The Gone Boarding class feels like family partially because we spend so much time together but also because everyone works together. I really appreciate the teachers for being so encouraging and easy to talk to. It wouldn't be the same without them. One of the most rewarding parts is finishing a board that you have put so much time and effort into. For me, it was when I completed my first board, it was a wake surfboard and I painted a pretty intricate design on the front. It took quite a while but it was so worth it.

I haven't graduated high school yet but through Gone Boarding, I have realized that I want to do something like it in the future. Not particularly making boards, but using my hands and craft working skills. The most valuable skills I have learned through my Gone Boarding experience have been woodworking skills but also being able to be persistent and hard-working. One of my favorite memories from Gone Boarding was wakeboarding at Action Wake Park. It was always so fun encouraging everyone to try again and watching them finally get up. Especially the kids that have never tried anything like that before. I think that's one of the coolest parts about GB; kids that have no experience with anything board-related can still thrive and have fun. Another one of my favorite memories was surfing on really wavy and stormy days. It always felt like such an adventure getting knocked out by every wave while trying to keep your board from getting taken away by the waves.