In 2019, a crew of men came together to support the everyday heroes that protect our community and our country. Together, they participated in a year long journey of transformational breathwork, water immersion training, and active mentorship. The tools helped shape these men into ambassadors of change, now equipped to support the mental health first responders and veterans. There was something missing, a sense of accomplishment or a waypoint that identified their internal triumph, their destination wasn’t clearly visible. The waypoint to True North was the Veteran’s Day Channel Crossing, an open ocean paddle that spans 32 miles from Catalina Island to Huntington Beach, California. This event was created to further the mission of Open Water, a California based non profit.

Completing the crossing was our litmus test, to gauge the readiness of our mind and body. The journey we made together and the tools we acquired along the way have become the foundation for our everyday life. -Danny Nichols

Over the last few years more of our everyday heroes have joined the journey and found their true north. They are affectionately known as the Rusty Anchors and live by a steadfast creed created by one of their own… The Rusty Anchor rests at the bow of a ship as it traverses the sea. Just like us it is scarred by the corrosive sea spray, and the harsh unfiltered rays of the sun. These elements are unabated in their attempts to break down the robust, hardened, galvanized steel that makes up this vital component of a ship. The Rusty Anchor is a symbol of Strength in its steadfast duty to hold the ship in place during the relentless beating of a storm, Hope when the anchor is aweigh and a new journey begins, and Faith that even in the roughest of seas the ship will remain in position and not be overcome by the trying conditions. As first responders and military personnel, we know the power of symbols and traditions.

By finding your True North, conquering a single voyage which was seemingly unattainable, you have proven that you have the strength to battle through the elements thrust upon you, and the strength to fight past the voice in your head telling you to give up. You have hung on to the hope that has allowed you to fight and achieve the goal you have trained so hard for. You have held on to an undying faith that your body, mind, and spirit will not be broken. You’ve earned the honor of being a Rusty Anchor and you wear that badge with pride.