
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 together to maintain a fleet of boats for 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 (the best way to become a better sailor) and to be involved in club leadership.
By doing as much of the work as possible ourselves, we can keep our membership dues incredibly low. Compare our dues to other yacht clubs, where you may have to pay up to $1,000 per month in dues just to maintain your membership and then pay hundreds of dollars more for lessons and the expense of private boat ownership.
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. Friendships made all the stronger by common interests and a shared sense of pride in a job well done. 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.
The majority of our membership is made up of individuals wanting to just take a few lessons and learn the basics of sailing. Yet our intercollegiate sailing team often ranks in the top 20 in the nation. We also have a committed group of long-time members to add to the great mix that is Hoofer Sailing Club.
News

Our Winter Sailing Seminars are a great way to expand your horizons during the winter months. The seminars are open to the community 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!
See more here!
Hello Hoofer Sailors,
Thanks for a great season of sailing with you all! Below are the dates for the end of season. If you are able, please volunteer for liftouts on Rechub.
- Light Keelboat fleet lift-out: 10/14
- Keelboat lift-out: 10/21(fri) & 29(sat)
- Last day for moorings: 10/30
- Pull Marina Docks: 10/31-11/7 *all hands*
- Last Day for Rentals: 10/23
- Last day for Sailing: 10/30
- Remove Moorings: Week of 10/31-11/4
- Move T-dock: week of 11/7

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.

With a long winter and a wet start to the summer, the sailing season is finally here! Be sure to stop by the lake front to sail, be social, or hop on a lesson.
Are you interested in working for the Sailing Club? We have a job opportunity for someone looking to become more involved in the oversight of the club and the club's infrastructure. We're hiring a Hoofer Sailing Club Advisor and Sailing Infrastructure Manager.
Upcoming Events
Hoofer Council President Office Hours
Come chat with the Hoofer Council President! Whether you have questions, concerns, ideas, or Hoofer highlights to share, drop by virtually or in-person at the Outdoor UW Leader Lounge (B302, located across from Mendota Lodge in the lower level of Memorial Union - ask the front desk staff if you're having trouble locaing it). All virtual office hours can be accessed using the zoom link at the bottom of the page.
Weekly office hours and location:
Mondays
- 10:00-11:00AM VIRTUAL
- 2:00-5:00PM Outdoor UW Leader Lounge
Wednesdays
- 10:00-11:00AM VIRTUAL
Thursdays
- 11:30AM-4:30PM Outdoor UW Leader Lounge
Zoom link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/4707506035 // If you are unavailable during these hours, reach out via email (president@hoofers.org) to schedule a meeting.
Hoofer Council Meeting
First Hoofer Council Meeting of the Spring Semester! If you're interested in learning more about Hoofer Council, the super cool leaders involved and what we do as a board, stop by one of our meetings or swing by president office hours in the Outdoor UW Leader Lounge (office hours posted on the Rechub event calendar). If you're interested in a specific leadership position, reach out via email to president@hoofers.org and get connected with one of our board members to get all the details!
First Year Students Skate Night
First year and newly tranferred students new to UW-Madison are invited to come to Memorial Union and ice skate for FREE with Outdoor UW. Join us for an evening of connecting with your classmates and listening to some tunes as you glide across the lake ice. These 3 free skate nights are scheduled for 1/31/23, 2/17/23 and 2/28/23. Hope you can join us!
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 Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Outdoor Explorer Series (Introductory Course): Winter Camping
Join Outdoor UW for their new Outdoor Explorer Series. Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure!
Intro To Winter Camping
Brrrrrrrr... It's cold out there. But, have no fear, you can learn to make it toasty warm for your next winter camping adventure. Don't let the cold keep you inside, get valuable tools and techniques in this course to turn the heat up in your skills.
Upon completion of this class, participants will:
- Learn about the types of ways winter camping can be done (Quinzee building, 4 season tents, etc)
- Gain knowledge and understanding of the risks involved with winter camping
- Learn how to prepare yourself and friends/participants to safely and comfortably camp in the winter
- Other considerations.
Sail GP - The Greatest Show on Water [Virtual] | Winter Sailing Seminars
Event Information: A brief history of Sail GP, a summary of the current season so far, and strategy and tactics involved in this unique style of racing.
Our Winter Sailing Seminars occur weekly and cover a variety of nautical topics. The seminars are open to the community and sailing club membership is not required.
Please see below for a detailed list of this season's dates and topics.
Location: This online presentation will be held on the Zoom platform.
Participants signed up for this event will receive an email from the lessons site on the day of the presentation containing a link and password for joining the meeting. Please keep an eye out for it.
Using Zoom is free. You do not need to install the app or create a Zoom account, but doing so may result in a better user experience. Please visit the Zoom website for more information (https://zoom.us).
