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Albuquerque

Discover Paddling - Kayak & SUP "Open House" at Sandia Lakes

This clinic introduced me to the essential strokes, and the situations in which to apply them, including understanding which stroke would be efficient for the objective.  I learned so many things that I never knew about Kayaking.  I also enjoyed the introduction to assisted rescue.  Kelly, the instructor, gave some excellent tips on how to tkae what we learned, into a pool session or other practice, and challenge yourself with each basic skill.
Lance Johnson  -  Bradley Alpinist, LLC

I learned the "basics" that I "thought" I knew - after kayaking for 10 years, I realized I should have taken this course years ago…in addition to the "basics" I was amazed at the techniques I learned regarding paddling, strokes, maneuvers, rescues, navigation and expedition planning!

Betty Beaudry
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Discover Paddling - Kayak & SUP "Open House" at Sandia Lakes

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
This class was FANTASTIC because the instructor was very well educated and experienced. Kelly closely observed the girls skill level and encouraged those that needed a little extra to make all of us enjoy this wonderful event. I would like them [troop leaders] to know this activity is an opportunity to allow the girls to have a memory of a lifetime. It was a great event full of challenge, teamwork and FUN!!!!
Margaret Baca  -  Troop #171, Juniors, Santa Fe, NM
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Surfing on the Rio Grande - Couch Surfing, that is!

New Mexico Kayak Instruction welcomes Couch Surfers from across the United States to the Albuquerque Couch Crash!


This guided tour will take place early on Friday October 3, just one day before the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  We'll meet early, get started early and finish early, so you can move on to see other exciting places throughout Albuquerque.  Please dress warm, with clothes that can (and will) get wet (Murhpy's Law).  Don't worry, paddling through Alubuquerque is a beginner-friendly, but you should have clothes and shoes that will get wet, as well as an extra set of clean, dry clothes for when the trip is over. 

This is without a doubt the best outdoor class I have ever taken. Kelly and his team are totally skilled as teachers. I plan to sign up for every class I can with this team. My enjoyment and skill level immediately improved after one day. I didn't realize I was using body memory from paddling a canoe many years ago that were not good practice with a kayak. Take these classes! They're a great return on investment and a whole lot of fun besides!--Kate O'Neill, 54yo teacher
Kate O'Neil  -  Teacher / UNM Taos
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
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Home-school Kayaking Adventure

You guys rock!!!  I couldn't wait another minute to tell you how much fun the girls had last night!  What a great lesson!  We didn't even need the games because they enjoyed what they were doing so much.  One of the coolest things was seeing girls who were a little bit timid, feel comfortable enough to try things that they normally wouldn't have tried.  What a great time!  Well done all!

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521
My girls were Brownies. From a leader perspective, I wanted to see something fun, and that would build confidence. This was one of our first real "outings" as a Girl Scout. I was looking for something "different", something with a sense of adventure/out of the ordinary (something they don't do everyday) but controlled and safe. I also wanted something a bit challenging - physically, but also something they hadn't done before, something that would build confidence. This really fit the bill perfectly. They didn't' want to get out of the pool!
Kathleen Tighe-Smith  -  Troop #10228, Brownies, Albuquerque, NM
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Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

I had a blast at your intro to kayak class!  I've been kayaking for several years and wished i had taken this class years ago!  I learned many new techniques that i did not even know existed!  I have always been hesitant about white water kayaking but with the tools and techniques i learned from your class, I have decided to join more classes and brave the white water class in a few weeks.Thanks for your support and I look forward to taking more classes with you!
Betty Beaudry  -  Experienced kayaker

I was excited to take the pool class, even though a few friends ridiculed taking a kayak class ("What's so hard about kayaking?!").  The whitewater clinic presented challenges I was not expecting (physically, mentally or emotionally), and it heightened my awareness of the river, the sport, challenges and myself.  It has taken me a week to process this experience, and I welcome the time it will take to continue to process both the instruction and personal learned experience. This course was positively intense!

Deanna Lundy
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Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

This clinic introduced me to the essential strokes, and the situations in which to apply them, including understanding which stroke would be efficient for the objective.  I learned so many things that I never knew about Kayaking.  I also enjoyed the introduction to assisted rescue.  Kelly, the instructor, gave some excellent tips on how to tkae what we learned, into a pool session or other practice, and challenge yourself with each basic skill.
Lance Johnson  -  Bradley Alpinist, LLC
Excellent, well-organized class and instruction. The individualed attention on the Rio Grande trip really helped me put newfound skills into practice. I also learned many skills best taught in open river conditions.  It's really a pleasure to experience top-notch teaching.  --Kate O'Neill, 54yo teacher
Kate O'Neil  -  Teacher / UNM Taos
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Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

This was a fantastic weekend! We learned so much so quickly but at the same time could take it at our own individual pace. When I got into the kayak on the first morning I was still a little uncertain about trying out whitewater but by the end of the weekend I felt very comfortable. I was definitely glad I went.  Thank you Kelly and Dave!
Whitney Waite

I chose NMKI because of Kelly's professionalism and strong attention to detail.  I find this very important as it relates to safety.  I would never trust anyone other than Kelly to provide instruction to myself or for my 12 year old son, Navada.  We felt very safe and well guided under the direction of Kelly.  I would tell others if they ever hesitated to try kayaking, River Boarding or any kind of paddling to first take a course with Kelly and rest assured they will be in good hands.

Nina Perea
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Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

Kelly is someone who knows the sport of kayaking and is able to teach in a safe, effective and fun way.  Not only did the girls have a total blast, but they learned the names for all parts of their kayak and equipment, how to safely enter and exit a kayak, how to help someone else who may be in trouble, what to do in inclement weather and how to best move through the water (to name a few).  We had our last Girl Scout meeting of the year last week, and when I asked the girls what their favorite experience was over the last 3 years, 75% chose kayaking.  I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521

I wanted to say thank you for the entire Pilar trip. It was a small class and you could have rescheduled but you didn't. I really learned a lot! Because of that weekend, I'm excited about the sport. I've been talking to my wife and friends about it nonstop! I'm trying to get others to sign up for your class. You do a really good job! Thanks again!

Dan McCarraher  -  Real estate agent
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Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

Fantastic! The instruction was top notch. The instructors' attention to detail and focus on safety were superb. The classroom environment was interesting, the class time on the water was a blast, and the attendees had a great time together during and after class around the camp fire. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in kayaking in New Mexico.
Justin Tade  -  Attorney, avid skier, surfer, pilot, adventure junkie
Excellent, well-organized class and instruction. The individualed attention on the Rio Grande trip really helped me put newfound skills into practice. I also learned many skills best taught in open river conditions.  It's really a pleasure to experience top-notch teaching.  --Kate O'Neill, 54yo teacher
Kate O'Neil  -  Teacher / UNM Taos
more

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

Fantastic! The instruction was top notch. The instructors' attention to detail and focus on safety were superb. The classroom environment was interesting, the class time on the water was a blast, and the attendees had a great time together during and after class around the camp fire. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in kayaking in New Mexico.
Justin Tade  -  Attorney, avid skier, surfer, pilot, adventure junkie
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
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