From 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.
The Hoofer Outing Club is an outdoors education and recreation club with a diverse membership of students, faculty, staff, and community members. Members plan and lead trips in Wisconsin and around the country, instruct lessons, oversee purchase and upkeep of club equipment, and coordinate all aspects of club operations.
When you join the Outing Club, lessons are free and most equipment use is included; trip costs are usually only gas, food, and camping expenses. You can join in on a trip or lead one yourself! Trips are announced on the website calendar, through our email list, or at one of our weekly meetings at the trip leader’s discretion.
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join, 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.
2. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the 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!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Outing Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hooferouting.org
Contact Us
News
Hey Hoofers! Come join Isabel Rojas-Viada and your fellow Hoofers in sparking a dialouge about big mountain climbing. She will be showing photos and telling stories of her climbing experiences on Aconcagua - the highest summit in South America! Bring your most adventurous self!
Upcoming Events
Pool Session - Sierra Club River Touring Section Guests Sunday, Feb 17
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.
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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.
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Instructor Sign-Up for Kayak Pool Session
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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.
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Kayak Pool Session
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
Talk on Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Madison Lakes
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.
An American Ascent
Join WUD Society and Politics, WUD Film, and Hoofers for a screening of the documentary film "An American Ascent," followed by commentary from James Edward Mills with Q&A. "An American Ascent" shows the journey of the first all African-American ascent of Denali, the highest point in North America. James Edward Mills is a Madison based journalist who worked with and wrote about Team Denali's story in his book, "The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors." James is an expert on the importance of diversity in the outdoors and teaches a summer class on campus called "Outdoors for All."
7:00-8:15 pm - Screening of "An American Ascent"
8:30-9:30 pm - Lecture with James Edward Mills followed by a Q&A
Let us know if you'd like to go with a Hoofer Outing Club member!
Kayak/Canoe/Swim Test Pool Session - Saturday Feb 23 - Hoofers are Welcome!
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://
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.
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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.
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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
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! :-)
Tuesday (February 26) - Sea Kayak Gear Up for Lake Columbia Trip 7:30pm
Tuesday (February 26) - Sea Kayak Gear Up for Lake Columbia Trip 7:30pm (Immediately after General Meeting)
We will meet immediately after the general meeting to gather our gear.
I am leading a group to Lake Columbia this week. Members from our group will meet on Tuesday evening to load our personal gear (PFDs, wetsuits, jackets, and a few other items), and to make sure our sea kayaks are ready for our trip.
Community Request: On Tuesday afternoon/evening, please leave all sea kayaks and other sea kayak gear in the boathouse until after our gear up is complete. Thank you for your help.
February 26 7:45pm - Whitewater/Paddling Activity Group Meeting
February 26 7:45pm - Whitewater/Paddling Activity Group Meeting - Gentle Pools to Rapids & Falls.
We will meet together around 7:45pm in the Mendota Lodge. (Immediately following the Lake Columbia Gear Up.)
Active and New members are welcome!!! Please sign up here so we know about how many to expect.
Why do we paddle together? There are so many breathtaking beautiful places (gentle and rapids) you can reach only from the seat of a canoe or kayak.
A Whitewater/Paddling Activity Group of Hoofers will meet on Tuesday February 26 in the Mendota Lodge of the Memorial Union - Come join the discussion. (We will gather together around 7:45pm - after the Lake Columbia gear up.)
If you are (or wish to be) an active participant in our club paddling activities, if you are simply curious about those brightly colored boats in the boathouse, if you wonder - why do we paddle in the swimming pool during the cold months, if you wish to learn more about the places you can go on gentle rivers, rapids, or even water falls - please join our meeting!
A few items on the agenda:
*Elect Whitewater Activity Chair (Please email me directly if you are interested in serving as whitewater activity chair.)
*Winter/Spring Kayak Activities (on and off the water) including kayak pool sessions
*Trip & Training Plans and Ideas for the coming Spring/Summer/Fall 2019
*Leadership/Instruction We need more leaders/instructors for all paddling groups. Our discussion at this meeting will continue to focus on leadership development and instructor development for whitewater and sea kayaking.
*I welcome additional agenda items for consideration. Please just let me know by email.
See you there!
