During the "New England Saltwater Show 2018" in Providence,RI earlier this year, both myself and RISAA Kayak member Mona Rodriguez, would arrive an hour early and walk the convention center to look over the other vendor's displays before the crowd came in.
For the past 14 years, our fishing club the "Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association" (RISAA), has been putting on the "New England Saltwater Show" with the help our club's members as staff. We would do this on a volunteer basis - meaning we are not paid to staff the show, or the booths in the show. RISAA has many different "committees" that may cater to the saltwater enthusiast that may have more than one passion. The club's cost is $50 a year to join RISAA. Then, if you want to sign up with the Surfcasting Committee, then you would be directed to that committee's chairperson at no additional cost to you. There is also the Kayak Committee, Fly Fishing Committee, Tournaments Committee, Charter Trips Committee, etc.. All in all, it is one of the largest saltwater fishing clubs in the USA.
Anyway, while Mona & I were walking around the convention center, we came across this guy that represents a charter company called "Veteran Angler Charters". VA Charters, Inc. offers no-cost charter fishing trips to disabled veterans of all branches of the armed forces, providing our troops with recreational rehabilitation and therapeutic support. His name was Capt. Randy Bagwell. We stopped by to say "hi", and we got to talking about signing up for a free charter. We told him we were two booths down, on the same side, in RISAA's Kayak Committee booth. Then, he mentions he knows a young man named Kevin DuBois, that expressed his dream of entering a kayak fishing tournament. There was a one catch though, Kevin lost his legs at the hip from an IED, a Improvised Explosive Device.
As it turned out, my friend Mona had an older Hobie Outback that needed a little work. She had gotten it for free, from another Kayak Committee member (Bob Oberg), that already had a newer Outback and no longer needed the old one. Anyway, Bob told us it needed new rudder lines to make it work properly. As well as, a new rudder lift line. The rudder just lifts up, unlike the newer "twist & stow" rudder that flips up and out of the way. Well, we started to look for a shop that would be willing to do the work for an affordable price (something we can afford).
Enter the ring, shop #1: Megrew's Boats, Hobie Dealer, Charlestown,RI
I knew this shop well because it's located on Route 1, and it's near a few places I like to fish at, Quonchonataug Breachway, Ninigret Pond, and Charlestown Breachway. So, we approach the owner with our dilemma, and we had the said kayak in tow. She took a quick look at it, it told us we should just scrap it, and get a new kayak - that it wasn't worth the headache of replacing the lines. I've dealt with this woman before, and she can be very bullheaded. The store has just about every accessory you can imagine, and it's always well stocked. If you're willing to "brag" about your product (Hobie), you'd better be able to handle a simple fix like this. So, shop #1 was crossed off the help list.
Enter shop #2: Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, Hobie Dealer, Collinsville,CT
This is the very same shop I bought my Hobie Outback at. It's located right on the Farmington River in Collinsville,CT. We asked for the repairs department, and out comes their "tech/repairs" guy. We told him what needs to be done, and informed him that we already purchased the lines. As like before, he gives the kayak a quick look from top to bottom, and "throws out" a repair estimate - $250. I won't lie, I nearly crapped my pants when he said the repair would take two hours! He also noticed a "crack" on the underside of the hull. Former owner, Bob told us he had the hull pressure tested, and that it did not leak. But, "Tech Guy" bragged about his 1200 watt plastic welder, and wouldn't even attempt that repair (hull's underside). I told "Tech Guy" that my $20 80 watt plastic welder can do it, AND I won't charge Kevin a dime to do it! And so, shop #2 was crossed off the help list as well.
Three Belles Marina is an authorized Hobie kayak dealer.
