Task Force Hydro1

02/23/2026

Come rip with us!

02/20/2026

02/17/2026

Hey TFH1 Ohana — it’s Ricky Van Rickley, the Executive Director and founder.

This mission is personal. In 2012, the ocean saved my life when I was at my lowest with suicidal thoughts. Surfing gave me purpose and healing — and Task Force Hydro1 keeps saving me every day by letting me help veterans, service members, first responders, and families find the same through water.

Mission 50 (Year 4) is our big fundraiser: a 50-mile open-ocean paddle in outrigger canoes — not a race, but real connection, trust, and hope stroke by stroke. Your support funds canoes, gear, Hawaii healing trips, retreats, custom boards, Navy Wounded Warrior therapy sessions, and Stokin’ Saturdays.

Last year you helped us raise over $40K — let’s go bigger this time!

If water has ever helped you or you stand with those who’ve served, please donate. 100% goes straight to the mission (tax-deductible).

Hit the link in our bio (Linktree) to give and see more

Watch the Mission 50 highlight: https://youtu.be/zO-X4A3tbX4?si=mHeR4gsUK79k5g_5

Mahalo, God bless, paddle strong 🤙🙏
Ricky Founder & Executive Director Task Force Hydro1

02/16/2026

“This is what our Ohana is all about ❤️ Providing access to the ocean for veterans and their families.
A USMC vet and his wife, US Army Purple Heart recipient joined us for a beautiful Monday morning — a solid 5-mile paddle filled with good music, great company, and pure Ohana spirit. The Lord blessed us with an incredible day and so much mana out on the water 🌊🙏
If you’re inspired and want to support our big 50-mile paddle on May 2, click the link in our bio/Linktree and donate to a paddler. Every single dollar helps improve ocean access for our veterans and first responders — healing minds and bodies through the power of the sea.
Mahalo for being part of this mission! 🤙

11/21/2025

In the spirit of true leadership, let’s talk about embracing mistakes as part of growth. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” It’s a powerful nudge that strength often comes from what seems weak or imperfect—like our slip-ups.
Most of us are mistake-based learners. It’s okay to mess up; what’s not okay is letting those moments define you without extracting the gold from them. Learn, adapt, and pass that wisdom forward to lift others up.

In our Task Force Hydro1 Community, we live this out on the water. We’ve Hulid (flipped) canoes in public turning quick paddles into hours-long recoveries, drifted too close to pilings and scratched hulls, or pushed limits that led to unexpected challenges. But our priority, is not dwelling on the error or letting it breed risk-aversion. Instead, we embrace it, learn fast, and share the lessons through our military-inspired After Action Reviews (AARs):

• Issue: What went wrong?
• Discussion: Why did it happen? What were the factors?
• Recommendation: How do we fix it and prevent repeats?

We kick off with our “rules of the road”: If you’ve got thin skin, head to Ace Hardware and grab some thicker stuff! We speak truth with kindness and honesty—no sugarcoating, but always aimed at building each other up for the benefit of the club and our Ohana.

We’re not a zero-defect organization. We want you to make mistakes, push the envelope in surfing, paddling, and life. Mediocrity? Not our vibe. When errors happen, fix ’em sooner rather than later—the quicker you address a problem, the faster you level up.

How about you? When you make a mistake in life, do you dwell on it and let it hold you back? Or do you evaluate, learn, and ensure it doesn’t repeat? Share your approach below—let’s learn from each other! 🌊💪

11/11/2025

Dear Alumni of Task Force Hydro1 (TFH1),

On this Veterans Day, I want to extend my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for your unwavering service in defending our nation and upholding its place as the greatest country on earth. Your courage, dedication, and selflessness have shaped the freedoms we cherish today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I recognize and honor the profound sacrifices you’ve made—spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. These are not taken lightly; they are the foundation of the peace and security we enjoy. You’ve given so much, often in ways that words can scarcely capture, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It has been an incredible privilege to be part of this amazing ohana with you. You’ve stepped up time and again when it mattered most, embodying the true spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood that makes TFH1 so special. Your bonds, forged in challenge and triumph, inspire us all.

With profound respect and aloha,

Ricky

11/06/2025

In the journey of life, true fellowship isn’t just about sharing paths—it’s about finding companions who become teammates, lifting each other through every wave and challenge. We’re called to spread this spirit of unity, doing God’s will by building bonds that endure.

We first crossed paths with these incredible souls at Chattajack, then pushed our limits competing against them in Miami. Now, we’re thrilled to announce they’ve joined our Ohana task force!

We just wrapped up a few epic days together, paddling a breathtaking 9-mile open ocean sunrise adventure. Halfway through, we paused for a moment of silence to honor our dear buddy Eiffell and shared our spoken intentions for the day. There’s no better way to kick off the morning than with physical activity, prayer, and purposeful intention—recharging body, mind, and spirit on the water.


God bless!

