Our Clubs
The Wisconsin Hoofers is the premier outdoors club at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With nearly 2,000 members, Hoofers is one of the oldest and largest student organization on campus. From sailing on Lake Mendota to climbing at Devil’s Lake, Hoofers is a place where people of all abilities can learn outdoor skills and enjoy outdoor activities. Hoofers is proud to be part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the student programming and leadership board for the Wisconsin Union. Get outside with us and hoof on!
Mountaineering
Rock OnFrom conquering the rock wall at Boulders Climbing Gym to traveling the country in search of the most challenging climbs in the country, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
Outing
Get FoundFrom 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.
Riding
Change PaceFrom horseback riding lessons to schooling shows, Riding Club members are involved in all the ins and outs of riding and horsemanship.
Sailing
Set SailFrom learning how to sail a C-Scow to weekly Friday night socials, Sailing Club members spend time with fellow sailors on and off the water. The Sailing Club’s claim to fame: they have the second largest inland fleet of boats in the nation.
Scuba
Go DeeperFrom year-round trips and training sessions to socials with other divers, Scuba Club members (both certified and not) explore life beneath the surface.
Ski and Snowboard
ShredFrom weekly trips to Tyrol Basin to the Jackson Hole spring break excursion, Ski and Snowboard Club members know how to take advantage of winter.
Get Out and Get Active
How to Join
1. Pick a Club!
We offer six clubs: Mountaineering, Outing, Riding, Sailing, Scuba, and Ski & Snowboard. You can join as many clubs as you'd like! For more information, check out each club's site from the menu above, or head over to the Clubs page for an overview!
2. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join a club (or multiple clubs!), 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.
3. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined a 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!
Contact Us
Wisconsin Hoofers
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofers.org
Contact Us
News
Another amazing trip went out this weekend to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). The participants got to hang out with Daniel's parents and dog before heading on the trail! They played some games, had a few rap battles, explored some caves, and had an overall great time!
Last weekend, 17 Hoofers went on a canoe trip to the Sylvania Wilderness. They paddled 12.5 miles, traversed 7 lakes, and bested 7 portages. Not even a rainy Sunday could stop them from enjoying a weekend full of fall colors!
The Annual HMC Welcome Weekend returned once again for 2024! Even though the weather did its best to hinder the trip, the club persevered and had an excellent time climbing at the lake. Many returning as well as new members enjoy the Railroad Amphitheater and Birthday crags. On top of climbing, those who went early Friday were able to enjoy a classic camping experience with swimming and cooking s'mores over the fire. The trip was topped off with a brat cook-out at Brittingham Park on Sunday once back in Madison.
No Sailing Experience Required!
This year's Commodore's Cup is a 6-day activity taking place during the last full week of August and culminates with a formal ball at the end. This event celebrates both the sailing and social aspects of the club and stems from delightfully wacky traditions formed during the typical doldrums due to lack of wind we experience in July.
A special winter seminar is being held on March 6th at 6:30 in the festival room. Members and racers from the MYC will be there for a meet-and-greet.
Agenda:
- Why race sailboats
- History of E Scows
- Why race and E Scow – A Love Letter
- Spinnaker work
- Mendota Yacht Club
- Racing terms and what to expect.
- Tips for crew
- How to get involved
Upcoming Events
Porkies Backpacking
Hey Hoofers!
Grab your hiking boots, we're going backpacking in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park October 18-20. We will be doing 17 miles on the Superior, Big Carp, Escarpment Loop. There are no ratings required for this trip.
MANDATORY pre-trip meeting Tuesday, October 15th at 8 PM (after the general meeting). If you can't make the pre-trip meeting please don't sign up for this trip.
The cost of the trip is $63, which covers food, camping, and transportation. Bring money to buy food on the road Friday and Sunday.
Refund policy: We will not refund anyone who drops after Sunday, October 13th. Again, make sure you can attend the pre-trip meeting before signing up!
Night temps will be in the 30-40s (chilly chilly), day temps will be in the 50s (We’re talking layers on layers).
