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
SK0/SK1 Lesson
Leaders: if anyone is interested in helping out, let me know so I can open the lesson up to more participants, and possibly include a lake lesson session as well!
Participants: Please meet outside the Outdoor UW Office at the Memorial Union at 3:45 pm to partake in this lesson! Please arrive early if you are able!
Note: If you'd like to join and don't have your Kayak lake lesson, please email me. If I get enough interest, I'll include the lake lesson as well.
What to bring: swimwear/clothes you don't mind swimming in, water shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a dry change of clothes for after your lesson (you will get wet!)
In this lesson, you will learn the HOC Boathouse and Lake Procedures and Rules and then how to efficiently paddle and steer a sea kayak. You will learn how to move your kayak forwards, backwards, side ways (draw strokes), and how to turn (sweep strokes). You'll also get the chance to learn edging, bracing, the wet exit, the bow/Eskimo rescue, the T-rescue, and possibly the paddle-float self rescue.
By successfully completing this lesson, you will earn the SK0 Rating (Sea Kayak) and potentially the SK1 Rating within the Hoofer Outing Club. This will give you the opportunity to paddle a sea kayak out on Lake Mendota or go on other sea kayak trips, or even go on some introductory whitewater kayak trips!
Canoe Lake Lesson and Canoe Practice
This Thursday evening we would like to lead a canoe lesson and canoe practice
If you would like a review of stokes and then practice on the water this is a good place to go There is enough leaders to split up into two groups Sign up if interested so we know how many to expect
The canoe lesson will teach you how to paddle a tandem canoe with a partner. This will give you the canoe lake rating you need to go on quiet water trips and to take canoes out on lake Mendota.
We don’t plan on getting wet but wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Wear shoes that stay on.
We’ll learn about canoe strokes, the outing club, lake Mendota paddling with the club plus more.
Swim test not included in this lesson but I’ll show you where to go to take the swim test.
Outdoor Rental has lockers for a dollar rental to stash your belongings during the lesson.
Meet me by the Outdoor Rental Office door in the hallway where you enter from the lake.
See you soon. Joyce
Intro to Whitewater- Get your R1- Baraboo
The What
Looking for a reason to get outside before school starts? Want to learn how to paddle a boat in rivers? Or maybe you want to learn the best way to end up upside down in a kayak (and maybe even back upright)? This might be the trip for you.
We will be focusing on teaching skills for an R1 rating and to get you ready for the beginner trip Labor Day weekend.
For anyone interested in doing some tryhard-y homework, this is the river we will be running https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2887/. All sorts of fun to drool over while you wait in anticipation for Aug27th to come!
Itenerary
We will depart from the Union at 8am (arrive at 7:30 before to load gear).
Hour drive to Baraboo.
Get our boats and hair wet.
Hour drive back time to get food (I will be HUNGRY by then).
What to bring
Water shoes that secure to your foot (preferably close toed).
Swimsuit (I prefer athletic shorts and maybe an under armour style shirt if the water is kinda cold)
Water Bottle
Towel (If you have it. Not necessary)
Money for food and maybe a buck or two for gas.
Extra Bits
If you can drive boats or people, shoot me an email (lowry3@wisc.edu) so I can open it up to more people. Also, if this date doesn't work for you but you are looking for an R1 lesson, let me know and we can get out on the water. Always looking for an excuse to go paddle...
Rolling Practice
Come practice rolling your whitewater and/or sea kayak with me. I can work with only one person at a time but I hope to be able to help several throughout the session. If you just want some good old shenanigans in whitewater boats, you are welcome to join too!
You must have a lake rating in a kayak to participate. If you do not have one and want to take a kayak lake lesson contact our whitewater chair (whitewater@hooferouting.org)
Here is my general plan:
1)Start right side up
2)Go upside down
3)Return to right side up
4)Repeat
Meet at the boathouse at 5:30pm or anytime between then and sunset (8pm)
Nose plugs encouraged
2019 Sea Kayaks & More at Door County - Labor Day Weekend - Save the Date
2019 Sea Kayaks & More at Door County - Labor Day Weekend - Save the Date
Friday, Aug 30, 2019 - 4:00 pm through Monday, Sep 2, 2019 - 5:00 pm
The next episode of the great annual Hoofer Labor Day Trip to Door County!
