Hoofer Sailing Club
Set Sail
Tong Family Marina
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Hoofer Youth
Youth Sailing Summer Camp
UW Sailing Team
GO GO WISCO!
The Hoofer Sailing Club, established in 1939, is a collection of students and community members working to promote sailing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by providing the organization, equipment, infrastructure, instruction, and financing necessary to encourage recreational and competitive sailing.
Membership includes unlimited lessons and boat usage. Our fleet, one of the largest in the nation, includes dinghies, keelboats, windsurfing and even winter kiting. We encourage all our members to volunteer, to become instructors and to be involved in club leadership.
By doing as much of the work ourselves, we can keep our membership dues as low as possible. Not only does our structure keep our costs low, but it also has tremendous social potential. When you teach others to sail or get involved in our periodic work parties and social events, you meet new people and create friendships. You also get a chance to learn a great deal about boat operations and maintenance-- a great thing if you dream of owning a boat someday.
Our club is open to any level of sailing experience from beginners just wanting to take a few lessons and learn the basics of sailing, to our intercollegiate sailing team that often ranks in the top 20 in the nation.
See you on the lake....
News
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
Nominations for Commodore, Vice-Commodore, or Rear Commodore will open February 21st and close the 27th. Be sure to check the Elections page for updates and anything else you might need to know
Applications for Sailing Instructors for the 2024 season are now opoen! Check out the details on the Teach Sailing page for info.
Thank you everyone for your help lifting out boats for this year! We only have a few boats left to get out so be sure to check the lessons page for any volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Outdoor Explorer Series: Intro to Snowshoeing
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 ***
Student "Welcome Back to Campus" ICE SKATE Night -Outdoor UW Special Event - OPEN TO ALL - No membership required
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 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 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.
Learn to Skate on Lake Mendota with Rec Well
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
ABBA Skate Night with Outdoor UW - Special Event - OPEN TO ALL - No membership required
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.
Learn to Skate on Lake Mendota with Rec Well
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
Snow & S’mores with Outdoor UW - OPEN TO ALL - No membership required
Venture into the winter wonderland of Lake Mendota as you hike or snowshoe to the secluded haven of Picnic Point. Gather around a roaring campfire, where the crackling flames set the scene for camaraderie and the creation of delicious s'mores, before embarking back to Memorial Union.
Meet-Up Location/Logistics (WITH snow and ice):
The Snow & S'mores hike will be done on snowshoes if conditions allow. If conditions allow for snowshoeing, participants will meet at the Outdoor UW office in Memorial Union and walk across the ice to picnic point. Snowshoes are provided by Outdoor UW. Please wear winter boots for this event and dress accordingly.
Meet-Up Location/Logistics (WITHOUT snow and ice):
If there is no snow and ice, the hike will be done on foot from the entrance of picnic point. The Outdoor UW Crew will be meeting participants at the Picnic Point entrance gate located at 2000 University Bay Drive, and ending the hike at Outdoor UW (800 Langdon St).
The entrance of Picnic Point is located at 2000 University Bay Drive next to the B-Cycle parking/bike racks, Lot 130 Parking, and Bus Stop # 2881 ‘University Bay & Picnic Point (EB)'. Madison Metro route #80 is free and will take you from Memorial Union to Picnic Point. More info can be found here: https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/getting-here-and-parking/ Please wear winter boots for this event and dress accordingly.
*If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
*Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
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.
Food and Equipment Information:
Some food may be provided for these events (if indicated above), please let staff know before the event if you need us to make a reasonable food sensitivity or allergy accommodation for you.
Equipment/ Gear Required by Participant:
Equipment will be provided. Participants must dress accordingly and be prepared for variable seasonal weather conditions.