-Michael
Sea Kayak - Lake Columbia - Paddle Strokes and Introduction to Navigation
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 - See you March 8-10, 2019!
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
ZION NATIONAL PARK BACKPACKING!!
We are going to Zion National Park! Nature! There, we will be embarking on a journey along the Zion traverse. The traverse is a ~50 mile trek across one of the most lovely National Parks this nation has to offer. We will be spending 5 days and 4 nights in the backcountry, making side trips to Observation Point, Angels Landing and possibly Northgate Peak (this one is unlikely). We will also be making stops at some beautiful places along the way, possibilites include: Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and most importantly, Nebraska! Woohooo! The plan is to leave either Thursday, March 14th after classes or as early as possible Friday, March 15th, and we will be returning on Sunday, March 24th.
The deposit for this trip is $345 (There is a possibility it will end up being cheaper and you will get money back)
We will have room for 3 more participants in this trip in addition to our Leader in training, the wonderful Annie Stimmel!
You'll need a BP2 rating or higher (BP3 or BP4) to come along.
Signup for this trip will open February 20th.
A brief backcountry itinerary:
Monday (3/17)
- Leave car at East Rim trailhead and shuttle to Kolob Canyons Trailhead
- Hike 8 miles to Horse Camp A
Tuesday (3/18)
- Hike 12 miles to Wildcat Canyon zone camping
Wednesday (3/19)
- Hike 9 miles to camp site 6 on West Rim Trail
Thursday (3/20)
- Hike 10 miles to zone camping on East Rim Trail
Friday (3/21)
- Hike 8 miles out of backcountry
Come join us on this grand adventure!
If you have any questions feel free to email us at: lrosenblum2@wisc.edu or aroberts9@wisc.edu
Fill out this google form if you are interested:
Canyonlands Spring Break Backpacking Trip!
Hey Hoofers!
Spring break is approaching faster than ya think- and me (Sophie), Anna, and Ella are heading to Canyonlands. If you’re down for an adventure, you should join us! It is going to rock!!! ;)
The quick itinerary is this:
In the backcountry (Utah) for 6 days out in the Needles District, Canyonlands, which includes backpacking, hiking, eating, and sitting in the SUN! We will leave Madison Friday, March 15th and will be back on March 24th. The total cost per participant is $340. If you need any financial assistance, please contact one of us at any of our emails:
We have room for 4 participants on this trip!
You can find the full itinerary here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GzQC2dWyIL92xMFUF5VcSJwzJVu0pe_k8D-X4DTNyzk/edit?usp=sharing
If you’re interested, and have a BP2 rating or higher, please fill out this form:
https://goo.gl/forms/qoOyqIowEcghStB13
You will get a link in a future age for when we plan on opening up registration.
More information on Canyonlands Needles District can be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needles.htm
If you have any questions feel free to email any of us! Happy Trailzzzz
Backpacking in the Blue Range Primitive Area
Hi! We’re doing a backpacking trip to the Blue Range Primitive Area in Eastern Arizona for Spring Break 2019! I bet you’ve never heard of this place, but we think it’s gonna be pretty cool. Hopefully you can come along!
If you’re interested, fill out this google form!
https://goo.gl/forms/9a4OTR0xjVtK1Jjl1
When: Friday 3/15/19 to Saturday 3/23/19
Leave Friday 3/15 sometime in the afternoon, but as early in the day as possible based on everyone’s schedules. Drive for two days out to Arizona. Hike. Hike. Hike. Hike. We’re shooting to be out of the backcountry Thursday 3/21, and then we’ll drive back to Madison, possibly stopping to see cool stuff along the way.
Priority sign up goes to people who are fleet certified (this is required). Protocol for fleet certification has recently changed; it is now an online system. Contact us for more information about how to get certified.
The trip is about a 30-mile loop in total.
Crew size: 3 leaders, 4 participants = 7 in total
The trip deposit will be around $270.
You'll need a BP2 rating or higher (BP3 or BP4) to come along!
To sign-up for this trip, the date it opens will be Wednesday February 20th at 7 pm. You will need to sign up on this page at that time, and it will be a first-come, first-served basis.
****Please contact us if this is an issue for you; we may be able to accommodate. We will contact the club general body if this information changes****
Here is our itinerary:
Sunday 3/17/19: Start at Blue Camp Trailhead and camp at the best view we can find.
