Silent Wake, LLC
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Silent Wake, LLC provides highly personalized and expertly guided kayaking experiences, ranging from foundational skill-building lessons to stress-free local guided tours and even bespoke international kayaking adventures. Their unique value lies in the exceptional dedication of instructors Daren and Kristin, who offer unparalleled logistical support, patient and engaging instruction, and a deep commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, making every experience feel like a 'magical adventure' where participants are treated 'like family'. Parents seeking comprehensive skill development for older children/teens or a fully supported, hassle-free family kayaking outing will find immense value here.
Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional instructors (Daren & Kristin) who are highly knowledgeable, engaging, and patient, accommodating a wide range of abilities.
- ✓Strong emphasis on safety, with explicit instruction in critical techniques like self-rescues, wet exits, and 2-boat rescues.
- ✓Comprehensive logistical support, including handling all equipment hauling, allowing parents and children to focus solely on the experience.
- ✓Highly personalized service with flexibility to adapt to trip changes and provide individual feedback and positive reinforcement.
- ✓Outstanding communication before, during, and after trips, with immediate answers to questions and proactive updates.
- ✓Ability to organize complex, multi-modal international kayaking adventures with trusted local partners.
- ✓Provision of memorable touches like sending photos from the day's trip.
- ✓Teaches progressive skills, allowing individuals to advance from sit-on-top kayaks to touring kayaks and advanced maneuvers.
Standout Features
- ⭐Expert and patient instruction from Daren and Kristin, ensuring skill growth and confidence.
- ⭐Explicit focus on safety techniques (e.g., self-rescues, wet exits) taught in a practical manner.
- ⭐Full logistical support for trips, including all equipment preparation and hauling.
- ⭐Flexibility in trip planning and activities, adapting to group needs and changes.
- ⭐Extensive knowledge of kayaking, local rivers, and even international travel logistics.
- ⭐Highly personalized and attentive service, making participants feel 'like family'.
- ⭐Provision of trip photos as a cherished keepsake.
- ⭐Clear, immediate, and proactive communication.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →For older children/teens interested in serious kayaking, consider their multi-session courses (e.g., 4-session YMCA course) to build comprehensive skills, including safety and rescue techniques.
- →Parents don't need to worry about equipment or logistics; Silent Wake handles all the hauling and preparation for guided trips.
- →If your family prefers an unhurried pace and personalized attention, their guided trips are highly recommended.
- →For beginners (including older children), the 'kickstart' lessons are a great way to gain confidence and learn fundamentals.
- →Be prepared for detailed instruction, as lessons are packed with valuable information and feedback.
Price & Value
Customers explicitly state that the services are 'best money I spent in a long time' (for a kickstart lesson) and 'well worth the travel time and hotel cost' (for a 4-session course), indicating very high perceived value for the quality of instruction, personalized experience, and comprehensive support provided. Specific pricing is not mentioned in the reviews, but the value is consistently highlighted as exceptional.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •For the international trip, 'food was phenomenal' implying food is included or arranged as part of the package.
- •No specific food policies mentioned for local lessons or day trips.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not explicitly detailed for specific locations like YMCA or Random Lake. For day trips, it's implied that Silent Wake handles all logistical aspects including equipment transport to launch/pickup points ('did all the hauling on both ends'), reducing any parking or hauling burden on the customer.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The nature of their services (lessons, guided tours, international trips) suggests small group sizes or private instruction, ensuring a personalized experience.
- •Reviews emphasize individual attention and flexibility, indicating that experiences are not typically crowded.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Explicit instruction in crucial safety techniques such as 'self-rescues,' 'wet exits,' and '2boat rescues.'
- •Instructors Daren and Kristin are described as highly knowledgeable about kayaking, implying strong safety awareness and practices.
- •Lessons focus on 'other safety and paddling techniques' to build overall confidence and competence.
- •Constant support and attentiveness from staff throughout the experiences are highlighted.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you are looking for a purely self-service kayak rental without instruction or guidance, as their expertise lies in guided experiences and lessons.
- • If you have very young children requiring specialized shallow-water or play-focused kayaking, as the reviews emphasize skill development and guided touring for presumably older participants.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Half Day Guided Kayak Trips (Milwaukee River & Local Lakes)
$70/per personDuration: Up to 4 hours
Guided kayak trips on the Milwaukee river and local lakes, customized for small groups, family outings, or company activities. You choose the water section, distance, and paddle pace. Designed to provide a safe and scenic river experience. Includes complementary rental of kayaks, paddles, and PFDs.
Includes:
- •Professional guide
- •Kayak rental
- •Paddle rental
- •PFD rental
- •Transportation (shuttle for river trips where needed)
Kayak Sampler
$30/per personDuration: 2 hour session (with ~15 minutes on-shore orientation)
A shortened, family-friendly paddle trip at Waubedonia Park in Fredonia (or alternative locations if conditions are not favorable). Offers an exploratory paddle experience with on-water safety presence and basic paddle refinements.
