The Watersmith Journal
Volunteer of the year (2023)
The Watersmith Guild is thrilled to announce Mark Palladino as the Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding dedication and contributions to our organization. Mark's unwavering passion for the sport of standup paddleboarding and his commitment to safeguarding the waterways of Pennsylvania have truly set him apart.
Leaders in Environment, Access, and Diversity
Ian Smith and the Watersmith Guild selected as LEAD Ambassadors by Northwest River Supplies (NRS).
Watermarks - Online now!
Volunteer of the year
Watersmith Guild Receives Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
The Watersmith Guild received a 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for its First Waves programs which inspire conservation of waterways and mentorship for at-risk youth through transformative experiences in outdoor adventure and the art of filmmaking.
First Waves Indiana Film Premiere
Join us for the official film premiere of First Waves Indiana! The event will celebrate the latest regional project of First Waves that empowers youth in the region to contribute to watershed conservation and recreation.
Watch Watersmith Guild on Start Up Television Show!
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.
5Point Adventure Film Festival + Premiere of First Waves Pittsburgh
You are invited to join us on Friday, September 16th for the 4th annual 5Point Film Festival in conjunction with the celebration and premiere of the First Wave’s and the Watersmith Guild’s latest film! The event is held in conjunction with Ascend Climbing Gym and 3 Rivers Outdoor Company at their Regent Square Location. The event will also include sweepstakes, prizes, food from local Regent Square Eateries and drinks from Goodlander Cocktails and Old Thunder Brewing!
In Our Own Backyard - A First Waves Film
The First Waves Team was back in Johnstown with a whole new cast of youth participating in the project for the first time. In total, more than 20 students from the Greater Johnstown Schools took part with activities ranging from river surfing, the art of filmmaking, and watershed conservation sciences. The students also completed a riparian improvement along a Class-A Wild Trout Stream as part of the project.
First Waves Founder Delivers Keynote Presentation for Student Research Symposium
Watch now as First Waves Founder and Watersmith Guild Executive Director, Ian Smith, provides a keynote presentation for the Allegheny College / Creek Connection Student Research Symposium! The Creek Connections program has forged an effective partnership between Allegheny College and regional K-12 schools to turn waterways in Northwest Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh area, and beyond into outdoor environmental laboratories. Emphasizing a hands-on, inquiry based investigation of local waterways, this project annually involves over 40 different secondary schools and the classes of 50 teachers.