Intro to Snowshoeing Getting outside during winter in Wisconsin can be a bit challenging…snowshoeing to the rescue! In this class, you will learn about the history and the basics of how to stay above the snow when hiking with SNOWSHOES! Then move from the classroom out onto the lake for some hands-on practice. Join us on this introductory course to learn the ins and outs of this winter activity.

Upon completion of this class, participants will:

• Learn more about what snowshoeing is and why it is popular 

• Learn about what gear is needed to have a successful trip 

• Get hands-on practice on snowshoes

*** Snowshoeing gear will be provided for practice purposes at this event ****

Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES).  Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure! 

--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water level of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----

*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***

Get ready to lace up your skates and glide on ice at our Student "Welcome Back to Campus" ICE SKATE Night! Enjoy chart-topping beats while experiencing a night of fearless spins, dazzling twirls, and unforgettable memories as you celebrate the start of the semester with your fellow students and friends.  

Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.

<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>

***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.

***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu

Cancellation, Reschedule, and Refund Information

Participant Cancellation: When canceling at least 1 week before the event, a full refund will be possible (if the participant submits a refund request form). Within a week of the event, Outdoor UW staff reserves the right to give full, partial or no refund on a case by case basis.

Outdoor UW Cancellation:The event will be cancelled 24 hours in advance if inclement weather or poor lake conditions exist. In the event of a cancellation, full refunds will be issued. Refunds will not be issued if participants cancel within 24 hours of event.

Equipment/ Gear Required by Participant:

Equipment will be provided. Participants must dress accordingly and be prepared for variable seasonal weather conditions.

Event Information: 

Hear professional weather router Jason Christensen recount his experiences routing race boats around Cape Horn. Called the Everest of the Seas, Cape Horn is the biggest challenge in sailing.  The combination of strong currents, high winds, and the narrowness of Drake Passage presents multiple challenges.  This talk will dig into what goes into a Cape Horn routing, and what you need to consider. 

Jason is a sailor, race coach, instructor, race navigator, and is the founder of Racing the Wind.  Racing the Wind specializes in race navigation and adventure routing on the world’s oceans.  Last year, in the global solo challenge, Racing the Wind routed two boats around Cape Horn.
Check out Jason's Blog here: https://www.racingthewind.com/blog.

Jason will present virtually to a live audience at Memorial Union. A meeting link will be sent in advance to all participants signed up for this event for anyone interested in joining virtually. 

Our Winter Sailing Seminars are a great way to expand your horizons during the winter months.  The seminars are open to anyone who is eligible to be a sailing club member and no prior sailing experience is required; you do not need to be a current member of the sailing club to attend. Feel free to invite your landlubber friends!

Seminars occur weekly and cover a variety of nautical topics, such as racing tactics, sailing around the world, and sailing medical emergencies. 

Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. Most Seminars will take place in the Hoofer Chart Room. Note that the event start time may appear earlier on the TITU listing but will begin at the time shown here. If the event does not appear on the TITU listing, please go to the Outdoor UW Office and speak with the staff to determine the event location.

2024 Winter Sailing Seminars:

Jan 15th: Chartering in the BVI with Ben Nichols
Jan 22nd: Weather routing with Jason Christensen
Jan 29th:  UW lake Rescue Facilities Tour 
Feb 5th:  Cruising with Captain Rogge
Feb 12th:  Review of the 37th America’s Cup with Philip Tietze
Feb 19th:  Stories from the ROTC with Officer Matthew Green
Feb 26th:  Cruising the Apostles Islands and Isle Royle with Mark Gillespie
Mar 5th:  Sailing into Oblivion. Special event with  Jerome Rand
Mar 12th:  Radio maintenance and operation with  VC & Gregory Pitts
Mar 19th:  Cruising the Pacific with  Adam Hughes
Mar 26th:  First Aid for Sailing with  Bob Cape VC

Discover the thrill of gliding on ice at Outdoor UW's Learn to Ice Skate event, where expert instruction from UW RecWell turns Lake Mendota into your frosty classroom! Whether you're a first-timer or looking to polish your skills, this picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for mastering the art of ice skating. Join us for laughter, learning, and graceful slides as you embrace the magic of skating on the frozen beauty of Lake Mendota.

Skate rentals are included for each participant in this event's registration. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.

<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>

***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.

***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu

Event Information: The goal of this 6-week course is to introduce you to the techniques of nautical navigation and orienteering so that you can confidently explore new bodies of water on your next adventure. Of course, much of our navigation today is done using GPS and electronic chart plotters. However, learning with a paper chart will make it easier to understand the fundamental techniques, enabling you to quickly apply your knowledge to each unique software program that you encounter.