Includes:
- •On-shore orientation
- •On-water safety presence
- •Basic paddle refinements
- •Kayak rental
- •Paddle rental
- •PFD rental
Women On the Water (WOW) Kayak Trip
$70/per person/per location OR $250 for all four tripsDuration: 4-hour experience (arrive 15 minutes early for check-in)
Monthly women-only guided kayaking trip designed to rejuvenate, challenge, and build connections. Includes safety overview, guided navigation, mid-trip break for stretching, chat, and snack. Paddle distance at least 6 miles.
Includes:
- •Professional, friendly guides
- •Instruction on kayaking basics
- •High-quality kayak, paddle, and safety gear (or bring your own)
- •Stunning views of local lakes and rivers
- •Mid-trip break with light refreshments
Moonlight Kayaking Paddle Series
$45/per outing/per personDuration: At least 2 hours on water
Annual full moon paddle series offering a unique night kayaking experience in safe environments with no/little boat traffic. Relaxed group paddle speed.
Includes:
- •Kayak rental
- •Gear rental
- •White lights
- •On-shore safety briefing
Kayaking in Poros, Greece (2025)
Solo Occupancy: $2550 (full payment) or $500 deposit + 2x $1025 payments (total $2550). Additional $450 supplemental fee for solo room. Double Occupancy: $2250 (full payment) or $500 deposit + 2x $875 payments (total $2250).Duration: September 20th to September 27th, 2025 (7 days)
A week-long kayaking and cultural trip to Poros, Greece. Includes daily kayaking excursions, cultural tours, cooking classes, a day trip to Hydra, and free time. Stays at Odyssey Suites.
Includes:
- •Assistance with questions and Greece information checklist prior to arrival
- •Free Kayak Rescue class to those who sign up (prior to trip)
- •Roundtrip high-speed ferry ticket from Piraeus Marina to Poros and back
- •Lodging at Odyssey Suites
- •All meals (numerous breakfast options, 'box lunch' for day paddles, European style supper)
- •Use of kayaks (14ft sea kayaks, Rainbow brand), paddles, PFDs, and dry bags
- •Scottish 3-star BCU kayaking guide (Brian) and local guides (Spyros and Katerina)
- •Morning cultural tour of downtown Poros
- •Evening with Katerina and Rik (farm tour, meal, traditional dance, wine)
- •Greek cooking class (small group rotation)
- •Day trip to Hydra by ferry (walking tour, exploration, meal, swimming)
- •Daily activity guide (provided a week prior)
Private Kayak Instruction
2 hour minimum: $120; 3 hour session: $150; 4 hour session: $200 (all prices per person)Duration: 2-4 hours
Customized one-on-one instruction focusing on specific kayaking topics or accommodating schedule conflicts. Training plan developed based on individual goals. Limitations dictated by ACA.
Includes:
- •Personalized instruction
YMCA Kayak Pool Classes
$150/per person (normal cost $210 if classes taken separately)Duration: 12 hours worth of training/experience (four-part class session)
Extensive kayaking class sessions conducted during the winter season in partnership with West Bend YMCA. Combination of classroom and pool training designed to build knowledge, including Kickstart, Essentials, and Rescue classes.
Includes:
- •Classroom training
- •Pool training
- •Use of kayaks/gear
- •All training material
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Kayaking in Poros, Greece
September 20th to September 27th, 2025
Solo Occupancy: $2550 (with $450 supplemental fee); Double Occupancy: $2250
A week-long guided kayaking and cultural immersion trip to Poros, Greece.
🍎Food Policy
- • Women On the Water (WOW) Kayak Trip: A mid-trip break to rest and enjoy light refreshments is included.
- • Kayaking in Poros, Greece: All meals included (breakfast, 'box lunch' for day paddles, European style supper). Specific diet restrictions will be honored.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Lead instructor, Daren, ranked within the top ten in the American Canoe Association (ACA) Annual Instructor Contest for three years in a row (Level 1 and Level 2 courses).
- • Mission is to provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable process to learn how to kayak.
- • All training requires proper PFD (life-saver) to be worn at all times while on the water.
- • Milwaukee River guided trips: Guidance provided on best sections based on current water conditions, avoiding shallow spots or obstacles. Guides offer paddling tips, navigate, and ensure safety (first aid, water rescues if needed).
- • Lake Michigan paddle (Port Washington): Open water paddle, weather dependent. Participants should be familiar with a wet exit, be comfortable with getting wet, and have a decent self-rescue skill. A spray skirt and proper clothing are always required.
- • Moonlight Kayaking: Locations chosen are safe paddle environments (no or little boat traffic). Previous paddling experience recommended. All kayaks will have a white light on at all times. The group will paddle together as a unit; do not paddle beyond the lead safety boater. On-shore safety briefing prior to launch.
