Heroes on the Water: Where Healing Happens Outside

The national organization is changing the conversation for thousands of veterans

Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water began with a simple but transformative idea: healing can happen outside, in community, and without pressure. What started as a few informal kayak fishing outings organized by Air Force veteran Jim Dolan has grown into a nationwide nonprofit serving thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families—one peaceful day on the water at a time.

Dolan’s vision was born from personal experience. After discovering kayak fishing, he felt a calm and mental clarity that had been hard to find elsewhere. The quiet rhythm of paddling, the focus required to fish, and the grounding presence of nature offered relief that was both immediate and profound. Recognizing that others carried similar invisible burdens, Dolan invited fellow veterans to join him. The results were undeniable: guarded silences softened into conversation, stress gave way to laughter, and a sense of camaraderie emerged naturally. From that experience, Heroes on the Water was officially born.

At its core, the organization provides recreational wellness experiences centered on kayak fishing. Events are always free, require no prior experience or equipment, and are intentionally designed to be welcoming rather than clinical. Participants can choose their level of involvement—whether that means getting on the water, staying on shore, or simply observing. That lack of pressure is key. For many veterans and first responders, traditional mental health resources can feel intimidating or stigmatized. A casual invitation to fish, however, lowers defenses and opens the door to healing without labels.

The organization now operates through two complementary program models. Its volunteer-run chapter system (55 chapters strong) forms the grassroots heart of Heroes on the Water. These chapters are led by local volunteers who live in the same communities and often share similar life experiences with participants. Events focus on connection, decompression, and consistency, giving participants a reliable place to return month after month. For many, these outings become the first step toward re-engaging with the world. In addition, Heroes on the Water partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to run 10 structured therapeutic programs. In these settings, kayak fishing is integrated into existing treatment plans, offering measurable cognitive and emotional benefits. 

In 2018, Heroes on the Water expanded its mission to include first responders and their families, recognizing that the stresses of service extend beyond the military. Family inclusion has remained central to the program’s philosophy. Spouses, children, and caregivers are encouraged to participate, creating shared moments of joy and calm. Accessibility is another cornerstone of the program. Heroes on the Water provides adaptive kayaks and personalized support for participants with physical disabilities, ensuring that everyone can experience the freedom of being on the water. For many, it’s the first time in years they’ve felt capable, independent, and simply “normal” again.

The results speak through the people served. Participants consistently describe the experience as a bridge back to everyday functioning—a reset for the nervous system and a reminder of who they are beyond trauma or stress. By investing in the well-being of those who have served, Heroes on the Water doesn’t just acknowledge sacrifice; it actively helps restore purpose, resilience, and peace.

More than fishing, Heroes on the Water offers something rare: a space where healing unfolds naturally, in rhythm with the water, surrounded by people who understand.

To learn more about this incredible organization, to sign up to be a volunteer, or to participate in one of their programs go to heroesonthewater.org.

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