New chapter<\/p>\n
A new Los Angeles chapter of Heroes on the Water is forming, and is planning its inaugural trip later this month to Lake Perris. The group provides no-cost therapeutic kayak fishing experiences for veterans and military members, law enforcement officers, first responders and their families.<\/p>\n
There are numerous volunteer opportunities for locals who want to support veterans and first responders in a hands-on way. Heroes on the Water is looking for volunteers to not only help with kayaking and fishing, but also with event coordination, photography\/videography, social media management and administrative support.<\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s mission is to provide wellness and community through kayak fishing and the outdoors for those who serve and their families. The chapter has its first event on Sept. 27, a fishing trip on kayaks. For volunteer and participant inquiries, readers can contact Dan Thordsen at LosAngeles.CA@heroesonthewater.org.<\/p>\n
Paddle the LA River<\/p>\n
An opportunity to navigate a section of the Los Angeles River in a peaceful paddle through the San Fernando Valley, as you hear from a marine debris expert from the USC Sea Grant, will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 26.<\/p>\n
The guided kayak tour will leave from Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in Burbank and along the way you\u2019ll learn about the interconnectivity of the L.A. River and the Pacific Ocean from guest expert Sydney Rilum.<\/p>\n
Rilum is from the USC Sea Grant program, where she is a science, research and policy specialist, leading technology, outreach and education programs to limit the flow of debris into our oceans. She will explain how the health of the L.A. River affects marine life and habitats.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a leisurely, 2-mile flatwater section of the river, with deeper water and few obstacles. This section is a calm, peaceful float surrounded by nature.<\/p>\n
L.A. River Expeditions is the original boating outfit on the river. In 2008, the nonprofit paddled the 51 miles of the river to help win environmental protection for it under the Clean Water Act.<\/p>\n
The trip requires attendees to paddle a kayak for about 2.5 miles. Beginners are welcome and staff will be there to coach them.<\/p>\n
The river is deemed safe for recreation by the city of Los Angeles and Heal the Bay, which test the water weekly for any changes that could affect a person\u2019s health. For more information, go to lariverexpeditions.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Congressional Cup New Zealander Josh Hyde, currently ranked No. 15 in the World Sailing Open Match Racing rankings, is the first captain to get an invite to the 2027 Congressional Cup.<\/p>\n Tom Camp, this year\u2019s Congressional Cup chair, invited Hyde, who represents the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron with Waitemat\u0101 Racing.<\/p>\n Hyde earned the invitation as the leading skipper in the 2026 U.S. Grand Slam Series, a four-event World Sailing Grade 2 series held in Chicago, Detroit and Oyster Bay, New York; it ended on Sept. 4 at Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.<\/p>\n
\n![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GRG-L-OTW-COL-0917-02.jpg\")
From left to right, 2027 Congressional Cup Chair Tom Camp, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Commodore Julian Fisher II, and Josh Hyde, the winning skipper of the 2026 Grand Slam. The Baseball Bat is the trophy presented to the Grand Slam winner. (Courtesy photo)<\/p>\n