We will be cleaning out the PFD room by removing most of the PFD's and storing them in another room to make room for the Snow kites and other equipment needed for our Winter Snow Kiting Fleet. Also we will be moving the kites from the sail tower to the PFD room.

Please come and help us get ready for the Winter Snow Kiting season even if is only for a hour at the beginning or the end!

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! 

OUTDOOR EXPLORER SERIES: Must Know Knots 

Have you ever been asked to tie something up and just stared at the string in your hands for far to long? FEAR KNOT!

Dont let this happen to you again, by joining our class and learn all about the best ways to remember how to tie various knots that are essential to recreating in the outdoors. We will practice and coach you through the most used knots and make sure you have got them figured out before you leave. Become a  knot pro and join us for the Outdoor Explorer Series: Must Know Knots!

Upon completion of this class, participants will:

• Describing terminology for knot tying/rope management

• Discuss why knot tying is an important skill to have as a person who enjoys the outdoors

• Most common knots you should know: (Video, In person walk through, practice, example of how to use this knot in the outdoors)

• Next steps to becoming a Knot tying professional

--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water lever 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 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 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.

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! 

OUTDOOR EXPLORER SERIES: Leading through Fun & Games

Upon completion of this class, participants will:

• Understand the role of stories in education and leadership
• Understand the role of games in education and building community
• Learn a variety of games that can be used to build group cohesion
• Learn situation specific games to fill different roles

--- 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 ***

Registration for this Hybrid WFR course is managed by NOLS.

Once you register you will be given information about how to access the required pre-course online modules that will need to be completed before the course begins.

NOLS enrollment link > 22399 HWFR January 13th-17th, 2025

* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *

* Please note that Hoofer members enrolling in this course will have to pay the full tuition price on the NOLS website and will then be refunded the  price difference the course has been completed * 

Description: The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (HWFR) course is a 5-day long 80-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine. The HWFR course is designed to provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. Prerequisites: No previous first aid training is required. You must be 16 years old to attend this course. Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.

Should I take the WFR or WFA? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR (Or Hybrid WFR) is an industry standard for outdoor professionals with outdoor schools and guide companies. If you are leading a group in remote areas, this more advanced WFR training can provide you with more in-depth knowledge and practice dealing with a variety of first aid situations. https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/

Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/ 

Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.      

Registration for this Hybrid WFR Re-Certification course is managed by NOLS.

Once you register you will be given information about how to access the required pre-course online modules that will need to be completed before the course begins.

NOLS enrollment link > 22400 HWRR January 19th-20th, 2025

* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *

* Please note that Hoofer members enrolling in this course will have to pay the full tuition price on the NOLS website and will then be refunded the  price difference the course has been completed * 

Description: The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification (Hybrid WFR-Recert) course is a 2-day 24-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine specifically to recertify participants who are currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification. The WFR-Recert course is designed to refresh your skills and knowledge in making critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments.

Prerequisites: You must be currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification or be in your 1-year grace period (between certification courses). You must be 16 years old to attend this course.

Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.

Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/ 

Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.      

Registration for this Hybrid WFR Re-Certification course is managed by NOLS.

Once you register you will be given information about how to access the required pre-course online modules that will need to be completed before the course begins.

NOLS enrollment link > 22401 HWRR March 15th-16th, 2025

* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *

* Please note that Hoofer members enrolling in this course will have to pay the full tuition price on the NOLS website and will then be refunded the  price difference the course has been completed * 

Description: The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR-Recert) course is a 2-day 24-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine specifically to recertify participants who are currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification. The WFR-Recert course is designed to refresh your skills and knowledge in making critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments.

Prerequisites: You must be currently holding a Wilderness First Responder Certification or be in your 1-year grace period (between certification courses). You must be 16 years old to attend this course.

Certification: Participants are required to pass both written and practical examinations to obtain WFR and CPR certification. Successful course completion earns you a WMI Adult & Child CPR certification and a WMI Wilderness First Responder certification. EMTs will earn a Wilderness EMT certification. All certifications are current for two years.

Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union on 800 Langdon Street in Madison. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/ 

Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.      

If you anticipate using a FLEET/DOA VEHICLE to tow a Hoofer-owned trailer at any point this fall or winter, then attend this class to get your trailer towing certification! This would include towing a sailboat for lift-out, towing the horse trailer, towing the alpine ski trailer, or possibly towing the outing club canoe trailer. Please note that if someone cannot make this class, other trailer trainings will be offered in the future. Outdoor UW plans on running two trainings each semester. FLEET AUTHORIZATION WITH WISCONSIN HOOFERS IS REQUIRED. If you are fleet authorized with another UW department, you must submit paperwork with our office as well to become fleet authorized with Hoofers. There is no cost for the class. We will meet before the driving demonstration to get started and review the basics. After a short presentation, we will be leaving our meeting location to perform the hands-on portion of the training—dress for being outside.

Previous experience driving a trailer is not required for this training, however, it is helpful as the in-person section doesn't provide much time to practice but instead is mostly meant to demonstrate skills and ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer. 

If there are questions please reach out to Nathan (headofinstruction@hoofersailing.org). 

Description: The Wilderness First Responder (WFA) is a 16-hour certification course that will help you prepare for unexpected medical emergencies in wilderness settings. This fast-paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care.Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations. You will also leave the course with a certification that is valid for two years from the date of the course. The course is hosted by OutdoorUW and taught by seasoned NOLS instructors in a two-day format, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments. To learn more about the curriculum please visit: https://www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/courses/

Should I take the WFA or the WFR? The WFA is a two-day course that primarily focuses on the basics of how to respond to an emergency situation in a remote area. This is perfect for people who are on remote day hikes or shorter trips with friends. This class really focuses on the Patient Assessment System and how to start making decisions on patient care. The WFR is a 10-day long course (or the HWFR is a 5-date course with an online component) and is the industry standard certification for outdoor professionals who plan a career working with outdoor schools and outdoor touring/guiding companies..https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/

Location: Primary classroom will be held at Memorial Union in Madison-800 Langdon Street. We are not able to offer housing or camping for this course. There are hotels and hostels available nearby. Food is not provided but is available for purchase in the building and at nearby locations to Memorial Union. There is a refrigerator and microwave to chill and warm food. https://info.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/ 

Register below, call, or stop in the office if there are any questions about this course. Office hours are posted at https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/outdoor-uw/. For additional information or questions about this certification course please contact Dan Dunne 608-262-7445 ddunne@wisc.edu 

Hoofer Club Leader Scholarship/Grant: If you are a current Hoofer club member and are hoping to take on more leadership within your club you may qualify for a scholarship/grant to offset the cost of this course. Please submit your application as soon as possible by applying through the links on hooferleaders.org. If you are awarded the scholarship/grant you will receive a follow-up email with directions on how to register for the course using a discount code.      

* Several spots on this course will be reserved for Hoofer members. These spots will be released to the general public 1 month before the course start date *

If you anticipate using a FLEET/DOA VEHICLE to tow a Hoofer-owned trailer at any point this fall or winter, then attend this class to get your trailer towing certification! This would include towing a sailboat for lift-out, towing the horse trailer, towing the alpine ski trailer, or possibly towing the outing club canoe trailer. Please note that if someone cannot make this class, other trailer trainings will be offered in the future. Outdoor UW plans on running two trainings each semester. FLEET AUTHORIZATION WITH WISCONSIN HOOFERS IS REQUIRED. If you are fleet authorized with another UW department, you must submit paperwork with our office as well to become fleet authorized with Hoofers. There is no cost for the class. We will meet before the driving demonstration to get started and review the basics. After a short presentation, we will be leaving our meeting location to perform the hands-on portion of the training—dress for being outside.

Previous experience driving a trailer is not required for this training, however, it is helpful as the in-person section doesn't provide much time to practice but instead is mostly meant to demonstrate skills and ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer. 

If there are questions please reach out to Nathan (headofinstruction@hoofersailing.org).