Home School Kayak Adventure, kids 9 - 13

Location:
Rio Grande Indoor Pool
2312 Arenal
Albuquerque, NM, 87105
See map: Google Maps
Directions:
From I-40 & I-25, head West on I-40 to Coors. Take Coors South. Go past Central and Old Coors. Turn left on Arenal. Go approximately 1 mile to the Rio Grande High School. The pool is easily identified by the multi-colored waterslide coming out of the building on the West side.
Start Time: 
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm

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 9 to 13 years old.  A limited number of parents are allowed to sign up and participate for the same reduced price.  While we still play a ton of fun games, the focus of this class is to develop skills needed to be competent on flat water, such as Cochiti Lake or other areas of open water. 

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 activities, and make the event a lot more fun!

 

Week 1 - February 22

Assign gear, Introduce basic safety, including 'wet exit' and deep-water re-entry.  

Game of the Day: "Sponge Bob Tag"

Week 2 - March 8

Review of week 1, Introduce paddle, paddle orientation, basic paddling concepts, finesse vs. strength

Game of the Day: "Duct Tape Tag"

Week 3 - March 22

Review week 2, Introduce Sweep and Draw strokes to turn the boat and move laterally

Game of the Day: "Ultimate Kayak Frisbee"

Week 4 - April 5

Review week 3, Introduce Forward and Reverse strokes

Game of the Day: "Kayak Polo"

Week 5 - April 19

Review week 4, Introduce Spray Skirt and practice the 'Kayak roll'

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

Week 6 - May 3

Review of all skills

Game of the Day: "Indoor Pool Slalom"

Price: 
$128.40 Before Tax
Payment: 

Full payment is due at the time of registration, and is non-refundable. Full payment is required to reserve your spot in this event. No spot is reserved untill full payment is received. 

New Mexico Kayak Instruction accepts cash, check or credit cards over the phone.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Your payment is a reservation for an event with limited capacity.  Cancellations or rescheduling request 4 or more days before the scheduled event are entitled to receive a refund, less a 30% cancellation fee.  We're sorry, but cancellations or no-shows within 3 days of the event are non-refundable, and may not be transferred to another date.  You may transfer or resell this ticket to another interested party.  They should, however, complete this RSVP form and understand the cancellation policy. 

Great course, tons of information, practice. Marcel and Kelly are the perfect teaching duo, the Oliver and Stan of coastal waters techniques. Enjoyed sharing the experience with everyone who attended.
Zoe Krasney  -  Freelance writer & journalist

Kelly has a way of transferring his passion for kayaking to everyone who attends a talk, lesson or paddles with him.  A very patient and conscientious instructor, I always feel safe during lessons on and off the river.  Not only does Kelly teach the sport, he finds ways to help you find your niche and meet others who share the same interest.  In addition, the other instructors he brings along are equally as knowledgeable and helpful.  If you haven't tried kayaking or want to hone your skills, this is a great place to start.

Susan Brockway  -  Los Alamos National Laboratory

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