Photo Credit #1: Lindsay Amherst
Enter shop #3: Three Belles Marina, Hobie Dealer, Niantic,CT
Mona was getting discouraged about the kayak's repairs, wondering if it was even worth repairing at all. I told her I know a shop that may be able to help - enter, "Three Belles Marina" located in Niantic,CT on the Niantic River. A full service marina, and an authorized Hobie Dealer. We drove down with the kayak in the back of my truck, and met with John Van Ness, Tao, Yanni, and Shawn Pagano. As we were explaining what needed to be done, Tao, Yanni, and Shawn had begun lubricating the stainless steel parts, O-ringed hatch seals, and other working mechanisms. We brought the lines with us, and explained that Mona wanted to donate this kayak to a wounded retired US Marine veteran, that had no idea that we were donating the kayak to him. We also mentioned Randy Bagwell, and got him on the phone, so he could explain Kevin's aspirations for entering a kayak fishing tournament. But, best of all, it would be done in a Hobie - one that the shop would be mentioned in! Believe it or not, Three Belles Outfitters said YES, they will do the work!!!
Kevin DuBois, and his wife Kayla DuBois arrive at Three Belles Marina.
Photo Credit #2: Lindsay Amherst
From left to right: Kayla Dubois, Kevin DuBois, Jeff Hall, Mona Rodriguez, Thomas Houde, Capt. Randy Bagwell, Shawn Pagano, and John Van Ness. Kevin sees his new ride and is literally speechless.
Photo Credit #3: Lindsay Amherst
Shawn Pagano, service manager at TBO, thanks Kevin for his service.
Photo Credit #4: Lindsay Amherst
John Van Ness, floor manager at TBO, thanks Kevin for his service.
Photo Credit #5: Lindsay Amherst
Pictured from left to right: John Van Ness, Jeff Hall, Mona Rodriguez, Thomas Houde, Capt. Randall Bagwell, Shawn Pagano, Kevin DuBois,
and Kayla DuBois
Photo Credit #6: Lindsay Amherst
Kevin, and his wife Kayla, along with USMC photographer Lindsay Amherst, who took most of these photos.
Photo Credit #7: Capt. Randall Bagwell
John Van Ness applies a "Three Belles Outfitters" vinyl decal on the right side of Kevin's Hobie Outback.
Photo Credit #8: Lindsay Amherst
Jeff Hall and Mona Rodriguez explain to Kevin and Kayla the best way on how to transport the kayak in the back of the pickup truck with the tailgate down. Jeff explained that he uses ratchet-style straps to secure the kayak upside down in the truck's bed, while a second ratchet-style strap keeps the kayak from moving side to side when taking corners.
Photo Credit #9: Lindsay Amherst
Shawn Pagano, USMC veteran Kevin DuBois, and his wife Kayla DuBois outside Three Belles Outfitters with his very own Hobie Outback kayak that was possible from the generous donations of people that care.
On behalf of "Kayak Fishing Country", I personally want to say, "Thank you All, for your service!" - USMC Kevin DuBois, USMC Lindsay Amherst, US Army Thomas Houde, USMC Daniel Whited, and US Navy Randall Bagwell
Photo Credit #10: Lindsay Amherst
US Marine Corporal Kevin Dubois was on his second deployment when he lost both of his legs at the hip after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on July 31, 2011. Four days later, he woke up in Bethesda MD, where he learned from his wife, Kayla, and from his doctors that the massive IED blast had taken his legs. During the helicopter evacuation to a NATO trauma center, medics pumped 14 units of blood into Dubois (more than a typical human body contains) just to keep him breathing. After his injury, Kevin was moved to the Navy Medical Center San Diego where they lived while he did his extensive rehabilitation. Kevin and Kayla have since moved back home to Rhode Island. We received a phone call from Mona Rodriguez, who had a Hobie kayak to donate to getting Kevin on the water to fish from a kayak. Thomas Houde, who fishes for TBO Fishing, suggested Mona get in touch with us to see if we could help with some broken rudder lines and other rigging. Once we heard about what Kevin had been through serving our country we immediately offered our assistance, We donated a fish-finder install kit and all labor to complete the job. Through friends, and various organizations, all donated a fish-finder, new seat, a safety flag, a Hobie cart for transport, and a new PFD. It was great to meet Kevin and his friends. We are looking forward to seeing him get into some fish in the near future, and we are truly honored to have been a part of this.
