The Watersmith Journal
First Waves Pittsburgh Official Film Release
A group of student's from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania work together to improve the watersheds in their community. They also learn the joys of river surfing, paddleboarding, and the art of filmmaking along the way. Watch their story and progression here.
Bonus: you've seen Charlie Batch throw touchdown passes for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but have you seen him riding a river wave on a surfboard? Check it out here!
Surf Film Event with Patagonia Pittsburgh
Attention Pittsburgh surfers, paddlers, water enthusiasts and adventurers - First Waves and SurfSUP Adventures will be partnering with Patagonia Pittsburgh as they host a Never Town Film Screening with professional surfer, Dan Ross, on Tuesday, October 23! There will be refreshments, food, raffles and more that will all benefit the First Waves program to engage underserved youth in river surfing, watershed conservation and filmmaking! We hope to see you all there!
2018 Ignites with Envision Blind Sports
With spring looming in its awkward stage, "invigorating" water temperatures, and a reclusive sun - it was up to the participants and volunteers from Envision Blind Sports to set the tone for the kick-off paddleboarding adventure of 2018!
FIRST WAVES FEATURED ON "PROUD PITTSBURGH"
WPXI’s, "Proud to be from Pittsburgh," is a program designed to highlight people who are doing good in our communities.” SurfSUP Adventures and First Waves founder, Ian Smith, worked with Channel-11 News Anchor, Peggy Finnegan, to document a First Waves event on the Pittsburgh Riverfront for the segment earlier this year.
FIRST WAVES STRIKE USS REQUIN
The USS Requin is a floating museum of World War II era technology along the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. While educating and enchanting hundreds of thousands of visitors about the life and science aboard a submarine, the ship often helps divulge a more sinister story about Pittsburgh’s waterways.
RIVER OF CHANGE
SurfSUP Kon-O-Kwee
Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer lies on the shores of what is arguably the finest venue for whitewater paddleboard instruction in Pennsylvania. Connoquenessing Creek, known locally as “the Connie,” boasts miles of class I to III rapids, and a river wave as smooth as glass after a good rain. The camp itself is a stunning sprawl of wooded acreage and beautiful log cabins. While the whitewater and facilities are ideal, the Connie does have a darker side. Not long ago, it was considered one of the most polluted waterways in the Country, and still faces many environmental challenges. To illustrate the opportunities presented by the stream, along with solutions for conservation and education for youth, First Waves’ partnered with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer for an inaugural residency expedition to the creek.