Keynote Speaker Ian Smith
SurfSUP Adventures | Watersmith Guild
Waves Between Us
(How the simple but immensely powerful experience of riding a wave has empowered deep connections with communities throughout Pennsylvania.)
Waves Between Us will illustrate how the burgeoning sport of river surfing, the art of filmmaking, and conservation unites underserved communities with their local watersheds and empowers them to create positive change through deepened connection and partnerships. The foundation of the presentation will focus on a program designed around these principles called, First Waves. Founded in 2014, First Waves is a cooperative program that addresses disparate issues of access, education, pollution, and climate change for environmental justice communities. The program’s success is achieved through dynamic partnerships and workshops that incorporate unique and engaging elements of outdoor adventure, youth mentorship, environmental education, and the art of filmmaking.
All About Ian
Ian Smith is an entrepreneur, standup paddleboard athlete, guide, and instructor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2011, he founded SurfSUP Adventures, a standup paddleboarding and environmental education business that provides eco tours, SUP yoga, river surfing, glow paddles, instructor training, and programming for groups and special-needs communities. He is a master instructor trainer with the Professional Standup Paddleboarding Association (one of just 4 worldwide).
In 2014, Ian founded First Waves, a program that fuses standup paddling and the art of filmmaking as a catalyst to inspire conservation and mentorship for underserved youth. In order to expand First Waves and establish new programming around his passions for paddleboarding, environmental education, and conservation, Ian founded the Watersmith Guild, a non-profit that enhances watersheds and communities through arts and adventure. The organization received the prestigious Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in 2023.
In addition to his work as an instructor and guide, Ian is a team athlete and ambassador for Northwest River Supply (NRS) and Werner Paddles. In 2024 NRS selected Ian for their LEAD Program—Leaders in Environment, Access and Diversity.
Learn More Here
