This winter, Repurposed Waders had the opportunity to attend two major stops of The Fly Fishing Show — Edison, New Jersey and Marlborough, Massachusetts — and we left both weekends overwhelmed with gratitude and renewed purpose.
These shows reminded us exactly why Repurposed Waders exists. At both Edison and Marlborough, anglers showed up not just to talk fishing, but to take action. Old waders were carried in over shoulders and tucked under arms. Cash donations were made without hesitation. Conversations turned quickly from curiosity to encouragement. Again and again, people thanked us for taking on a problem they’ve been thinking about for years but didn’t know how to solve.
Seeing that level of support, in two very different but equally passionate fly-fishing communities, reinforced something we believe deeply: the fly-fishing world cares about stewardship, responsibility, and finding better ways to protect the places we all love. Waders wear out. That’s inevitable. Sending them to landfills doesn’t have to be.
Edison, New Jersey marked the largest stop on the show’s national tour, and the response there was nothing short of inspiring. Anglers from across the Northeast and beyond stopped by to donate worn-out gear, share stories, and offer support for a mission that feels long overdue. Marlborough, Massachusetts carried a different but equally meaningful energy. As a New England stop, it felt personal. Conversations were thoughtful, local, and deeply rooted in shared values around conservation and care for our rivers.
We are proud to say that Repurposed Waders is currently the only nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated solely to keeping used fly-fishing waders out of landfills and giving them a second life. That responsibility is not something we take lightly. The generosity we experienced at both shows helps justify every hour, every late night, and every ounce of energy invested into building this program for the fly-fishing community nationwide.
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who donated waders, contributed financially, shared our story, or simply stopped by to say they believe in what we’re doing. And we extend a sincere thank you to The Fly Fishing Show for providing a platform that brings together anglers, makers, nonprofits, and advocates under one roof. These gatherings make real change possible.
Because of this community, Repurposed Waders continues to grow. And because of that growth, we move forward with even more determination to solve this problem the right way.
Thank you, Edison. Thank you, Marlborough. And thank you to the fly-fishing community for proving, once again, that doing the right thing matters.