So we will have a 3-day weekend coming up and Labor Day Weekend is summer at its peak. So that means one thing. We are spending the weekend doing what the Outing Club does best: playing outside on the water and on land. It will be a smorgasbord of outdoor activities. We will have sea kayaking, biking, hiking, campfires and day trips into local lakeside towns. Some highlights of the trip:
-Cycle and take the ferry to beautiful Washington Island
-Hike in Penninsula and Newport State Park. Beautiful coastline and forests.
-Sea kayak Lake Michigan. Do some surfing at Whitefish Dunes.
-We camp in Newport State Park. There is a beach where we have morning coffee. It is close to Door County's lakeside towns and has tons of hiking going through the campsite.
-Spend time around the campfire, on the beach, and it’s all with great people.
-And did I mention the food? There’s always good food.
The trip will cost $100. A $100 deposit will be required to hold your spot.
We will leave Friday August 30st and return Monday September 2nd. Departure time on Friday will be around 5 pm. The plan is to return to Madison on Monday night around 7 pm.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday night will be spent camping at Newport State Park. Each day sea kayaking trips will be lead along the coastline of Lake Michigan. You will need at least an SK1 rating. Other groups will either bike or hike the beautiful back country of Door County. And if you want an easier day, Door County is the ideal place to tour small towns and main street.
The club sea kayaks and some tents will be used for this trip. Food will also be provided. You may want to bring snacks.
Price: $100
Deposit of $100. (The sooner you place your deposit the sooner your spot will be held).
Generally speaking deposits will be non-refundable if there is not someone available to take your spot.
If trip costs are less than expected (gas prices fall) you will be refunded your share of the surplus.
We will be staying at the Newport State Park.
Please let us know if you are able/willing to:
Lead a portion of the trip (SK Leaders)
Drive (and carry boats/bikes)
Please note that signing up for this trip online does not confirm you a spot, submitting your deposit does.
Once Robert receives your deposit he will confirm your spot the trip.
Beginner Whitewater Kayaking Trip Labor Day Weekend (Aug 30th – Sept 2nd)
Beginner Whitewater Kayaking trip Labor Day Weekend (Aug 30th – Sept 2nd)
Let’s end the summer with one more awesome adventure!
Do you want to see the north woods from an entirely different perspective? Do you want to learn some new skills and meet some wonderful people?
Join us for the annual Hoofer Labor Day Weekend whitewater trip.
It is three days of paddling, three nights of camping, and a wonderful introduction to whitewater paddling!
This is a beginner whitewater trip where we will focus on the basics and build on the skills acquired during R1 trips. This includes eddy turns and ferries. In addition we will also discuss identifying river features and hazards, how to run rapids, surfing in features, and simply how to have fun on the water.
In the evening we will camp out cooking dinner around the camp fire and telling tall tales of our heroic whitewater adventure from the day. Alec said he may even show us the secret to making a perfect “smaco” on the camp fire!
Requirements
You have completed a Kayak Lake Lesson, passed a swim test & obtained an R1 rating in a kayak. If you haven't met this requirement yet, we hope to offer lessons throughout the summer months. Please contact the whitewater chair if you need to set up some leasons! whitewater@hooferouting.org
Cost
Cost will be around $45 to 65 depending on where we will be camping. Stay tuned.
You will also need money for dinner on Friday night on the way up and dinner on Monday on the way home.
Questions/Comments/Contact
Tom St Germaine at tsgmadsan@gmail.com
Bryan Wathen at bawathen@wisc.edu
We need your help!
We are looking for students to volunteer for the organizing team. If you're interested in how to organize any type of event, this is a great introduction! I will give you as much guidance as you need. Please email me: Tom St Germaine at tsgmadsan@gmail.com
We need safety boaters and instructors! If more safety boaters and drivers sign up, we can open the trip to more participants!
Tentative Plan
-We will meet at the Memorial Union boathouse at 4pm Friday August 30th to load gear and depart from Madison
-Stay at Hooferland Friday-Monday Paddling beautiful rivers Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
-Return to Madison Monday evening
What to bring
On the river, bring swim suit, non-cotton synthetic shirt, footwear, water bottle, sunglasses with a strap, strap for prescription glasses, nose plugs, dry bag for packing a lunch (optional) and large towel or large beach towel. For colder temperatures bring thermal undergarments, light wool or synthetic sweater, paddling jacket, wet suit. The club has a few paddling jackets and wet suits available.
For off the river, bring health insurance card, driver's license, extra money, rain jacket (rain pants optional), shirt, pants, shoes, socks, pile jacket, hat & gloves for cooler temperatures, flash light or LED head lamp, sunscreen, bug dope or mosquito head net, drinking cup or mug, bowl, knife, fork, spoon, (plastic sandwich container - optional), personal toiletries (toothbrush, tooth paste, ear plugs...), camp pillow, sleeping bag, mattress pad, personal tent or Hoofer club tent.
