescue)

(f) How to re-enter and empty water out of your boat yourself.(The paddle-float self rescue)

Successfully completing this lesson will earn the following ratings.

1. Kayak Lake Rating (if needed)

2. SK0 Rating for Sea Kayak

3. You will also learn the first set if skills towards earning the SK1 Rating for Sea Kayak (you will still need more time in the water in the coming season).

This lesson will prepare you to enjoy many sea kayak trips and skills that will be helpful for all types of kayaking.

(Even while our lakes are cold and/or frozen.)

See you there! :-)

Sea Kayak - Lake Columbia - Distance & Navigation Trip - Saturday March 2, 2019

Schedule: We will pack paddling clothing and gear in advance the week of the trip to make for an efficient departure the morning of the trip. We will depart from Madison promptly at 10:30am. We will paddle from 12noon-1:30pm. We will return to Madison around 3pm.

What? The focus of this trip will be to refine paddling skills, to paddle with some speed and distance, and to introduce a few navigation
concepts in fog. Everyone who attends will have previously practiced rescues with me in the pool. We won't be practicing rescues on this
trip. (Please Note: We will *not* be doing any intentional swimming.)

Required Ratings: SK0 and standard swim test. I am specifically focused on a small group of relatively new paddlers who are interested
in growing their skills and leadership in sea kayaking. Most of them will learn the SK1 paddling skills in the pool. These individuals
will just need the paddling over a distance and a few paddling skills to earn the SK1 rating.

Please Note: I am reserving this trip for individuals who are completing skills for the SK1 rating and for those who are working on their leadership skills/ratings.

Clothing: Non-cotton synthetic layers, pfd, wet suit (or dry suit), paddling jackets, wool hats and helmets. Warm synthetic layers to
change into.

Pack a Lunch to Eat on the Way - We will drive directly to the put in. Please pack your lunch so you can eat on the way.

Water & Snacks! - Bring water in a bottle and a snack to bring wtih you in the boat. You will get thirsty and hungry.

Changing Clothes Before/After Paddle: There is a gas station down the road where we will change before and after the paddle. Although we plan to stay dry, there is always the possibility of an unintended capsize. After the paddle, we will move briskly to heat up the cars,
load boats, and head to change at the gas station.

Safety: In addition to ensuring proper clothing, I will have extra layers on hand, warm beverages in thermos, snacks on hand, and a
synthetic blanket if needed. We will have two first aid kits from the club cage. I will also have 2-3 tow belts, and 1-2 short tow lines if
needed. We will have a number of cell phones if needed.

Canoecopia

Canoecopia - See you March 8-10, 2019!

What is Canoecopia?

Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world. More than 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season, make Canoecopia a "must go" place for gear! Over 180 seminars and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn about the perfect gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far. 

If you're interested in experiencing life on the water, Canoecopia is the best place to spend the weekend! Canoecopia is presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports.

Location & Directions:
http://www.canoecopia.com/canoecopia/map.asp

Carpools Are Encouraged

Canoecopia Tickets
Purchase Canoecopia 2019 passes at the early bird price here.

https://www.rutabaga.com/rutabaga-canoecopia-admission-wrist-bands

Or call the store at 608-223-9300. Pre-sale tickets are available through February 28th.

Paid Opportunities May Also Be Available (Receive Substantial Discounts on Boats & Gear) Call the store at 608-223-9300 for details.

If you would like to coordinate a carpool with others, feel free to signup here.

More Details below...

http://www.canoecopia.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001

http://www.canoecopia.com/canoecopia/request_gazette.asp

Wolf River Spring Paddle - May 17-19, 2019

Whether this becomes a full club trip depends on interest and water safety approval. At this stage, I'd like to know who might be available and interested.

If you are sincerely interested, please sign up on the wait list - and please **make sure to answer the questions before completing the signup**. I will review the responses as I consider how best to organize a potential trip.

Here's the Tentative Plan:

I am tentatively considering a spring whitewater kayaking trip on the Wolf River. The primary goal is to kayak with a few others who plan to participate in the June 2019 ACA instructor/leader training/certification. We will paddle together with the instructor trainer who will be leading the ACA session. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity for those with solid R2 skills to further their development.

