Watersmith Founder Named Pennsylvania’s Boating Educator of the Year
Celebrating Ian Smith: 2025 Boating Educator of the Year
The Watersmith Guild is thrilled to celebrate our founder and executive director, Ian Smith, for being named Boating Educator of the Year for Pennsylvania by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This prestigious recognition honors Ian’s nearly two decades of dedication to connecting people of all ages and abilities to Pennsylvania’s waterways through education, adventure, and conservation.
Photo by: Jared Wickerham
Ian’s journey began in Pittsburgh, where his passion for rivers and outdoor exploration quickly grew into a mission: making paddleboarding and waterways recreation accessible to everyone. In 2011, he launched SurfSUP Adventures, pioneering whitewater paddleboarding in the Eastern U.S. and creating opportunities for people to experience the thrill and serenity of rivers firsthand. But for Ian, adventure has always been more than recreation—it’s a tool for learning, empowerment, and connection.
Through the Watersmith Guild and its flagship program, First Waves, Ian has designed transformative experiences for youth facing economic, social, or family challenges across Western Pennsylvania. Every year, hundreds of young people participate in free programs that combine paddleboarding, filmmaking, and environmental education, fostering a deep connection to their local waterways while cultivating confidence, creativity, and leadership skills.
Photo by: Jared Wickerham
Ian’s commitment extends far beyond youth programs. He teaches adults and youth from all walks of life, including special needs communities—hosting annual events for people who are blind or visually impaired, those with physical disabilities, and other groups who may never otherwise have the chance to experience the joy of being on the water. As a Master Instructor Trainer with the Professional Standup Paddleboarding Association and an ambassador for NRS’s LEAD Initiative, Ian also works to ensure that paddling is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone.
Photo by: Renee Rosensteel
This award is a reflection of Ian’s unwavering belief that waterways are for everyone—and that education, adventure, and conservation go hand in hand. At the Watersmith Guild, we are proud to see his tireless work recognized at the state and national level. His vision continues to inspire our community, our partners, and all who step onto a paddleboard, reminding us that every connection to the water is an opportunity for growth, joy, and stewardship.