Hello Hoofer friends!

It’s been a very successful year in Outing Club and we want to show our appreciation for all the work you do as leaders!

On Tuesday April 23rd, we have the big fire ring at the end of Picnic Point (#6) reserved for a Leader Appreciation Night! This will take the place of the general meeting (and exec), as it is starting at 6 pm. We will wrap things up around 10 pm, or earlier if people decide to take off.

WE WILL BE BRING FOOD FOR ALL OF YOU!!! We’re going to have a Build-Your-Own Taco Bar, so tortillas, rice, beans, meat, veggies, chips, and other items for you to build your own taco with. We want to celebrate you as leaders, so this is free for you to come and eat!

There will also be a bonfire and s’mores after dinner!!!!

So, if you’ve led a trip or a lesson since the beginning of last summer, you should sign up and come to this event! We aren’t gonna be strict about that, but we would like it if just people who’ve led in the past year come, so we can celebrate the year together as a leadership cohort!

Again, this will take the place of the general meeting, so there won’t be things going on in the Mendota Lodge on Tuesday 4/23.

PLEASE ACTUALLY SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT ON THE LIST, SO WE CAN DETERMINE A GOOD ESTIMATE OF FOOD TO ORDER!

This is something we want to start doing every year, so the tradition starts now! As you would imagine, this being an official HOC event, alcohol/other substances are not permitted, nor are they permitted in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Tell your friends who are leaders that we would love to get together to celebrate the end of the year!

Thanks,

Evan and Ansley

Instruction Co-Chairs

Come join us on Saturday April 27th to paddle the Rock River in Horicon Marsh.  This is an annual trip to see birds Migrating North.  Bring Your camera and Binoculars.  Horicon Marsh is the largest cattail Marsh in the country.  In the Spring and Fall it is a stopping point for Canada Geese, Blue Heron, Eagles, Swans and many more.  

This is a quiet water trip and here are the ratings needed to come on this trip.  Canoers will need to have the Canoe Lake rating and Swim test.  Sea kayakers will have achieved the kayak lake lesson, SKO rating in kayak and the swim test.  

The water and air is still chilly end of April.  We don't plan on getting wet but bring extra clothes and layers along just in case you get splashed or wet.  Layers to keep you warm.  Sea kayakers will need a wet suit, the club has them for you to use.

Bring lots of water, and a sack lunch to eat.  We'll stop for lunch along the river.  There is a bathroom before we put in at the start but there is no public rest room along the route.  The paddle is about three hours.  

Bring money to share the cost of gasoline and some extra money for a possible stop at Culvers on the way home if the group wishes.

We'll email updates to the people that sign up.

Also we have a couple questions for you to answer when you sgn up.  The size of the trip will depend on how many people can drive and carry boats.

Quarry Park needs you!

Our local MTB park needs to get cleaned up from all that nasty garlic mustard (ick). It can't be all work no play though so you know we're gonna shread some while we're out there. This is part of Madison's earth day challenge so you got twice the pats on the back for helping out your community.

As a beginner MTB trip all skill levels are welcome, I'll show you what you need to know. Bring water and a small bag, and be sure to wear slightly sturdier clothes than you normally would biking due to the gardening we'll be doing. 

I'll throw out an email update with specific details as the date approaches.

-Chase

Our final social event of the year will require you and your fellow hoofers to put your outdoor skills to the test in the Hoofer Outing Club Spring Olympics. You will make teams of four and compete in a series of five different events, all of which will take place out at picnic point. Teams will progress through the events in a relay style, requiring one team member for some events and the entrie team effort for others. The events are as follows:

1. Biking: loop from base of Picnic Point, around the Natatorium, and then back to the base of Picnic Point. (nominate one team member for this event)

2. Camp set up: members are required to pitch a tent, blow up 2 thermarests, hang a hamock, and get your stove water boiling. 

3. Backpacking relay: the course has 4 stops, each with more gear that team members must add. 

4. Paddling event- details TBD

5. Nalgene chug (nominate one team member to chug a nalgene bottle of water. You can never be too hydrated in the out doors!)