If you are sincerely interested, please sign up on the wait list - and **make sure to please answer the questions**. (If you sign up and don't answer the questions, I will simply remove you from the list.)

Thank you!

-Michael

ACA Whitewater Leadership/Instructor Development and Certification - June 2-7, 2019

Please sign up and email me directly if you would like to participate. Space may be limited, so please consider and plan ahead to participate.

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is the industry standard for paddle sports in North America and is a recognized standard worldwide.

Why: ACA training/certification in paddling, teaching, safety, and leadership skills is essential and highly valued for those who intend to work and/or play in the outdoors. 

Here is your opportunity close to home in one of our favorite Wisconsin rivers - the Wolf.

The expectation is that you will develop and grow your skills throughout the week. With a lot of opportunities for mentored hands-on skills development and practice.

When: June 2-7, 2019

Where: Gardner Dam Scout camp in White Lake WI. (On the Wolf River.)

Cost: Only $250 covers all week, and includes instruction, materials, indoor lodging, and all food. (This is an incredibly discounted cost that essentially covers everything.)

Boats/Gear: All available through the Hoofers Outing Club at no additional cost.

What: ACA instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam.

Goals (Learn & Earn):
1. Learn/refine paddling, safety, teaching, and leadership skills.
2. Earn ACA Instructor Certification at level that matches the skills you demonstrate by the conclusion of the course..

Let's go and grow as a paddling community.

2019 Door County Sea Kayak Symposium - July 11/12-14, 2019 (Arrival to Door County evening of July 11)

This symposium is sponsored by Rutabaga and hosted at Rowley's Bay Resort in beautiful Door County. This is a chance for Hoofers to paddle sea kayaks on Lake Michigan in a beautiful setting and to get quality mentorship/training outside of the club and to bring their skills back to the club. I have attended before, and many other club members have either attended or instructed at the symposium. Pleae feel free to ask us about our experience. If you intend to register and attend, please contact me to coordinate boat and gear. Given the scheduling and costs involved, I am posting early to enable folks to plan and coordinate boat, gear, and lodging. I am also hoping that this will motivate you to develop skills through the club to enable you to make the most of the experience.

What’s it about? Watch this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y2ga_7EgN8

Door County Sea Kayak Symposium Website:

http://www.paddlers.com/everyonepaddles/page.asp?pgid=1016

When: July 11/12-14, 2019 (Participants often arrive on the evening of July 11 to be ready to participate on July 12.)

Where: On Lake Michigan at Rowley Bay Resort in Door County, WI. ~ 5hrs drive from Madison.

https://www.google.com/maps/@45.2191311,-87.1664569,11z
 
Rating Required:SK1 and up (If you need help deciding if this is a good fit for you, please feel free to contact me directly by email.)

Why's it so great: This symposium offers dozens of courses organized by skill level. It is run by ACA and BCU certified instructors and covers every aspect of sea kayaking.  You choose your own class schedule based on skill level. There are land and water-based instructional courses as well as guided expeditions around Lake Michigan. Some examples of instructional classes are Greenland paddling, Navigation, and Surf & Waves. Guided trips are both full and half-day. You have the choice of skill-builder trips where rescue scenarios are mixed with the expedition, or you can strictly do touring.

Skill level descriptions will be on the website and instructors will be double checking your abilities. So, choose what you think is the most appropriate level. If you intend to register and attend, please contact me to coordinate boat and gear and if you would like help choosing classes/trips. The full schedule and details for registration should be available in December 2018.

Cost: You are responsible for symposium and lodging costs (below) and food (some meals are provided by symposium).

You will need to register through the symposium’s website and pay registration fees (more info below). If you intend to register and attend, please contact me so I can help coordinate boat and gear. Using Hoofers Club Gear makes this much more affordable.

When you look at the variety of guided expeditions and instructional opportunities the value goes a long way.  If you need sea kayak equipment we are approved to use Hoofer equipment. This saves the expense of having to rent boats/paddles/skirts.

