Paddle Sports Classes

Laacke & Joys Adventure Education Programs strive to provide safe, enjoyable, expert instruction in outdoor skills for people of all ages and abilities while instilling a respectful, caring attitude toward the natural environment. In our classes and seminars, we challenge you to expand your skills and knowledge. We maintain a 6:1 student to instructor ratio in our paddling classes so that we can give quality, personalized instruction and provide a safe learning environment.

In addition to our schedule of classes, we invite you to utilize our staff for private lessons, corporate outings or special school and youth programs. We will work with you to provide the program or activity that best meets your needs.

For a complete listing of our spring & summer 2008 classes, check out the Adventure Education link to the right.

General Policies - Contact Us

Sherri Mertz - Educational Programs Coordinator
Laacke & Joys Downtown
1433 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 271-7878
Fax: (414) 271-2330
E-mail: smertz@laackeandjoys.com

Registration Information & Payment Policies
To register for a class, you can stop by our downtown store or call us at (414) 271-7878. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. In order to secure your place in a class, we need to have your tuition fees paid in full. You may pay by credit card, cash, or check. Pre-course information and a confirmation letter will be mailed to you 2 weeks prior to your class. If there are not enough students registered for a class one week before it meets, the course will be cancelled. You will be given the option of transferring to another class, or you will receive a full refund.

If you need to cancel your registration for any other reason, you will receive a full refund if you cancel at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the class. A 50% refund will be issued if you cancel less than 2 weeks, but at least one week before the start of the class. No refunds will be given for cancellations within one week of the start of the class.

Essential Eligibility Criteria:

All students in adult classes must be at least 18 years of age and meet all essential eligibility requirements for the course. A copy of these requirements can be viewed on the link to the right.

All students in adult classes must be at least 18 years of age and meet all essential eligibility requirements for the course. Students between the ages of 12-17 may take an adult course if a parent is also enrolled in the same class. There will be different age requirements for youth classes.

Equipment is included in the course fees for some classes. Check the notes for each class to see if you will need to provide your own equipment. Equipment is available for rent from Laacke & Joys if you do not have your own. An equipment list of suggested personal gear will be sent with the pre-course information.

Programs
Canoe/Kayak Classes
We offer beginning and intermediate level courses in recreational and sea kayaking and beginning canoe. The on-water classes are offered from late May through the beginning of September. For a complete list of times, dates, locations, and fees check out the link for our Adventure Education Brochure. Our instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association and/or the British Canoe Union.

Private Canoe/Kayak Lessons
If we don't offer a course that meets your needs or fits your schedule, you can schedule a private lesson. You'll get lots of personal attention and we can focus on those areas where you need the most instruction. For most students, we recommend that you schedule at least a 2-hour lesson in order to have adequate time to work on the skills that you want to cover. Call Sherri at the Downtown store (414) 271-7878 to schedule a lesson. For a list of rates, see the "Adventure Education Brochure" link.

In-Store Clinics
Periodically during the fall, winter, and spring, we offer clinics at the downtown store on a variety of topics relating to canoeing, kayaking and camping. Check our website for upcoming clinics or call the downtown store for more information (414) 271-7878.

Corporate Outings
Looking for something new to do with your employees that fosters team building, improves morale, and promotes an active, healthy lifestyle? We can help you set up an enjoyable afternoon or evening of canoeing or kayaking. Call (414) 271-7878 and ask for Sherri.

School and Youth Programs
We offer a variety of program options for teachers, scout leaders, and youth leaders. You can energize a physical education class by bringing boats into your pool. Science teachers can take their classes out into a natural environmental laboratory. English teachers can use the beauty and serenity of rivers and lakes to inspire creativity, and history teachers can take their students on the liquid highways that influenced the history and development of our region! Youth groups and scout leaders can use our staff and rental equipment to provide fun, educational outings for kids of all ages! Give us a call and let us plan a unique program for your special group. Ask for Sherri (414) 271-7878.

Operation Paddle Safe - ACA safety training for youth leaders
This program, sponsored by the American Canoe Association, is designed to provide camp counselors and scout leaders with documented safety training in paddle sports. Participants take a 1-day on-water class and then complete a written test to obtain an Operation Paddle Safe certificate. This is not the same as instructor certification.