Heroes on the Water 1st Event, June 4th

Yeah...I don't know how we would coordinate paddle/immersion wear that would fit 15 guys we don't know.......

If each of us pairs with a Vet and we each have a VHF and the BassBoat also has a VHF we should be able to get help pretty quickly to get somebody out of the water if they are unable to self-rescue....

Not ideal, but unless someboday has a connection with a place that rents wetsuits that would be willing to loan us a bunch, I'm not sure what the other options are... 

Sincerely,

Jim

Yakhopper....

If ya have a few rod & reels set up you can spare, that would help...

looks like I lost about 8 that I was counting on...

thanks Again for helping...

Everyone else...

would be a Great Idea if ya put some kind of mark on your gear so ya know it's yours,

it's probably going to get a little crazy as things are happening and I think it would be easier to figure out who brought what in the end...

 Thanks...

If you think you're going to need paddlewear, then we should get it.  I don't think that it is too insurmountable, but the timeframe is short.  Again, what's the water temp?

-Allen

Looks like were really gaining momentum...

Dan Bacher from The Fish Sniffer is going to be there...

 Starting to turn into more of a photo op than a fishing event...

I guess getting press on this is just as important as doing it. Awareness of what these

 Brave Men and Women are going through is what this is all about too and how to help...

  Bring it on!!!!

If you think you're going to need paddlewear, then we should get it.  I don't think that it is too insurmountable, but the timeframe is short.  Again, what's the water temp?

-Allen

I'll find out...  maybe I can hit up Clayvey, they have expressed interest in helping...

CC&K,  Sunrise Mountain Sports and wind toys....

I'll make the calls...

Thanks for bringing up the point PolePole,  this one slipped by me...

 

I don't think we will need paddlewear. It is a shallow lake in a hot dry valley. We could each bring our own paddlewear to loan to a vet if needed.

I don't think we will need paddlewear. It is a shallow lake in a hot dry valley. We could each bring our own paddlewear to loan to a vet if needed.

Yeah, that sounds like an idea.  Or a kayak rental place would have a number of wetsuits and may be willing to help with the cause.

Don, regarding press.  May want to keep things low key for the most part.  Getting exposure doesn't necessarily make it a better experience for the vets.  Put them first.  Everything else is immaterial.

-Allen

I don't think we will need paddlewear. It is a shallow lake in a hot dry valley. We could each bring our own paddlewear to loan to a vet if needed.

Yeah, that sounds like an idea.  Or a kayak rental place would have a number of wetsuits and may be willing to help with the cause.

Don, regarding press.  May want to keep things low key for the most part.  Getting exposure doesn't necessarily make it a better experience for the vets.  Put them first.  Everything else is immaterial.

-Allen

I agree, and none of it was my idea...

 but that is the way it's rolling so I just got to make sure it does not turn into a Circus and it is always my intention to put them first...

 It also my intention to Get Awareness to the Issues that these Brave Men and Women face....

Maybe we should get a rescue helicopter to stand by??

As a Veteran I am glad to offer the following advise:

Do NOT treat us like children.  

These guys are expecting an fun, educational day of Kayak fishing.  Most wont tell you that they don't feel comfortable hearing "thank you" all day or that people look like idiots running around trying to kiss every inch of their butt...but they are most certainly thinking it.

safety concerns are always considered a high priority at these events.  Some peolple would be better served researching what it is we offer to veterans in the way of a new sport/activity in a safe and relaxed atmosphere through H.O.W instead of sharpshooting the efforts of those stepping forward to help.

Great job again Don. And thank every one who will be contributing to this event!!

Brian

No sharpshooting here Brian.  I'm just passing on the things that I personally heard/learned from Jim Dolan.  And safety aspects has NOTHING to do with treating anyone like children.  Safety is what it is.  And sitting around wet and cold isn't fun either.

-Allen

It's All Good....

 There is a bit of excitement and energy in Giving back to the Troops, and we/I are thinking it over a bit much, but it's all in the best of intentions of everyone wanting to help...

 That's a Good Thing...

 As far as the press...

It was the Ranch that is Alerting the Media...  at first I was concerned, but the Reported from the Merced Star is a Veteran and will be sensitive to the situation.

I have met Dan, from the Fish Sniffer and he is a Good Guy, and will do a story with class...

As far as the Big Bertha being there, it's also a good thing. And I welcome their high standard of care. The VA is considering this a " Observation Event ... " to see how it will work for them....

I want to be sure they feel that  their Vets are well respected and every effort is made to insure their safety...

 I hear what your saying Brain and it's good to remember that these guys/gals do not want to be catered to...

It's just that it seems, everyone is ready to help...

  and that is a Good Thing.....  

 

Yeah for sure    having wet clothes sucks big time!  and the reason the clothes are wet probably sucks even more .    I'm sure someone will roll a yak. Hopefully its a guide  but chances are its not going to be.  I don't think it has escaped the minds of any of the participants or their support staff  when they signed up, the fact that kayak fishing is a water sport and do do happens. 

Don your right about curtailing the tourney to suit the fishing conditions.  I  have experience running events with and without them and have found that for these guys and gals,  teaming up and competing against themselves and others is half of the therapeutic effect of our events. 
At one event my team decided to "team carry" the kayaks to another part of the lake to save on paddle time.  The rules put out for the tourney did not say we could not do it (loophole) so off we went to gain 20 minute tactical advantage to better fishing grounds. Other guides would give their teammates all diffrent colors of plastic worms and zero in on the one that works best for an advantage.

Being able to compete at any level (be it paper rock scissors or kayak fishing) is a human need.  A desire to show those around you that you may be done with one fight but your not done fighting.  And trust me...the second these guys get on the buss in Palto Alto and on the way to the lake the trash talking will Begin!!  Also, the ride home will seem allot shorter too

Brian

 

 

Don,
Exactly how many rods are you short? 
And how many events will you be hosting?
I have an Idea and will get back to you soon.
Eric

And how many events will you be hosting?

  I expect this to catch like wildfires in California.......


and Thanks Again!!!!

I don't think we will need paddlewear. It is a shallow lake in a hot dry valley. We could each bring our own paddlewear to loan to a vet if needed.

I think were going to go with that...

if the weather changes to cooler...

then I'll make a mad scramble and find gear....

Extended Forecast says....  86 Degrees and Sunny, 

   the prior days are partly cloudy at High 70's to low 80's....

  Oh ya.....