About Us

 

The PTSD Family

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Our Story

The idea and mission of Professional Transformation Sports Development (PTSD) was conceived in 2012 by founder Russell Davies. Russell was recently relieved of military duty in 2011, and within a year, he had discovered kayaking to be a source of relief and rehabilitation in coping with post-military life.

In establishing himself as a recognized athlete in the extreme kayaking community, he learned that outdoor sporting is as reliant on its community as it is on the activities themselves. Since coming to this realization, he’s shaped his passion and focus around sharing the benefits of outdoor recreation with veterans of the U.S. Military also inflicted with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. The Board of Directors for PTSD is comprised of colleagues sharing similar interests and passion in the benefits of therapeutic sporting.

 

After losing several close friends that had suffered from P.T.S.D. to suicide, Russell decided to make an effort to help the large community of veterans impacted by the condition. Seeing the benefits of outdoor recreation on P.T.S.D. first-hand, Russell wants to encourage veterans to work towards discovering hope and possibility in post-military life. The outdoor sporting community holds a unique fellowship, similar to that which is experienced while serving in the military. We are confident that by reaching out to veterans and showing them the possibilities of this lifestyle and community, we can make a tremendous impact on their lives.

P.T.S.D Can Happen To Anyone.
It Is Not A Sign Of Weakness.

Number of Veterans in the U.S.

%

of Vietnam Veterans suffer P.T.S.D.

%

of OIF / OEF Veterans suffer P.T.S.D.

%

of Desert Storm Veterans suffer P.T.S.D.

What We Do

We invite veterans from all over the country to apply to participate in one of our four sessions.  Each session will give veterans an opportunity to experience two-weeks of the sports offered during that session. These sessions are designed to change their lives for the better, while providing a family-first enviornment. We cover your food, accomodations, entertainment, training, and gear. The best part? You get to keep the gear upon completion of our course. There is nothing else out there quite like what we do.

Check out each sport below and sign up for the session that interests you!

SNOWBOARDING & SKIING

Fresh powder and lots of adrenaline.  Be prepared to discover your inner yeti!

WINTER SESSION

MOUNTAIN BIKING

With nothing but two wheels between you and the ground, you will learn to trust your inner instincts and fly

SUMMER SESSION

KAYAKING

Smooth streams and rapid rivers. Prepare to become the master of charging currents in the unparalled fresh water.

SUMMER SESSION

ROCK CLIMBING

If technicality is more you thing, you will find your inner-self on the rocks of prehistoric cliff-faces.

SUMMER SESSION

Who We Are

RUSSELL DAVIES

Founder / CEO 

SHAWN SHELL

Vice President / COO

BRENNAN DEEG

Treasurer / CSO

CAYSTON PICKENS

Secretary / CMO

MATTEA SHELL

Controller

MATT KRUMWIEDE

Community Outreach Coordinator

AKELA

Mascot

Making a Difference, One Veteran at a Time

PTSD hopes to educate veterans on how to overcome P.T.S.D. and/or depression through engagement in outdoor sports of their choosing.  We do this by giving them the skills and resources necessary to discover a positive new direction in life in a caring, inclusive, learning environment alongside other veterans who share a similar passion.

Gear

Quality gear is essential to properly participating in extreme sports.

  • Safety is important! All Safety gear is also provided.
  • Pursue the sport and change your life.
  • Veterans will keep their gear upon completion of the course
Personal

You’re not alone.

  • Meet other veterans struggling with P.T.S.D.
  • Create a new sense of adventure in life!
  • Develop a passion for extreme sports.
  • Change your outlook!
Networking

Develop a network of individuals with similar interests.

  • Meet veterans from all over the country.
  • Create bonds with people who share your interests.
  • After the retreat, PTSD will continue to be there for you.

The outdoor sporting community holds a unique fellowship, similar to that which is experienced while serving in the military. We are confident that by reaching out to veterans and showing them the possibilities of this lifestyle and community, we can make a tremendous impact on their lives.

Russ Davies

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