Questions, comments, concerns, song recs? Hit our lines at ciwhitney@wisc.edu, tschueller@wisc.edu, traudt2@wisc.edu
Friday
- Leave Madison at 8 AM
- Drive 5 hours to Porkies!!
- Hike 5 miles in fall colors to campsite
Saturday
- Hike 10 miles
- Lake Superior lunch time
- A little cambio (epic card game)
Sunday
- Sunrise 2 mile hike to car
- Leave porkies at 8 AM
- Arrive in Madison by 2 PM
Wishing you peace love and porcupines ????,
Cleo, Jean, and Tess
Seed Collection for a Wildlife Sanctuary!!
Would you like to improve your native plant ID? Walk around in a beautiful prairie and collect native seeds? Contribute to local biodiversity and improve wildlife habitat? This is the event for you!!
We will be visiting Faville Grove Sanctuary in nearby Lake Mills this Friday to help with seed collection for their restorations. The property is managed by a local nonprofit, the Southern Wisconsin Birding Alliance. It was established by Aldo Leopold in the 1930's and has been the host of many rare species over the years, so you will be contributing to an important history!
LOOKING FOR DRIVERS: Please let me know if you would be willing to drive for this event (either fleet certified or have your own vehicle), and I will be able to open more spots!
Logistics:
We will leave from the Memorial Union parking circle at 8:45 am, drive roughly 30 minutes to the property, and collect seeds for 2 hours before making it back to Madison around 12:30 pm. To be prepared, make sure to bring:
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Long pants and sleeves (non-synthetic fabrics like denim and cotton are best for removing sticky seeds, wool is worst)
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Dress for the weather — you may need a hat or buff
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Sturdy hiking boots
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Sun glasses/hat
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Gardening or work gloves
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Water bottle snacks
This location is absolutely beautiful and very diverse! I highly recommend checking it out even if you don't come on this trip.
Learn more about Faville Grove here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8b5185d57906494899cec383c628ddd6
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Black Earth Creek Whitewater Canoeing Trip (Transformative)
- This trip will most likely open more slots if another leader can go. If you are on the waitlist plan to bring ten dollars to for gas but the initial participants will be paying $10 through rechub.
- Black Earth Creek is a scenic trout stream located about 1/2 hour west of Madison. It is a nice, convenient place to learn the fundamentals of river paddling.
-
- The trip will be open to 5 participants.
- PRE-REQUISITES:
Canoe Lake Rating or Canoe Orientation
You can find a more complete explanation of the Hoofer Outing Club's ratings here: https://www.hooferouting.org/ratings - OUTCOMES:
By the end of this trip, you should be familiar with moving water fundamentals, including eddy turns, ferries, and peel-outs. We will also discuss the basic moving water hazards: strainers and snags/foot entrapment. - We won't be paddling far on this trip, but we will be practicing paddle strokes and maneuvers extensively. Instruction will be a primary focus of this trip. Participants demonstrating adequate knowledge and skills can earn their R1-OC rating (which may be a pre-requisite for participating in other HOC trips).
- WHAT TO BRING:
Water and snacks
Sunscreen
Clothing and shoes that you are willing to get wet and muddy and that will not fall off in the water. We won't be practicing wet exits on this trip, but dress for being immersed in water just in case you tip over. We will be wearing wet suits as well.
A towel and a full change of dry clothing, including a dry pair of shoes. We will leave those in the car for afterwards.
Rain gear in case it rains. - ROUGH SCHEDULE:
- 12:30 pm - Meet at the Hoofer Boathouse, lower level of Memorial Union. Get equipment and load boats.
1:30 am - Leave for Black Earth Creek.
2:15 pm - Arrive at the Olson Road put-in. Unload equipment. Run Shuttle (bike shuttle if only one vehicle.
2:45 pm - "Ground School", i.e. Safety talk and discussion of basic river hydrology/features.
3:30 pm - Start paddling. Practice paddle strokes and maneuvers.
4:15 pm - Reach the Two Bridges/Wolf Run take-out in Mazomanie. Load boats.