Pre Semester Paddling, Potluck Cookout on Picnic Point
Meet other Hoofers before the semester begins. All are welcome, community members, faculty and staff, New UW students, current undergrad and graduate students. See what this wonderful community has to offer.
Emma and I would like to host an end of summer and presemester cookout at picnic point. We’ll meet at 3:30 pm to gear up our boats and then we’ll paddle to picnic point for a potluck cookout. We’ll be back in time for the 7 pm meeting
To paddle canoe you’ll need a canoe lake rating in canoe and either the provisional or standard swim test.
To seakayak you’ll need an SKO rating and the standard swim test rating
Or if you would like to walk, bike or drive to picnic point instead of paddling meet us around 4:00-4:30 pm at the fire ring. I’ll announce which fire ring we have reserved once I hear back from reservations
We’ll start a fire or bring a camp stove for cookout if you’d like to cook something.
Bring something to share. Enough for 2-3 people or so. Usually at potlucks there are lots of things to try. It can be a dessert, salad, chips, or bring something to throw on the fire. Make it simple and yummy
Bring your own plate, silver ware, and something to cook in if your dish needs to cook on the fire.
Bring drinks for yourself and maybe to share if you’d like that to be your potluck contribution
I’ll bring some foil and the fixings for s’mores
You’ll need a dry bag to throw your things into for the trip across the lake if you are planning to paddle to picnic point
We should be able to utilize canoes for carrying extra stuff.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray just in case.
Wolfman Triathlon
The What
Are you looking to be as tired as absolutely possible Saturday night? Or looking for an excuse to paddle, mountain bike, and go for a run all in one day? If so, the Wolfman Triathlon is calling your name. You will need an r1 whitewater rating to participate in this event. If you do not have this, email me and we can get you the rating beforehand (lowry3@wisc.edu). The description from the Wolfman website:
"The 25th Annual Wolfman Triathlon, presented by Wolfman Triathlon Inc., one of the first off road triathlon's in Wisconsin consists of three segments: 3 mile whitewater paddle…13 mile mountain bike ride…and 3.5 mile rugged trail run. Racers begin in kayaks/canoes on the very rocky 3-mile class II whitewater section of the Wolf River just north of Langlade, WI. This downriver canoe and kayak leg ends at the DNR landing in Langlade. Racers then pull their boats ashore and sprint to the bike racks for a 13-mile mountain biking portion of the race. After a short ride east on highway 64, the course enters the Nicolet National Forest and the area’s extensive network of challenging technical single-track mountain bike trails. The course eventually exits the National Forest, crosses highway 55 south of Langlade and continues on more purpose built trail culminating with a river crossing near the end of the mountain biking course. The last leg of the race is a 3.5 mile rugged trail run along the scenic Wolf River."
The Plan
We will be meeting Friday afternoon (4pm) at the Union to load gear and drive up to the campsites to prepare for the race the next day. Saturday, shuffling gear around to the various transition points begins at 6am. A complete list of race day details can be found at http://wolfmantriathlon.org/info/athlete-rules . Following the completion of the race is an awards ceremony and free food (that you already paid for through registration. We will camp that night again and then pack up and return to Madison the following morning. If you need to return to Madison Saturday night, something can be arranged.
What to Bring/Cost
The registration for the Triathlon is $93 with camping being $12 a night. Estimate a registration cost totalling $117. We will be using club boats and bikes, but you will need to bring appropriate clothing for participating in all three events (non-cotton shorts and shirt) as well as a pair of shoes you are comfortable riding a bike and trail running with. Aside from the actual race, bring a tent (hoofers can supply if needed), sleeping bag, and clothes to sleep in/wear after the race (dry socks are some of the best feelings after a race)/drive home in on Sunday.
Registration
Each individual will be responsible for registering themselves. Please forward me (lowry3@wisc.edu) a copy of your confirmation email so I can check you off. Register with the "Triathlon and Camping" option. When it asks about camping, the name of the group is "Hoofers". Email me (lowry3@wisc.edu) if you have any further questions.
Garmin inReach Tutorial
Following the general club meeting I will be conducting a tutorial on the Garmin inReach devices for trip leaders to learn how and when to use them.
No ratings necessary.
