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Albuquerque
Whitewater Weekend
My learning curve has been exponential. I never imagined I would learn this much, so fast!
I have to say, Kelly covered EVERYTHING! I've taken this weekend class twice to absorb everything that goes into whitewater kayaking. Since my class, I've paddled on class III whitewater and felt like I had a great sense of what [maneuvers, compound strokes or techniques] to do, when to do it, how to do it, and why to do it! What Kelly teaches would be pretty much impossible for a self-taught paddler to figure out alone. I feel safer, and more confident each time I'm on the river with a foundation of strokes and concepts to practice outside of class, and most importantly, I feel in control on the water.
Whitewater Weekend
I am impressed with organization and professionalism of Kelly's operation. The teaching methods are good and are reassuring to the extent they convey that the ability to kayak is within the reach for just about anybody (including not-so-young people like me!)
My learning curve has been exponential. I never imagined I would learn this much, so fast!
Whitewater Weekend
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.
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.
Whitewater Weekend
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.
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!
Whitewater Weekend
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.
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!
Whitewater Weekend
I have to say, Kelly covered EVERYTHING! I've taken this weekend class twice to absorb everything that goes into whitewater kayaking. Since my class, I've paddled on class III whitewater and felt like I had a great sense of what [maneuvers, compound strokes or techniques] to do, when to do it, how to do it, and why to do it! What Kelly teaches would be pretty much impossible for a self-taught paddler to figure out alone. I feel safer, and more confident each time I'm on the river with a foundation of strokes and concepts to practice outside of class, and most importantly, I feel in control on the water.
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.
Kayaking for families & 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.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this course. My girls had a blast and I thought the price was a bargain. My girls are young enough, so almost any activity is still "fresh" for them…they are up for about anything. The girls had a blast - they really enjoyed this.
The Kayak Roll
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.
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.
Intro to Kayak (Pool)
Just wanted to thank you for an awesome class last night. I like your approach to teaching. People are drawn to that.
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!
Intro to Kayak (Pool)
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
I am impressed with organization and professionalism of Kelly's operation. The teaching methods are good and are reassuring to the extent they convey that the ability to kayak is within the reach for just about anybody (including not-so-young people like me!)
