Adventure Awaits at Outdoor UW
Students enjoy a beautful day on Lake Mendota as they try out kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Outdoor UW at Memorial Union has these items available for rental.
Through Outdoor UW, students and members have opportunities galore to explore the outdoors and dip their toes in the water (literally!) with different activity opportunities.
From kayaking on Lake Mendota to basecamp experiences for incoming freshmen and transfer students, there is something for everyone this summer at Outdoor UW, no matter what their experience level.
Outdoor UW offers a progression of rent, learn and join which provides opportunities for members from their first low-cost introduction with an activity all the way up to joining the Wisconsin Hoofers, Outdoor UW Director Joseph Webb said.
Start by renting equipment at a low hourly rate to try your hand at kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. Want to go camping but don’t have the equipment? Students and members can rent camping gear from Outdoor UW which ranges from backpacks and camp stoves to sleeping bags and tents. Camping rentals are available for any duration, from one night to an entire weekend.
Even if you have no experience at all, let Outdoor UW’s staff help you get started. Learn to paddle through Outdoor UW’s Facilitated Group Experiences or take advantage of private and group options for paddling on the lake or doing yoga at the Terrace.
Finally, take your experience to the next level by joining one of Hoofers six outdoor clubs. Hoofer leaders will help you hone your skills and prepare you for the great outdoors. From the bottom of the lake with Scuba Club to the tallest peak in Wyoming with Ski and Snowboard Club, there’s always a new adventure out there for Hoofers members.
“This is a community to really help kind of figure out where your skill set is, what you’re aware and what you’re not aware of, and kind of prepare and understand your capacity to push your own boundaries,” Webb said.
Hoofers membership is available at a discount for Wisconsin Union members (students, that includes you!).
All of Outdoor UW’s programs are led by student instructors. Students are currently being trained for this coming summer, Webb said.
With the support of students and community members alike, Outdoor UW and Hoofers are able to continue to share their love of the outdoors and their experiences with the greater community.
“It can be challenging to lead such a diverse range of experiences and populations, but it’s the beauty of what we do,” Webb said. “We rely on the community members for their experience and input and to continue to push us in what we do.”
No matter what your skill is, there’s a place for you at Outdoor UW this summer, and all year long. To learn more about Outdoor UW and Hoofer’s opportunities and availability, visit their website here.
