“Oh, you’re our guide? You weren’t’ who we were expecting,” the participant said, eying me up and down as I introduced myself. It wasn’t the first time I’d received this kind of remark, and I knew it wouldn’t be the last. Whether it’s my age – 30 – or my gender – female – I often find myself in situations where I feel the need to prove my qualifications; not because of my experience, but because of who I am. It’s a moment that stings, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the gender biases still present in many male-dominated fields. I work as a kayak guide, a job that requires knowledge, skill on the water, and the willingness to put on a smile, even if you would love nothing more than to go sit at home in the A/C while ravaging a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. To get where I am, I’ve spent time honing my craft with training, certifications, and hands-on experience. Yet, in the eyes of some clients, those qualifications often seem less important than the fact that I don’t fit the image of the rugged, weathered guide they were expecting. I’m not the stereotypical outdoorsman; in those moments, my abilities are questioned before I even have a chance to prove them.
For women in male-dominated fields, this is an all too common experience. It’s not just about the work itself — it becomes about managing expectations and constantly proving that we belong in our jobs. We are judged based on our appearance, our age, or our gender. In many cases, we feel the constant need to justify ourselves in a way that others don’t. But, I’ve come to realize that this pressure doesn’t define me. It motivates me. The challenges I face are part of the larger journey of carving out space in a world that doesn’t expect women to occupy it. So, I’m not just showing up as a guide, I’m showing up as a woman who has the power to change the stereotype. As much as my gender and age can be seen as barriers, they also allow me to bring a fresh perspective to my work, which is appreciated by coworkers and participants alike. I approach guiding with a different style and a heightened awareness. I focus on connection, communication, and make sure each experience is tailored to make it as enjoyable as it is educational. Being a woman in this field gives me an opportunity to offer something that others might not. According to the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, more than 164 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2023, and outdoor activities like kayaking are seeing steady growth. This reflects a broader trend of increased interest in outdoor activities, especially among younger generations and diverse groups. Women, in particular, are driving much of this change. The report notes that 43% of all outdoor participants were women, a significant rise over the past decade. As more women engage in outdoor recreation, there’s a growing sense of empowerment, driving many to seek out leadership roles. While there is still an air of elitism in what it means to be an outdoorsperson, the industry is changing, thanks to people who fight against the mold.
In Rhode Island, there are numerous opportunities for women to gain the experience needed to become skilled guides. Several local outfitters and organizations offer the chance to learn the ropes, build your skills, and make connections with others in the field. For instance, L.L.Bean in East Greenwich (LLBeanOutdoors.com) offers guided, all-inclusive skills classes and tours for kayaking, paddleboarding, fly fishing, and map & compass navigation. The Kayak Centre in Wickford (KayakCentre.com) provides rentals and guided tours. If you’re looking to dive deeper into kayaking, the Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association (ricka.org) offers skills practice and meetups. Narrow River Kayaks in Narragansett narrowriverkayaks.com) and Providence Kayak in Providence and Lincoln Woods (providencekayak.com) offer rentals. With the summer season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start applying for jobs, taking classes, and preparing for the paddling ahead.
As a woman in this male-dominated field, I’m not barely surfacing – I’m flourishing. There’s an undeniable power in embracing your identity and showing up in spaces that weren’t designed for you. For every doubt I’ve faced, there have been moments of success and growth that have fueled my passion even further. The more we step into these spaces, the more we show others what is possible. So if you’re on the fence, know this – the water is open and we want to welcome you. Grab your paddle, embrace your skills, and get ready to carve out your place. You don’t have to fit into a stereotype to make waves. •
Photo: Emily Boardman
