Articles from War Heroes on Water

Organizers of War Heroes on Water (WHOW) presented by loanDepot, the world’s largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament for veterans, today announced the 2026 event, scheduled for September 25–29 off the coast of Southern California. The transformative sportfishing event offers combat-wounded veterans a path to healing through the power of the open ocean, team-based competition, big game fishing and the lasting connections forged along the way.

While the eighth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament has concluded, the bonds established during the event are just beginning to take root. The event wrapped on Monday evening with the weigh-in celebration on Catalina’s iconic Green Pier, followed by an emotional private awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Irvine Tuesday night.

125 combat-wounded veterans embarked on the sportfishing adventure of a lifetime as they set out from Newport Harbor Saturday evening to participate in the eighth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament. Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, the transformative five-day event features two full days of action off the coast of Southern California, helping veterans recover from the physical and emotional wounds of combat with the creation of deep and meaningful relationships forged through the thrill of a world-class sportfishing competition.

This weekend, 125 combat-wounded veterans from across the country will join members of Southern California’s sportfishing community for the eighth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament. This transformative five-day event features two full days of action on the water and has become a cherished tradition within the SoCal community, where locals share their passion for sportfishing and the ocean, creating a supportive family for our heroes, many of whom have been honored with the nation’s highest military decorations.

Following the success of the seventh annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) in 2024, organizers of the transformative sportfishing tournament that helps combat-wounded veterans recover from their physical and emotional wounds today announced the 2025 event will be held September 19-23 off the coast of Southern California. Veterans will experience the healing power of the open ocean and the thrill of team-based competition, all while reeling in big game catches and forging lasting connections.

While the seventh annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament has concluded, the bonds established during the event are just beginning to take root. The event wrapped up on Monday evening with the highly anticipated weigh-in celebration at Catalina Island’s iconic Green Pier, followed by a deeply emotional private awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Tuesday.

125 combat-wounded veterans embarked on the sportfishing adventure of a lifetime as they set out from Newport Harbor to participate in the highly-anticipated seventh annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) charity sportfishing tournament. Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, the transformative three-day event takes place off the coast of Southern California, helping veterans recover from the physical and emotional wounds of combat with the creation of deep and meaningful relationships forged through the thrill of a world-class sportfishing competition.

This weekend, 125 United States Military veterans will join members of Southern California’s sportfishing community for the seventh annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament. This unique tournament, which includes two full on-water days of sportfishing, has become a beloved event within the SoCal sportfishing community, enabling locals to share their love of the sport and the Pacific Ocean with combat-wounded veterans from across the country.

The sixth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament came to a close with a weigh-in celebration on Catalina’s iconic Green Pier on Monday followed by a stirring and deeply personal awards ceremony at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif. last night. 100 United States Military veterans, many of whom have received our nation’s highest military decorations including the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals, and the Purple Heart, participated in this year’s transformative three-day event, which included 48 of Southern California’s finest sportfishing vessels.

The highly anticipated 2023 War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament supporting combat-wounded veterans kicked off yesterday, returning to Newport Beach, Calif., for its spectacular sixth year. Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, the transformative three-day event takes place off the coast of Southern California, helping veterans recover from the physical and emotional wounds of combat through the creation of deep and meaningful relationships forged through the thrill of a world-class sportfishing competition.

In just one month's time, 125 United States Military veterans will join Southern California’s sportfishing community for the sixth annual War Heroes On Water (WHOW) event. This transformative three-day sportfishing tournament brings hope and healing to combat-wounded veterans, aiding their recovery from the physical and emotional wounds of war. The extraordinary event, which is made possible through the unwavering support of the area’s sportfishing community, features 50 new and returning vessels in this year’s steadfast WHOW fleet.