The Annual YakAttack Benefit Tournament holds a special place in our hearts. It is not only the one time of the year where we get to see old friends and make new ones, eat wonderful food, and catch some fish, but is also it's our chance to do our duty to give back to the men and women who fought and served for our country. For over a decade we have hosted this tournament with the goal in mind to create and host an event that brings people together and for one weekend forget about ourselves and give back to something greater. This year we had 200 anglers from 20+ different states travel from all across the USA and we had a wonderful time. The weather was pleasant and dry, we cooked and ate amazing food, solid fish were caught, but more importantly we were able to raise a tremendous amount of funds for Heroes on the Water and Project Healing Waters. The totals this year came out to $20,138.92 being donated to Heroes on the Water and $2,500 for Project Healing Waters Hunter Homes McGuire Chapter.
Benefiting Organizations:
Heroes on the Water, a 501(c)(3) veterans charity, creates alternative therapeutic programs to serve veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families. These experiential programs incorporate structured activities proven to improve the lives of these men and women. Each experience reduces the impact of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury while providing much-needed camaraderie and support. The primary proven therapy utilized by Heroes on the Water is kayak fishing. Volunteer-led chapters around the United States hold events which are free for our nation’s heroes. Recurring activities give these heroes and their families a lifelong social network with like-minded people. No experience or equipment is needed, and kayak fishing is adaptive to those with disabilities. Our chapters in Australia and the U.K utilize the same proven model. Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water is dedicated to providing veterans services through recurring therapy and growing our volunteer chapter base. In 2018, we officially opened our services to first responders and their families. Our programs are proven to be effective and provide heroes with a way to positively improve their lives, enhance their family dynamic, and impact their community.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) began in 2005 serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, PHWFF has expanded nationwide, establishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics. Project Healing Waters brings a high-quality, full-spectrum fly fishing program to an ever-expanding number of disabled active military service personnel across the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, in Military Hospitals and the Warrior Transition Command. We focus our resources wherever the need is greatest and expand our partner base in the process. PHWFF has become recognized as an innovative leader and model in the field of therapeutic outdoor recreation for the disabled, through its successful application of the sport of fly fishing as a rehabilitation tool.
Sponsors
Twin Lakes State Park | Smithfield Packaged Meats | Bonafide Kayaks | Malone Auto Racks | Native Watercraft | Virginia Tourism Corporation | Hobie Fishing| Smokin' Pig On Wheels Catering | Scott Beutjer Fishing | BRD Jet | Doomsday Tackle Co. | RCI Optics ( Right Coast Independent ) | Floating Feathers Kayak Fly Fishing School | NRS | St.Croix Rods | Action Kayak Adventures | Watershed Drybags | Nocqua Adventure Gear | Bending Branches | MTI Life Jackets | Power-Pole Total Boat Control | Deeper | SuperNova Fishing Lights | Nite Ize | Tourneytag | Neverlost Gear | Appomattox River Company | Off Shore Tackle Company | Sea-Lect Designs | Acrylic-Werks| ActionHat | RinseKit | Sea to Summit - Outdoor Gear | SPRO U.S.A | Kayak Bass Fishing | Tektite Industries | GetterBack