There are a million ways you can choose to help our nation’s heroes, but is there a best way? Probably not, but there are definitely better, more effective ways to serve them. As with many things in life, the saying goes “keep it simple.” Well, we’ve taken that advice and done just that; our program puts ‘Heroes on the Water,’ plain and simple. A little goes a very long way here, and the positive impact on the lives of our heroes and their families is overwhelming.

If you haven’t witnessed the powerful influence we can make on the lives of our heroes, now is the time to do so. There is no gift more meaningful and powerful than the gift of peace and healing.

Since the Beginning

Since HOW’s inception in 2007, our mission has been simple: to get heroes out on the water in order to help them relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors. But there is much more to it than just paddling and fishing; our warriors are provided with an experience that has a deep, long lasting affect on themselves and those close to them.

What we do and why we do it is extremely important, and there’s no slowing us down. We will continue to serve our nations warriors as long as we’re able. Our nations heroes chose to defend our freedom and make sacrifices for us, and now it’s our turn to do the same and to stand by their side.

What We Do

We choose to help our heroes heal through a unique kayak fishing program, consisting of guided fishing trips spread throughout our nations local communities. Through this program, our heroes are able to decompress from the stresses associated with combat, as well as the physical rigors of rehabilitation. Even our heroes with physical disabilities are able to participate with provided specialized equipment, such as adaptive kayaks and accessories to accommodate any warriors’ needs.

Our events are not a one-time event, but rather a long-term activity. Heroes and their families are encouraged and welcomed back time and time again. The lasting benefits and relationships that are formed from these experiences are nothing less than amazing.

Why We Do It

Simply put, we do it help our heroes heal. No hero should ever feel as if they’re alone, and it’s unfortunate that so many of our warriors continue to fight a battle after they return home from service. Our purpose is to prevent them from fighting these battles alone and to show them that we will always be right by their side.

There are a wide range of struggles our heroes are faced with on a regular basis once they return home from service; the standard path to healing is often long and difficult, as well as ineffective at times. Through therapeutic kayak fishing, participants experience three-fold therapy: physical, occupational and mental. In addition to being effective, for many it doesn’t even feel like therapy, but rather a group of comrades enjoying a day out on the water.

Family is Everything

Heroes on the Water is much more than a non-profit organization; we are a unit of comrades, and more importantly we are a family. The importance of family is never overlooked in the HOW community, as we recognize the significant impact a strong family bond can have on an individual. In addition to including the family members of our heroes in our program, we expand on that family model and serve as an ever-growing family unit.

Stretched far and wide across our HOW Nation, there is always family nearby for our heroes, and we strive to continue this reach as we continue to grow as an organization. We will never stop serving our heroes. Join our HOW Family and serve those who have honorably served for us!