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Albuquerque

Kayak 101; Getting Started in Kayaking

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 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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Kayak 101; Getting Started in Kayaking

Thanks for the info and the good class.  Even though I've owned recreational kayaks for many years, I learned far more than I ever knew before.
Tom Pherson
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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Kayak 101; Getting Started in Kayaking

Kelly is very articulate with great attention to detail.  He comes highly recommended by those who have attended his courses.

Galen Knight  -  Assistant Organizer - Camping and Adventure Social Meetup group

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
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Adventures in Autism; 4wk Kayak Program

Specifics about this course:

Unlike previous "kayak pool parties" for kids with Autism, this will be a formal, structured clinic.

This clinic is open to anyone with ASD, age 12 and up, and their friends, family members or caregivers

Class will consist of 8 students with ASD, up to 8 non-ASD peer students, friends, family members or caregivers, 2 kayak instructors and ~8 volunteer assistants.

Dates for the clinic are below; each on Saturday afternoon.

  • Week 1:  March 24th, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool
  • Week 2:  April 7th, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool
  • Week 3:  April 21st, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool
  • Week 4:  May 5th, 4:30 - 6pm @ Los Altos Pool

Other important dates:

Even though I only took the Intro to Kayak class at the pool prior to the Coastal Kayaking on Inlandwaters 'Kayak Touring' course, I was confident in performing the wet exit in open waters…the rescue exercises were by far the biggest asset of the class.
Betty Beaudry
The combination of classroom, followed by river work was perfect.   The schedule was flexible to deal with the reality of conducting a class outdoors.  The whole experience has been informative and has helped improve my paddleing significantly.  I am more likely to continue to boat on a regular basis as a result of my experience in NMKI courses.
Marty Teugel  -  Fish & Wildlife Service
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Swiftwater Rescue (ACA Level 4)

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
It is amazing to do something so challenging. I feel like I have accomplished something that I never thought possible.
Dena Hunt
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Kayaking for Families & Kids - a FREE clinic at REI Albuquerque

It's not about kayaking...it's about overcoming fears, building courage and self confidence!
Kristen Thome  -  Troop #1623, Juniors, Albuquerque, NM
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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3 Week Kids Kayak Clinic (age 14 - 17)

New Mexico Kayak Instruction is pleased to offer the first official, 3-week open-to-the-public kids kayak class in Albuquerque for kids 14 - 17 years old. This 3-week series will include 12 hours of pool instruction covering basic strokes and concepts to effortless paddling, fun skills-building games including Ultimate Kayak Frisbee, Indoor Slalom and Kayak Polo. The last week will wrap up with an introduction to the kayak roll1.

Upon completion of this course, most kids should be competent kayaking on flat water, such as Cochiti Lake or easy rivers such as the Rio Grande Bosque.

The 3-week series will take place on the following dates2:

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
It is amazing to do something so challenging. I feel like I have accomplished something that I never thought possible.
Dena Hunt
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Intro to Freestyle & Playboat Kayaking

My learning curve has been exponential. I never imagined I would learn this much, so fast!

Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNMH

The Kayak Roll

My learning curve has been exponential. I never imagined I would learn this much, so fast!

Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNMH
I took Kelly's Intro to Kayaking class and an individual Roll class. Kelly was great.  He is a very gracious teacher, always trying to individualize his teaching to each student.  I learned how to roll and hand-roll in one Roll Class session.  He is very personable and he was accommodating to my busy schedule.   Additionally, his passion for kayaking really shows.  I look forward to kayaking with him in the future.
Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNM Hospital
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Introduction to Kayaking

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
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
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