📅Booking Policy
- • Registration is easier than ever via 'Book Adventure' button, then selecting preferred date/time from booking software.
- • Guided Kayak Trips: Best reserved in advance, first come, first served availability. Minimum of 24 hours advanced notice required. Minimum 2 people to book a trip.
- • Kayak Sampler: Minimum 2 people per session. Check public training sessions calendar if you don't have two people.
- • Women On the Water (WOW) Kayak Trip: Spaces are limited. Minimum 2 people per session. Check public training sessions calendar if you don't have two people.
- • Moonlight Kayaking: Limited group size of 8. Spaces fill quickly, book early. Contact for waitlist if sold out.
- • Kayaking in Poros, Greece: Limited solo traveler rooms available. $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve the trip. Contact to avoid 6% online booking software fee or for alternative payment plans.
- • Private Kayak Instruction: Pre-arranged between client and instructor. Contact at least two weeks out from desired date to ensure a solid time frame. 2-hour minimum, 4-hour maximum session. If booking as a couple, call prior to scheduling.
- • YMCA Kayak Pool Classes: Class size limited to 6. Register/pay via YMCA page. Participants need not be YMCA members.
🚗Parking Information
- • Milwaukee River (West Bend to Grafton segment): Varies by location (Goeden Park, Newberg, Waubedonia Park, Ehlers Park, Grafton). Shuttle needed.
- • Milwaukee River (Grafton to Thiensville segment): Lime Kiln Park (fair amount of parking), Garrison Glen kayak launch (small lot, max 6 cars if parked nicely), Thiensville (boat launch gate may be seasonally closed). Shuttle needed.
- • Milwaukee River (city): Street parking. No shuttle needed.
- • Covered Bridge to Cedarburg: Large parking area at Covered Bridge, street parking at take-out. Shuttle needed.
- • Lake Michigan paddle (Port Washington): Parking for about 20 cars. No shuttle needed.
- • Random Lake: Large area. No shuttle needed.
- • Long Lake: Large area away from launch. Wisconsin State Parking pass required. No shuttle needed.
- • Big Cedar Lake: About 8 single car parking areas. No shuttle needed.
- • Little Cedar Lake: Large area. Either a yearly pass or day pass for Washington County Park system is required. No shuttle needed.
What People Say
What's Great
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Bridget Molitor
6 months agoWe had a trip of a lifetime with Silent Wake! We all said that it was the best trip we ever experienced. And while Greece was stunningly beautiful and the food was phenomenal, it was the people that made the trip. And that started with Darren and Kristen. They communicated on everything! If you had a question, they answered immediately. They were so knowledgeable about; kayaking, international travel, trains, ferries and other modes of transportation, lodging, areas and places to stay and on and on and on! They were always available with suggestions or to accommodate a change of activities. They did not just stand off on the side, they were a part of our group and we loved every minute of it. And then there are the people they have partnered with for the trip! Katerina, Ric and their family and staff felt like family the minute we met. Never have i been treated so well and made to feel so special. We never got use to it because it was just so lovely! Then there was the other Katerena and Spiros with Saronic Activities! Again, we were made to feel like family. They were so attentive and so helpful. Never did I think I would experience such service, support and caring. Two very special people. And finally our tour guide who was so interesting and knowledgeable. We enjoyed it all. And who made this all possible, Silent Wake. We will be back, with Silent Wake, and we will never be able to thank them enough for this magical adventure! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Bridget
Regina Schurman
2 months agoI recently completed the 4 session kayaking skills class at the YMCA in West Bend. It was a terrific experience! Daren and Kristin are exceptional instructors and were able to accommodate the wide range of abilities found among the participants in the class. I feel so much more confident now that I have learned how to do self-rescues as well as other safety and paddling techniques. Even though I live in Illinois, it was well worth the travel time and hotel cost to attend this course. I am looking forward to taking part in other tours and trainings that they offer.
Dan Prodoehl
2 months agoI took Daren & Kristin’s YMCA 4-session course and my comfort level and skills grew exponentially! I started the course having only sit-on-top kayak experience, but by the end I was comfortable edging, performing wet exits, and self/2boat rescues in their touring kayaks. I highly recommend these skilled, engaging, and patient educators. I’ll be back for future course and outing offerings.
Bridget Molitor
8 months agoIt was awesome! Darren had everything ready and he did all the hauling on both ends. We offered to help but he did it all! Both Darren and Kristen had great knowledge of the river and were up for any additions or changes to our trip. We never felt rushed. It was just a great day. Also great communication before and after. Even sent pictures from the day. I will definitely paddle with them again!
Kat R
2 years agoMy husband and I did the kickstart your kayak lesson with Daren at Random Lake this week and it was great. It was the best money I spent in a long time. We both had a great time. Daren is a great instructor. Looks for the positive in all and provides excellent feed back. It was a lot of information but it was good to hear. We hope to do more trips with them in the near future