First Waves Pittsburgh Official Film Release

NEWS

Jan 27

You never forget your first time on a standup paddleboard! Photo: Renee Rosensteel

The banks of the Allegheny River along Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville district set the stage for the opening workshop of First Waves in July of 2021. 20-students nervously exited their bus and were welcomed by First Wave’s mentors. For most, it would be the first time interacting with their local waterways. After a safety discussion and paddleboard lesson, the students launched onto the river. While many stood up in an instant, others found comfort on their knees before gaining the courage to stand. One student described, “I totally recommend doing this! I never did it before and I was scared but I totally recommend it.” By the end, every participant had learned to paddleboard.

The students learned to plant trees and document their experiences using filmmaking and digital media. Photo: Renee Rosensteel

Next, the students assembled for an introduction to filmmaking. Equipped with iPads, DSLRs, and GoPros, they learned to conduct interviews and document action beginning with a tutorial about planting trees and how they benefit the environment. At the second workshop, the students resumed their work as filmmakers as they documented and assisted in a macro-invertebrate sampling at the Stonycreek River. They also learned to harness the power of the river and surf standing waves in rapids. Empowered by the experience, one youth described; “I enjoyed First Waves because I was nervous at first but they made me less nervous by helping me out.” Another said, “Paddleboarding is really fun! I don’t think I would have done it if it weren’t for the program.”

In the final workshop, they learned to edit and completed individual documentaries about their adventures at First Waves. Cheers, laughter and applause echoed as, one-by-one, the students proudly presented their work on the big-screen. The last film ended with a student’s testimonial and message to those that made First Waves possible: “I would just like to say that this experience that I went through the last three weeks was amazing. The paddleboarding, the surfing, planting the trees – this experience was really fun to have. Thank you for this experience.”