REGISTRATION/FEES (will be updated in December 2018)
Symposium Details and Registration

http://www.paddlers.com/everyonepaddles/page.asp?pgid=1016

Scheduling: You have the choice to attend 1, 2, or all 3 days. Cost varies upon how many days you sign up for.  

Below are the prices from 2018. These may change slightly when the details are updated.

Before April 15th
3 day: $350/person
2 day: $320/person
1 day: $240/person

After April 15th
3 day: $380/person
2 day: $350/person
1 day: $260/person

LODGING: There are rooms available at Rowley's Bay Resort. You can also camp at Wagontrail Campgound and have the choice of bringing a tent (your own or through the club) or a reserving a yert. Links are below.

Rowley's Bay Resort:
http://rowleysbayresort.com/

Wagontrail Campgroud:
http://www.wagontrailcampground.com/

Sea Kayak Trip Leadership Training - Apostle Islands Lake Superior

Tentative Dates: July 26-August 1, 2019 (This is a general window to be finalized soon.)

Pending interest and water safety approval, I plan to co-lead a training trip opportunity to earn:
(A) ACA Sea Kayak Trip Leader Certification.

(B) ACA Knowledge/Skills Assessment (prior to the trip)

My goal is to develop skilled paddlers, instructors, and leaders.

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is the industry standard for paddle sports in North America and is a recognized standard worldwide.

Why: ACA training/certification in paddling, teaching, safety, and leadership skills is essential and highly valued for those who intend to work and/or play in the outdoors. 

Here is your opportunity close to home in one of our favorite Great Lakes. This training trip will occur on Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands National Shoreline.
--------------------------------

***Focus of Leadership Training:
This opportunity is in conjunction with a multi-day trip in the Apostle Islands. The Trip Leader Training/Certification provides more focused training on trip planning, risk and incident management, safety, weather, navigation, and trip/group management. This is the industry recognized training designed for sea kayak guides on the Great Lakes and beyond.

Leaders:  I will be co-leading this training trip with an ACA Instructor Trainer.

--------------------------------

Please sign up on the wait list if you are sincerely interested. Final participant list will be at the leader's discretion. Space is limited by island campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.

**Make sure to answer each of the questions.**

Required Gear: Those who participate would have access to club sea kayaks and club gear. I will review these details with the final participants.

Required Skills: Strong SK1 skills (or better) and standard swim test are required before the trip. For those seeking ACA certification, you must also pass an ACA skills assessment before the trip. You will need to practice skills.  Pool sessions and other training opportunities are on the calendar to help you develop those skills. Personal fitness is very important for a multiday trip like this.

Costs: Will be determined based on number of participants. Given the training component, this will cost more than a typical club trip. I expect those who participate will also commit to teach and lead others in the club. You must deminstrate a commitment to lead and serve others.

This is a terrific opportunity to learn and earn in one of the sea kayaking national treasures. Let's go!

Camping, hiking, boating, and the best free music festival ever. Dennis Mossholder, Chris Jacobsen and I are leading a trip to the High Cliff state park on Lake Winnebago during the same time period as the 7^th annual Mile of Music festival in nearby Appleton Wi. August 1^st – 4^th 2019. We have a group campsite reserved for 3 nights and 4 days. The plan would be to canoe or and kayak on Lake Winnebago or the nearby Fox river in the mornings and early afternoons and then go the Mile of Music fest. The music fest is along a one mile stretch of College Ave. Last year’s event had over 200 original artists playing at 70 different venues and over 900 sets over the 4 days. Music included 19 genres from Alternative to Folk, Bluegrass, Soul, Punk and Pop Rock etc. The event highlights homegrown talent and recruited the best emerging artists from all over the U.S. and even internationally. Come for all 4 days or part of the weekend. Cost for some food and gas and camping site will most like be around $75 per person. You will need additional money for food at the festival. Bring your own camping gear or use club gear. We currently have plans for 3 cars going but let me know if you can also drive if needed. Thursday, Aug 1^st through Sunday, Aug 4^th  2019. Sign up today. Trip deposit will be collected in July 2019.