KELLY'S ACADEMY
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Meet our passionate Academy team working to share their love of kayaking, paddle boarding and river surfing with the next generation.
Makinley-Kate Hargrove
Hi, my name is Makinley-Kate Hargrove, I am a 18 year old professional water sport athlete competing for Team USA. I am a 2x World Champion, 2x World Cup Gold Medalist, and 6x U.S. National Champion. Beyond competition, I volunteer regularly in communities across the U.S. getting people into the sport I love.
Alec Voorhees
Alec Voorhees was born and raised in Meridian, Idaho, and basically grew up on the Payette River! Starting to paddle at age 6 in his own kayak, he has been paddling for the majority of his life! Fast forward to now, Alec is one of the most complete paddlers in the world having made podium in 2 World Championships as a Junior (2013,2015), and won the GoPro Mountain Games Steep Creek Championships (2016), as well has multiple top 5 finishes in the most prestigious kayak race, the North Fork Championship! Alec has also been nominated for “Male Rider of the Year” and “Male Paddler of the Year” multiple times, and continues to travel the world!
Alec has been teaching at Kelly’s for 8 years now, and loves the opportunity to teach and inspire kids in his local area at one of the best whitewater parks in the country! Each year Alec is blown away at the enthusiasm and good times with the students, and is able to tap into his roots of growing up a kayaking kid for unique insight!
See you at Kelly’s Academy!
River James Cogan
I was born and raised in McCall, ID. I started out taking whitewater kayaking classes at the academy, and just kept coming back. I started kayaking the summer of 2012, but really got into it in 2016 (when I fell in love with the sport). Last year was my first year coaching, and I’m stoked to help others improve, while I do so myself with my teaching skills.
I also enjoy going rock climbing, running, backpacking, and one-on-one tutoring. My senior year of high school, I spent lots of my time going to an afterschool program, and helping out where I was needed.
I graduated high school this year, and will be attending the University of Idaho the fall of 2020.
Mary Claire Hargrove
My name is Mary Claire Hargrove I am a 16 year old athlete, on the USA whitewater freestyle kayaking team. With ten years of experience, I am dedicated to the sport and passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills through volunteer work and clinics.
Cole Naugle
Cole has been kayaking for over 11 years and Teaching for 4 years. Cole has a strong passion for being on the water and loves spending time outdoors and can usually be found camping, kayaking, or skiing whenever he gets the chance.
Mason Hargrove
Mason Hargrove became the 2019 Junior Men’s Freestyle World Champion after winning gold at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships. Since moving into the Senior Men’s division, he has consistently finished in the Top 10 at World Championships, including 6th place in 2025 at Germany’s Worlds. A multi-time National Champion, Mason has also earned World Cup medals and podium finishes in freestyle, creek racing, and giant slalom events. He is passionate about sharing kayaking with others through volunteer work with local communities and veterans, and is proud to have the support of his family as he pursues his goals. He paddles for NRS, Jackson Kayak, Werner Paddles, and Whitewater Express.
Will Huckaby
Will Huckaby learned how to surf and kayak at Kelly’s Whitewater Park starting when he was 10 years old. He loves being in the river and enjoys sharing the things he has learned with others. When he is not in the river, he enjoys basketball, cross country, and track. He also enjoys sculpting and dancing.
Visit Us
Open Daily
10am - 7pm Memorial Day Weekend
through the end of September
Cost
Free! Donations are accepted in the
Welcome Center and parking lot areas.
