Watermarks
Watermarks shows how one person's dedication and passion for paddling, river surfing, filmmaking, and conservation can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action and make a difference in their communities. The story is centered on a program called First Waves, which provides under-resourced youth with the chance to enjoy and protect their local waterways. Watermarks tracks the newest chapter of the program in the city of Indiana, Pennsylvania while also revisiting the program’s origins and hopes for the future. Along the way we meet environmental educators, mentors who were inspired by their own time in the program, and the youth who are using the art of storytelling to become the next generation of environmental stewards.
How it started
Learn about how the Watersmith Guild and First Waves came to be on the Start Up Television hosted by Gary Bredow! The show provides an in-depth look at the fascination of standup paddleboarding and how Ian Smith uses the pursuit as a catalyst to inspire conservation of waterways and mentorship for underserved youth.
LEADing the way with NRS
Founded in 1972, Nortwest River Supplies, most commonly known in the paddling world as NRS, has been a leader in watersports and whitewater equipment. In 2021, NRS shifted the focus of its athlete ambassador program to prioritize community engagement and activism with introduction of the NRS LEAD Program—Leaders in Environment, Access and Diversity. The Watersmith Guild is proud to announce that director, Ian Smith, has been selected as an ambassador of NRS LEAD.