Heroes on the Water (HOW) was founded on a simple idea: helping active-duty and military veterans heal through kayak fishing. The recreational escape quickly revealed itself as something more powerful. Participants experienced profound “Ah Ha!” moments during outings, where the combination of nature, water, and camaraderie created an environment for healing.

In its early days, HOW was a simple escape from hospital life for those in treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center. It helped warriors combat depression and self-harm, especially for those who had not been in an outdoor setting since their injuries. With daily routines reduced to hospital visits, surgeries, and therapy, getting out on the water provided a much-needed break and a path to healing.

Beyond the physical benefits of being outdoors, something else was happening, participants were forming strong bonds with others who understood their struggles. A strong brotherhood formed among outdoor enthusiasts, fostering camaraderie and support.

As HOW grew, so did the need to explore its impact on a larger scale. Inspired by research on equestrian therapy, the team began looking into how kayak fishing could be a prescribed therapeutic intervention. What if, one day, doctors recommended kayak fishing as a treatment for trauma, anxiety, or stress management? To take that step, scientific research was necessary.

Existing research suggests that there are positive therapeutic benefits of outdoor interventions on veterans recovering from injuries, illness, and navigating challenges adjusting to civilian life (Davis Berman et. al, 2018; Duvall & Kaplan, 2014; Townsend et. al, 2018). Previous research has also suggested that HOW’s kayak fishing programs have potential to decrease symptoms of post-traumatic stress and facilitate post-traumatic growth, but further research was needed to measure its full impact (Matise & Price-Howard, 2020).

Since its inception in 2021, Operation Early Impact has expanded across all HOW programs, reaching participants, team leaders, and volunteers. While the total number of responses has remained consistent, the broader participant pool allows for a deeper understanding of HOW’s benefits across different individuals and experiences.

The study focuses on three critical areas of well-being:

• Stress Management: The role of HOW events in reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and equipping participants with coping skills they can use in everyday life.
• Self-Efficacy: The effect participation in HOW events has on changing an individual’s belief in their own abilities.
• Relationships: The bonds built between participants, as well as the ability to develop new connections and the effects on relationships with family and friends outside of HOW.

To ensure the credibility of the research, the survey was developed using validated assessments commonly used with the military population. Experts in recreational therapy and military health reviewed the survey to establish its content validity.

The study follows a strict ethical review process through an Internal Review Board (IRB), ensuring that participant data is handled with care and integrity. Once research findings are compiled, they undergo peer review for presentation and publication in professional journals, ensuring high levels of accuracy and credibility.