Boy Bands Skate Night with Outdoor UW - Special Event - OPEN TO ALL - No membership required
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Get ready to skate to the beat at our Boy Band Ice Skating Extravaganza! This themed outdoor event brings the best boy band hits from the '90s and early 2000s to the ice. Glide under twinkling lights as iconic tunes from Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, One Direction, and more fill the air. Whether you’re reliving your teenage dreams or discovering the magic of these chart-toppers for the first time, this lively atmosphere, complete with festive decorations and a vibrant crowd, is sure to make your skating experience unforgettable. Lace up your skates and let the music move you!
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.
Outdoor Explorer Series: Intro to Cross Country Skiing
Intro to Cross-country Skiing (In collaboration with the Hoofer Outing Club)
Getting outside during winter in Wisconsin can be a bit challenging…Cross-country Skiing to the rescue! We will learn about the basics of Cross-country Skiing in the classroom, then move on to the lake for some hands-on practice. Join us on this introductory course to learn the ins and outs of this winter activity.
*** Cross-country skiing gear will be provided for practice purposes at this event ***
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
-
Learn about what cross-country skiing is and why it is popular
-
Understand the difference between classic and skate skiing
-
Learn about what gear is needed to have a successful trip
-
Get hands-on practice with cross-country skis
--- 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 ***
Snow & S’mores with Outdoor UW - Special Event - OPEN TO ALL - No membership required
Venture into the winter wonderland of Lake Mendota as you hike or snowshoe to the secluded haven of Picnic Point. Gather around a roaring campfire, where the crackling flames set the scene for camaraderie and the creation of delicious s'mores, before embarking back to Memorial Union.
Meet-Up Location/Logistics (WITH snow and ice):
The Snow & S'mores hike will be done on snowshoes if conditions allow. If conditions allow for snowshoeing, participants will meet at the Outdoor UW office in Memorial Union and walk across the ice to picnic point. Snowshoes are provided by Outdoor UW. Please wear winter boots for this event and dress accordingly.
Meet-Up Location/Logistics (WITHOUT snow and ice):
If there is no snow and ice, the hike will be done on foot from the entrance of picnic point. The Outdoor UW Crew will be meeting participants at the Picnic Point entrance gate located at 2000 University Bay Drive, and ending the hike at Outdoor UW (800 Langdon St).
The entrance of Picnic Point is located at 2000 University Bay Drive next to the B-Cycle parking/bike racks, Lot 130 Parking, and Bus Stop # 2881 ‘University Bay & Picnic Point (EB)'. Madison Metro route #80 is free and will take you from Memorial Union to Picnic Point. More info can be found here: https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/getting-here-and-parking/ Please wear winter boots for this event and dress accordingly.
*If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Co-Managers, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu
*Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
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.
Food and Equipment Information:
Some food may be provided for these events (if indicated above), please let staff know before the event if you need us to make a reasonable food sensitivity or allergy accommodation for you.
Equipment/ Gear Required by Participant:
Equipment will be provided. Participants must dress accordingly and be prepared for variable seasonal weather conditions.
Outdoor UW Skate Night (Taylor’s Version) - Special Event - OPEN TO ALL - No membership required
Step into a winter wonderland at our Taylor Swift Ice Skating Night! This themed outdoor event is a celebration of all things Taylor, featuring her greatest hits from Fearless to Midnights. Glide across the ice to the tunes of "Love Story," "Shake It Off," and "Anti-Hero," surrounded by a magical atmosphere of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Whether you're singing along to your favorite tracks or enjoying the wintery vibe, this unforgettable evening brings Taylor’s music to life in the most enchanting way. Don’t miss out on this ultimate Swiftie skating experience!
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.
Lake Mendota Conditions
Contact Us
Hoofer Sailing Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofersailing.org
Contact Us
Hoofer Youth Program
The Hoofer Youth Program offers quality on-the-water instruction with a focus on fun and learning. Courses in sailing, windsurfing, and racing are open to youth ages 10-18 and range from beginner to advanced.
Programs are designed to teach outdoor recreation skills while encouraging youth to have fun and develop personally in the areas of communication, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and respect for others. Hoofers promotes a constant awareness of safety, emphasizes the importance of working together, and teaches students to adapt themselves to the forces of nature.