Total Distance: 5.3 miles Total Elevation Gain: ~200’, mostly canyon traveling
Monday 3/18/19: Hike from previous site and camp right outside the Blue River Canyon.
Total Distance: 9.7 miles Total Elevation Gain: ~1200’ gain, ~700’ descent, ~200’ gained then descended, ~1000’ descent
Tuesday 3/19/19: Follow Blue River Canyon and camp along the river that night.
Total Distance: 6.8 miles Total Elevation Gain: ~200” descent to Blue River Canyon, then flat the rest of the way
Wednesday 3/20/19: Continue to follow Blue River Canyon toward Blue Camp trailhead. Potential to hike out this evening. If not, see “Thursday 3/21/19.”
Total Distance: 8 miles if camping, 10 miles if hiking out Elevation Gain: flat
Thursday 3/21/19: Hike approximately 1-2 miles out to Blue Camp trailhead.
Total Distance: 1-2 miles Elevation Gain: flat
Fill out our google form!
https://goo.gl/forms/9a4OTR0xjVtK1Jjl1
For questions, here’s who you can contact:
Evan Fernandez: efernandez4@wisc.edu 608-960-1717
Mary Cretney: mcretney3@wisc.edu 262-271-2149
Forrest Ahrens: fahrens@wisc.edu 612-615-5846
Spring Break Canoeing in the Ozarks of Arkansas or Missouri
There are several beautiful canoeing rivers in the Ozarks including the Buffalo River (in northern Arkansas) and the Jacks
Fork and Current Rivers (in southern Missouri). Which river/rivers we do will depend on the skill level and interests of the trip participants.
Please fill out the attached form by March 3rd: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKYDCEjtvqo-DB0pVES9cikbrE6Db5Kx9y6YOozT6xBJQgsw/viewform?usp=sf_link
We will use the responses to this form to determine which river(s) we will do.
No matter which river(s) we do, we will be carrying all our food and equipment in the canoes with us and camping on gravel bars or rustic campsites along the river. All these rivers have at least some rapids/riffles and require at least an R-1 rating in an open canoe (or a lake rating in an open canoe & prior rapids experience outside of the Hoofer Outing Club).
Since paddling trips require at least 3 boats, we will need at least 5 people to sign up in order to make this trip happen. The estimated cost is $200/person if we have 6 people. Final payment is due by March 7th.
We will have a mandatory trip planning meeting immediately following the normal Tuesday Hoofer Outing Club meeting on March 5th.
Death Hollow UT Backpacking Trip!
It’s spring break in the fresh and fun year of two-thousand-and-nineteen, and you’re fixing for some rocks and the wide open road. Well, great news: You can get your rock and road fix with Hoofers Outing Club in Escalante, Utah!
We will be opening this trip for signup on Wednesday February 20th, so until then please fill out this google form if interested!
https://goo.gl/forms/4oDVgKVFwvAEBUgl2
What & where: Backpacking the famous 25-mile Death Hollow loop (https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/utah/hikes/death-hollow-backpacking-loop)
This loop is highly technical, with some slot canyon segments that will require careful, precise movement, and even some sections with deep water where we will be floating and shuttling packs. A large portion of the hike will be through a river bed as well, so your feet will be wet. Weather is expected to be in the 30s at night, and 50s-60s during the day. More precise forecasting will be available once we reach March.
We will have us three leaders and four other participants, so 7 people total on this trip.
Review the above link or email us questions if you are concerned about the trail conditions.
When: Early morning of March 16 through March 24
Escalante, UT is a two day drive away. We typically leave from the Union around sunrise the morning of the 16th, so be prepared for an early start. See the itinerary below for more details on travel.
How: Pay a $325 deposit once you have filled out the survey and been permitted by us to register for the trip after the 20th.
To register, you must be a Union member, pay Hoofer Outing Club dues, and have at least a BP2 backpacking rating. Please fill out the google form so that we can get your information as soon as possible and approve sign ups.
