Trusted Community Partners in Veteran and Active-Duty Recovery

Heroes on the Water’s Therapeutic Programs integrate seamlessly with VA and DoD initiatives, offering flexibility and proven results.

Heroes on the Water’s Therapeutic Programs provide a powerful, low-barrier solution for supporting the recovery of veterans and first responders through the healing benefits of kayak fishing and skill-based outdoor recreation.

As a trusted community partner of VA Medical Centers and DoD programs, we work hand-in-hand with Recreational Therapists (CTRS) and care teams to create experiences that align with each facility’s therapeutic goals. And we do this without adding workload or complexity

Why Our Therapeutic Programs Work

Our programs are rooted in evidence-based practices that support mindfulness, emotional regulation, social connection, and physical activity. Participants experience the calming benefits of water, nature, and fishing, all while gaining confidence and building new coping strategies.

“Within the serene atmosphere on the lake, most Veterans were able to identify ways to continue being present in nature, helping to manage their stress, anxiety, anger, or PTSD symptoms. Nature brings Veterans a sense of peace they may not have otherwise experienced, and the self-confidence to continue working on mental health and recovery outside of treatment.” – Megan Trimble, CTRS, CYT, VA Central Iowa Health Care System

Program Benefits at a Glance

Mental Health Support

Enhances mindfulness, reduces hypervigilance, anxiety and stress

Social Connection

Builds peer-to-peer camaraderie, reducing isolation

Physical Activity

Supports mobility and gentle exercise through kayaking

Skill Development

Increases self-efficacy through fishing and skill-based learning

Clinical Integration

Designed to complement traditional therapy modalities

Learn more about our impact: Operation Early Impact Study

Built for Ease of Partnership

Whether you’re coordinating care for a handful of veterans or managing multiple therapeutic modalities, we make partnership simple. We handle:

  • Program customization to meet VA and DoD standards
  • Program led by Heroes on the Water coordinator to manage logistics
  • Trained and vetted volunteers
  • Site selection, including scouting safe, accessible launch areas
  • Adaptive equipment to meet varying physical needs
  • Safety protocols
  • Survey-based reporting to track outcomes

“As the VA Recreational Therapist co-facilitating these events with Heroes on the Water, I was privy to witnessing significant changes in the Veterans participating in the program.”

Megan Trimble, CTRS, CYT, VA Central Iowa Health Care System
Enhancing Traditional Therapy

Our activities don’t replace therapy, they enhance it. Programs are designed to complement recreational, group, and mental health therapies with hands-on experiences that veterans carry beyond the session.

“This skill-based approach differs from traditional therapies in that it allows veterans to socialize with others, meet new friends, and increase self-esteem. Like traditional therapy, these activities teach mindfulness, acceptance of all thoughts, and coping skills, which can be an effective treatment for distressing thoughts that often accompany post-traumatic stress.” – Mario R. Lopez, LSCSW, LEC Program Manager, VA Medical Center Topeka, Kansas

“Veterans are learning new skills and practicing them outside the program. They’re expanding their comfort zones and immersing themselves in the community instead of isolating and suffering in silence.” – Katie Elkins, LMSW, LEC SW, Life Enrichment Center, VA Medical Center Topeka, Kansas

Designed for Every Season

Recovery doesn’t stop when the weather changes and neither do we. Our year-round programming includes indoor options like rod-building workshops, keeping participants engaged and connected even in colder months.

“For many Veterans, participating in Heroes on the Water sparked more conversations with me about their own recreation plans after treatment, whether that was working through transportation, financial, or social barriers.”

Megan Trimble, CTRS, CYT, VA Central Iowa Health Care System
A Safe, Proven, Turnkey Solution

Heroes on the Water has over a decade of experience supporting veterans and first responders through therapeutic kayak fishing. We are proud to have a strong safety record, a committed volunteer culture, and the trust of care providers across the country.

Our safety standards:

  • Safety equipment is provided and mandatory for all on-water activities
  • Zero safety incidents in over a decade
  • CPR trained coordinator and volunteers
  • Low-risk, non-competitive activities

Each event is delivered with:

  • Expert logistical coordination
  • Clinical alignment
  • Risk-managed environments
  • Ongoing outcome tracking and reporting
Let’s Partner for Impact

Whether you’re a recreational therapist, a VA administrator, or a DoD representative looking to support veteran mental health, Heroes on the Water is your reliable, professional, and effective community partner.

Partnership Steps:

  • 1
    Schedule an Intro Call – Meet with our Therapeutic Programs Director to assess alignment.
  • 2
    Customize Your Program – We’ll build a plan around your goals, schedule, and participant population.
  • 3
    Coordinate Logistics – HOW handles equipment, training, safety, and site selection.
  • 4
    Launch Your First Event – Our coordinator runs the outing with support from trained volunteers and your staff.
  • 5
    Review and Report – Post-event surveys help us track impact and report outcomes to you

We provide our services at no charge to the VA and DoD, which means your support directly helps active-duty military and veterans rehabilitate through our therapeutic recreational program. Support can come in many forms – individual donations, corporate partnerships, or foundation grants. Join us in honoring those who serve by supporting the Therapeutic Program.