What Wake for Warriors does

Wake for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-2605668) founded in 2012 in Salem, United States, by combat veterans with a focus on peer-to-peer healing through adaptive water sports. The organization provides free adaptive wakeboarding, wake surfing, paddleboarding, and waterskiing experiences to veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-related injuries, including physical disabilities, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries, with priority given to those with service-related injuries. In 2026, the organization expanded its programming to include adaptive snow sports (skiing and snowboarding) at partner locations in Colorado and Utah, operating events year-round across 18 states through four regional teams (Midwest, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and California).

The business model is donation- and sponsorship-funded with no revenue from participants. Primary revenue streams include individual donations (via Venmo and mail), branded merchandise sales through an online checkout store, and corporate sponsorships. Key flagship partners include Nautique Boat Company (primary equipment provider, partner in the Nautique Wakesurf Series), GM Marine, Hyperlite, Team Semper Fi/The Fund, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the National Ability Center, and the EOD Warrior Foundation. The organization is 100% volunteer-run with 1-10 stated headcount and no paid staff, meaning overhead is minimized and donations flow directly to program delivery including lodging, meals, equipment, and travel. There is no proprietary technology product; the platform is a Squarespace-hosted website supporting online event applications, donations, and merchandise sales.

Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: veterans apply through the website to participate in adaptive events, and the organization matches them geographically. Distribution is direct through events held at lakes and waterways, with logistics coordinated by regional teams and local boat dealer partners (Watersports Central, N3 Boatworks, MarineMax Rogers/Ozark, Yankee Boat Center, Russell Marine, Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Ski Shack). Marketing relies on earned media (Fox & Friends, Boating Magazine, FOX35 Orlando, FOX13 Seattle, KARE11), organic social (Facebook, Instagram), and an email newsletter. Leadership is composed of credentialed combat veterans including founder LtCol. David Deep (USMC, 28 years, 250+ combat missions), VP Bill Rich (30+ years watersports industry), Secretary Chris Townsend (22-year US Navy P-3C Pilot), Treasurer LaTreva Thompson (university accounting instructor, Masters in Accounting), board member Kyle Carpenter (Medal of Honor recipient), and operational leads Tyler Densford, Stefan Leroy, and Terry Knight who are themselves injured veterans serving as coaches, event leads, and regional chapter leaders.

Name

Wake for Warriors

Legal name

Wake for Warriors

Website

https://wakeforwarriors.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Wake for Warriors is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012 that provides free adaptive water and snow sports therapy events to veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-related injuries across 18 US states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Support & Adaptive Recreation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Jet Ski, Parasailing & Tow Sports (Wakeboard, Waterski, Tubing) (THAJAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aquatic Physical Therapy & Hydrotherapy (HSADAIAL), Surf Schools & Surf Camps (THAAAKAC)

Keywords

• Adaptive water sports
• Veteran rehabilitation services
• Adaptive recreation therapy
• Nonprofit veteran support
• Therapeutic watersports programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Salem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donors contribute to support the organization's programs. Wake for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 46-2605668.
2. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an online shop selling branded merchandise including apparel and gear. Donations can also be made through Venmo.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support, equipment, and other resources. Partners include Nautique Boat Company, GM Marine, Hyperlite, and dozens of other companies that support events and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Wake for Warriors provides free adaptive water sports therapy events — including wakeboarding, wakesurfing, paddleboarding, and adaptive snow sports — for veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-related injuries. Programs are delivered through regional teams at partner lakes and ski resorts across 18+ U.S. states, with all lodging, meals, equipment, and instruction provided at no cost to participants.