From Randy's Facebook page, he had this to say:
Saturday, May 5, 2018, What a day... My bud USMC Kevin Dubois was recently at a benefit and buying raffle tickets for a kayak. I thought... "I got 2 legs and I can't kayak"... let me see what I can do. Mona Rodriguez graciously donated a kayak that was outfitted by the amazing guys at Three Belles Marina (Tom, John, and Shawn), which was presented to Kevin today. Other donations included a Helix 7 Hummingbird GPS fish finder from Hummingbird, an inflatable life preserver from West Marine, and additional donations from USMC vets Daniel Whited and Lindsay Amherst. It takes a village, give the fish some hell Kevin! Kayla Eva Dubois you're next!
Sunday, May 6, 2018, As I said yesterday, "it takes a village", there are a lot of people and businesses to thank in making it happen. In February, I found out that my bud, USMC Kevin Dubois, was looking for a kayak because he said his kayak was destroyed by the last snowstorm. So, I started asking around and made a call to Army Vet, Thomas Houde, who is a big saltwater kayak fisherman. So, he put out his feelers. Then, at the RISAA fishing show, I met Mona Rodriguez just two booths down who was promoting "RISAA's Kayak Committee". I told her the story of Kevin, and that I needed a kayak, she said, "I have a used one that I could donate." Well, I really wanted a new from one of the big manufacturers, but I'm not a kayak fisherman, so I was striking out. Sunday, at the show, I told Mona I would take the kayak, and pick it up during the week. She said, "...well, it will need a little work...." And, that's where the village started to grow.
Mona Rodriguez and Jeff Hall took the kayak to Three Belles Marina and the crew Shawn Pagano and John Van Ness. After hearing the story of Kevin from Mona, the crew said, "We got this. We will go through it, and make like brand new, at no cost." We would just have to buy any equipment and/or parts, Well, that's when I went out asking for favors, I reached out to Captain BJ Silvia, a Pro staff member for Humminbird and Bill Carson, also from Humminbird. The next thing I know, BJ Silvia is calling, saying that they are providing Kevin with a Helix 7 DSI Gen 2 Fish finder/Sonar w/Down Scan Imaging/GPS. I stopped by West Marine, and asked for an auto-inflatable life jacket, and they gave me one. The only thing it needed was a seat. So, I asked the members of "Aquidneck Island Striper Team", to purchase the seat. The delay in delivering the kayak, was a mount for the Humminbird that was on back order, so a co-worker, and USMC vet Daniel Whited, asked for the part number and said, "it will be here by Friday", and he covered the cost. Then, I asked co-worker, and USMC vet Lindsay Amherst, if she would take a ride, and when we present it to Kevin, to take pictures. When she found out that the one item missing was the safety flag with light, as one Marine helping another Marine, she bought that - and it completed the delivery.
Again, it takes a village. I just wanted to
make sure I thanked everyone involved for making it happen. A big shout
out to Al Gag,
who is providing Kevin with the best lures made for saltwater action. I
just don't know if Kevin has the right rod and reel, but I bet I can
find it, if needed. Thanks to a village!
With that said, I told Kevin that I was working on a special tri-color "Gear Crate", made just for him. Leaked a few photos for him, and Kayla, about the "very patriotic" gear crate. Kayla asked me how much I usually charge for a custom gear crate, I told her, "this one's on me." Normally, I charge about $75, because my crates are all brand new with no labels stamped on the sides. These aren't "permanently borrowed" or "stolen". Mona reached out to some friends in Alaska, and they sent a 7.5' saltwater rod and reel combo, which Kevin has already received. Here's a pic of the "Patriotic Gear Crate" I just completed.
The author standing with a tri-color gear crate for a retired wounded USMC vet.
Photo Credit #11: Mona Rodriguez
All things aside, it was a great day hanging out with the guys at Three Belles Marina, and we finally got to meet Kevin & Kayla Eva DuBois!
*Note: This Hobie came with a footwell plug and a Mirage Drive Pedal System. Kevin has a few ideas on modifying the foot pedal system, and turning it into a hand powered system, by adding some extension arms that are similar to what you'd use at a gym on a elliptical ski machine. Stay tuned for a possible "Part 2" to this story!
Until then, keep those lines wet & tight! - J
