REI - Albuquerque | New Mexico Kayak Instruction

Whitewater Kayaking Made Easy (classroom)

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

Todd Gates

I took the Intro to Kayaking (level 1) class and it was GREAT. I'd actually done a lot of different types of kayaking (touring, sea, whitewater), but had never gotten any formal instruction. Wow, what a difference a few hours makes. I learned a lot of technique that I had been lacking. Kelly is a great instructor and I was impressed with how efficiently the class was put together. He is passionate about enabling people to participate in the sport that he loves. Definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in learning to kayak!

Tracy Davis - experienced kayaker

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Choosing a Kayak that's Right for You

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

I chose NMKI because of Kelly's professionalism and strong attention to detail. I find this very important as it relates to safety. I would never trust anyone other than Kelly to provide instruction to myself or for my 12 year old son, Navada. We felt very safe and well guided under the direction of Kelly. I would tell others if they ever hesitated to try kayaking, River Boarding or any kind of paddling to first take a course with Kelly and rest assured they will be in good hands.

Nina Perea

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The Kayak Roll - Classroom

I was a self-taught kayaker who constantly got caught in situations that were either dangerous or beyond my skill. In fact, I almost gave up the sport multiple times before I met Kelly. After taking his courses, I found that I was in much better control on the river and began to enjoy it more. I never realized how much technique went into boat control and reading the river. Kayaking changed for me from a sport that constantly terrified me, to a sport where I felt exhilarated and challenged, but still in control. Kelly’s classes focus on reading the river, developing paddling skills, safety, and responsible fun. The best part of taking his courses is meeting new people to paddle with. I am now surrounded by like-mined paddlers whom I can trust on the river, for I know they received the same training. Kelly’s classes turned me into a life-long kayaker.

Glenn Wellman - High School History teacher, APS

Kelly is a great instructor. If you live in the Albuquerque area and want to learn kayaking, attend one of Kelly's classes.

Mark Nissan

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Whitewater Kayaking Made Easy (Classroom)

I took the Intro to Kayaking (level 1) class and it was GREAT. I'd actually done a lot of different types of kayaking (touring, sea, whitewater), but had never gotten any formal instruction. Wow, what a difference a few hours makes. I learned a lot of technique that I had been lacking. Kelly is a great instructor and I was impressed with how efficiently the class was put together. He is passionate about enabling people to participate in the sport that he loves. Definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in learning to kayak!

Tracy Davis - experienced kayaker

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

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