Product overview

Wake for Warriors is a non-profit organization (not a technology company) that provides adaptive recreational therapy through watersports and snow sports. The core offering consists of free adaptive watersports events (wakeboarding, wakesurfing, paddleboarding) and snow sports events (skiing, snowboarding) held at lakes and ski resorts across 18+ states. The organization operates through regional chapters (Midwest, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California) and partnerships with organizations like Nautique Boat Company, GM Marine, National Sports Center for the Disabled, Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities, and the National Ability Center. Participants apply through an online application process, and all events are free for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-related injuries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adaptive Watersports Events Free therapeutic wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and paddleboarding events designed for veterans with service-related injuries, physical disabilities, PTSD, or traumatic brain injuries. Events provide peer-to-peer healing experiences on water, with all instruction, equipment, lodging, and meals provided at no cost.
• 2026 Event Calendar Year-round schedule of adaptive watersports and snow sports events across 18+ U.S. states, listing wake surfing, wakeboarding, adaptive skiing, and snowboarding events hosted at partner lakes and ski resorts.
• Adaptive Snow Sports Events Winter adaptive sports programs including skiing and snowboarding delivered at partner locations such as Winter Park CO with NSCD, Aspen CO with Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities, and Park City UT with the National Ability Center.
• Adaptive Training Foundation Partnership Events Events co-hosted with the Adaptive Training Foundation that combine holistic rehabilitation methodology with adaptive watersports at Lake Grapevine, Texas, emphasizing both physical training and mental resilience.
• Veterans Shop Gear Online merchandise store offering Wake for Warriors branded apparel and gear, with proceeds supporting the organization's veteran programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Events in 18 states across the United States
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Nautique Boat CompanyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNautique is a primary equipment partner providing boats for wake sports events. They host the Nautique Regattas and Nautique Wakesurf Series where Wake for Warriors participates. Nautique has partnered with WWA to host world-class Regatta events across North America.
• GM MarinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGM Marine presents the Nautique Masters Wakesurf Championships and other major events. They provide sponsorship support for Wake for Warriors programs.
• HyperlitecoreTechnology or IntegrationHyperlite provides wakeboarding and wakesurf equipment for participants. They are a key equipment partner for events and have regional partnerships including Hyperlite Southwest.
• The Fund (Semper Fi & America's Fund)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeam Semper Fi / The Fund is a key nonprofit partner. They co-host events at Lake Harding (the birthplace of Wake for Warriors) and help facilitate veteran participation.
• National Ability CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners for adaptive sports events in Park City, Utah. The National Ability Center specializes in adaptive recreation and provides expertise for veteran programs.
• EOD Warrior FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners for events supporting Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and their families. Co-hosts events including Parker, AZ.
• Challenge Aspen Military OpportunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAMO provides adaptive snow sports opportunities for veterans in Aspen, Colorado. They partner on winter events including skiing and snowboarding programs.
• National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCD is a pioneer in adaptive recreation with over five decades of experience. They partner on winter events in Winter Park, Colorado for adaptive skiing and snowboarding.
• Watersports CentralcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWatersports Central provides equipment and support for events including Lake Keowee, SC and serves as a dealer partner for Wake for Warriors.
• N3 BoatworkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorN3 Boatworks is a key partner for Raccoon Lake, Indiana events, providing boats and support for multiple events throughout the year.
• MarineMax RogerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarineMax Rogers partners for Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota events, providing boats and equipment support.
• MarineMax OzarkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarineMax Ozark partners for Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri events, providing equipment and support.
• Superior Boat Repair & SalescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBased in Rancho Cordova, CA, they provide fresh Nautique G23 boats at local California events including Folsom Lake and Discovery Bay.
• Ski ShackcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal partner for Table Rock Lake, Missouri events, providing equipment and on-water support.
• Russell MarinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartners for Lake Martin, Alabama events, providing boats and support for veteran programs.
• Yankee Boat CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartners for Lake George, New York events, supporting veteran water sports programs in the Northeast.
• Arizona Raptor RunscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArizona-based partner for Parker, AZ events on the Colorado River, supporting desert and water combination events.
• Adaptive Training FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATF provides holistic rehabilitation methodology combined with Wake for Warriors' water sports. Partners on Lake Grapevine, Texas events.
• SeaWorld San AntoniocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners for unique family events at SeaWorld San Antonio where veterans experience wake surfing on SeaWorld's private lake combined with park access.
• The Congressional Medal of Honor SocietyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners for exclusive Medal of Honor Family Events on Lake Norman, North Carolina, providing private gatherings for Medal of Honor Recipients and their families.
• Columbia Distributing CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartners for Lake Tapps, Washington events, supporting Pacific Northwest regional operations.
• Warrior's JourneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner for Lake Ozark events, sharing mission alignment for veteran support and healing programs.
• Tower FlagsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides flags and event materials for Wake for Warriors events.
• Turtlebox AudiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides audio equipment for events and gatherings.
• Camp Southern GroundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting veteran programs and community building.
• Spectrum SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides support for events and programs.
• HughstonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner providing medical support and expertise for events.
• SUAYminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides support for events and programs.
• The Central Florida Navy LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners for Lake Olympia, Florida events, supporting veteran programs in the Southeast.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: Largest U.S. nonprofit serving post-9/11 wounded veterans across physical/mental health, career, and long-term support. Far broader in scope than WFW but competes for the same donor and corporate-sponsor dollars.
• Move United (formerly Disabled Sports USA): National umbrella organization for adaptive sports, providing programming, advocacy, and chapter network across the U.S. Represents the broader adaptive-sports ecosystem in which Wake for Warriors operates.
• USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation: National governing body for water ski and wake sports in the U.S. with associated adaptive and veterans programming. Sets rules and competition formats WFW riders participate under (e.g., Nautique Wakesurf Series).

Direct peers

• National Ability Center: Adaptive recreation nonprofit partnering with Wake for Warriors in Park City, UT. Operates a broad portfolio of adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities including veterans, mirroring WFW's mix of water and land-based adaptive offerings.
• EOD Warrior Foundation: Veteran-support nonprofit co-hosting Wake for Warriors events including Parker, AZ. Serves a defined military sub-population (EOD technicians) with adaptive recreation and family support, directly comparable to WFW's model.
• National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD): Pioneer in adaptive recreation with 50+ years of experience; co-hosts Wake for Warriors winter events in Winter Park, CO. Comparable adaptive-sports instruction model across skiing and outdoor recreation for people with disabilities.
• Team Semper Fi / America's Fund: Veteran-focused adaptive sports and recovery nonprofit that is already a Flagship co-host of Wake for Warriors events at Lake Harding. Directly comparable mission (wounded veteran rehabilitation) and adaptive-sports programming.
• Higher Ground: Adaptive recreation nonprofit in Sun Valley, Idaho offering year-round adaptive sports including skiing, water sports, and more for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Comparable mission and adaptive-instruction model.
• Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (CAMO): Adaptive snow sports programs for wounded veterans; a Core partner running Aspen-based WFW winter events. Closely mirrors Wake for Warriors' adaptive winter programming for the same military population.
• Adaptive Training Foundation: Holistic adaptive rehabilitation nonprofit that combines physical training with adaptive sports; co-hosts WFW events at Lake Grapevine, TX. Closely aligned mission of pairing rehab methodology with adaptive water sports for injured veterans.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/WakeWarriors
• Instagraminstagram.com/wakeforwarriors
• Xx.com/WakeForWarriors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wake-for-warriors-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wake for Warriors