As part of Outdoor Project's Women In the Wild series this summer, I have had the honor of working with outdoor women from all over the industry to dig a bit deeper into who they are, how they got to where they are now, how they approach the outdoors, and more. These women are all rad in their own right, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, or how "badass" they might be. Whether they're mothers, daughters, sisters, professional athletes, beginners, weekend warriors, "instafamous," or anywhere in-between, their unique stories, journeys, opinions, and perspectives are incredibly valuable and insightful as Outdoor Project - and the industry as a whole - progresses and evolves to become more inclusive to every type of outdoors person.
Through in-depth and often thought-provoking interviews, I hope to highlight these women's stories, their work, their adventures, and so much more with an eye toward giving them their well-deserved share of the spotlight while inspiring and empowering even more women to get outside!
I have to admit that, even as someone who's only surfed once in her life, I definitely got a bit star-struck when talking to this Woman In The Wild. She may be best known as a champion longboarder and professional surfer, but these accomplishments only scratch the surface of what she has done so far in her life. Get the full scoop below.
Mary Osborne: At this point in my life, I am a former professional surfer who loves the outdoors, loves life, owns a few small businesses, and continually loves to explore new opportunities and cultures around the globe
Mary Osborne: I grew up on the beach, and my family had a beach house in Ventura. I knew I loved the outdoors as a kid running wild on the beach and enjoying Mother Nature.
Mary Osborne: When I think of women in the outdoors, I think of the words leadership, strong, sexy and unique.
Mary Osborne: Because of my passion with the outdoors, I was able to travel the world and learn what this beautiful globe has to offer. I used surfing as a way to travel, explore other cultures, and learn about different societies. Now I own and operate a surfcamp in Ventura and host various travel trips around the globe. I giveback through teaching my passion to others and showing them places off the grid that they would never get to see when traveling alone.
Mary Osborne: We use mother nature for our pleasure and businesses. It only makes sense for us to giveback daily and protect what we love for our future generations. It is our duty as outdoor enthusiasts to be role models and continue to be a voice for protecting what we love.
Mary Osborne: Culture inspires me. I love meeting people from around the world and asking them lots of questions about their life. Everyone I meet educates me in some way, shape, or form. I always talk to those people who live a different lifestyle than I do because I feel like I will learn from them. I also am inspired by people who can figure out a way to make their passion their living. It’s not a easy thing to do, so I am always impressed when they figure it out.
Mary Osborne: Adventure means traveling to a new location, or a place I have visited before that I love. It means finding unchartered territories, getting dirty, laughing, discovering, fulfilling my soul. Adventure is what I strive for… to push yourself to new limits and discover with this earth has to offer.
Mary Osborne: I love the word badass…hahahah. It just sums up everything- cool, unique, strong, sexy…you're badass!
Mary Osborne: It is tough at times, and a tricky thing to do. You will fail, you will win, you will be broke, then you will have money…whatever it may be, always go back to why you are doing what you are doing. So many times I have wanted to give up and get a corporate job, but I knew deep down that wouldn’t fulfill my soul. When I am getting frustrated, I go outside..take deep breathes… and remind myself of why I am doing what I am doing. Follow your passion and what you are good at. If you do, the money will come, happiness will prosper, and your life will be full of great things always.
Mary Osborne: We are at a very interesting time in the world with females taking action, being outspoken, and finally being heard. I think being a female is a very special thing. I was raised with all boys, grew up a tomboy, but I think I am a very feminine female (I love heels and dressing up). In society, I think we need more positive female role models in the world. It’s our time to shine in the world.
Mary Osborne: Live, love, be inspired.
Mary Osborne: I hate to admit it, but my iPhone. I can work from anywhere with it and run my businesses.
Mary Osborne: Trust that it is all going to work. Be creative… ask for help!
Mary Osborne: I use social media as a platform to showcase my businesses, my passion, and spread important issues. I also use it to educate myself on social issues and trends. I don’t live by social media, and I think no one should. It can easily consume your day-to-day life. However, if we can use it as a tool and look at it that way, it's not a bad thing.
Mary Osborne: At this point in my life, I am trying to grow my camps, retreats and teen programs. I am always looking for ways to be more creative and unique. I started my Surfari programs for young teen girls because I realized there was nothing like it. I had the idea to create a week long program to get girls outside, off their phones, to educate, inspire, and motivate them to be healthy. I wanted to create a week that is full of everything from outdoor activities to visiting local businesses and learning from other female role models. The Surfari was a hit and is still growing every year. This year, I put on four overnight Surfari camps. They are always in different locations with new itineraries and various key influential female speakers. My goal next year is to get sponsors so I can take them from state to state. I think we are at a very unique time where young girls need this type of program and can really learn from them.
Mary Osborne: As we approach summer, I always stay home in Ventura and run my camps. After camp season, I got to surf a tidal bore in China which is always a crazy unique experiences. From there on out I have no clue. My goal is to slowly build my businesses so they can go global.
Mary Osborne: I am learning to fly, and it's scary.
Mary Osborne: Stay motivated. Follow your passions…be creative…and don’t take no for a answer.
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