Kayaking is one of the coolest things families can do together in New Mexico.  Kids love it because it's a new way to play on the water.  Parents love it because it builds courage, confidence and character.  It's great exercise and gets kids active and away from idle activities like television and video games, and reconnects them to nature and non-material things.  As their skills improve, kayaking becomes a great way to explore the outdoors, access new campsites, hiking trails or fishing holes. 

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

I took a roll class from Kelly. I have had some previous instruction in rolling and in boat handling techniques, but I learned more from Kelly in three hours in the pool than I did in a two day course from another instructor. I am very close to being able to roll after only one class. I'm sure with another class I'll be able to roll quite well. Kelly has a unique capability to explain how to roll, and has the patience to work with people who are having difficulty learning. He is a great teacher!

Doug Chinn

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Kayaking is one of the coolest things families can do together in New Mexico.  Kids love it because it's a new way to play on the water.  Parents love it because it builds confidence and courage.  It's great exercise and gets kids active and away from idle activities like television and video games, and reconnects them to nature and non-material things.  As their skills improve, kayaking becomes a great way to explore the outdoors, access new campsites, hiking trails or fishing holes. 

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 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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