Kayaking is one of the coolest things families can do together in New Mexico.  Kids love it because it's a new way to play on the water.  Parents love it because it builds confidence and courage.  It's great exercise and gets kids active and away from idle activities like television and video games, and reconnects them to nature and non-material things.  As their skills improve, kayaking becomes a great way to explore the outdoors, access new campsites, hiking trails or fishing holes. 

Kayaking teaches kids "River Sense."  Like 'street smarts,' River Sense is an intuitive awareness of their surroundings, how the river or weather is changing, anticipating dangerous situations and where their buddies are and how everyone is doing.  Along the way, they're learning valuable team-building and leadership skills, good judgment, accountability and responsibility for their actions.  Many kids are drawn to kayaking because it's a fun and unique social activity, while others are drawn to the competitive games, including freestyle kayaking and 'whitewater canoe slalom' - an Olympic sport. Other kids are drawn to the personal challenge and accomplishment of learning to work with the river.

This class is designed for kids age 9 to 13 years old.  A limited number of parents are allowed to sign up and participate for the same reduced price.  While we still play a ton of fun games, the focus of this class is to develop skills needed to be competent on flat water, such as Cochiti Lake or other areas of open water. 

Parents and active adults are strongly encouraged to attend.  In addition to learning basic kayaking skills and having fun with your kids, you will learn to perform simple team-building rescues and develop a watchful eye for common risks.  Familiar adults often give the kids security and confidence to try new activities, and make the event a lot more fun!

Week 1 - February 22

Assign gear, Introduce basic safety, including 'wet exit' and deep-water re-entry.  

Game of the Day: "Sponge Bob Tag"

Week 2 - March 8

Review of week 1, Introduce paddle, paddle orientation, basic paddling concepts, finesse vs. strength

Game of the Day: "Duct Tape Tag"

Week 3 - March 22

Review week 2, Introduce Sweep and Draw strokes to turn the boat and move laterally

Game of the Day: "Ultimate Kayak Frisbee"

Week 4 - April 5

Review week 3, Introduce Forward and Reverse strokes

Game of the Day: "Kayak Polo"

Week 5 - April 19

Review week 4, Introduce Spray Skirt and practice the 'Kayak roll'

Game of the Day: "Simon Says..."

Week 6 - May 3

Review of all skills

Game of the Day: "Indoor Pool Slalom"

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

Kelly is a terrific instructor!  He's extremely patient, manages to maintain a sense of humor, is very safety-conscious (a good thing on the river!), and has some unique tricks to help his students, be it learning to roll or learning to read a river.  He explains things clearly and simply.  He also seems to have the ability to get inside the heads of his students to help them get to where they need to be.

Deborah DeMack  -  Attorney

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