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

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

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

Location: This lesson meets at Memorial Union in the Mendota Lodge, across from the Outdoor UW Office in the Hoofer hallway. Kiting will take place on Lake Mendota.

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Bring your best dish to pass and some Tupperware so we can bring some home with us! We may solicit you to become a bosun of a boat, which could be the second-best decision of your life! There may also be some lively discussion about the new rules of racing!

Open to non-members as well!

See you all in the Mendota Lounge, Memorial Union.

Greg and Ben

Event Description: The lesson will cover techniques for safely launching and flying a kite on land. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding.

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

• Wind Window Introduction
• Trainer Kite Exercises
• Survival in the Ice

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

Prerequisites: Intro to Kiting Attendance (obtained by attending a Winter Kiting Classroom lesson). Students may attend without taking the classroom but must take the classroom before being granted the Kiting A rating.

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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

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

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

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

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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

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

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

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

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Description: This classroom lesson will cover the basics of kiting and serve as an introduction to the sport. Important kiting concepts and theories will be covered and demonstrated through instructional videos. A trainer kite will also be available for use and viewing so that aspects of rigging can be taught prior to taking the outdoor classes. A brief talk on ice safety will also be given. Students who have already progressed to outdoor classes but have yet to see the video are also welcome. This class must be taken prior to taking a Winter Kiting A lesson.

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

• Cold Water Bootcamp

A playlist with more detailed information on snowkiting can be found here. This information will be covered in class and does not need to be watched beforehand.

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.

Prerequisites: None

Students who complete this lesson will receive an Intro to Kiting Attendance rating.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Description: This classroom lesson will cover the basics of kiting and serve as an introduction to the sport. Important kiting concepts and theories will be covered and demonstrated through instructional videos. A trainer kite will also be available for use and viewing so that aspects of rigging can be taught prior to taking the outdoor classes. A brief talk on ice safety will also be given. Students who have already progressed to outdoor classes but have yet to see the video are also welcome. This class must be taken prior to taking a Winter Kiting A lesson.

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

• Cold Water Bootcamp

A playlist with more detailed information on snowkiting can be found here. This information will be covered in class and does not need to be watched beforehand.

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.

Prerequisites: None

Students who complete this lesson will receive an Intro to Kiting Attendance rating.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Description: The lesson will cover techniques for safely launching and flying a kite on land. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding.

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

• Wind Window Introduction
• Trainer Kite Exercises
• Survival in the Ice

Location: This lesson meets at Memorial Union in the Mendota Lodge, across from the Outdoor UW Office in the Hoofer hallway. Kiting will take place on Lake Mendota.

Prerequisites: Intro to Kiting Attendance (obtained by attending a Winter Kiting Classroom lesson). Students may attend without taking the classroom but must take the classroom before being granted the Kiting A rating.

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Description: The lesson will cover techniques for safely launching and flying a kite on land. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding.

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

• Wind Window Introduction
• Trainer Kite Exercises
• Survival in the Ice

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

Prerequisites: Intro to Kiting Attendance (obtained by attending a Winter Kiting Classroom lesson). Students may attend without taking the classroom but must take the classroom before being granted the Kiting A rating.

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

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.      

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Prioritize your wellbeing and join us for a relaxing break to reduce stress, calm your mind, and center your goals. Enjoy 30 minutes of mindful meditation followed by guided wellness goal journaling. Coffee and tea available to warm up and get cozy! (include only if MU agrees to fund it) Feel free to bring your lunch along to eat while journaling.

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).