Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Osborne.
Mary, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started surfing at the age of 15 due to my three older brothers and living on the beach in Ventura, CA. I immediately fell in love with surfing after I caught my very first wave. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a professional surfer and that it was going to be in my life forever. I practiced a lot and eventually started competing up and down the California Coast. I slowly captured great sponsors such as Patagonia and Maui Jim that supported me throughout my travels. I was winning every contest I was in and before I knew it was on the cover of various surf magazines. I started writing for various travel publications and hosting surf trips around the globe. I eventually started Mary Osborne Surf Camps and Escapes as a way to share my passion with surfing with others.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was never a smooth road. I had to try very hard to obtain sponsors, get paid and prove my worth being a female in (at the time) a male-dominated sport. One month would be a good month financially and the next your sponsor would change a person in marketing and you would have no income. It definitely wasn’t a steady road financially but I managed to put a lot of incomes together, not spend alot and follow my dream.
You had to get used to rejection. In my 20’s I was doing alot of modeling, writing and acting. I would get rejected for various tv shows and my articles wouldnt run in magazines. I think it was the rejection that actually kept me motivated to succeed. If one door closed I would find another avenue to take and make work.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I started Mary Osborne Surf Camp and Escapes about 15 years ago. The camps first started off small as a way to teach others to surf and a small side income I could use to travel. Eventually, my camps grew to 10 weeks of summer programs. I now host various summer programs, overnight surf camps for young teens, international surf giveback trips for teens and adult surf getaways. I actually wear a lot of hats simultaneously. I specialize in kid surf programs, working with female teens and creating incredible unique travel trips around the globe.
I have worked very hard the last five years to get grow my business. It was a slow process building camps and filling them. Creating trips and booking them. However, I can confidently say I am finally where I want to be. My unique background as a successful pro surfer gives me the credibility in my business that sets me apart from others. My unique and patient approach to teaching others how to surf is different than the majority of teachers. I take the time to ensure your equipment is correct, conditions are favorable and your fears are carefully taken into consideration.
My teen overnight “Surfari” camps are unique and there are no other ones in the United States built like them. I am so proud of the teen Surfari Camps. This was a vision I had to create female based teen camps that incorporate not only surfing but a week-long program of athletics, adventures, special female motivational speakers and local business visits. I wanted to create a fun week with a spice of everything a teen would love. These Surfaris are a place of fun but also a week to grow self-confidence and reflect. This vision I had to create these camps has grown into three weeks of summer programs. I have teens fly in from Canada, Japan, East Coast, and West Coast. It’s incredible to see the growth of an idea I once had.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The surfing industry is a unique industry. I don’t think it at its finest at the moment in terms of sales for surf companies. However, in terms of travel and experiential marketing, surfing is growing tremendously. I get people from all over the world coming to surf with me or traveling to my surf escapes to experience surfing.
The new wave pools that are popping up around the globe also allow for more people to try surfing. They have allowed for an entirely new audience to see what surfing is all about even if you’re not living on the ocean. It’s an exciting time for surfing with these pools.
As long as there are waves in the ocean, surfing will be around forever.
Pricing:
- 1.5 hour learn to surf session $200 includes wetsuit and equipment
- Travel with Mary to various locations fees start at $500-1500 per day
- Daily kids surf camps $60 per day
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maryosbornesurf.com
- Phone: 805-794-1481
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: maryosborne
- Facebook: maryosborne
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