International Women's Day Spotlight: Lucy Pearce

As part of International Women's Day, we have met with some of the fantastic Women here at Red Equipment who are helping drive change. In this blog, we speak with our Sales Manager, Lucy Pearce.

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

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?

There is still a way to go, but both female participants and instructors are growing in number – and are seen more. Being a female instructor, I do find women can feel more comfortable and have their fears or concerns more understood. There are many barriers that can hold women back from getting involved, including finding and making time alongside work and family commitments, plus self-belief is a big factor. Doing activities outdoors does wonders for confidence though – and well-being – especially stand-up paddleboarding, which gives an innate sense of achievement.

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

Women can find it more difficult to have a voice, or be heard. I think women often have a tendency to underestimate themselves too, which can result in not putting ourselves forward or believing we can achieve a goal we aspire to. By providing really well conceived and designed kit, Red helps to inspire confidence in our activities – we know our equipment is good so we believe we can achieve more. The brand also champions and shares content from people of all genders and walks of life taking part in activities, challenges and events – which is inspiring and certainly helps me to believe that “if others can do that, maybe I can do more than I think!”

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

From within the business, I know that we’ve been working to be more responsible and sustainable for many years – but being B Corp accredited makes it much easier to share that message. Our policies and philosophies, like products designed for disassembly, stand us apart from most other brands. Meanwhile the durability of our kit has a big impact on our public impression and customer experience. When selling our kit I have no hesitation in personally recommending it – I use most of it myself so can confirm from experience how well it will perform and last.

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

Over the years I have had many conversations at shows and events with women (and men!) who have an interest in paddleboarding but haven’t yet tried it. Sharing my own experience – from nervous but enthusiastic beginner to growing my confidence and skills – has helped inspire them, and I often find them a local paddleboard school or centre where they can learn in a safe environment. Teaching paddleboarding for over 10 years I’ve met women of all ages and various life circumstances for whom getting onto the water – and standing up and gliding across it – is a very powerful experience that has an impact way beyond those couple of hours.

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

Well – it is, isn’t it! Whether on or in the water, or spending time near it – or enjoying the big sky found by the sea, or wildlife on inland waterways – we’re drawn to the water for well-being and peace of mind. Having great gear to use allows us to do more. I don’t think I would ever have dipped in cold water without an EVO robe to get warm in afterwards!

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

If you have a passion for it, it will show. And your experience and skills count. You don’t need to have the biggest adventures or aspirations, but you can make a difference by helping and inspiring others to get outdoors.

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

A wider range of clothing and wetsuits made for women of all sizes to get on the water in. This is definitely improving, but I still see women searching and struggling to find well-fitting technical gear – wetsuits and buoyancy aids for example. There are many more range options for men to choose from. As female participation grows I hope wetsuit brands will do their bit to make it easier for women to be suitably dressed for all-year round water time. 

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

Working with retailers and schools I encourage regular social paddle sessions where possible, as many people feel more comfortable taking to the water with others. Making sure all retail staff at our stockists can advise customers on suitable boards and paddles helps to ensure people are properly equipped for safety and success, no matter what their requirements.