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Testimonials

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.
Mark Nissen
Age: 
47
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Whitewater
Very informative class.  Just the ticket to lay the foundation for starting out in kayaking.
Todd Gates
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking

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
Age: 
72
Location: 
Patagonia, AZ
Context
Event Category: 
Kayak Roll

I want you to know how much I benefitted from your white water and roll classes.  Kelly your presentations Saturday and Sunday were always clear and packed with vital information.  The way you sketch out the hazzards and river features makes them surprisingly easy to remember on the river.  On the river you worked hard with each of us and I thought we class members got far more feedback and individual attention than in other kayak classes I have taken.  Glenn and Michael also seemed genuinely interested in our progress and were always willing to answer my questions and provide good feedback.  All in all the class was both challenging and a lot of fun and I feel it greatly accelerated my development as a white water kayaker.

Reed Mencke
Retired
Age: 
72
Location: 
Patagonia, AZ
Context
Event Category: 
Kayak Roll
Intro to Whitewater
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
Age: 
35
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking
Kayak Roll
Intro to Whitewater
I learned everything that i was hoping to learn, as a result my feeling confident and safe on the water has increased tremendously!
Heidrun Craig
Location: 
Belen, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking

I wanted to say thank you for the entire Pilar trip. It was a small class and you could have rescheduled but you didn't. I really learned a lot! Because of that weekend, I'm excited about the sport. I've been talking to my wife and friends about it nonstop! I'm trying to get others to sign up for your class. You do a really good job! Thanks again!

Dan McCarraher
Real estate agent
Age: 
28
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Whitewater
My girl approached the class as 'something my dad signed me up for and I don’t want to go', but she had a blast and wants to do it again.
Robert Miller
Dad of a Girl Scout
Context
Event Category: 
Girl Scouts
Other Kids Classes
Thank you!  The girls had an absolute wonderful time at the Paddle Safety class. You represented your sport well with the girls and it shows through their enthusiasm.  Good Job!
Melaney Olander
Troop 707
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Girl Scouts

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.

Betsy Glenn
Age: 
57
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking
Kayak Roll
Intro to Whitewater