(July 12, 2024) Eleven years ago Derek Carlson and Mike O’Grady were students at the San Jose Police Department Academy. Today, they operate Knot on Call, a non-profit organization that wakes waves of positive change and gives back to first responders, military personnel and nurses aligning seamlessly with Centurion’s commitment to honor service men and women in communities around the world. Their kick-off event will take place this weekend, July 14-15, at Folsom Lake, just 25 miles northeast of Sacramento, CA.
When talking about the motivation to start Knot on Call, co-founder, Derek Carlson shared, “As first responders, we have all seen things that people shouldn’t see. Out on the water, that is the only place where I don’t think about that stuff.” He continued, “This isn’t therapy, this is a way to get people in an environment that’s relaxed whether they talk or not.”
The idea for Knot on Call started on a plane ride to Europe where Derek, Mike and their spouses were headed on a joint-anniversary vacation. The pair felt a calling to give back to first responders just like them and started jotting down ideas at 30,000 feet in the air. Their goal was to help those who may have been injured in the line of duty or are struggling with PTSD and get them out on the water.
“We want everyone to connect through the healing powers of water,” Mike shared.
The pair attended a North Carolina Operation Wake Surf event, where they met OWS Founder, Robby Maschhaupt. At the event, Derek and Mike got firsthand experience in what serving heroes looks like. From there, the two kept in contact with Robby who really, “took us under his wing.”
After networking with the OWS team and after meeting Centurion & Supreme Boats VP of Marketing and Brand Direction, Amy Mauzy at a Sacramento boat show, the pair purchased two 2024 Centurion Fe22s and Knot on Call officially began in March of 2024.
“Department’s struggle to serve first responders when it comes to mental health and we want to break the negative stigma that surrounds that,” shared O’Grady. As Knot on Call prepares for its inaugural event, Derek and Mike remain focused on their mission to support first responders, military personnel, and nurses. Their dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in these communities is evident in every aspect of their work. The healing power of water allows participants to connect, unwind, and, most importantly, heal.
Looking ahead, Knot on Call aims to expand its reach and impact by hosting more events and forging new partnerships like the one they have with Operation Wake Surf. The sense of community and mutual support that has already blossomed among Knot on Call’s partners is a testament to the organization’s potential to make a lasting difference. As Mike puts it, “We all want each other to succeed because, at the end of the day, all we want to do is help people.”
Be sure to mark your calendars! If you or someone you know is a first responder, military personnel or nurse, don’t miss their kick-off event at Folsom Lake July 14-15. In order to attend, please fill out the registration form here. The journey for Knot on Call is just beginning, and the future looks promising for this inspiring initiative.
Click here for a list of their events.
About Knot on Call: At Knot On Call, we provide first responders with opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate through wake surfing events. These lake outings offer a mental break from their demanding work, allowing them to relax and enjoy the soothing power of water. Participants bond with others who share similar experiences, fostering camaraderie and support. Our goal is to enhance their mental and physical well-being, helping them return to work refreshed and with a renewed spirit. If you’re a first responder interested in riding the waves of relief, visit our events page to sign up.
About Centurion Boats: Creating the World’s best waves, wakes and ride since 1976, Centurion is a towed water sports boat manufacturer built on innovation and commitment to excellence. As a Correct Craft Company, we are charged with “Making Lives Better”. We embody this phrase with the boats we build along with the lives we live on and off the water. Centurion Boats is the perfect ride every time. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About We Wake Waves: As a Correct Craft company, we are called to the path of “Making Life Better” and we strive to exemplify that phrase at every opportunity. We want to wake waves of positive change in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world with our boats on or near the water. It could be as simple and seemingly small as teaching your child to wake surf or showing your significant other how to trailer a boat or as big as hosting an event that honors our service men and women. What’s Your Wave? How are you using your Centurion on, near, or relating to water to wake waves of positive change? We wake waves. Do you? Share your wave with us on social media using the hashtag #WeWakeWaves and visit www.centurionboats.com/we-wake-waves.com to learn more.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 99 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