Making Waves at Hobie Day 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ Hobie Day has, unfortunately, been cancelled for the last two years. This year, however, our matches were finally able to return to Lake Travis for some fun in the sun, and, what a great time they had!
It was a beautiful, breezy day when Bigs, Littles, and their families came together to play in the lake and sail on the wind at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2022 Hobie Day.
“We had over 100 guests attend our 2022 Hobie Day event on what will go down as record enjoyable weather,” Director of Match Support Christina Snell said. “Thank goodness for the extra cloud coverage and breeze! Huge thanks to the AustinCats, Austin Yacht Club, Travis County Parks, Young Men’s Service League Westlake, extra volunteers, and sailors who helped make this day possible for our kids, mentors, and families.”
As colorful catamarans lined the shores, volunteers helped participants on and off the boats while coordinating the sails. Adventurous riders could even choose to take a turn being tethered off the side of the boat in a safety harness, which provided the sensation of skimming over the water.
After their first dip in the water, Big Sister Cindy and Little Sister Prinna decided to relax in the shade.
“We were matched earlier this year in March, and this is our first Hobie Day together,” Cindy said. “It’s been amazing here with Prinna; she’s a sweetheart. As long as she’s up for it, I think we’re going to ride as much as we can.”
In addition to sailing and spending time together, participants also enjoyed drinks and snacks. Some even brought their own picnic supplies and beach toys.
“The event was great,” Vice President of Programs Joe Strychalski said. “After not being able to host it for the past two years, it was incredible to see our matches out on the water having a blast again. The AustinCats and Austin Yacht Club have been incredible partners and do a great job of making this a fun, memorable, and safe experience for our matches, volunteers, and staff.”
Overall, the feedback from the event was fantastic and we can’t wait for the next Hobie Day.
“It was great to see everyone enjoy this special event,” BBBS CEO Leah Meunier said. “Hobie Day is one of many ways BBBS works to empower and support kids, while also giving Bigs and Littles the opportunity to strengthen their relationships with one another.”
Of course, such fun would not be possible without the help and dedication of our staff, community partners, and a lot of volunteers. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Program team went above and beyond coordinating our first Hobie Day in what seems like forever. From guest services, to organizing supplies, to rallying volunteers, they created a wonderful, and memorable event for our matches and families!
The AustinCats supplied the catamarans and provided the boat rides throughout the afternoon. The group of sailing enthusiasts have worked with us to host Hobie Day for over thirty-five years!
The Austin Yacht Club recruited additional boats and volunteers for this year’s event, and their volunteers coordinated the pickup/dropoff of riders on shore and in the water throughout the day.
In addition to the boat crews, volunteers from the Young Men’s Service League Westlake Chapter helped with tasks such as equipping attendees with life jackets, assisting participants as they got onto the boats, and cleaning up after the event.
Finally, Travis County Parks and, in particular, the staff at Bob Wentz Park, provided free entry to the park for all of our Bigs, Littles, families, staff and volunteers. They also helped to coordinate logistics for the event so that things ran smoothly on a very busy August weekend.
Thanks to everyone who made this such a special day! We ‘shore’ had fun!
See more photos of Hobie Day 2022 here.
