Student to student: The best things to do on the water in Madison
While Wisconsin is known for its long winters, we have now arrived at summer, and the heat is here. Cool off by spending a day — or several — on and in one of Madison’s many lakes. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of great water activities you can take advantage of this summer.
SUP/SUP Yoga/SUP Boards
Test your balance skills by learning to stand-up paddle board either on your own or with a few friends. A few laughs are guaranteed when you see your friends fall in the water — or they see you. If you’re feeling even more adventurous test your skills with one of Outdoor UW’s SUP Yoga classes.
Undeterred by darkening morning skies and an approaching storm front, a group of women maintain balance during an Outdoor UW standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga class on Lake Mendota. Photo: Jeff Miller
Details: Outdoor UW at Memorial Union: Students, $12 per hour; or for non students, $17 per hour. For a Mega SUP, it’s $40 an hour. Rentals are also offered by Brittingham Boats on Lake Monona’s Brittingham Bay, Wingra Boats on Lake Wingra, Marshall Boats on Lake Monona, and Rutabaga Rentals at Olbrich Gardens.
Kayaking/Canoeing
Build your arm strength with a kayak or a canoe rental — if it’s your first time trying this activity we recommend leaving anything you don’t desire to risk getting wet on land, as tipping is a definite possibility.
Details: At Outdoor UW, any canoe/kayak for students is $12/hour and for non-students is $17/hour. Brittingham, Marshall, Wingra and Rutabaga at Olbrich also rent canoes and kayaks.
Swimming
What’s more summery than diving in a cool lake? Popular beach sites such as the Memorial Union Terrace dock and James Madison Park have lifeguards on duty, but not all do.
People relax along the swimming pier at the Memorial Union Terrace. Photo: Jeff Miller
Details: Free! Beach locations are all over from Memorial Union to Tenney Park to Vilas Beach on Lake Wingra.
Fishing
Find plenty of fish in the lakes of Madison, whether you fish for catch-and-release or to fry ‘em up! Be sure you learn the proper ways to bait your hook and take the fish off before your first cast and catch.
Details: Free after purchasing a $5 annual fishing license with the DNR of Wisconsin.
Sailing
Sign up for one of Hoofers’ free Ground School Courses and join up to be able to attend more of Hoofers’ sailing events on Lake Mendota.
Hoofer Sailing Club members bring their windsurfing boards and sailboats in for the evening near the Memorial Union Terrace. Photo: Jeff Miller
Details: Hoofers Sailing club offers plenty of events through the sailing season after you join and take a free ground school course.
More options
Pontoon boating: Feel free to relax on the lake as an instructor/ “captain” takes you around the lake in a pontoon boat at Marshall Boats. It costs $80/hour on weekdays on $100/hour weekends
“Go-Float”: Feeling a little more on the lazy side? These electric boats found only at Brittingham Park for rental allow two passengers to lay out and tour the lake without the physical exertion of a paddle boat. They cost $25/per hour at Brittingham Park.
WaterMat: Another one for those of us desiring minimal physical exertion. Grab a few of your friends or sprawl out yourself on a floating WaterMat on Lake Wingra. Be sure to bring the sunscreen as you’ll be exposed to plenty of rays out on the water. They cost $35/per hour on Lake Wingra.
Pedal Boat: Pedal boats are a combination of some of Madison’s favorite things — biking and life on the water. These boats fit two people willing to pedal around the lake as a team providing a rewarding experience with a lower likelihood of boat tipping. At Wingra/Brittingham/Marshall, they cost $20/first hour and $10/additional hours.
Of course, with most water activities PFDs (personal flotation devices) are recommended especially when forging into the deeper parts of the water. Find your favorite way to enjoy the water this summer and stay safe.