​One of the most rewarding things I have ever done was to build two kayaks under the guidance and direction of Chris Nelson. Over the course of each building project we met about once a week in the shop. Chris always played enjoyable music as we planed, sanded, cut, wired, glued and clamped the pieces of the flexible ocoumé plywood. He brought his master craftsman skills to light and coached our small group of builders in a manner that reminded me of my quiet high school wrestling coach, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Nearly every time my wife and I kayak, someone comments on the beautiful boats. It is not uncommon to hear, “Did you build those beautiful boats?” When I first heard this question, I responded, “Well, yes, but with a tremendous amount of guidance and direction from a guy named Chris Nelson.”  One day after hearing me say that, the questioner enthusiastically exclaimed, “Wait a minute! Okay! You had help, but YOU built them! You should say, ‘I built these boats!’”   His comic and animated manner made be laugh heartily. Despite his advice, I cannot help but give Chris the credit.  He is truly a master boat builder and just flat out good man!
                                                                                                           - David, boatbuilding student
I love my Nelson kayak. I use it to paddle on the beautiful Brazos river in Texas. Everyone stops me to ask where I got it. It is a natural beauty that comes with paddling a wooden boat. 
                                                                                                              - Brett, customer

The kayak building class was one of the most beneficial learning experiences that I have taken part in. Chris Nelson took a group of people with limited woodworking experience, threw them outside of their comfort zone, and then guided them towards a finished project that everyone was very proud of. The kayak I made is something that I will have for a very long time, and it is a reminder of the tremendous experience I had in the class. I can't say enough about how great the class was, and how awesome it was to get to hang out with Chris for a couple hours each week. ​
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My favorite part of kayaking in these boats is their versatility. I can go fishing from the kayak, I can bring along camping supplies, I can easily transport the kayak in and out of the water, and most of all I can enjoy the serenity that comes with being on the water at any time I wish. 
                                                                                                               - Michael, customer