NEWS & STORIES
Meet the Finalists – Advanced Fly Rods: The 14th Annual Fly Rod Building Competition
#GivingTuesday is November 29, 2022! We invite you to join the movement and to help get out the give for the Veterans we serve. With your support, we can help more of our nation’s heroes on their healing journeys.
We are pleased to announce the Finalists for Category 3: Advanced Fly Rods in the 14th Annual PHW Fly Rod Building Competition!
Now in its 14th year, the National Fly Rod Building Competition is focused on expanding the therapeutic experience for Veterans participating in PHW programs by giving them the experience of building their own fly rods to further their physical and mental rehabilitation through the sport of fly fishing. The program also has a fun competition component which gives participants the chance to win prizes for their rod building abilities. The Fly Rod Building Competition features four (4) separate judging rounds for Beginner (Category 1), Intermediate (Category 2), Advanced (Category 3), and Veteran Ambassador (Category 4).
We are pleased to announce the finalists for Category 3: Advanced! Over 300 votes were cast during the Category 3 Public Judging Round, determining who moves on to the Finals Round to be judged by an expert panel who will determine the winners.
The winners will be announced on November 26, 2022 at www.projecthealingwaters.org
MEET THE FINALISTS
Category 3: Advanced
The focus of this category is to design, order, and build a functional fly rod while displaying advanced techniques. This category is for participants who are building their 4th fly rod or more.
- John Krahe | PHW Erie, PA
- John Collins | PHW River City, TN
- Ric Hawk | PHW Montrose, CO
- Gary Herber | PHW Atlanta, GA
- Tim Williams | PHW
- Robert Deml | PHW Tidewater, VA
These top fly rods from Category 3: Advanced will move on to the finals with an expert panel of judges who will determine 1st, 2nd & 3rd place . Winners of Category 3: Advanced will be announced on November 26, 2022 at www.projecthealingwaters.org
Click here to learn more about the 14th Annual Fly Rod Building Competition
Fly Rod Building: A Life Saving Gift
“Fly rod building is very therapeutic for me, it is my release. It allows me to focus on something and allows me to be creative which I think is a key part of recovery and healing“