2023 Winter Sailing Seminars:
January 12 (Thursday): Sailing the British Virgin Islands with Max Slesarev
January 18: Building Your First Boat with Jo Reis
January 25: Spray's New Panel and Marine Electronics with Michael Litzkow
January 27 (Friday): Bareboating in Croatia with Pete & Christine Keuler
February 1: Sail GP - The Greatest Show on Water with Philip Tietze
February 8: Weather in the Great Lakes region with Ian Beckley
February 15: Limnology of Lake Mendota with Mark Gahler
February 17 (Friday): Sailing to the Virgin Islands and back with kids and a dog with Daniel Rogge
February 22: Nautical Communication with Mark Gillespie
March 1: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing with Dave Elsmo
March 8: Introduction to Marine Four-Stroke Engines with Mills Botham
March 15: Advanced Racing Tactics with Dave Elsmo
March 22: The Physics of Sailing with Sam Norrell
Learn to Skate with Outdoor UW & Rec Well
Join the Outdoor UW and RecWell staff to learn how to skate on Lake Mendota! This event is specifically designed for folks who have never ice skated before and are looking for a gradual and supportive way to try it out. Our staff will go through all that you need to know about this fun and active way to get outside with friends and family this winter and enjoy the ice! If you need a helping hand in your first attempt at ice skating, come spend an hour with Outdoor UW and learn how to skate.
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 Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Full Moon Winter Hike
Explore the Lakeshore Nature Preserve with Outdoor UW under the full moon. Grab your friends and peruse the path with our Hiking leaders to learn about the portions of campus that have explorable outdoor landscapes and how you can get active outdoors this winter. All are welcome for this very beginner-friendly hike out to the picnic point and back.
Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Hoofer Council President Office Hours
Come chat with the Hoofer Council President! Whether you have questions, concerns, ideas, or Hoofer highlights to share, drop by virtually or in-person at the Outdoor UW Leader Lounge (B302, located across from Mendota Lodge in the lower level of Memorial Union - ask the front desk staff if you're having trouble locaing it). All virtual office hours can be accessed using the zoom link at the bottom of the page.
Weekly office hours and location:
Mondays
- 10:00-11:00AM VIRTUAL
- 2:00-5:00PM Outdoor UW Leader Lounge
Wednesdays
- 10:00-11:00AM VIRTUAL
Thursdays
- 11:30AM-4:30PM Outdoor UW Leader Lounge
Zoom link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/4707506035 // If you are unavailable during these hours, reach out via email (president@hoofers.org) to schedule a meeting.
Practicing Gratitude with Rec Well
Experiencing the winter blues? Looking to boost your mental health? Join Rec Well for an hour of practicing gratitude! Learn how gratitude increases happiness, try out different ways to express gratitude, and explore simple ways to implement gratitude into your daily life. Registration is required.
This event is open to those 18 years and older. For any questions, please contact Erica Fischer (erica.fischer@wisc.edu).
Check the TITU board for room location.
Learn to Skate with Outdoor UW & Rec Well
Join the Outdoor UW and RecWell staff to learn how to skate on Lake Mendota! This event is specifically designed for folks who have never ice skated before and are looking for a gradual and supportive way to try it out. Our staff will go through all that you need to know about this fun and active way to get outside with friends and family this winter and enjoy the ice! If you need a helping hand in your first attempt at ice skating, come spend an hour with Outdoor UW and learn how to skate.
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 Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Avalanche Awareness Workshop
Aspiring backcountry travelers. Always wanted to explore snowy mountainous terrain? Gain an introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, causes, and risk, and begin to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain. Learn more about the gear, resources, and training to responsibly enjoy winter recreation.
Check the TITU board for room location.
Create Golf Course for Winter Carnival
We will be building a mini-golf course and chipping zone where Winter Carnival attendees can come putt around and practice their short game on the ice. We need volunteers to help us build the courses. We will be out on the ice and working with water, so wear something warm and semi-water resistant!
If you're interested in participating in the event once it's built, sign up here members.hoofers.org/event/90943.
Mindful Snowshoeing on Lake Mendota with Rec Well
Enjoy a gentle snowshoe on frozen Lake Mendota while you’re led in a guided wintertime mindfulness practice. *Snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided to all registered participants, although you may bring your own. No previous experience snowshoeing required. We recommend that all participants wear warm layers and insulated, waterproof boots.
Snowshoe renters need to be 18 .
*Limited trekking poles are available to participants. Trekking poles are given on a first come, first serve basis.
For any questions, please contact Lee Weintraub (ljweintraub@wisc.edu).
Mini Golf Attendant
Hoofer Sailing Club will be building a mini-golf course and chipping zone where Winter Carnival attendees can come and putt around and practice their short game on the ice. We need volunteers to hand out clubs and balls to participants, and to collect them again at the end of their outing.
