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REI - Albuquerque
Whitewater Kayaking Made Easy (classroom)
I like the emphasis on kayaking as a positive experience. After taking the classes, you realize that you can have a very fun time, even before mastering the roll. Other classes I've taken make the roll seem like a necessity, and learning to roll (or not), becomes the focus, which eclipses the fun of kayaking.
I have taken the Intro, Roll, and the Whitewater Weekend courses. They've all been informative, supportive, and fun. It has been a progressive
learning process and I do like your emphaisis on offensive paddling
rather than defensive paddling. The Intro to Kayak (Level 1) class is a perfect foundation. I am probably going
to retake the Intro class because there was a lot in there that I just could
not absorb at one time; WAY beyond an 'intro' class!
Choosing a Kayak that's Right for You
This class was amazing! Learning to do things the right way from the beginning prevents you from having to 'unlearn' bad or possible dangerous habits later on.
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.
The Kayak Roll - Classroom
Felt that my attempts at the roll are getting better. Kelly's instruction is valuable and very precise. I think he will help me get the roll done right.
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.
Whitewater Kayaking Made Easy (Classroom)
Kelly is a great instructor. He starts with the basics and keeps
building on from there. We started in a pool of calm water on the
river, as we became comfortable with that we moved closer to the moving
water, then into the main current working on peel outs, ferrying and
edging, then down the Rio Grande. The second day starts by talking
about the first day then on to paddle placement and timing in different
aspects of the river. Back on the river we fine tuned our peel outs,
ferrying, edging and worked on paddle placement as we go into and
through the rapids. I could not belive my improvement from day one to
day two!
I highly recommed this class if you want to feel comfortable with
negotiating class II and III rapids. You may not end up an expert but
will have the tools to become one.
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.
Kayak 101 - Getting Started in Kayaking
Kelly is fun and enthousiastic about kayaking. If you're interested in learning to kayak, this is the place to be!
Kelly is a great instructor. If you live in the Albuquerque area and want to learn kayaking, attend one of Kelly's classes.
