The Wisconsin Hoofers is one of UW–Madison's oldest and largest student organizations, with more than 2,000 members. Since 1931, Hoofers has been building a community by providing instruction and excellence in outdoor recreation. While Hoofers is a student-led organization, Wisconsin Union members can join any of the six clubs, creating a unique blend of students and community members enjoying the outdoors together.
From conquering your first rock wall to traveling the country in search of the most challenging climbs in the country, the Hoofer Mountaineering Club has a level of intensity for every climber. Stay on top of your game with trips to Devils Lake and Boulders climbing facility.
Join the Hoofer Outing Club for a chance to both explore Madison and escape on wilderness adventures. The Outing Club focuses not only on making trips happen, but also on fostering outdoor leadership and skills. Activities run year round and range from paddling, biking, and climbing to cross country skiing, backpacking, and everything in between!
Hoofer Riding Club offers horseback riding lessons and schooling shows for beginners, advanced riders, and anyone in between.
With the second largest inland fleet of boats in the United States, the Hoofer Sailing Club offers lessons with anything from techs and wind surfing to scows and keelboats. The 1,000 plus members that make up the sailing club enjoy the perks of Friday night socials and special events on and off the water.
The Hoofer Scuba Club takes exploration to new depths with year-round trips, training sessions, and socials. Whether it’s carving pumpkins and decorating Christmas trees underwater for the holidays, or exploring shipwrecks around the country, the Scuba Club has something to test every diver’s abilities.
As seen walking around campus in their signature winter hats, the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club members take advantage of weekly lessons and trips to Tyrol Basin, winter break trips to ride some of the most famous resorts in the west, a weekend at Mount Bohemia, the annual Jackson Hole spring break trip, and taking over Observatory Hill for the annual Rail Jam.