5:00 pm - Arrive back in Madison
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Single Craft Rental
This reservation is for a single-person craft rental (Single Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard). Don't forget to invite your friends to sign-up! If you would like to rent a two-person craft (Tandem Kayak or Canoe), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
[10/18-20] BACKPACKING 55 MAMMOTH MILES FOR THE MAMMOTH CHALLENGE
Do your friends keep telling you to touch grass? Do you think your life would be enriched with a little more suffering? Maybe it's time to put down the Dostoevsky and go for a hike!
Every October, the Ice Age Trail (one of the US's longest contiguous trails) puts on an event called the "Mammoth Challenge." This year, to celebrate their 44th anniversary, they're inviting participants to hike 44 miles cumulatively with "teams" over the entire month (so if a 3-person team does a 1 mile hike together, it counts as 3 miles towards the challenge for each team member).
HOC stands for many things--one of them is Huge OveraChievers. We're aiming to celebrate the IAT with a 55 mile backpacking trip, in one weekend, through the Kettle Moraine segment. We'll leave in the afternoon on Friday (time is somewhat flexible), hike 10 miles, hike 25 on Saturday, hike 20 on Sunday, then return late Sunday night. Map of the route here: https://caltopo.com/m/0FLV27T
This is not a beginner's backpacking trip! To sign up, you need a BP2 or higher. (If you don't have the rating but are an experienced backpacker and stoked for the trip, email alyun@wisc.edu, gbertalot@wisc.edu, landsafety@hooferouting.org)
We will also be doing a mandatory fitness test for all participants, regardless of experience level, just to make sure we're all on the same page:
- Meet at MemU outside Mendota Lodge at 7:00am on Tuesday and Wednesday (BOTH days are required)
- Hike 3 miles in 45 minutes carrying at least 40lb (if you need to borrow gear, email us and we'll meet slightly before)
- Pre-trip meeting after the test on Wednesday (probably around 30 minutes max)
Estimated cost will be around $50 per participant.
If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or thoughts on Pambdelurion's strange head shape, email us at alyun@wisc.edu/gbertalot@wisc.edu. We hope to see you on Tuesday morning!
Two-Person Craft Rental
This reservation is for a two-person craft rental (Canoe or Tandem Kayak). Only one reservation is required for you and your paddling partner. An additional liability waiver will be required for the second occupant upon arrival to your rental. If you would like to rent a single person craft (single kayak or stand-up paddleboard), please check our rental calendar for alternate options.
- Complete your reservation before arriving
- Payment will be required
- A waiver will be signed
- Review our cancellation policy
- Arrive to the Outdoor UW Office
- The office is located in the lower level overlooking the lake front on the west side of the building.
- Additional directions and information will be sent in a confirmation email.
- Arrive early if you plan to change, use the bathroom, or rent a locker. Locker rentals are available for $1 through our front desk (or at the time of your rental reservation)
- The second occupant of the boat will need to complete a waiver in our office.
- Let's Paddle!
- Our team will help you gear up and provide a safety orientation.
- Return your boat
- Reservations are for one hour. Should you want a longer time period, please sign-up for an additional timeslot.
- Our staff will help you exit your boat and put away your equipment.
- Don't forget to visit the terrace for food and drinks after!
Participants under 18:
If you are signing your child up for this event, just select the quantity of crafts you will need to accommodate your party. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and all participants under 16 must be in the same paddlecraft as their legal guardian.
Participants over 18:
Select the number of crafts you would like and then proceed with your payment. You will be prompted to enter your information and agree to our waiver. Follow the prompts until you are directed back to the event page and you are listed as a participant.
Tech Lesson
Event Information: This three hour lesson will review the topics of the Intro to Dinghy Sailing lesson and focus on the rigging and sailing of the Badger Tech. Students should expect to spend time on the water during this lesson and dress accordingly. Most students take this course once or twice before moving on to the Learner Dinghy Practical.
Location: This lesson will meet under the yellow canopy next to the lake lab. If you are unable to find your instructor, or if there is inclement weather, please check in with the Outdoor UW Office.
Prerequisites: Intro to Dinghy Attendance Rating.
Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Tech Light 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: