Albuquerque

Kayak Pool Party for Kids

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

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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Albuquerque

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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

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ACA Swiftwater Rescue - Level IV

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

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

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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

Kelly is a terrific instructor! He's extremely patient, manages to maintain a sense of humor, is very safety-conscious (a good thing on the river!), and has some unique tricks to help his students, be it learning to roll or learning to read a river. He explains things clearly and simply. He also seems to have the ability to get inside the heads of his students to help them get to where they need to be.

Deborah DeMack - Attorney

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Albuquerque

1 comment

Kayak 101 - Getting Started in Kayaking

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

This was my second time in this class in a months' time. Although I enjoyed the first class, I felt like all the pieces began to fall in to place the second time around. I felt my skills improved exponentially. The instructors were very skilled and helpful in zeroing in on specific needs of those in the class, and were there to roll you (back up) when necessary. Loved it.

Chip Berglund - Semi-retired

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Albuquerque

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Intro to Kayak (Pool)

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

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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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:

HIGHLY recommend this course to anyone interested even in local overnight kayaking adventures! Totally loved it!!

Ele Radoslovich - Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, ABQ Health Partners

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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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:

The roll class with Glenn and Michael was awesome. The roll has been frustrating to me. Thanks to the instruction the other night I think I have my roll about 95 percent mastered and I know exactly what I need to work on to get the other 5 percent. I've taken other roll classes but this one was the best. After these classes I feel very clear about what I need to work on. I can't wait to get back on the water ASAP to work on my roll and forward stroke.

Reed Mencke - Retired

Kelly is a very good teacher - he presents learning as fun. His classes are relaxed and low pressure. I picked up many skills and knowledge that will make paddling easier and safer for me in the long run.

Heidi Craig - Retired, Artist

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2nd 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

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

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