Championing women in the outdoors; Meet the women driving change at Red

At Red Equipment, we’re proud to have so many inspiring female colleagues leading the way in the outdoor industry. To mark International Women’s Day, we asked some of Red’s most influential team members to share insights into their work, the positive impact they’ve made, the challenges women overcome – and why life’s better by the water.

What inspired you to work in the outdoor industry, and what brought you to Red Equipment?

Lucy Pearce – Sales Manager: “Red inspired me to get into paddleboarding! In 2012 I came across Red’s video throwing a board off the warehouse roof and driving over it, and realised I could get an inflatable that performed like a solid board, so I started looking for a paddleboard lesson. There was nowhere to learn to SUP in the north-west of England so I had a lesson in Dorset – and less than a year later got qualified and started teaching on my local lake, growing a great community of like-minded paddlers. Having paddled and taught on Red Paddle Co kit I was very excited to join the team a few years later to look after retail and school trade accounts and share my love of the sport and good equipment.”

How do you see the role of women evolving in the outdoor and adventure industry?

Robyn Dawson – Communications Manager: “When I joined Red Paddle Co in 2017, the image of the SUP community was quite different from what it is today. At the time, the industry was largely dominated by experienced male paddlers and the adventures they embarked on felt out of reach for everyday paddlers like me, as well as the women I was meeting.

“Charlie [Head of Marketing] and I saw this gap and developed a shared passion and goal to increase female representation, helping to shape a more inclusive and positive Red community. Over the years, I’ve been driven to highlight the incredible women I met who were carving their path in the outdoor industry.

“Now, eight years later, it’s truly inspiring to have daily conversations with women who are achieving amazing things, both professionally and in their personal lives. The growth and progress we’ve seen is refreshing, but there’s still work to be done to elevate women’s voices and actions. I’m proud to have played a small part in this shift at Red – and by extension, the adventure industry.”

What are some of the biggest barriers women still face in the outdoors, and how can brands like Red Equipment help break them down?

Cat Heraty – Product Designer: “Safety remains a significant concern, and there’s still work to be done to empower women to push beyond our comfort zones. Outdoor spaces can often feel intimidating, because we’re told from a young age that scary things await us. But with the right education, preparation, and mindset, we can all confidently access and enjoy outdoor activities. Simple, common-sense strategies – like the principles in our PLOT messaging – are relevant across any outdoor discipline. Planning ahead, carrying safety and first aid supplies, preparing for adverse conditions, and ensuring others know your plans are all straightforward practices that enhance safety. Additionally, taking a friend, carrying a backup power supply, and other precautions can make all the difference.

“As someone with experience in multiple outdoor disciplines, my advice is to always start small and take things one step at a time – don’t aim for the biggest, most challenging adventure in the harshest conditions right away. Progress and confidence grow with each experience.”

As a B Corp, Red Equipment is committed to doing business better. How does that mission align with your role and personal values?

Katie Eaton – Product Designer: “This is huge for me. I worked closely on helping Red Equipment achieve B Corp certification, and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.

“At Red Equipment, we use the phrase ‘taking steps to be more responsible’ – because we know we’re not perfect (who is?) but we’re committed to making meaningful progress. Being a B Corp means holding ourselves accountable – not just in sustainability, but in ethical business practices, inclusivity, and community impact.

“As a designer, I have the space to push for better decisions – not just in the products we create, but in how we can add real value to our customers’ lives. How can we make life better by the water? How can we ensure our products last longer, are more sustainable, and truly enhance outdoor experiences? Those are the questions I’m always asking.”

Can you share a moment when you felt you made a real impact?

Rachel French – Social Media and Marketing Manager: “One that stands out was my work with the Wanderlust Women community. As part of Red’s commitment to inclusivity and promoting women in the outdoors, I had the opportunity to collaborate with this incredible group, focusing on creating a supportive and empowering environment for Muslim women to engage with outdoor activities. Through my involvement, I was able to help foster a space where women felt comfortable, inspired, and motivated to push their limits, through cold water swimming and paddleboarding.”

What does “Life’s Better by the Water” mean to you personally?

Catherine Morris – Commercial Director: “I’m lucky enough that it’s intrinsically part of my DNA. I’ve grown up on or around the water, and it has always brought me a sense of happiness and grounding. Whether that’s tranquillity and peace floating around on a calm morning, or being reminded of the power of nature and need to respect the sea! I feel more alive when I’m near the water, so I love this powerful message and how much it resonates with likeminded people – just as it does with me. It’s such a privilege to be able to pass this love and respect for the water on to my own children too.”

What advice would you give to women aspiring to enter the outdoor or adventure sports industry?

Jordan Curet – Marketing Manager, North America: “Go for it! Find a community, seek mentors, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The outdoor industry is evolving, and there’s room for more women to lead, create, and inspire. Build your skills, share your passion, and stay persistent – your voice and presence matter.

What’s one change you’d love to see in the outdoor world for the next generation of women and girls?

Catherine Morris – Commercial Director: “More products designed with women in mind – not a male first, then female adaptation approach. The closer you look at this, the more alarming it is how commonplace this is. I’m delighted to say that is not at all the case at Red.”

How do you personally champion diversity and inclusion in your work at Red?

Beth Sharp – Visual Merchandiser: “In my role, I try to ensure that our product displays reflect a wide range of women – regardless of their background, size, or ability level. I want my work to inspire women by showcasing that the outdoors is for everyone, and there are no boundaries when it comes to adventure. Red products can enhance and simplify outdoor journeys for women from all walks of life. It’s important to me that women see themselves represented and feel confident in their ability to explore the outdoors, no matter who they are or where they come from.”