Albuquerque

Discover Paddling - Kayak & SUP "Open House" at Sandia Lakes

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
The combination of classroom, followed by river work was perfect.   The schedule was flexible to deal with the reality of conducting a class outdoors.  The whole experience has been informative and has helped improve my paddleing significantly.  I am more likely to continue to boat on a regular basis as a result of my experience in NMKI courses.
Marty Teugel  -  Fish & Wildlife Service

Discover Paddling - Kayak & SUP "Open House" at Sandia Lakes

My learning curve has been exponential. I never imagined I would learn this much, so fast!

Chuck Washington  -  Resident MD, UNMH
Very informative class.  Just the ticket to lay the foundation for starting out in kayaking.
Todd Gates

Surfing on the Rio Grande - Couch Surfing, that is!

New Mexico Kayak Instruction welcomes Couch Surfers from across the United States to the Albuquerque Couch Crash!


This guided tour will take place early on Friday October 3, just one day before the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  We'll meet early, get started early and finish early, so you can move on to see other exciting places throughout Albuquerque.  Please dress warm, with clothes that can (and will) get wet (Murhpy's Law).  Don't worry, paddling through Alubuquerque is a beginner-friendly, but you should have clothes and shoes that will get wet, as well as an extra set of clean, dry clothes for when the trip is over. 

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 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

Home-school Kayaking Adventure

It's not about kayaking...it's about overcoming fears, building courage and self confidence!
Kristen Thome  -  Troop #1623, Juniors, Albuquerque, NM

Kelly is someone who knows the sport of kayaking and is able to teach in a safe, effective and fun way.  Not only did the girls have a total blast, but they learned the names for all parts of their kayak and equipment, how to safely enter and exit a kayak, how to help someone else who may be in trouble, what to do in inclement weather and how to best move through the water (to name a few).  We had our last Girl Scout meeting of the year last week, and when I asked the girls what their favorite experience was over the last 3 years, 75% chose kayaking.  I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cris Todd  -  Girl Scout Troop #1521

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

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

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

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

The combination of classroom, followed by river work was perfect.   The schedule was flexible to deal with the reality of conducting a class outdoors.  The whole experience has been informative and has helped improve my paddleing significantly.  I am more likely to continue to boat on a regular basis as a result of my experience in NMKI courses.
Marty Teugel  -  Fish & Wildlife Service
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

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

I had a blast at your intro to kayak class!  I've been kayaking for several years and wished i had taken this class years ago!  I learned many new techniques that i did not even know existed!  I have always been hesitant about white water kayaking but with the tools and techniques i learned from your class, I have decided to join more classes and brave the white water class in a few weeks.Thanks for your support and I look forward to taking more classes with you!
Betty Beaudry  -  Experienced kayaker
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. 
Heidi Craig  -  Retired, Artist

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

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

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

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

HIGHLY recommend this course to anyone interested even in local overnight kayaking adventures! Totally loved it!!
Ele Radoslovich  -  Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, ABQ Health Partners
Really fantastic lesson. Thank you so much for the incredible instruction. Ellen and Bart were wonderful instructors! I'm so excited to get out on the water with my own kayak and put my new skills to the test. Even, *gasp* rolling over! Best, Wren
Wren Chambers

Guided Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours

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'
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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