Moonlight Canoe and Sea kayak
Saturday evening September 13 Robert and I would like to colead a moonlight paddle. We will paddle out to the beach on the north side of Picnic Point. Build a fire, and roast some marshmallows and watch the moon come up over the State Capital We’ll paddle back as a group all lit up with flashlights
Lets meet at the boat house at 6 pm to get boats, gear, and to put lights on our boats
Here are the ratings you need to paddle out to Picnic Point
If you want to canoe you will need to have completed the canoe lake lesson and have passed either the standard or provisional swim test
To sea kayak you will need an SKO rating and have passed the standard swim test. This entails taking the kayak lake lesson and then the SKO lesson for sea kayak
Fire pit number 1 is reserved in my name for our group so if you would like to hike out to picnic point instead of paddle that would be fun too!! Our reservation starts at 6 pm. Let me know if you would like to be at the fire ring at 6 and I’ll get you a copy of the reservation
The club has the boats, paddles, life jackets. You will need to bring a flashlight if you’re planning to canoe. Sea kayaks will need to bring two flashlights and a headlamp.
Bring fluids to drink (no alcohol), something to roast on the fire, bug spray, jacket
Trip will go out if we have green flag conditions
We will paddle back to the union between 8:30-9 pm
Let Robert or I know if you have questions and would like to learn more about leading moonlight paddling trips
Whitewater Canoe Weekend Trip
Are you comfortable with maneuvering a canoe down a twisting stream? Are you also looking for some more splashes/rocks/excitement? If you said yes to both, this trip is for you!
Participants on this trip should have experience on a moving-water Hoofer trip (I require an R1-OC rating). There will be opportunities in early September to join a moving-water trip to prepare for this.
We will join the kayaking trip on the Black River: https://events.hooferouting.org/event/70915 and we will choose another river for Sunday... To Be Determined, but could include the Red River. I will accept suggestions!
GOALS:
Focus will be on boat control and techniques for navigating moving water. Learn how to deal with rapids and get where you want to go!
COSTS:
$15 to $20 for gas money.
Camping fees if we camp
We will eat at a restaurant on Saturday night, and possibly on Sunday on our way home.
Plan to bring your own packed lunches for both days
Breakfast on Sunday will be provided at camp. Please plan to contribute about $5 - $10 for that.
ITINERARY:
Depart Madison no later than 8:00AM on Saturday Aug 14
Paddle the Black River approximately from 11 am to 3 pm.
Eat dinner, probably at Culver's.
Drive to a campground somewhere in central Wisconsin and stay for the night.
Drive to another river, possibly the Red River.
______
More details will follow! I will make a food plan and will send out packing lists as the date of the trip approaches!
If I get some more advanced canoe paddlers, I can open up more spots, so sign up to the waitlist!
Hatfield Dam Whitewater Release, September 14th
Hatfield Dam Whitewater Release, September 14th
I NEED ANOTHER DRIVER TO MAKE THIS TRIP HAPPEN. Let me know if you can drive and transport kayaks.
Why does this summer keep dragging on? I just want some simple splishy splashy whitewater good times.
Come join me for a fun little class II run down the Black River on Saturday September 14th. This will be a single day trip up to Hatfield, WI (~2.25 hr drive).
Requirements:
R2 or higher in a kayak (we may be able to accommodate R1 paddlers with approval and enough safety boaters). Contact me if you are have an R1 rating and want to attend.
Goal:
My objective of this trip is for R2 paddlers to become more comfortable reading and running class II rapids, surfing in features, and get practice rolling their kayak in rapids
Cost:
Fuel: $15-20
Food: You will be responsible for your own lunch and bring some money for dinner on the way home.
Plan:
-Depart Madison on Saturday September 14th no later than 8:00am
-Surf, spin, splat, and squirt our way down the Black River from 11am-3pm
-Return to Madison (but not until I get my Culver’s burger and concrete mixer) around 6-7pm
Contact:
Bryan Wathen
bawthen@wisc.edu
Sea Kayak Rough Water Training & ACA Instructor Development - Lake Superior
Sea Kayak Rough Water Training & ACA Instructor Development - Lake Superior
Dates September (26) 27-30, 2019
(The training begins on Friday morning September 27 and concludes on Monday afternoon on September 30. Travel to arrive in Ironwood MI on Thursday night.)
Pending interest and water safety approval.
Leaders: I will be co-leading this training trip with an ACA Instructor Trainer.
My goal is to develop skilled paddlers, instructors, and leaders.
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 class size & lodging/campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.
