MILWAUKEE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Private Group Paddles on Milwaukee’s Rivers: Custom outings with on‑water safety and local guides
Milwaukee Kayak Company organizes private group outings—staff can paddle as safety boaters or guides, and this guide explains your options, what’s included, and how to plan.
Private Group Paddles on Milwaukee’s Rivers: Custom outings with on‑water safety and local guides.
Milwaukee Kayak Company offers private, staff‑supported paddles for school groups, community organizations, and families or friends who want a guided, safe outing on Milwaukee’s rivers. Operators will outfit your group, review the river map and on‑land safety procedures, and can provide staff paddlers as safety boaters or guides to help tailor timelines, routes and logistics for a smooth day on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Staff paddlers and safety boaters accompany private groups
If you want operator staff to paddle with your group, MKC will provide guides or safety boaters to accompany your outing—ideal for school trips, community groups and private events where extra on‑water supervision is desired.
Boat, life jacket and paddle included
All rentals include the kayak, paddleboard or canoe, a life jacket and a paddle; MKC also has a limited supply of dry bags. Life jackets must be worn at all times when near or on the water.
Private guided, group rental, or scheduled weekly tours
You can book a private outing with staff guides, choose to paddle on your own as a group (similar to a daily rental), or join MKC’s weekly guided tours; group rental rates over 12 boats may receive a $5 discount.
What the day feels like
How the outing unfolds
On arrival MKC checks you in, outfits each paddler, reviews the river map and runs a brief on‑land comfort check before launching. Groups paddle together along the river with staff support as requested, pausing as time and the route allow for short breaks, sightlines and a turn‑around before returning to the launch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who these private tours suit—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a filled water bottle, sunscreen, ID, a towel and dress for the weather (avoid jeans/heavy cotton). Small coolers and snacks are okay; life jackets must be worn at all times near or on the water.
MKC provides the boat (kayak, paddleboard or canoe), life jacket and paddle; a limited number of dry bags are available to borrow. MKC is not responsible for lost, stolen or wet items.
Everyone must submit a waiver before arrival; when you reserve you will receive an email confirmation with a link to the waiver. MKC will review river maps and comfort levels on arrival before launching.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I arrange a private group outing?
Contact MKC to discuss timelines, dates, rates and staffing; they will help plan a safe, enjoyable outing and can provide staff paddlers as safety boaters or guides.
Can my group paddle on its own?
Yes—groups may paddle on their own in a rental option similar to a daily rental; MKC will outfit you and review the map before you launch.
Is there a group discount?
MKC can provide a $5 discount for group rental rates over 12 boats; call or email to make a reservation and receive the discount.
What are the age and swim requirements?
Participants must be at least 12 to paddle their own kayak and must know how to swim; paddlers under 12 can share a tandem kayak or canoe with an adult (18+).
Are life jackets required?
Yes—life jackets must be worn at all times when near or on the water.
How long are the guided tours?
Most scheduled MKC weekly guided tours are 2–3 hours long with about 2–2.5 hours spent paddling on the rivers.
Is there a capacity limit for guided tours?
MKC guided tours have a maximum capacity of 20 participants; groups can also join any scheduled guided tour at the published per‑person rate.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes—everyone must submit a waiver before arrival; the reservation confirmation email includes a link to the waiver and a copy is available on MKC’s website.