(October 15, 2025) Canyon Lake, TX — Operation Get Out, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to “providing events, outings, and resources that intentionally utilize nature and water for positive mental, emotional, and physical wellness,” recently hosted its Fifth Annual Fall Retreat at Canyon Lake, Texas. Supported by Centurion Boats and a community of passionate Centurion owners and ambassadors, the weekend provided a restorative escape for first responders, nurses, and frontline workers — those who spend their days caring for others — offering them a chance to reconnect, recharge, and reset through nature, community, and the healing power of water.
“This retreat is about giving those who constantly serve others a space to disconnect, to reconnect,” said Cindy Present, Co-Founder of Operation Get Out. “It’s an opportunity to learn natural ways to reset and refresh through water, nature, community, and connection.”
The three-day Wellness on Water Retreat began Friday evening with live music, dinner, and a warm welcome from guest speaker Keith Murphy under a beautiful starlit Texas sky overlooking Canyon Lake.
Saturday morning, about a third of the participants gathered for what’s become one of the weekend’s most spectacular moments — “Just Breathe” at sunrise on The Point — a quiet 45-minute guided session accompanied by acupuncture for some, inviting participants to witness the awe and wonder of sunrise while reflecting and quieting the mind and soul.
After breakfast, the group relocated to Canyon Lake Marina for a day on the water, powered by 10 Centurion Boats and their volunteer or athlete owners. In total, 65 participants and 35 volunteers came together to share the lake — building trust, community, and confidence while experiencing firsthand the transformative, therapeutic effects of time on the water and in nature.
For many attendees, the experience was profoundly healing.
“We have had some guests arrive with extreme PTS (post-traumatic stress), mental battle wounds, and fears or trauma connected to the water — even from losing someone to it,” Present explained. “But by the end of the day, they’ve immersed, floated, surfed, smiled, and reconnected with something that once felt unsafe. That kind of breakthrough is beyond powerful.”
The weekend concluded Sunday morning with a second “Just Breathe” sunrise session followed by a paddleboard outing, giving participants time to reflect on the weekend while connecting with new friends, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and enjoying quiet moments on the water.
“Connection is at the heart of it,” Present shared. “When you connect with something beyond yourself — nature, water, or others — your stress levels drop, dopamine increases, and authenticity rises. Healing happens in that space as individuals share challenges, tragedy, hope, and victories.”
Centurion Boats continues to play a meaningful role in Operation Get Out’s mission.
“Centurion Boats are more than just extraordinary machines; in cases like this, they become a very valuable tool for us to use for connection and healing,” said Present. “Centurion and their owners are always the first to step up — generous with their time, their boats, and their hearts — giving our guests a chance to feel valued, empowered and cared for.”
Participant Joshua Ashby summed it up perfectly:
“It was an absolute blast. What a blessing to be able to get on a Centurion Boat and learn from amazing people. There were good laughs, a few tears, lots of peace, healing, and good times — an absolute blessing.”
Operation Get Out continues to host events throughout the year, serving individuals and organizations navigating stress, illness, trauma, loss, and diverse physical and mental abilities.
To learn more or get involved as a volunteer, sponsor, or boat partner, visit operationgetout.org.
About Operation Get Out: Operation Get Out (OGO) was founded to provide the experiences and resources people need to intentionally utilize nature and water for positive mental and physical wellness. The inspiration for OGO came through the tragic loss of two Austin Area first responders who used the water for their own respite and release. StarFlight nurse Kristin McLain died during a flight rescue, and Senior Deputy, Jessica Hollis, died during a flood response, but their legacy of service lives on through the healing OGO events perpetuate. The OGO Team is dedicated to utilizing exposure to water in an outdoor environment as medicine for first responders, military, women, youth, and surviving partners who are dealing with PTS, loss, trauma, depression and anxiety. To learn more visit https://www.operationgetout.org.
About Centurion Boats: For 50 years, Centurion Boats has produced the World’s best waves, wakes and ride. These historic distinctions and this golden milestone didn’t just happen. We have been maximizing benefit for our boat buyers since 1976. As a Correct Craft company, we are charged with making life better, and our continuous improvement to our boats is a clear indicator we take that to heart. For our 50th anniversary, we’re not just building boats – we’re honoring with innovation. As a Centurion boat owner, you are equipped as a joy warrior to wake waves of positive change in yourself, your family, your community and our world. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com.