WFS 527 - Heroes Mending on the Fly with Gervais Jeffrey - Project Healing Waters Canada, PTSD, Veterans

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/527 Presented By: Togens Fly Shop Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Growing up in a small town in Quebec, Gervais was introduced to the captivating sport of fly fishing by his father. The joy and serenity he found in the gentle art of angling led him to become deeply involved in the fly fishing community, even playing a key role in establishing Heroes Mending on the Fly in 2019. This episode takes you through his journey, from his first trout caught on a fly, to his work with Project Healing Waters Canada, and the formation of Heroes Mending on the Fly. Fly fishing, he found, has a remarkable ability to heal. We'll share the transformative story of an isolated veteran struggling with PTSD, who found solace and new purpose in the gentle sport of fly fishing. With Heroes Mending on the Fly, we've seen first-hand how fly fishing can reconnect individuals to the outdoors, often bringing their families along for the adventure. Gervais guides us through the process of getting started with the program and discusses the important role of our provincial coordinators. Finally, we'll share some exciting tales from our fishing outings and discuss the impact of donations to our sport. He takes you back to his father's fly fishing trips in Quebec and shares his preference for fishing equipment. We'll also get into the specifics of the brands he's used, including LG Fly Rods and Vision's Waiters, and how spending time at the Montmorency River in Quebec City helped him regain sanity. Prepare to be immersed in the world of fly fishing and discover its therapeutic benefits, especially for veterans dealing with PTSD. Episode Chapters - Heroes Mending on the Fly (0:00:05) - Fly Fishing Heroes and Origins Gervais learned fly fishing from his father and later co-founded Heroes Mending on the Fly, discussing the importance of fly fishing in the US and Canada. (0:09:49) - Fly Fishing for Veterans With PTSD Gervais helps people reconnect with nature through fly fishing and family involvement and explains how to get started with the program. (0:23:05) - Time Material, Donating, and Fishing Outings Partnerships, donations, family trips, and wildlife encounters are discussed to make an impact with fly fishing equipment. (0:30:41) - Fishing in Quebec Gervais shares his experience of fly fishing in Quebec, taking Canadian veterans on trips, and exploring Nature's Lactinage Lake and waterways. (0:44:09) - Fishing Equipment Recommendations and Personal Journey Gervais discusses his preference for chest waiters, LG Fly Rods, Escape Anglers, Vision's Fly Rods, and the Montmorency River, as well as the impact of donations and raffle trips organized by the Larch Hills Fly Fishing Club. (0:47:45) - Fishing in Quebec City and Surrounding Areas Gervais started a fly fishing program for veterans in Quebec City, using LG Fly Rods, Escape Anglers, and Vision's Fly. (0:58:41) - Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada Gervais shares how fly fishing has become a source of healing and connection for veterans, partnering with businesses to connect to nature. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/527