Paddle, Fish, Heal

Heroes On The Water UK (HOW UK) is a charity that provides Kayak Angling to our wounded military and members of the public who have suffered whilst carrying out a public duty. We provide physical and therapeutic rehabilitation to help societies heroes regain freedom and confidence.

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How we help
A soldier with major Traumatic Brain Injury who talked slow, stuttered and wanted to be left alone, came kayak fishing with HOW. He came to shore after a few hours and was asked how his morning was. For 30 seconds he was jabbering away, talking about how great kayaking was, he caught 5 fish…and then he and the men who took him fishing stopped…realising he was talking normal! He went back to stuttering, but said "Now I know I can do it. Now I have hope."
Our guide to a good life
And as lines are cast toward the next catch, the soft sound of rippling water almost goes unnoticed. On the surface, it seems like a few friends embarked on a peaceful outing. But what's actually happening goes far deeper. We provide more than a great day out on the water. It doesn't matter how far back the injury occurred be it physical or stress related, as long as it has been diagnosed and received treatment we will look to helping you. There are both physical and mental benefits to a day kayak angling but the most commonly identified pleasure is total freedom and equality on the water that frees both body and mind form the daily trials of rehab and recovery.
Enjoy what you do
Since 2007 the US has demonstrated that the unique qualities of the sport give our heroes benefits beyond paddling and fishing. Apart from the physical and mental stimulation it gives total relaxation and above all freedom and equality. As the strap line says "Freedom Captured". Sessions are suitable for amputees, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sufferers and those who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

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Our philosophy

HOW therapy is prescribed by official USA establishments and has been presented to the Pentagon. Now our UK wounded to have access to the same benefits. Here are the US medically assessed benefits:

77% Reduction in hyper vigilance

63% Reduction in avoidance behavior

78% Reduction in overall stress

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Proud of what we do

We can Help Veterans after a session on the kayaks had this to say:

"Had a fantastic day. Good level of instruction before doing it for real. Great location, really enjoyed my day"

"After a long few weeks cooped up indoors it was great to get a blast of fresh air and get on the water. It gave me a chance to unwind" - Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and IED injuries.

"...as soon as I took off from the water’s edge I forgot why I was so stressed, and best of all catching the biggest fish of the day” - Double leg amputee.

"Very Friendly, helpful, aimed at the right level for (new) students – really enjoyed my afternoon with fellow service & ex service people out of the work environment" - PTSD injured.

A Safe and Relaxed Atmosphere
All our instructors are fully qualified to ensure you have a great experience.
Strongly Impacts All 5 Senses
Kayak is an Effective Tool
Restores a Sense of Control

Latest News

Written on 12 May 2016.

Our Newly Qualified Paddle Leaders

Written on Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Its taken a while but after two long days training on the water with British Canoe Union(BCU) training Provider Getafix Ltd and another two days of assessment , we now have six qualified leaders able to take out up to 12 clients on a variety of crafts , although for our purposes we use Sit on top kayaks.

Cornwall Kayak Challenge 26th Aug – 2 Sept 2016

Written on Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Mission - To successfully circumnavigate Cornwall, England in sit-on Kayaks including bike ride. Distance – 170 miles Kayak & 38 miles Bicycle (as the crow flies) Nearer 260 miles given road and tide