With the intention of giving back to those who have given so much to protect our country, Werner Paddles has partnered with 2 organizations helping wounded veterans; Heroes on the Water and Team River Runner.   This is an endeavor that we are excited to begin as well as aid in the growth of.  We are proud to know that these organizations look fondly on our paddles and that they will be in the hands of heroes that have given so much.

While continually being involved in charitable giving in the Skykomish Valley, where Werner calls home, donation requests from so many great organizations poured in and we found it hard saying yes to one and no to another.  In 2008 we decided to focus all giving beyond our own back yard to non-profit environmental agencies. These agencies help with access to paddling, water quality and education.  The Healthy Waters initiative was born and today we currently work with 8 partners. Learn more at www.wernerpaddles.com/about.

Although proud of the programs and the work we help fund, something was missing.  Having received so many requests associated with the military and with so many paddlers, either military themselves or closely associated, we feel now is the time to share beyond just the environment. So begins our partnership with Team River Runner and Heroes on the Water.  Although we may not be able to work with every agency helping veterans, we know supporting these two partners will be a great venture and show our support. We could not be more proud to call these two organizations, and the heroes within, our partners.

Founded in 2007, “HOWs” unique kayak fishing program allows for a chance to decompress from the stresses associated with combat and the physical rigors of rehabilitation. Warriors enjoy these benefits while on guided fishing trips lead by chapter volunteers around the country.  The program is unique in that it is a long-term activity, not a one-time event. Results show the effectiveness of the program is a direct result of engaging the wounded military personnel over the long-term.  Along with those with physical injuries, active and on the water with the help of adaptive gear, the simple act of fishing opens the door for therapy to begin the healing process for those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.  Sitting on the water allows patients within a clinical environment to exhale and enjoy the interface with nature.  Learn more about how they heal at www.heroesonthewater.org.

Team River Runner (TRR), established in August 2004 by kayakers in the Washington, DC area, is a primarily volunteer non-profit organization run by a council of kayakers and overseen by a board of directors. TRR was initially established to help active duty military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan who were recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. With success on their side and new opportunities arising,  TRR expanded to other Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs chapter sites in 2007.   Each chapter holds regular pool or open water sessions with a quarterly trip and bi-annual family days.  At outings the goal is to help the guests get physical exercise in a new environment, learn new skills, rather than struggle with ones they may have been an expert at; overcome emotional roadblocks left by post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury; introduce family to a new way to recreate together.   Learn more about their mission. www.teamriverrunner.org.

Since 1964 Werner Paddles have been designed and hand crafted with the goal of a better paddling paddle, Hours from where the initial paddles were built in the garage our mission has not changed, better gear means more fun on the water. Today we share Ultimate Paddle Performance with lots of paddlers.  We remain family owned and handcrafted in Sultan Wa, USA. Learn more about us at www.wernerpaddles.com.

Contact
Danny Mongno-marketing manager
425-314-6539
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.wernerpaddles.com