Santa Fe

The Kayak Roll (Pool)

I was a self-taught kayaker who constantly got caught in situations that were either dangerous or beyond my skill.  In fact, I almost gave up the sport multiple times before I met Kelly.  After taking his courses, I found that I was in much better control on the river and began to enjoy it more.  I never realized how much technique went into boat control and reading the river.  Kayaking changed for me from a sport that constantly terrified me, to a sport where I felt exhilarated and challenged, but still in control.  Kelly’s classes focus on reading the river, developing paddling skills, safety, and responsible fun.  The best part of taking his courses is meeting new people to paddle with.  I am now surrounded by like-mined paddlers whom I can trust on the river, for I know they received the same training.  Kelly’s classes turned me into a life-long kayaker.
Glenn Wellman  -  High School History teacher, APS
Kelly is a great instructor. If you live in the Albuquerque area and want to learn kayaking, attend one of Kelly's classes.
Mark Nissan

Intro to Kayak (Pool)

Kelly is a great instructor. If you live in the Albuquerque area and want to learn kayaking, attend one of Kelly's classes.
Mark Nissan
Wow, Kelly sure can cram a lot of information into two hours.  He answered every question I had and more. Thanks for a very informative two hours!
Nancy Bowers

Intro to Kayak (Classroom)

Location:
REI - Santa Fe
500 Market Street, Ste 100
Santa Fe, NM, 87501
United States
See map: Google Maps
I took the Intro to Kayaking (level 1) class and it was GREAT. I'd actually done a lot of different types of kayaking (touring, sea, whitewater), but had never gotten any formal instruction. Wow, what a difference a few hours makes. I learned a lot of technique that I had been lacking. Kelly is a great instructor and I was impressed with how efficiently the class was put together. He is passionate about enabling people to participate in the sport that he loves. Definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in learning to kayak!
Tracy Davis  -  experienced kayaker

Before i took Kelly's class, I was convinced that a sit-inside kayak was a FLOATING COFFIN (don't mean to be so morbid).  But now with what I learned in the Intro to Kayak class I feel CONFIDENT in a sit-inside kayak and my opinion has DRAMATICALY CHANGED.  Looking forward to more days on the water. Thanks Kelly.

Michael Fernandez  -  Retired

Intro to Kayak (Pool)

Location:
Genoveva Chavez Community Center
3221 Rodeo Rd
Santa Fe, NM, 87507
United States
See map: Google Maps
I have taken the Intro, Roll, and the Whitewater Weekend courses. They've all been informative, supportive, and fun. It has been a progressive learning process and I do like your emphaisis on offensive paddling rather than defensive paddling.  The Intro to Kayak (Level 1) class is a perfect foundation.  I am probably going to retake the Intro class because there was a lot in there that I just could not absorb at one time; WAY beyond an 'intro' class!
Marty Teugel  -  Fish & Wildlife Service
Very informative class.  Just the ticket to lay the foundation for starting out in kayaking.
Todd Gates

The Kayak Roll, Part 2 of 2

Location:
Salvador Perez Pool
601 Alta Vista St
Santa Fe, NM, 87505
United States
See map: Google Maps
Felt that my attempts at the roll are getting better.  Kelly's instruction is valuable and very precise.  I think he will help me get the roll done right.
Elaine Sweeney  -  'world traveler'

Kelly has a way of transferring his passion for kayaking to everyone who attends a talk, lesson or paddles with him.  A very patient and conscientious instructor, I always feel safe during lessons on and off the river.  Not only does Kelly teach the sport, he finds ways to help you find your niche and meet others who share the same interest.  In addition, the other instructors he brings along are equally as knowledgeable and helpful.  If you haven't tried kayaking or want to hone your skills, this is a great place to start.

Susan Brockway  -  Los Alamos National Laboratory

The Kayak Roll, Part 1 of 2

Location:
REI - Santa Fe
500 Market Street
Santa Fe, NM, 87501
United States
See map: Google Maps

I like the emphasis on kayaking as a positive experience.  After taking the classes, you realize that you can have a very fun time, even before mastering the roll.  Other classes I've taken make the roll seem like a necessity, and learning to roll (or not), becomes the focus, which eclipses the fun of kayaking.

Betsy Glenn

I love this meetup group.  Kelly has done a great job of building a foundation or respect, camaraderie, and skills so that everyone has fun.  Thanks Kelly for all you do!

Liza Kerr

Introduction to Kayaking, Part 1 of 2

Location:
REI
500 Market Street, Suite 100
Santa Fe, NM, 87501
United States
See map: Google Maps
Kayaking is a really great experience. It not only introduces the girls to a new skill but shows them they can accomplish something they probably thought they would never be capable of.
Kristen Thome  -  Troop #1623, Juniors, Albuquerque, NM
Kelly is a great instructor. If you live in the Albuquerque area and want to learn kayaking, attend one of Kelly's classes.
Mark Nissan
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