Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on Thursday, September 26th, in Northwestern Florida before moving through Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. The ensuing winds and heavy rains caused unimaginable flooding and damage to small towns in the storm’s path.
Western North Carolina and parts of Tennessee were hit particularly hard. The mountainous terrain caused severe flooding and landslides as runoff quickly filled the rivers and reservoirs. As the people of the affected communities look to rebuild, we’re joining as a collective to help the community of guides get back on their feet.
The Aftermath:
Helene’s impact has been felt far and wide, including by Flylords team member Tripp Nazziola. A resident of Boone, NC, a town hit particularly hard, he has been boots on the ground helping with the rebuilding process. Along the way, he has seen the devastation and met with local guides and fly shop owners, hearing just how the storm has impacted everyone.
Jessica Whitmire (Headwaters Outfitters)- “Helene directly affected our business in many ways. Our shop, guide service, and all operations were closed from September 25th through October 11th. Sixteen days of lost revenue in one of our busiest months is very difficult. However, we are so lucky both our buildings are standing, and only our taproom took on water. While the financial hurt is felt, all our staff are safe. Our biggest concern now is pivoting to support staff now through the winter.”
Patrick Fulkrod (Owner of South Holston River Company)- “We have been receiving a ton of cancellations, right now over 33 days worth. These cancellations are huge as we are rounding out the end of our season. We may not have lost our home to the storm, but now we are trying to fight not to lose it to the bank.”
Miller Watson (Co-Owner of Hunter Banks in Asheville)- “We have seen a big hit, as well as the entire city of Asheville, now that tourism simply is not here. The town of Ashville is weeks away from water, so there is definitely a long road ahead for us. Many structures along the French Broad have been decimated, so from a visual point of view, the river will probably never look the same.”
The Giveaway:
Partnering with the Guide Relief Fund and the Blue Ridge Guide Association, we have organized a package valued at over $34,000 for someone to win. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to benefit both the guides and fisheries in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every single penny from this giveaway will be directed to the region, whether to give the guides financial support or support stream restoration efforts.
How to Enter:
To enter the giveaway, visit the Guide Relief Fund page HERE.
Official rules for the giveaway can be found HERE,
This giveaway would not be possible without the support of the Fly Fishing industry: Adipose, Costa, Flylords, Simms, YETI, Riversmith, Trxstle, Marsh Wear, Grundens, Orvis, Sawyer Paddles and Oars, Tornado Anchors, Umpqua, Fishpond, Ross Reels, Airflo Lines, Scientific Anglers, Turtlebox, On Water Fish, Frigate Reserve Rum, St. Croix, Winston, and Redington.
