surfing

Surfing the Frankenstorm

Surfing the Frankenstorm

Though Halloween was approaching, the eerie warnings flashing across the TV, Internet and from friends and family were real. Hurricane Sandy was moving in from the Atlantic and threatening devastation throughout the North East. As the weather turned grim, most people were staying indoors and watching the “Frankenstorm’s” progress on the news. For whitewater enthusiasts, however, it was like getting week-long private admission to an amusement park. The creeks and rivers that had been dry from the summer’s drought were finally open for exploration.

An Interview with Great Lakes Surf Filmmaker, Andrew Wyton

An Interview with Great Lakes Surf Filmmaker, Andrew Wyton

On Monday, November 11, we will be gathering at Patagonia Pittsburgh to celebrate the waves and personalities that comprise Pittsburgh’s inland surf culture.  We will be talking story and showcasing films from local filmmakers, including Ontario’s, Andrew Wyton.  Wyton’s films include Boom Lagoon, Lake Lyfe, Hot Toddy and Sweet Water.  We had a chance to chat with Andrew to learn more about his foray into the wild world of Great Lakes Surf filmmaking…

Film Event with Patagonia Pittsburgh

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!

A "MONSTER" ADDITION TO FIRST WAVES PROGRAM

A "MONSTER" ADDITION TO FIRST WAVES PROGRAM

The river wave at Greenhouse Park is little more than a pile of foam during the hot month of July in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  The Stonycreek River is the tamest version of itself and instead of whitewater enthusiasts, the park attracts sunbathers, tubers, and swimmers to its shores.  What most have overlooked, however, is this wave’s potential as a training ground for the area’s youth to become river enthusiasts.  When presented in the right way, the wave can capture the attention of teenagers better than the latest X-box and carve a path for outdoor recreation and education that is widely available but pervasively ignored.  This is exactly what the First Waves Johnstown Program is able to provide to underserved youth in the area.