Rolling a kayak is an essential skill for any serious paddler. It is considered the safest form of a rescue, because it involves only one person, can be done in just a few seconds, and keeps you inside the kayak, protected from rocks, cold water and other hazards.
The complete course consists of a 1-hour "Classroom" and a 3-hour "Pool" lesson and kayak demo.
In this 4hr class, your instructor will lead you through a series of steps to build muscle memory, while using the proper technique to safely and effortlessly roll the kayak upright.
Here's a few things you'll learn:
Although not required for the Intro to Whitewater Clinic, students who complete this class will have a more rewarding experience when pursuing more challenging water. Anyone considering class III whitewater, expedition-style sea kayaking, or leading a group of paddlers, should master this essential skill.
The class will be taught using whitewater kayaks only, although an exception will be made if you own your own sea kayak.
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.
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.
Children 10 years or older can attend any flatwater lesson with a parent or guardian with legal responsibility. However, I leave it to the parent or guardian to keep the children focused and engaged throughout the class. Children under 10 years old can be taught in a private lesson.
A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The deposit is non-refundable, and non-transferrable. We gladly accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover over the phone. Checks can be made payable to:
"NMKI" (New Mexico Kayak Instruction)
5800 Osuna Rd NE #64
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Please let us know when your check is in the mail so we can be looking for it.
Classes are booked on a first-paid, first-reserved basis, so mail your checks early, or call 505-217-2187 to pay by credit card.
The non-refundable deposit goes to reserve your spot and cover certain fixed cost, like pool rental, insurance and assistant instructors. It's a two-way guarantee that you will do your best to attend, and that I will save a spot for you, provide you with a properly fitted kayak, and provide assistant instructors as needed, to keep the Student to Instructor ratio in check.
If you cannot attend, try to find someone who can take your spot, and work the deposit out between the two of you. They should contact me as soon as possible to ensure space is avaialble, and provide me with their height and weight, so I can bring the right sized kayak.
If, and only if, a class is full, can the deposit be refunded, or transferred to a different date.
The Intro to Kayak clinic is the foundation for everything I teach. It's a required prerequisite for the 2-day Whitewater Weekend clinics and the 2-day Touring Kayak Weekend clinics. The Kayak Roll is a good next step after the Intro to Kayak clinic, although not a requirement for the Whitewater or Touring Kayak Weekend clinics.
While learning to roll is a good skill, it's not the best place to start. Rolling is a defensive measure. Good boat control, judgement and an accurate assessment of your skills will keep you from rolling most of the time.
You'll learn boat control in the Intro to Kayak and subsequent clinics. Those who complete the Intro to Kayak class have a much higher success rate in the Kayak Roll clinic. A few hours in the boat learning to do smooth and controlled wet exits from a skirted kayak will be money well spent. If you've spent little or no time in a decked kayak, your mind will simply be too distracted by flipping over and getting out to learn the Kayak Roll.
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