Albuquerque

Kayak Pool Party for Kids

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
I would wholeheartedly recommend this course. I would also recommend they have several adults in the water, and several "shore-side" as there seemed to be more things to do that I would have expected. Not only for the girls' confidence, but helping turn around the kayaks, getting the girls in and out, etc. 
Kathleen Tighe-Smith  -  Troop #10228, Brownies, Albuquerque, NM

River Playboating & Freestyle Clinic

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

Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNMH

ACA Swiftwater Rescue - Level IV

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
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

The Kayak Roll (classroom & 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

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

Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNMH

Kayak 101 - Getting Started in Kayaking

My history with water has been very negative.  When I was a kid, I almost drowned.  Since then, I've found myself avoiding situations where I felt vulnerable to dangerous waters.  Since my courses with Kelly, I have gained both confidence and necessary knowledge that allows me to finally enjoy the water again.  Never would I have thought I would be going down class III whitewater rapids on a boogie board.  Thank you Kelly.  You have peaked my interest in taking more whitewater courses.
Nina Perea
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

Intro to Kayak (Pool)

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

Kayak Pool Party for persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Programs at UNM's Center for Development & Disability has partnered with New Mexico Kayak Instruction, a service provider at Camp Rising Sun, to offer two unique "Kayak Pool Parties" for all persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Kayaking is the perfect low-impact recreational, social and physical activity the whole family can enjoy together.  Come and observe, or come and join in the fun.

March 26th, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool
April 23rd, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool

Benefits include:

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

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

Kayak Pool Party for persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Autism Programs at UNM's Center for Development & Disability has partnered with New Mexico Kayak Instruction, a service provider at Camp Rising Sun, to offer two unique "Kayak Pool Parties" for all persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Kayaking is the perfect low-impact recreational, social and physical activity the whole family can enjoy together.  Come and observe, or come and join in the fun.

March 26th, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool
April 23rd, 9 - 11am, Rio Grande Indoor Pool

Benefits include:

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 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

2nd Wednesday "Happy Hour" @ Los Altos Pool

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
My history with water has been very negative.  When I was a kid, I almost drowned.  Since then, I've found myself avoiding situations where I felt vulnerable to dangerous waters.  Since my courses with Kelly, I have gained both confidence and necessary knowledge that allows me to finally enjoy the water again.  Never would I have thought I would be going down class III whitewater rapids on a boogie board.  Thank you Kelly.  You have peaked my interest in taking more whitewater courses.
Nina Perea

4th Wednesday "Happy Hour" @ Los Altos Pool

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

Kelly is fun and enthousiastic about kayaking. If you're interested in learning to kayak, this is the place to be!

Linda Scott  -  New Mexico Adventure Racing Club
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