After shipping orders out to a combination of big box sporting goods retailers and smaller niche kayak shops, we decided we were past due for some paddling time. If a paddling trip a day keeps the doctor away, we were sitting on the doctor’s lap. This is why on April 6th, 2013 we headed to the beautiful Walter E. Long Lake Reservoir in Austin, Texas, where Michael Ryan and Ryan’s Custom Rods hosted the first ever Operation Angler Strength Kayak Fishing Tournament.

The Yak Gear crew got a minute to pose for a picture in between helping with the tournament and trying to catch some fish! Left to Right: Myles Bragman, Philip Grove, Nathan Norton, and Mark Vlaskamp

The only thing better than the work Operation Angler Strength does for the wounded US Veterans of Central Texas was the tournament that they hosted. If you don’t already know, hosting a tournament is not an easy task. However, Michael Ryan and his helpers from the Georgetown, TX based custom rod manufacturer put on a show.

Whether it was filming with Ty Southerland from 30milesOUT, paddling around the beautiful reservoir, or watching the look on a new kayak owner’s face as he walked away from the OAS drawing with a brand new Jackson Cuda and immediately asking us to slap a Yak Gear sticker on the side – everything about the tournament was great.

Thanks for the warm welcome Operation Angler Strength!

The tournament raised over $6,500 dollars for the Operation Angler Strength foundation.

Thanks to Michael Ryan, Ty and his partner in crime Theresa from 30milesOUT, and all the paddlers that showed the Yak Gear team such a great time. We look forward to the 2nd Annual Operation Angler Strength Tournament in 2014.

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What tournaments do you want to see the Yak Gear crew at?!?   What tournaments do you want Yak Gear and Railblaza to sponsor? Tell us what you think at socialmedia@yakgear.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #YakGear hashtag!