#JustAddWater Project 2020

We’re on a mission to break down barriers to the outdoors

We are committed to cultivating common ground among diverse communities and making outdoor recreation welcoming and accessible to all.

The Just Add Water Project holds at its core the belief that representation matters. It matters because we need and deserve to see a wider spectrum of ability and identity in the outdoors. Not just for the “epic” far away trips but also for the adventures that are close to home. Lack of representation is a symptom of the deep roots of injustice. We have the opportunity to take a step toward creating the culture we want to see for future generations—and we can’t do it without you.

Thank you to all of you who joined us this summer to watch films that sparked our imaginations, listen to stories that made our hearts beat faster and fuller, and join in conversations that pushed us to grow beyond our comfort zone. As a community, we will continue to step up and be stronger. The Just Add Water Project is its own conversation—one we aim to continue beyond this summer with your help.

If you missed one of our events, or feel inspired to dig into the stories again, you’ll find the films and recordings of our panel discussions below. We encourage you to share the films and continue the conversations with your friends and family to break down barriers to the outdoors in your own community.

Just Add Water Summer Moments

Let’s Go Kayaking: When it comes to legacy sports, like whitewater kayaking, sharing your knowledge and welcoming newbies into the sport is clutch. Just Add Water guide, Adam Edwards, takes us along for his traditional Father’s Day paddle, giving us a glimpse into a day-in-the-life of his paddling crew.

Let’s Go Trail Running: Just Add Water guides, Faith and Adam take us on a run down their favorite trail along the Clackamas River. Although they hit the trailhead early to avoid the crowds, they pack their masks and practice their smeyes in case they meet another runner. (Smeyes: To smile with your eyes; a skill for 2020.)

Let’s go Fly Fishing: Just Add Water guides, Faith and Adam show us that the value of fly fishing isn’t in catching the fish, but simply being outside. Unfortunately, not all people feel welcome to catch—or not catch—fish around our public lands and waters, which is why we need to work harder to break down those barriers to the outdoors.

Let’s Go Paddle Boarding: We’ve talked a lot this summer about breaking down barriers to the outdoors. Now our Just Add Water guides, Faith and Adam, show us what life looks like beyond those barriers. In this first of four adventure videos, they take us along for a socially distant SUP adventure in their Portland, Oregon backyard.

Summer 2020 Films + Recordings

Watch

Dan Diez’s passion for fishing is rooted in a story—a story about Dan and his grandfather—that involves traditions born in Cuba, the search for a new home, and a relationship with water that symbolizes a freedom often taken for granted. Film made by Simon Perkins, Orvis president and owner of Sharptail Media, and Henry Miles of Backroad Creative. Music by Sweet Lizzy Project.

Listen

Q&A recording with Just Add Water guides Faith Briggs and Adam Edwards, Dan Diez, Orvis president Simon Perkins, Orvis ambassador Alvin Dedeaux and Katie Guerin from City Kids.

Experience the Q&A Now »

Give

City Kids Wilderness Project is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that providing enriching life experiences for DC children can enhance their lives, the lives of their families and the greater community.

Support Their Work »

Watch

For Sammy and Jessica Matsaw, there is no divide between humans and the Earth. Their people, the Shoshone-Bannock, are part of the ecology of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Together, they are reintroducing indigenous youth and aim to restore equilibrium to their people and this place. Film made by Skip Armstrong.

Listen

Q&A recording with Just Add Water guides Faith Briggs and Adam Edwards, Sammy and Jessica Matsaw of River Newe and Amy Kober from American Rivers.

Experience the Q&A Now »

Give

River Newe is working to reconnect tribal youth to their ancestral homelands. Learn more and support their work.

Support Their Work »

Watch

Water Flows Together is a story about Colleen Cooley, a female Navajo river guide and her deep kinship with indigenous lands and the San Juan River, which flows along the edge of Bears Ears National Monument. Film made by Spruce Tone Films.

Listen

Q&A with Just Add Water guides Faith Briggs and Adam Edwards, Colleen Cooley and Destinee Henton from American Rivers.

Experience the Q&A Now »

Give

The Red Feather Development Group helps Hopi and Navajo families make their homes healthier and safer. They are currently working to install handwashing stations to keep Hopi and Navajo communities healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support Their Work »

Watch

Faith Briggs ran 150 miles through three U.S. National Monuments that lay in the thick of the controversy around public lands. This Land is a story about land access told through a journey of inclusion and empowerment. Film directed by Chelsea Jolly and Whit Hassett.

Listen

Q&A with Just Add Water guides Faith Briggs and Adam Edwards, Ángel Peña from Nuestra Tierra, Carolyn Finney, author of Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors, and Mike Fiebig of American Rivers.

Experience the Q&A Now »

Give

Nuestra Tierra’s mission is to ensure that Frontera (border) communities have access to the outdoors—and that our history, values and people are reflected in public lands management.

Support Their Work »

The opportunity to work with NRS, American Rivers, Orvis and Under Solen Media to share our beliefs, highlight BIPOC voices, celebrate rivers, engage with and support non-profits actively engaged in increasing diverse representation is an exciting undertaking. We believe in the power of this work. However, the #JustAddWater tour is not a response to the times.”

—Faith Briggs & Adam Edwards, your Just Add Water Guides

YOUR GUIDES

Cam McLeod

Faith E. Briggs is a documentary film producer and outdoor enthusiast with a focus on diversity and representation. Adam Edwards is an avid kayaker, former river guide and all-around outdoorsman with a penchant for snacks and compulsive reading. Together, Faith and Adam will serve as our guides with the goal to bridge the gap and start a dialogue around inclusion in the outdoors. They will invite people to try new things in a fun and safe environment while also starting conversations and listening to stories, aspirations, apprehension and remembrances around time spent in the great outdoors.

Who we are

We believe now, more than ever, that fresh air, clean water and healthful outdoor activity are key to recovering our spirit and creating a brighter future for all. We know that the best way to protect our precious public lands and waters is to connect people to positive outdoor experiences. Access to the outdoors is and will continue to be vital for all of us as we begin to heal our families, our neighbors and our country.

The Just Add Water Project is supported by:

Thank you for all that you do to break down barriers to the outdoors. Please continue to share your stories with us and invite your friends to join the conversation by tagging #JustAddWater on social media.