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. 

Kayaking teaches kids "River Sense."  Like 'street smarts,' River Sense is an intuitive awareness of their surroundings, how the river or weather is changing, anticipating dangerous situations and where their buddies are and how everyone is doing.  Along the way, they're learning valuable team-building and leadership skills, good judgment, accountability and responsibility for their actions.  Many kids are drawn to kayaking because it's a fun and unique social activity, while others are drawn to the competitive games, including freestyle kayaking and 'whitewater canoe slalom' - an Olympic sport. Other kids are drawn to the personal challenge and accomplishment of learning to work with the river.

This class is designed for kids age 5 - 8.  At this age, many kids are just learning to become comfortable in the water, and the kayak opens up new opportunities for them to learn and play.  While some children may have natural fears in the beginning, others will want to jump right in!  This class focuses more on social development than on kayaking technique.  Throughout this class, the kids will play fun games and team building skills that build confidence and courage.

Parents and active adults are strongly encouraged to attend.  In addition to learning basic kayaking skills and having fun with your kids, you will learn to perform simple team-building rescues and develop a watchful eye for common risks.  Familiar adults often give the kids security and confidence to try new activitie, and make the event a lot more fun!

Week 1 - February 22

Assign gear, focus on fun interactions with the boat and water; climbing into the kayak, jumping out of the kayak, riding in or on the kayak. Getting used to being in, on, or around the kayak, working toward independence. 

Week 2 - March 8

Review week 1, Introduce 'Wet Exit,' Introduce parts of the boat, types of PFDs

Game of the Day: "Sponge Bob Tag"

Week 3 - March 22

Review week 2, Introduce paddle and basic strokes

Game of the Day: "Duct Tape Tag"

Week 4 - April 5

Review week 3, Introduce forward and reverse stroke

Game of the Day: "Ultimate Kayak Frisbee"

Week 5 - April 19

Review week 4, Introduce Basic boating safety

Game of the Day: "Simon Says..."

Week 6 - May 3

Review week 5, practice, review and quiz time

Game of the Day: "Indoor Pool Slalom"

Very informative class.  Just the ticket to lay the foundation for starting out in kayaking.

Todd Gates

Kelly is friendly and professional and seems to know what he is talking about and an absolutely wonderful teacher.  Kelly is very professional, sincere and a dedicated teacher.  He worked very hard to teach me, and I was able to roll within 20 minutes of his instruction. Rest of the evening was one roll after another.  I hope he can continue to hold more similar clinics on other advanced techniques.  Thank you Kelly. Amit.

Amit Goswami  -  M.D. VA Hospital

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