We will be following the American Sailing Association’s “Coastal Navigation, Advanced Cruising Techniques” by Mike Pyzel. There will be several charts and plotting tools available for instructor demonstrations. For students to get the most out of this course, it is recommended that students acquire a copy of training chart 1210TR and a set of parallel rules and dividers for navigation to work through the techniques and chart practice problems on their own. There is otherwise no fee for this course.

Students who successfully complete the course’s optional final exam will earn a Hoofer “Coastal Navigator” rating.

Location:  Except for February 6^th, expect classes to be in the chartroom. Check TITU for more information.  

Prerequisites: This course is open for signup to anyone who has a keelboat light rating or crew rating. Please contact headofinstruction@hoofersailing.org if you would like an exception or have any questions!

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Learn how to ski or snowboard at Tyrol Basin in a 60-minute lesson! Rentals are available for those without equipment.  (Please indicate in the comments when registering if you are taking skiing or snowboarding lessons)

Pick up will be around 4pm, lessons start at 5:30pm and we plan to leave the mountain around 7pm (can stay longer if the group agrees on a time) . Your trip leader will contact you to confirm pickup.

Trip Costs:
Transportation----------------$10
Lift Ticket----------------------$40
Lift Ticket and rentals-------$65

Join Hoofers SNS for a day trip to Tyrol Basin in Mt. Horeb, WI to ski or snowboard. Trip leaders will pick up participants around campus and provide transportation and lift tickets. Tyrol Basin has runs for riders of all abilities, including a terrain park. 

Trip leaders will be in contact with you the day prior to your trip with more details regarding pick up time and location.

See you on the slopes!

If you are looking for only tickets there is a seperate signup.

THIS EVENT IS FOR A LIFT TICKET AND LESSON ONLY. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION.                                       

 (Please indicate in the comments when registering if you are taking skiing or snowboarding lessons) 
                                        
Trip Costs:                                        
                                        
Lift Ticket----------------------$40                                     
                                        
Lift Ticket and rentals-------$65                                        
                                        
You must pick up your ticket from the trip leader at the hill at 5pm. Tyrol Basin will not give individuals the discount. Your trip leader will reach out the night before with their phone number. Lessons start at 5:30pm.

THIS EVENT IS FOR A LIFT TICKET ONLY. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION.

Join Hoofers SNS for a day trip to Tyrol Basin in Mt. Horeb, WI to ski or snowboard. Tyrol Basin has runs for riders of all abilities, including a terrain park. This option is available for members who would like to join us at Tyrol but will provide their own transportation.

Plan to meet a Hoofers Trip Leader at the Tyrol ticketing office on the day of the trip at 5:00 pm. (please be flexible as the driver has a group of members to pick up before heading out to Tyrol)

See you on the slopes!

Can you believe ABBA is still a thing? ...Neither can we, but here we are. ABBA Ice Skate Night is a fun, themed event where attendees enjoy ice skating while listening to the iconic hits of ABBA. The night features a lively atmosphere with music from the legendary pop group, creating a nostalgic and energetic experience on the ice. It's a perfect blend of music, skating, and entertainment for fans of all ages. Get down here and be a dancing queen on the ice. 

Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.

<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>

***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.

***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu

Cancellation, Reschedule, and Refund Information

Participant Cancellation: When canceling at least 1 week before the event, a full refund will be possible (if the participant submits a refund request form). Within a week of the event, Outdoor UW staff reserves the right to give full, partial, or no refund on a case-by-case basis.

Outdoor UW Cancellation: The event will be canceled 24 hours in advance if inclement weather or poor lake conditions exist. In the event of a cancellation, full refunds will be issued. Refunds will not be issued if participants cancel within 24 hours of the event.

Equipment/ Gear Required by Participant:

Equipment will be provided. Participants must dress accordingly and be prepared for variable seasonal weather conditions.

Join Hoofers SNS for a day trip to Tyrol Basin in Mt. Horeb, WI to ski or snowboard. Trip leaders will pick up participants around campus and provide transportation and lift tickets. Tyrol Basin has runs for riders of all abilities, including a terrain park. 

Trip leaders will be in contact with you the day prior to your trip with more details regarding pick up time and location.

See you on the slopes!

If you are looking for only tickets there is a seperate signup.

Event Description: The lesson will review kite flying techniques and cover safe usage of a kiting harness. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding. Tip: when snow cover is low, bring a water bottle or two to carry in your kite backpack; the heavy backpack can hold your kite in place when setting up and launching; see the side-launch video below. 

Prior to attending this class, students should review the Winter Kiting Manual and the following videos:

• Safety Systems
• Depower systems
• Launching and Landing
• Heavy Air Instructional Video
• Kiteboarding Safety Precautions - Though this video uses a water kiteboarding example, the information is equally applicable to snow kiting.
• Survival in the Ice
• Side-launching a foil kite - Watch the first 4:30; this is the technique to use when snow cover is low.