If you are interested in golfing yourself, sign up here: members.hoofers.org/event/90943.
Ice Mini Golf with Hoofer Sailing Club
Putt around and practice your short game on ice presented by Hoofer Sailing Club.
A Tee-rific Hit on Ice! Hoofer Sailing Club will be building a mini-golf course and chipping zone where Winter Carnival attendees can come and putt around and practice their short game on the ice. This event is free and registration is required.
No experieince is necessary. Please bring your Student ID or Driver's License to the Outdoor UW office located on the Lower Level of Memorial Union to check out clubs and golf balls. Participants are welcome to putt around at any point during the event.
DIY Luminaries & Snowflake Craft Social
Light up the night and get crafty this winter and make your own luminary presented by Hoofer Outing Club.
Luminaries are a great way to light up a beautiful winter night! Come by the Mendota Lodge in the Lower Level of Memorial Union to make a luminary that you can come see on February 9th during our snowshoe and ski among the light on Lake Mendota. Bring a few friends to create your own winter wonderland on a mason jar or a pair of scissors to create snowflakes to decorate the union or your home with!
Winter Kiting with Hoofer Sailing Club
Come fly a power kite with the Hoofer Sailing Club. No experience or special equipment necessary. Instructors will help you get started and show you the basics. Expect to spend 5-10 minutes steering the kite. These are the same kites adventurous riders use to speed across the ice on skis or snowboard! For more advanced lessons, sign up with the Hoofer Sailing Club.
Participants can drop in a at any point during the event however registration is required.
Family Night on Lake Mendota
Bring your family down to Outdoor UW for a fun filled evening of skating (or snowshoeing if lake ice conditions make skating impossible)! This event will be filled with all the laughter, music, and games that your family needs to enjoy the Wisconsin Winter at Memorial Union. Our staff will teach you everything you need to know to get outside this winter. Beginners are welcome!
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 START OF THE EVENT 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 accomodation, please contact our Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Weather in the Great Lakes Region | Winter Sailing Seminars
Event Information: Why does the wind blow? Join Ian as he covers frontal systems, convective systems, observations, and forecasts.
Our Winter Sailing Seminars occur weekly and cover a variety of nautical topics. The seminars are open to the community and sailing club membership is not required.
This year we ask participants to bring at least one non-perishable item per seminar to be donated to the Lussier Community Education Center. Most needed items include: olive oil, vegetable oil, maple syrup, sugar, flour, jelly/jam, pancake mix, paper towels, toilet paper, & baby wipes. Get more ideas from their Food Pantry Donation Wish List.
Please see below for a detailed list of this season's dates and topics.
Location: Check the Today in the Union website or the digital signs in Memorial Union on the day of the lesson. 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.
2023 Winter Sailing Seminars:
January 12 (Thursday): Sailing the British Virgin Islands with Max Slesarev
January 18: Building Your First Boat with Jo Reis
January 25: Spray's New Panel and Marine Electronics with Michael Litzkow
January 27 (Friday): Bareboating in Croatia with Pete & Christine Keuler
February 1: Sail GP - The Greatest Show on Water with Philip Tietze
February 8: Weather in the Great Lakes region with Ian Beckley
February 15: Limnology of Lake Mendota with Mark Gahler
February 17 (Friday): Sailing to the Virgin Islands and back with kids and a dog with Daniel Rogge
February 22: Nautical Communication with Mark Gillespie
March 1: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing with Dave Elsmo
March 8: Introduction to Marine Four-Stroke Engines with Mills Botham
March 15: Advanced Racing Tactics with Dave Elsmo
March 22: The Physics of Sailing with Sam Norrell
Ice Fishing Derby
We're Keeping It Reel This Winter
Join us for our second-annual educational Ice Fishing Derby. Participants may participate as experienced anglers or can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens. Sign up separately to take lessons-- they will be run every hour on the hour! Participants in the lessons will provide all the necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. Free hot chocolate will be available for anglers.
This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Prizes will be given to award winning fish caught! Participants must be students and registration is required.
Participant Rules and Instructions
Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations.
Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first-time anglers. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.
The event will take place outside, so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots!
Awards
First Fish
Last Fish
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Biggest Perch
Biggest Bluegill
Biggest Crappie
Biggest Walleye
Biggest Northern
Most Species Caught
Best Fishing Photo
Lake Mendota Conditions
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
Head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You don't have to officially join the club yet, but this will be required to sign up for Ground School. You must be a Union Member to officially join the club. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Ground School!
Join us for Ground School, a FREE on-land presentation! This 90 minute guided tour and information session is required for all new Hoofer Sailing Club members. Ground School is available to Hoofer Sailing Club members, as well as to the broader campus community. Sign up here!
3. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the 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!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Sailing Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofersailing.org
Hours: 11am - 7pm daily
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.