Date: July 19, 2024
Location: Narragansett, RI
Athletes: 6 Athletes (4 new, 2 mentors)
The crisp, salty air of Narragansett, Rhode Island, set the perfect stage for the 3rd Annual East Coast Fish Adaptive Camp, hosted by the High Fives Foundation.
This year’s camp brought together a blend of new participants and seasoned mentors, all eager to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing. The High Fives Foundation, along with its dedicated staff, board members, and volunteers, was proud to support these exceptional individuals as they cast their lines into the high seas, aiming to reel in their first saltwater catches. The waters of Narragansett did not disappoint, offering up a bounty that included Black Sea Bass, Fluke, and the wild-looking Robin Fish.
For Desiree Rosdahl, one of the new athletes, this experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
“This was an amazing experience and was my first deep sea fishing trip ever! I caught fish on my first try and it was exhilarating! It was amazing to hang out with my High Fives Ohana and to try new things!”
Desiree Rosdahl shared, beaming with excitement
Richard Lewis, who mentored the group, spoke to the therapeutic nature of the experience.
“For me, being on the ocean, with a line in the ocean is my ultimate healing and relaxation. Anything that matters inland for that moment in time gets pushed away as the focus becomes on fishing. It’s incredible to see the athletes buy into that concept as they catch their first saltwater species. It’s hard to have a bad day on the water, and when you combine the High Fives community with the fishing community of Narragansett, magical things happen,”
Richard Lewis, Board of Trustee Member
The athletes, including Nick Fairall, Zach Bastian, Desiree Rosdahl, Max Lyman, Roy Tuscany, and Lawrence Green, each brought their unique energy to the camp, making it a truly collaborative and supportive environment. The High Fives Foundation is incredibly proud to have facilitated this opportunity for these individuals to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and grow together as a community.
Athlete, Zach Bastian, with deep ties to the New England coast, echoed these sentiments.
“The coast of New England made me the person I am. I could write a book on what Block Island alone means to me. Getting out there with the Ohana, in the waters that made me who I am, with the people who help me to continue being that person, means so much more than words.”
Zach said, highlighting the personal significance of the camp.
As the sun set on another successful East Coast Fish Adaptive Camp, it was clear that this event was about more than just fishing. It was about healing, empowerment, and the simple joy of spending time with a community that truly understands the power of the ocean. The High Fives Foundation looks forward to many more years of casting lines and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
