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Intro to Kayaking

Before i took Kelly's class, I was convinced that a sit-inside kayak was a FLOATING COFFIN (don't mean to be so morbid).  But now with what I learned in the Intro to Kayak class I feel CONFIDENT in a sit-inside kayak and my opinion has DRAMATICALY CHANGED.  Looking forward to more days on the water. Thanks Kelly.

Michael Fernandez
Retired
Age: 
57
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking
Even though I only took the Intro to Kayak class at the pool prior to the Coastal Kayaking on Inlandwaters 'Kayak Touring' course, I was confident in performing the wet exit in open waters…the rescue exercises were by far the biggest asset of the class.
Betty Beaudry
Age: 
50
Location: 
Albuquerque, NM
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking
Intro to Sea Kayaking
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
Age: 
53
Context
Event Category: 
Intro to Kayaking
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

By far, the most frequently asked question I hear is "Where do you go kayaking in New Mexico?"  There's often a bit of disbelief that you can actually kayak in the high desert.   The simple truth is - there are literally hundreds of places we can kayak here in New Mexico.  The smaller lakes and easier rivers make it perfect for beginners, families, kids, anglers and people with disabilities, while still offering larger lakes for multi-day touring trips, and hundreds of miles of class II - V whitewater.

Safety on the river, unfortunately, is one of the least practiced skills.  I know this, because attendance at safety-oriented classes have the lowest turnout.  However, the best way to get invited on awesome river trips is to be an asset, not a liability.  Anyone can be an asset, even in their first year, by knowing their personal limits, knowing their role in a rescue and taking safety to heart.  This course is designed for any boater or outdoor enthousiast who wants to lend a helping hand when a situation arises, and is focused on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents.

Here are a few things you'll learn:

New Mexico is well known for world-class skiing, mountain biking, rafting, fishing, camping, hot air balloons and hiking, but if you love the water, your choices are limited, right?  Wrong!  Kayak Touring (also known as 'Sea Kayaking' in coastal states), is a great way to have fun on the water, explore remote hiking trails and campsites, or pack your boat with days worth of gear and "rough it" the easy way.  The 10 largest lakes in New Mexico comprise more than 90,000 surface acres of water, and thousands of miles of shoreline to camp and explore. 

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 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
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