This rough water sea kayaking event is for capable paddlers looking to advance their knowledge/skills of navigation, weather, wind, and waves to safely develop in more challenging coastal and open water environments. Points of emphasis will include adapting paddling skills to rough water conditions, safety/rescue skills, group leadership, and risk management.
Paddlers will benefit from expert ACA training on Lake Superior between the Bayfield Peninsula of Wisconsin and the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan. Venues include the Apostle Islands National Shoreline (including the Meyer's Beach Sea Caves), Porcupine Mountain State Park, and Black River Harbor. Each day will include an integration of classroom didactic instruction with on water training in conditions on Lake Superior.
Who: SK2p/SK2 rating, recent paddling in rough conditions, and standard swim test required. A strong SK1 with whitewater experience may also be possible. If you are sincerely interested, available for the specific dates, and are aware of the rough/cold conditions involved, feel free to contact me. (If you are solidly moving towards the SK2/SK3 and are interested (but not quite there yet), we can discuss on a case by case basis. I would be happy to discuss my previous experiences with you.)
Boats/Gear: Most of the needed boats and gear can be made available through the club. Please email me directly to make arrangements. Wetsuits with synthetic underlayers (your own), paddling jacket, helmet, and other essential personal paddling gear of pfd, spray skirt are required.
Personal Gear: Synthetic under-layers (no cotton), paddling gloves/pogies, thermal cap. A drysuit is strongly recommended. For a drysuit, I would highly recommend that you contact Kayak Academy and arrange to have a rental dry suit. (Details below.)
https://www.kayakacademy.com/p
https://www.kayakacademy.com/p
Future: I am hoping this type of training event provides an incentive for each of us to increase/improve our paddling and leadership skills.
Participants will have an opportunity to earn:
(A) ACA Sea Kayak L4 Skills Assessment.
(B) Training Leading to L4 Instructor Certification.
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.
------------------------------
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 class size & lodging/campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.
Costs: Will be determined based on number of participants. I expect those who participate will also commit to teach and lead others in the club. You must demonstrate 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!
Sea Kayak - Gales Storm Gathering - October (10), 11-13, 2019
Gales Storm Gathering - October (10), 11-13, 2019
When: October 11-13, 2019 (October 10 is optional but excellent, and is focused on paddling in current.)
What: A migratory Great Lakes sea kayaking event for advancing, intermediate and advanced paddlers. Paddlers will benefit from training with top sea kayak coaches from the the US and Canada.
Here is a recent video: https://vimeo.com/202539741
Where: Lake Superior near Munising, Michigan, and the St. Mary’s River at Sault St. Marie
Read: Details at the link below.
http://www.galesstormgathering.com
Cost: $495 (4 day); $425 (3 day) (These were the costs from last year.)
Who: SK2/SK3 rating, recent paddling in rough conditions, and standard swim test required. If you are sincerely interested, available for the specific dates, and are aware of the costs (not cheap) and rough/cold conditions involved, feel free to contact me.
Boats/Gear: Given the training of this event, most of the needed boats and gear can be made available through the club. Please email me directly to make arrangements.
Please Note: This is not a Hoofers trip, but an independent event that some members may have interest in attending. This posting is to facilitate planning and logistics for those who may wish to participate.
If you are solidly moving towards the SK2/SK3 and are interested (but not quite there yet), we can discuss on a case by case basis. I attended two years ago. I would be happy to discuss my experiences with you.
Future: I am hoping this type of training event provides an incentive for each of us to increase/improve our paddling and leadership skills.
Paddle Golden Gate in 2020 (San Francisco Bay)
Paddle Golden Gate in 2020 (San Francisco Bay)
https://www.paddlegoldengate.com
February 7-9, 2020 (next year)
Preliminary Announcement
This event is intended to motivate new and experienced paddlers to spend the next months and year increasing knowledge and skills to prepare to take paddling to the next level in 2020. If this is of interest to you, please email me directly. There is usually a small group from the Great Lakes region who attend. I am hopeful that a few of us might consider going.
The mission of Paddle Golden Gate is simple; to offer high-end professional paddlesports instruction and a quality event experience in a truly unique location. This remarkable venue provides a challenging coastal environment with strong currents and powerful swells for advanced skills training alongside protected water appropriate for novice and intermediate paddlers to develop their skills. With a focus on skills training, this unique event offers participants the opportunity to paddle with some of the world’s best instructors and athletes, in one of the finest teaching locations in the world.
In addition to the main 3-day event, there will likely be ACA and BCU Trainings and Assessments being run consecutively with the event.