Why: For funsies
Itinerary:
March 16: Drive 12 hours to North Platte, NE. Sleep the night there
March 17: Drive 8 hours from Denver to Escalante, UT. Camp in town or around town at night
March 18: Hike roughly 5 miles to first campsite, sleep
March 19: Hike 7.65 miles to second campsite, sleep
March 20: Hike 11.14 miles to third campsite, sleep
March 21: Layover day, maybe split up the mileage from day before
March 22: Hike out to trailhead, drive to North Platte
March 23: Drive from North Platte to Madison
Suggested gear:
Waterproof shoes or sandals, sturdy hiking boots, sleeping bag rated at least 20 F, sleeping pad, backpack (at least 65 L). If you do not have any of the listed gear, talk to us about renting from OUW or borrowing gear from HOC.
Contact mmuerhoff@wisc.edu with any questions about the trip!
Spring Break whitewater paddling at the Nantahala Outdoor Center
I have recently talked with the Nantahala Outdoor Center, (http://noc.com) a world-famous paddling school in North Carolina, about the chance to bring Hoofer paddlers for a Spring Break trip. Schedule is flexible based on the availability of interested paddlers!
PADDLING:
We will paddle in small groups with an NOC instructor, so the instruction can be tailored to your individual goals! We will focus on developing technical skills and rescue skills, probably spending most of our time on the Class 2-3 Nantahala River. We may also paddle other rivers in the area, such as the Little Tennessee, Pigeon, Chattooga, or Ocoee. Paddling gear is included in instruction prices.
LODGING:
Because we are a small group, we will most likely be able to fit into the NOC “Basecamp” lodging. This is their most economical option, and puts us conveniently at their location.
COSTS:
There will be some cost involved in getting to the NOC. Driving will likely be the cheapest option. We would probably camp in Kentucky on our way to/from North Carolina.
Lodging in the “basecamp” rooms is about $25/person/night.
Instruction will be in the range of $155-$200 per person per day. The Outing Club will likely be able to sponsor some of this cost for trip leaders or future trip leaders!
DEADLINE:
You don't have to know for sure, but please fill out this survey to indicate your level of interest: https://goo.gl/forms/ErX9N9XiVke5YMh92
You must respond by the end of Tuesday Feb 26th.
Pine River Canoe Camping
This is a joint trip offered in conjunction with the Sierra Club River Touring Section. You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to go on this trip.
Here is more information from the Sierra Club's website:
May 4-5: Pine R. Class l-ll; Boat Camp. Join us on our 43rd annual Pine River trip. We will address the many challenges facing this wild river as we go forward. Registration Contact/Leader: Gregg Riemer: 608-216-5803, dunord@sbcglobal.net. Co-leader: Rich Krieg: 920-660-3557, richkrieg@new.rr.com.
May 6-7: Pine R. extension. Class ll; Boat Camp with portages. Continue downstream from our traditional Pine River trip. Options to continue 1 or 2 days. See Meyers Falls, LaSalle Falls and Breakwater Falls. We will discuss the history and future of the Pine River Dam. Registration Contact/Leader: Gregg Riemer: 608-216-5803, dunord@sbcglobal.net. Co-leader: Rich Krieg: 920-660-3557, richkrieg@new.rr.com.
To go on this trip, you'll need to have an R-2p rating in an open canoe, although we may be able to accomodate a limited number of R-1s as long as we can pair you up with a more experienced paddler. The rapids we run aren't all that difficult, but they can be long. We will be camping along the river as we go, so we will have all our food and gear in the canoes with us. Since this is an early season trip, the water and air can be cold, so we need to be cautious as an a tip-over could be very unpleasant.
As you can see by the info above, in the Sierra Club's eyes, this trip is technically split into 2 trips. Historically, most people opt to do only the first 2 days in order to avoid the portages. But since I (Gregg Riemer) am leading both legs of the trip, I need to be there for all 4 days. As such, if you want to do only the first two days, you'll need to arrange your own transportation.
Since I'll be busy organizing and registering the Sierra Club people on this trip, I won't have time to lead all aspects of the Hoofer trip. I can be Hoofer river leader on the water, but I'm hoping somebody else can step up and organize food and equipment for the Hoofer contingent.
I've paddled all over the North America and the Pine is one of my favorite rivers anywhere, so you don't want to miss this opportunity. This will be an excellent introduction to semi-wilderness canoe tripping and would be good practice for other trips I hope to lead in Canada later in the summer.