Please create a team name and fill in your team members on the the spread sheet linked below. Also, please ensure that all of your team members are signed up on the HOC events calander. 

HOC Olympics Team Registration

Awards will be given to the team who progesses through the relay course the most efficently. 

Let the games begin!!!

Following the weekly Outing Club meeting, we will hold a meeting of the Water Safety Board. We will be in the Mendota Lodge (same location as the general meeting). 

All Hoofer Outing Club members are allowed to attend this meeting. Only Outing Club members who hold boating leader ratings of at least WW2-OC, WW2, or SKL1 can vote at the meetings.

At this meeting, we will focus on potential revisions to the Water Safety Code, many of which we discussed at our last meeting in October. 

No need to sign up; you can just show up. 

The spring has sprung and we are celebrating with fresh herbs and veggies! We have collabarated with Paradigm Gardens who has been growing plants for the Hoofer Outing Club this spring. Swing by on May 2nd to grab a plant or two for FREEEEEEE in the Mendota Lodge. See you there!

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.

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.

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

This is the INSTRUCTOR sign-up for the 5/5 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.

Hello hello Hoofers!

To celebrate the start of summer and the end of finals Ryan Stowe and I (Laura Arneson) along with a crew of Leaders in Training will be heading north on up to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota!!

Are you looking to become a canoeing leader in the club!? Then this is an awesome opportunity to learn, develop, and practice your leadership skills in the backcountry!

We will depart from Madison on Saturday, May 11th, after gearing up the afternoon before. We will then drive to Sawbill Lake in Tofte, MN and rent boats and do some final trip prep. The next morning we will head out on trail and spent the next week paddling, portaging, and practicing/teaching backcountry and leadership skills. On May 18th we will exit the BWCA and drive on back to Madison.

As this is a trip geared toward the facilitation of leadership, there will be a higher level of expectations from our participants. This includes the following:

• Complete an in-person meeting with us, Ryan and Laura, to discuss previous experience with Hoofers, canoeing and wilderness as well as leadership skills, and your goals!

• Be prepared to lead and co-lead the group on certain days of the trip

• Participate in trip logistics planning

• Be prepared to teach certain topics to others in the group (with help)

• Ideally have a swim test, canoe lake rating, and an R1 the required ratings to receive a Quietwater Leader Rating

  • At a bare minimum, you must have passed the swim test to come on the trip

• At the end of this trip, it is expected that you will be an active member of the Canoeing Activity Group within Hoofers, follow through on necessary steps to receive a Quietwater Leader rating (we will go over what these are), teach Canoe Lake Lessons, and lead Quietwater Canoe Trips

• Adhere to usual expectations asked of any participant on a Hoofers trip. Be a positive, contributing member of the group and share in group chores.

The trip cost is estimated to be around $275 per participant. We, Ryan and Laura, are in the process of applying for a grant to decrease this cost. If you have any questions or concerns about trip cost please reach out as there are scholarship options available and we do not want the cost of the trip to be a barrier.

If you are interested please fill out the Google Form below! Ryan and I will be in touch about setting up a meeting! https://forms.gle/zPC2rjKBECEN3TqJ9

If you have any questions please feel free to shoot us an email.

larneson2@wisc.edu and rstowe16@gmail.com

Thanks Ya'll,

Laura and Ryan

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

Welcome to the 2019 edition of the Hoofer Whitewater Memorial Trip!  

It’s 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.

I may increase the number of participants as support kayakers sign-up.

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 in May; email us if you are interested.

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

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

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.

 Please refer to link for gear list for more complete list:

http://www.hooferouting.org/index.php/getting-started/leading-trips/overnight-trip-leadership/378-2/

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

***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 - 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.

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/class.asp?clid=1001188

Let's go and grow as a paddling community.

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.

https://www.lostcreekadventures.org/acacert

Let's go! :-)

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/

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.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net/great-lakes-sea-kayak-symposium/courses/

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.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net

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.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net

$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.grandmaraismichigan.com/lodging.php

http://www.grandmaraismichigan.com/WoodlandPark/woodland-park.php

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!