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Intro to Kayak

Intro to Kayak (Pool)

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!)

Betsy Glenn
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
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Choosing a Kayak that's Right for You

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
I believe it is important for girls of this age to work together and have fun.  This course exceeded my expectations in both teamwork and fun! 
Margaret Baca  -  Troop #171, Juniors, Santa Fe, NM
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Kayak 101 - Getting Started in Kayaking

I love this meetup group.  Kelly has done a great job of building a foundation or respect, camaraderie, and skills so that everyone has fun.  Thanks Kelly for all you do!

Liza Kerr
It is amazing to do something so challenging. I feel like I have accomplished something that I never thought possible.
Dena Hunt
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Kayaking with Santa Fe Singles

On June 3rd, Kelly Gossett of New Mexico Kayak Instruction (founder of the Santa Fe Kayak meetup) will teach a 3hr Intro to Kayak lesson for Santa Fe Singles at the Chavez Center's indoor pool. We'll learn the basic strokes that will allow us to safely paddle lakes and easy rivers later on as a group. Kelly will also show us simple 2-person rescues and other team-building skills that are great with a partner, so bring a date, or find one at the event.

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
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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Intro to Kayak, Pool

This clinic introduced me to the essential strokes, and the situations in which to apply them, including understanding which stroke would be efficient for the objective.  I learned so many things that I never knew about Kayaking.  I also enjoyed the introduction to assisted rescue.  Kelly, the instructor, gave some excellent tips on how to tkae what we learned, into a pool session or other practice, and challenge yourself with each basic skill.
Lance Johnson  -  Bradley Alpinist, LLC
Even though I only took the Intro to Kayak class at the pool prior to the Coastal Kayaking on Inlandwaters 'Kayak Touring' course, I was confident in performing the wet exit in open waters…the rescue exercises were by far the biggest asset of the class.
Betty Beaudry
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Intro to Kayak, Classroom

My learning curve has been exponential. I never imagined I would learn this much, so fast!

Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNMH

You guys rock!!!  I couldn't wait another minute to tell you how much fun the girls had last night!  What a great lesson!  We didn't even need the games because they enjoyed what they were doing so much.  One of the coolest things was seeing girls who were a little bit timid, feel comfortable enough to try things that they normally wouldn't have tried.  What a great time!  Well done all!

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521
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Intro to Kayak (Pool)

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
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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Intro to Kayak (Pool)

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
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
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Intro to Kayak (Pool)

Kelly is very articulate with great attention to detail.  He comes highly recommended by those who have attended his courses.

Galen Knight  -  Assistant Organizer - Camping and Adventure Social Meetup group
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
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