i am a hiker and having to adjust to aging and joint problems. I live where the hiking is great, spring is approaching and I plan to practice the skills I learned class. thank you

I learned a lot from the "Hiking with Poles" program, especially how to fit the poles properly, proper hand position, and the most efficient way to use them. I think this will help me to continue to hike, even when my knee is bothering me a little, and help me to continue to hike as I get older. I can't think of any improvements. It was great that Jayah could come down to our area here in Monterey and that we had a chance to do classroom work and also try out what we learned out on the trails.

Jayah used excellent teaching techniques to introduce me to using pills. I was afraid of them before the class. Now I use them mindfully. "Momentum is your friend" she reminds us about mobility.

Jayah was enthusiastic & informative. I am a 74 yr old overweight woman who was starting to walk hunched over and dread getting out. After Jayah assessed for proper poll length and I started walking with my chest open, head up, I felt 10 years younger. Honestly. I started breathing rhythmically and felt energized. Jayah answered questions readily and shared in my new enthusiasm for using polls. A few days later I took a walk in San Francisco with my polls. I went .8 mile which was longer than I've walked in a while. My chest was open, I kept a brisk pace and I stopped when I was getting to the edge of going too far to enjoy it. I had fun! I will be at it again soon. NOTE: It's true I prefer outdoor experiences alone but I would like to meet more people over coffee, etc.

Thank you for the program and Jayah for your excellent instructions. I feel motivated to exercise and to be mindful of my stride and arm movement. Pole adjustment and cleaning info and pole placement is helpful. I feel encouraged and more confident using poles. I highly recommend this program and hope Jayah returns to the Anza-Borrego area.

Great programs. The programs are well organized and knowledgeable people lead the programs. A clear benefit to the Veterans community. There seems to be some confusion when partnering with local non-profits regarding how much and how clear their knowledge of a specific program is. Had some issues with the web site to register. Our leader Jayah was very knowledgeable, communicated clearly, and was inclusive with all abilities. We couldn't have asked for a better program that met our needs to hike outdoors safely. Thank you.

Jayha was great, she took time to address every participant individually, I learned tons from her, she was knowledgeable and just so kind overall, I was the youngest in the group by about 15 years, 1st of all everyone was great and I didn’t really feel out of place after a bit, I would like to see more younger vets join, I get most of us work on weekdays so that makes it hard, I really believe this class would be helpful for all adult age groups.

Jayah was the best instructor and guide I have ever had. She was passionate about the subject of using poles correctly and passionate about the outdoors and walking/hiking. Her knowledge was superb. I'd love to take another outing with her for sure. I learned more from her about using my poles than I have in the last ten years of using my poles. I appreciate her very much. Thank you for sponsoring such a wonderful and informative outing.

The leader Jayah was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and you can see that she *loves* teaching. And she is a great teacher. Very approachable, friendly, made the group feel comfortable at the beginning of the class. I have been hiking and backpacking for over 18 years. I have *never* learned to hike with trekking poles correctly. I can see all the mistakes I was making all these years. I know because I can feel the difference from the hike we did and how I felt after the hike. Not only did she talk about poles, she addressed backpacks, shoes, clothes, hats, etc. i loved how she addressed and helped each participant. She is very sensitive to each hikers physical limitations. She also showed us how to clean the poles and what happens when one doesn't. I hope she returns again to Southern CA as I am a disabled veteran. I have a hard time retaining information and I would definitely take the class again. I wish she had classes in Southern CA!

Jayah instructor was incredibly good with her instruction and very patient with her students. The Palm Canyon Trail in the ABDSP provided excellent training for easy hiking, rocks, steps up and down, and sand. The half day training will help my 76 year old shoulders, hips, back,, knees, and ankles hopefully last several more years - I wish I had pole training 65 years ago when I started outdoor activities. And Jayah would have made an excellent Marine Gunnery Sergeant!