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
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
Whitewater Canoeing Clinic
Each year the Sierra Club River Touring Section hosts a whitewater canoeing clinic on the Wolf River in northeastern Wisconsin. You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to attend.
The registration fee for the clinic is $40/person, which is a bargain for a two-day class.
Here is more information from the Sierra Club's website:
June 1-2: Wolf R. Class II; Car Camp
Clinic Fee: $40 per person plus camping fees. Basic whitewater paddling skills taught to paddlers who have already mastered basic moving water paddling skills. Emphasis on river reading, safety skills & equipment, review of paddling strokes, and practice eddying, ferrying and surfing. Participants must provide a suitable helmet, paddle, PFD, and properly equipped boat, including flotation, suitable for whitewater. Group campsite B at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort (near White Lake/ Langlade) is reserved for Friday and Saturday nights, or you can make your own lodging arrangements. Bring a dish to pass for the Saturday night potluck. Solo Leader/Registration Contact: Rich Krieg: 920-660-3557, richkrieg@new.rr.com. Tandem Leader/Registration Contact: Phillip Johnsrud: 715-572-9884, johnsrudp@tds.net.
Our purpose in offering whitewater clinics is to introduce relatively competent flatwater paddlers to whitewater, not to make you an expert in Class V rapids, and not to teach beginners how to get into a boat without tipping it or how to hold a paddle. If you are fairly competent with basic paddling strokes, can make your canoe or kayak go reasonably straight across a lake in a modest wind, and can handle paddling in a current--you are likely ready to step up to whitewater paddling. The instructors for our clinics are volunteers with many years of paddling experience. Some are ACA certified whitewater instructors. Usually, there is a ratio of one instructor boat to two student boats, so you will get plenty of individual attention.
What we typically do at Wolf River Whitewater Clinics: On Saturday morning, we cover safety, water-reading, partner communication (for tandem boats), boat outfitting, and basic paddle strokes. You'll get to practice these strokes on a lake with instructors coaching you. In the afternoon we run a short, relatively easy section of a whitewater river (usually the Wolf River near Langlade) to practice on moving water. You'll be introduced to ferrying, eddy turns, and going slower (not faster) than the river to maintain control. Everyone is invited to a potluck at the group campground on Saturday evening. On Sunday, we spend the whole day on the Wolf River, practicing all the skills you learned on Saturday.
To register for the clinic itself, you need to contact Rich Krieg (solo clinic) or Phil Johnsrud (tandem clinic). I would recommend registering early as the clinics may fill.
I (Gregg Riemer) will be one of the instructors at the clinic and I'm also a Hoofer Outing Club trip leader, so I can lead a group of Hoofers to the clinic. In order to use Hoofer equipment, you will need to have at least an R-1 rating in your craft of choice (solo or tandem canoe). If you need to use Hoofer equipment and/or you simply want a ride up there, please sign up on this page. Estimated cost is about $40 for transportation, camping, Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch. This is in addition to the $40 you will need to pay to the Sierra Club when you register for the clinic. Note, signing up on this website does not register you for the clinic itself. For that, you'll have to contact Rich or Phil as mentioned above.
WHITEWATER KAYAK CLINIC June 1-2, 2019
WHITEWATER KAYAK CLINIC June 1-2, 2019
***This trip will require a member or two to step up who can haul boats, gear, and passengers I won't be attending myself. I would like to help coordinate a group of Hoofers attend if possible. Sign up and answer the two questions to be put on the wait list. Once a member or two step up to transport boats/people, I will move individuals to the participant list..***
Each year the Sierra Club River Touring Section hosts a whitewater canoeing clinic on the Wolf River in northeastern Wisconsin. You don't need to be a Sierra Club member to attend.
The registration fee for the clinic is $40/person, which is a bargain for a two-day class.
Here is more information from the Sierra Club's website:
WHITEWATER KAYAK CLINIC
June 1-2: Wolf R. Class II; Car Camp Clinic Fee: $40 per person plus camping fees. Basic whitewater paddling skills taught to paddlers who have already mastered basic kayaking skills on moving water. Emphasis on river reading, safety skills & equipment, perfecting paddling strokes, and practice eddying, ferrying and surfing. Kayaks should be rated for Class II whitewater and have pillars reinforcing the deck. Students require a suitable helmet, PFD, neoprene spray-skirt, paddle, air bags, water bottle, dry bag for clothes-lunch-incidentals, and appropriate paddling clothes for immersion. Group campsite B at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort is reserved for Fri. and Sat. nights, or you can make your own lodging arrangements. Bear Paw rents some kayaks and paddling gear. Bring a dish to pass for the Saturday-night potluck. Leaders: Jack Burton, Mari Gasiorowicz, Dave Hiller and Bruce Nelson.
Registration Contact: Mari Gasiorowicz: 608-
512-7394, mgasiorowicz@gmail.com. Sign up early; this clinic fills up.
June 1-2: Wolf R. Class II; Car Camp
Clinic Fee: $40 per person *plus* camping fees and transportation costs.
Basic whitewater paddling skills taught to paddlers who have already mastered basic moving water paddling skills. Emphasis on river reading, safety skills & equipment, review of paddling strokes, and practice eddying, ferrying and surfing. Participants must provide a suitable helmet, paddle, PFD, and properly equipped boat, including flotation, suitable for whitewater. Group campsite B at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort (near White Lake/ Langlade) is reserved for Friday and Saturday nights, or you can make your own lodging arrangements. Bring a dish to pass for the Saturday night potluck.
