When the teams from Heroes on the Water (HOW) and Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) met, we knew we had the makings of a positive collaboration that could make a difference for our heroes. Anyone who fly fishes understands how calming it is, how exciting it is to reel in a fish, and how simply being outdoors helps you relax. Bundle all that together and put it into a wellness program that benefits veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families, and you have a recipe for excellent results.
Fly Fishing Film Tour chose Heroes on the Water as a beneficiary because the nationwide organization benefits thousands of heroes every year through their kayak fishing program. Fly fishing is an exciting part of that program, with many participants fly fishing for the first time.
Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides recreational wellness experiences. Our primary modality is kayak fishing, which has proven cognitive and emotional benefits. These programs incorporate structured activities in a pressure-free environment, creating opportunities for community building and personal healing. Our participants receive much-needed camaraderie and support.
The mission of HOW is to provide wellness and community to our heroes and their families through kayak fishing and the outdoors. A dedicated group organizes our events at no cost for participants or their families. There is no prior experience or equipment required. Recurring activities provide participants with consistent access to healing support and involvement in a community of people with shared experiences.
In 2018, HOW officially expanded our services to include first responders and their families. Our ultimate objective is to empower these heroes to make positive changes in their lives, strengthen their family bonds, and make a lasting, positive impact on their community.
Heroes on the Water prioritizes the wellness of our veterans, first responders and their families. We understand the unique challenges of transitioning from active duty to civilian life, often characterized by feelings of isolation and emotional distress. Our kayak fishing programs aim to address these issues, creating a supportive environment where participants can engage with peers who understand their experiences.
“Many participants come in soft spoken, unsure about talking to somebody about their career, their situation, their transition. Once they are on the water, or even fishing from the bank, they find common ground,” ~ Frank Aguilar, First Sergeant (RET) Army, III Corps Therapeutic Program Coordinator.
HOW’s initiatives are more than just fishing events; they are an opportunity for veterans and first responders to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. The peaceful rhythm of the kayak, the bond with nature, and the focus required in fishing bring a calming balance, reducing stress and promoting cognitive healing.
The program caters to veterans and first responders of all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities. We are committed to making our activities accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of community and belonging that transcends the water. Each event is carefully planned and executed by experienced volunteers passionate about enhancing our heroes’ lives.
By investing in the well-being of our veterans, first responders and their families, HOW is not just acknowledging their sacrifices but actively contributing to their journey toward a fulfilled, peaceful life. Through the well-thought-out kayak fishing experiences, HOW strives to empower our participants, promoting resilience, self-confidence, and social connection.
Through the kayak fishing programs, we open the door to invite our heroes to experience nature’s therapeutic benefits. There are two wellness programs:
1. Volunteer-led chapters
Our chapters are run by volunteers and can be found in local communities across the U.S. They provide outdoor wellness services to veterans, first responders, and their families. Participants do not need prior experience, and events are open to all veterans, first responders, and family members.
2. Therapeutic programs
Our therapeutic programs harness the healing benefits of kayak fishing to aid the recovery of our military personnel under treatment. By working closely with the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense, our Therapeutic Program coordinators collaborate with recreational therapists to tailor each program to meet therapeutic needs.
The 2025 Fly Fishing Film Tour supports Heroes on the Water in meeting the needs of our heroes, while providing an easy way to relax and reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and the outdoors. As a beneficiary of previous F3T showings, the organization recognizes the commitment of the fly fishing community to support heroes through outdoor wellness programs.
Real People Reeling to Health
The volunteers and staff at Heroes on the Water provide year-round support by implementing learning activities, such as fly tying. According to HOW’s partners at the Topeka Kansas VA, “skill-based learning activities differs from traditional therapies in that it allows veterans to socialize with others, make new friends and increase self-esteem.” Recently the participants in Topeka went through a winter skill set program to build rods. The program was very well received, and the participants improved their confidence as well as built friendships while participating in the skills-based program.
In the organization’s history, Heroes on the Water has served more than 65,000 veterans and first responders, more than 16,000 family members through the dedicated efforts of more than 49,000 volunteers.
HOW has always welcomed family members to our events. We recognize the importance of providing support to the whole family so they can heal together.
“There’s nothing like kayak fishing and that feeling of moving under your own power. When the whole family has that shared experience, we all benefit.” ~ Ken Ferguson, retired Marine.
One of the main differences between HOW and other organizations is the recurring nature of the program. We encourage participants to come back month after month, giving them continued support and community support.
“Water truly is a form of therapy as is the power of presence. Just showing up matters. We don’t always catch fish, but we can catch peace of mind,” Joe Drowns, Volunteer Coordinator for HOW Alabama speaking about the sense of community and shared purpose that he values most in his involvement with HOW.
Fly Fishing is Healing
Outdoor enthusiasts can attest to the healing powers of the outdoors. The challenge of fly fishing focuses thoughts on a different mission, or task. The quiet is soothing, and the sounds transform your mood into a much more positive one. Plus, the impact lasts beyond the actual time on the water. At HOW, we are studying the impacts of being outdoors on the water, fishing and kayaking. Over the last two years, we have conducted a study, Operation Early Impact, to show just how powerful a simple event like fly fishing can be.
Operation Early Impact was established to research and continue exploring the impact of Heroes on the Water kayak fishing programs on participants. HOW chose to invest into research by hiring an independent contractor to develop a line of research allowing how to understand the impact kayak fishing programs have on their participants and improving programming for the future. The tool used for the study was crafted by a recreational therapist with Texas State University, and is peer reviewed for accuracy.
The study was performed across all HOW Nation, including our Therapeutic and Volunteer Programs. The participants include those undergoing treatment with a recreational therapist with the Department of Defense or Veterans Administration as well as veterans, first responders and family members in our Volunteer Programs.
The results are impressive. As of the 2023 study session:
- 89% reported increase in stress management skills
- 86% report increase in self-efficacy
- 87% reported positive impacts on personal relationships
It’s encouraging to realize that the hobby you enjoy has a positive, long-lasting impact on your health, and the health of those around you.
Looking to the Future
HOW’s vision is to have a future where there are no barriers for our heroes and their families to experience the therapeutic power of the outdoors. Partnering with F3T helps us get closer to that vision by helping HOW spread the word of the power of kayak fishing. As part of a compassionate community, fly fishing enthusiasts can make a difference for our active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their families through supporting organizations that focus on the benefits of being outdoors. “We are honored to have been chosen by F3T as a nonprofit partner. Our focus is to ensure our community can easily access the wellness programs when they desire. Aligning with supporters who understand the power of HOW’s programs ensure we can make that happen, and we are grateful,” Neil Mullaney, Col (Ret) USAF, HOW Executive Director.
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