10/27/2025

Three weeks after my throat cancer diagnosis, I took on my first Chattajack with my best friend, Eiffel—my Chaldean Catholic interpreter from our wild days in Iraq, driving non-standard vehicles in civilian clothes, just the two of us, partners in crime. Eiffel was more than a friend; he was a lifeline. When I got sick, he dropped everything, using his connections in Jacksonville’s medical community to get me seen fast. He took off work, drove me to appointments, and stood by my side through the fear and uncertainty.

We’d trained all summer for Chattajack, paddling our Bradley spec canoe, but as October neared, fatigue hit hard. When the diagnosis came, I knew one thing: there was no way I was missing that race. Eiffel and I paddled our hearts out, and man, did we have a blast. Crossing that finish line together? That was everything.

Eiffel drowned just days before I rang the bell, marking the end of radiation and chemo. It broke my heart, but his spirit never left me. Our second Chattajack, I was in a Matahina, stronger but still healing, carrying him with me. This year, I chose the Bradley again—probably one of the only spec boats out there—to honor Eiffel. Every stroke felt like he was right there. We passed the spot where “Superman” bonked, where Eiffel swiped seat 4’s sandwich after it hit the deck, and those final three miles where he’d scream, “Let’s go, team!” as boats closed in behind us. I could almost hear him again or post-race we gathered on the dock, sharing Pastalaya in D-rails room laughing and remembering.

Our team isn’t the fastest, but I’d bet my paddle we’re the happiest. As 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” It’s not about winning; it’s about how you finish, with heart, with purpose, with love. Every year, we race for the mental health of our paddlers and alumni, building memories that heal us.

This year, something extraordinary happened. My brother-in-law, was camping at Hales Bar and during the race, went to connect to Wi-Fi and saw it—a network named “Eiffel.” That was God telling us Eiffel was with us, cheering us on. We were yelling “this is for Eiffel” while we were racing.

To our paddlers, spouses, supporters, donors, and so many more—thank you. Your love and support carry us through every mile. We race for Gods Glory, Eiffel, for each other, and for the joy of being alive. Above all, we thank God for allowing us to paddle in His name bringing us together to honor our brother and find strength in faith. We love you all. 💙 The 904 Now App ARE Tahiti Chattajack 31Nordic Blue Water Liquid Therapy Premier Physical Therapy St. Augustine This Evening

10/23/2025

🌅 This morning, as I walked out to soak in the crisp, cold air and scout the start line for our Task Force Hydro1 paddle race, I paused to pray to my Lord and Savior—for safe arrivals, great fellowship beforehand, unbreakable teamwork through the adversity ahead, and that all-important recovery that builds our character. The sun shining bright reminded me why I love our military, our country, and God bless America! 🇺🇸

But then… I came upon this spot. And it hit me hard. Uncontrollably, tears streamed down—sadness for Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan and the heroes who gave their lives on July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga. Pride swelled knowing how these young service members faced pure evil with selfless courage, rushing toward danger to save others, just like Tommy did.

This is WHY Task Force Hydro1 is here paddling today. Not just for our mental health, but to REMEMBER and HONOR our fallen service members who sacrificed everything for our freedom. As veterans, service members, and first responders in this unbreakable Ohana, we wrap our arms around each other—lifting up our brothers and sisters every paddle stroke.

Paddle on with purpose, family. For Tommy. For all of them. 💙🛶

10/19/2025

HURRY! Join Us in Bora Bora, Tahiti! 🌊🇵🇫

Calling all Veterans, Service Members, First Responders, their families, and supportive civilians! 🚨 Want to join Task Force Hydro1 for an unforgettable adventure in Bora Bora, Tahiti from April 6-11, 2026? 🏝️

Get ready for 5 days of thrilling clinics and races featuring:

• V1, V6, and V12 races 🛶
• Sprints, short-distance, and long-distance courses on different days

Whether you’re a paddler or just passionate about our cause, come be part of the TFH1 crew! We’re fielding multiple teams (men, women, mixed, and kiddos) and want YOU to join us! 💪

📩 DM us if you’re interested!�🌐 Check out https://talifitevents.com/ for race details, accommodations, and more.
Let’s paddle together in paradise! 🌺

10/18/2025

What an incredible day paddling with Simon, a fellow veteran from the Australian Army! 🌊 Simon’s bringing his skills to the OC1 at Chattajack, and we’re stoked to have invited him to join us in Tahiti—fingers crossed he makes it! 🤙 Simon, you may not know this yet, but once you paddle with Task Force, you’re part of our Ohana. Welcome to the family, all the way from Australia! 🇦🇺 no matter where you are or who you are. 🛶💙

09/23/2025

Boom 25 April 2026 is our next Mission 50!stay tuned on how to join and support our cause! Meanwhile, here’s a blog AAR and video last journey! !

https://aretahiti.com/mission-50-mission-accomplished/ Liquid TherapyThe 904 Now App Becqi Sherman - Photographer ARE Outrigger World Boattronics Marine Inc. Angies Subs Official Page ARE Tahiti Premier Physical Therapy Nordic Blue Water

This was our third annual 50-mile paddle, a journey we usually take through the open ocean. As always, we had an intracoastal backup plan in case of weather. And sure enough, Mother Nature—and maybe our guardian Eiffel above—threw us a curveball, sending winds and swells that pushed us inland. W...