In order to use Hoofer equipment, you will need to have at least an R-1 moving water rating in a whitewater kayak. If you need to use Hoofer equipment and/or you simply want a ride up there, please sign up on this page. **This trip will require a member or two to step up who can haul boats, gear, and passengers I won't be attending myself. I would like to help coordinate a group of Hoofers attend if possible.**
Estimated cost is $40 for registration *plus* about $40 for transportation, camping, Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch.
Note, signing up on this website does not register you for the clinic itself. For that, you'll have to contact Mari as mentioned above.
ACA Whitewater Leadership/Instructor Development and Certification
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.
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
ACA Canoe Instructor Certification - June 7-9, 2019
ACA Canoe Instructor Certification - June 7-9, 2019
This ACA Canoe Instructor Training/Certification is focused on canoeing.
Please sign up on the wait list and email me directly if you would like to participate. Space is limited, so please consider and plan ahead to participate.
Anyone who has spent much time in a canoe knows that mastery of the craft requires learning. Help others learn the finer points and joys of canoeing by becoming a certified instructor. This certification is geared toward helping you & your students learn the about river hazards and features, strokes and basic skills such as catching a large eddy or doing a gentle ferry. This is a great certification for developing leaders who want to lead canoeing trips down easy moving water rivers.
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.
What: ACA Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop
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.
Where: Rutabaga Paddle Sports
https://www.paddlers.com/rop/c
Let's go and grow as a paddling community.
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
ACA Sea Kayak New Instructor Training - June 18-20, 2019 Lake Superior
ACA Sea Kayak New Instructor Training - June 18-20, 2019 (Good for Relatively New Sea Kayakers)
My goal is to develop skilled paddlers, instructors, and leaders. Here are a few more opportunties.
Level 1 or 2 (see below) would work well for relatively new paddlers/leaders - this is for you! [Level 3 or 4 (see this link) is for those with more solid experience.]
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 near Cornucopia, WI.
Aspiring Instructors: Although I won't be attending this event, I would encourage those of you who are interested in receiving Instructor training and certficiation to please contact me to help prepare or if you have any questions. I will help coordinate boats/gear for those who choose to participate.
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.
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. You will need to practice skills. Pool sessions and other training opportunities are on the calendar to help you develop those skills.
This is a terrific opportunity to learn and earn in one of the sea kayaking national treasures - the shoreline of Lake Superior.
A. Level 1-2: Instructor Certification Workshop - June 18-20, 2019
This workshop is a combined IDW & ICE, which means that within these three days you may certify as an instructor at level 1 or level 2.
https://www.lostcreekadventures.org/acacert
Let's go! :-)
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
Ice Age Trail Building
Ice Age Trail Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Event
Cross Plains Ice Age Interpretive Site, Dane County
Training is provided by certified volunteer crew leaders and all participants get free meals and (for those working with us for multiple days) a free place to pitch a tent.
No experience is necessary. All Abilities are welcome.
We will leave from the Park Street Circle, Friday, June 21st at 5:00 pm. and return to the Park Street Circle by 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 23rd. (The Park Street Circle is located at the end of Park St., next to the Memorial Union.)
Please sign up on this website and also at https://iceagetrail.z2systems.com/np/clients/iceagetrail/eventRegistration.jsp?event=510&
Camp setup option is tent. Task is trailbuilding. Meals-Check Friday dinner, all Saturday and all Sunday meals. Arrival time is 6 pm Friday. In the comment box write "Hoofer Outing Club".
Cost: $2 for gas.
If you have any questions, please email me or call me.
Chris Jacobsen
JacobsenChris@msn.com
608-873-2016 (voice only)
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
2019 Door County Sea Kayak Symposium - July 11/12-14, 2019
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/
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
2019 Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium - July 17-21, 2019
2019 Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium - July 17-21, 2019
2019 Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium - July 17-21, 2019 (Grand Marais MI)
https://www.greatlakesseakayak
Grand Marais was picked as the location for this symposium for its protected harbor with easy access to the open waters of Lake Superior and it’s proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The town also has an amazing beach in the harbor and on the exposed Superior shore. The historic village of Grand Marais is at the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore.
This is a chance for to paddle sea kayaks on Lake Superior 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 paddled here before as have many other club members. 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.
Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium Website:
https://www.greatlakesseakayak
When: July 17-21, 2019
General Schedule:
https://www.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net/great-lakes-sea-kayak-symposium/schedule/
Where: On Lake Superior in Grand Marais MI (Upper Peninsula along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore) ~ 6hrs drive from Madison.
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 several 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 Superior. Some examples of instructional classes are 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.
https://www.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net/great-lakes-sea-kayak-symposium/courses/
If you intend to register and attend, please contact me to coordinate boat and gear and if you would like help choosing classes/trips.
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
Symposium Details and Registration
https://www.greatlakesseakayak
$395.00
Includes: 4 days of coaching, welcome dinner Wednesday, Grand Marais High School fundraising pasty dinner Saturday and all evening social gatherings.
LODGING: There are indoor lodging options and outdoor camping right near Lake Superior. You can also camp at Woodland Park Campgound and bring a tent (your own or through the club). Links are below.
https://www.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net/great-lakes-sea-kayak-symposium/lodging/
https://www.grandmaraismichiga
http://www.grandmaraismichigan.com/WoodlandPark/woodland-park.php
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!
Sea Kayak Trip Leadership Training - July- Apostle Islands Lake Superior
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.
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***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.
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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!
General Meeting
Summer meetings will be a rather informal oppurtunity for Outing Club members to get together and talk about recent trips, upcoming trips, and other general announcments. We will also proabably spend some time dreaming up the next big andventures the club will tackle in the coming weeks/ months. See you in the Mendota Lodge on the first floor of Memorial Union!