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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

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
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The Kayak Roll - A FREE clinic at REI

Kelly is friendly and professional and seems to know what he is talking about and an absolutely wonderful teacher.  Kelly is very professional, sincere and a dedicated teacher.  He worked very hard to teach me, and I was able to roll within 20 minutes of his instruction. Rest of the evening was one roll after another.  I hope he can continue to hold more similar clinics on other advanced techniques.  Thank you Kelly. Amit.

Amit Goswami  -  M.D. VA Hospital
I took Kelly's Intro to Kayaking class and an individual Roll class. Kelly was great.  He is a very gracious teacher, always trying to individualize his teaching to each student.  I learned how to roll and hand-roll in one Roll Class session.  He is very personable and he was accommodating to my busy schedule.   Additionally, his passion for kayaking really shows.  I look forward to kayaking with him in the future.
Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNM Hospital
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Whitewater Kayaking Made Easy - A FREE clinic at REI

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

I just took Kelly's Intro to Kayaking class at the Chavez Center in Santa Fe and really enjoyed it.  He was able to work with all levels (I'd never been in a kayak with the skirt on before) and even helped me overcome my fears after the initial freakout of being strapped to my boat underwater.  Great teacher, I'm looking forward to the roll class!

Liz Miller
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Kayak 101 - Getting Started in Kayaking

I learned the "basics" that I "thought" I knew - after kayaking for 10 years, I realized I should have taken this course years ago…in addition to the "basics" I was amazed at the techniques I learned regarding paddling, strokes, maneuvers, rescues, navigation and expedition planning!

Betty Beaudry

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
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The Kayak Roll (Classroom)

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!
Marty Teugel  -  Fish & Wildlife Service

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
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Whitewater Kayaking Made Easy (Classroom)

Fantastic! The instruction was top notch. The instructors' attention to detail and focus on safety were superb. The classroom environment was interesting, the class time on the water was a blast, and the attendees had a great time together during and after class around the camp fire. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in kayaking in New Mexico.
Justin Tade  -  Attorney, avid skier, surfer, pilot, adventure junkie
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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Kayak 101 - Getting Started in Kayaking

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 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
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Intro to Kayak (Pool)

Note: The Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe is only available for 3hr blocks of time, so all Intro to Kayak and Kayak Roll classes are 3hrs instead of 4hrs.  To ensure all topics are covered, and everyone receives individual attention during this limited time, class sizes are strictly capped to seven (7) for the Intro to Kayak class and five (5) for the Kayak Roll class.
Just wanted to thank you for an awesome class last night.  I like your approach to teaching.  People are drawn to that.
Leonard Graham
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
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The Kayak Roll (Pool)

Note: The Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe is only available for 3hr blocks of time, so all Intro to Kayak and Kayak Roll classes are 3hrs instead of 4hrs.  To ensure all topics are covered, and everyone receives individual attention during this limited time, class sizes are strictly capped to seven (7) for the Intro to Kayak class and five (5) for the Kayak Roll class.
I took Kelly's Intro to Kayaking class and an individual Roll class. Kelly was great.  He is a very gracious teacher, always trying to individualize his teaching to each student.  I learned how to roll and hand-roll in one Roll Class session.  He is very personable and he was accommodating to my busy schedule.   Additionally, his passion for kayaking really shows.  I look forward to kayaking with him in the future.
Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNM Hospital
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.
Elaine Sweeney  -  'world traveler'
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The Kayak Roll (Pool)

Note: The Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe is only available for 3hr blocks of time, so all Intro to Kayak and Kayak Roll classes are 3hrs instead of 4hrs.  To ensure all topics are covered, and everyone receives individual attention during this limited time, class sizes are strictly capped to seven (7) for the Intro to Kayak class and five (5) for the Kayak Roll class.

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

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
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