Location: This lesson takes place at University Bay Fields. Students should meet at the shelter at the Northwest end of the fields.

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Winter Kiting Harness (B) rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the instructor.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

THIS EVENT IS FOR A LIFT TICKET ONLY. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION.

Join Hoofers SNS for a day trip to Tyrol Basin in Mt. Horeb, WI to ski or snowboard. Tyrol Basin has runs for riders of all abilities, including a terrain park. This option is available for members who would like to join us at Tyrol but will provide their own transportation.

Plan to meet a Hoofers Trip Leader at the Tyrol ticketing office on the day of the trip between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. (please be flexible as the driver has a group of members to pick up before heading out to Tyrol)

See you on the slopes!

Event Description: The lesson will review kite flying techniques and cover safe usage of a kiting harness. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding. Tip: when snow cover is low, bring a water bottle or two to carry in your kite backpack; the heavy backpack can hold your kite in place when setting up and launching; see the side-launch video below. 

Prior to attending this class, students should review the Winter Kiting Manual and the following videos:

• Safety Systems
• Depower systems
• Launching and Landing
• Heavy Air Instructional Video
• Kiteboarding Safety Precautions - Though this video uses a water kiteboarding example, the information is equally applicable to snow kiting.
• Survival in the Ice
• Side-launching a foil kite - Watch the first 4:30; this is the technique to use when snow cover is low.

Location: This lesson takes place at University Bay Fields. Students should meet at the shelter at the Northwest end of the fields.

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Winter Kiting Harness (B) rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the instructor.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Join Hoofers SNS for a day trip to Elver Park in Madison, WI to nordic ski. Trip leaders will pick up participants around campus and provide transportation and passes. 

Trip leaders will be in contact with you the day prior to your trip with more details regarding pick up time and location.

Hey Hoofers,

On the last Sunday of every month, Boulders hosts an adaptive climbing event, focused on making climbing more accessible, at the East Side location (3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI 53714). This program is volunteer-run and a great opportunity to diversify the climbing community that we, as Hoofers, engage with. They are looking for folks to belay and co-climb, no experience necessary, as other volunteers can show you the ropes.

Check out the event and sign up as a volunteer using this link: https://www.bouldersgym.com/adaptive

Boulders East is a 20 minute drive, 30 minute bike ride, or 1 hour bus ride from Madison, so coordinating with other volunteers is the best way to go about it. If you have a car and are willing to drive people, please add your name and information in the following spreadsheet. Likewise, if you need a ride, put your name down as a passenger.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QctZYuzMWonh10LTrgzAXQ-HA_mtHMhhm75KkyXlu38/edit?usp=sharing

Questions? Email me at mountaineering@hooferambassadors.org or Boulders at adaptiveclimbing@bouldersgym.com

Cheers!

Join Hoofers SNS for a day trip to Elver Park in Madison, WI to nordic ski. Trip leaders will pick up participants around campus and provide transportation. Participants will pay for their own permit, and optional rentals when they arrrive at Elver Park. 

Permit Prices:

Daily - $8

Annual - $30

Equipement Rentals and Permit (Includes skis, boots, poles and a daily ski permit):

Hourly - $9 for first hour, $5 for each additional hour

Daily - $30 for first day, $15 for each additional day

Trip leaders will be in contact with you the day prior to your trip with more details regarding pick up time and location.

Get started on your way to repairing sails and sewing canvaswork—such as sail covers, boat covers, sheet bags, etc.—by learning about sewing machines, and crafting your own Hoofer Sailing Club burgee! This 2-session class will (tentatively) consist of:

Session 1: Learn about the mechanisms that make a modern, lockstitch sewing machine work; how to wind a bobbin; how to thread the machine; the importance of thread tension; types of needles and presser feet; straight and zig-zag stitches. Practice sewing seams and hems.

Session 2: Apply your knowledge from session 1 to craft a burgee: Hem the base fabric; apply decorative stitches to attach the red fabric for the 'W', white fabric for the star; and trim them to shape. Then, apply flag tape along the fly (edge next to the flag pole), and install brass grommets. The result is a real burgee that you can take home to hang on your wall, or fly on your boat.

The goal of this class is to start training a group of club members who will have the skill to use an industrial sewing machine to take on a list of projects to make the club's boats better: sail repairs, new main sail covers, repair or replace covers for the scow fleet, or recycle old sails into useful items, like tote bags.

Have questions about the club? Want to brainstorm? Just wanna chat?

Feel free to drop into my online office hours! I will have office hours every week on Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 pm. Office hours will be in-person in the OUW offices (across from Mendota Lodge), or can be moved to an online meeting or call. These times and locations are flexible, just reach out to outingpresident@hoofers.org if you need a change. Also, please try to give me a heads-up if you plan on attending.