Get in the Driver’s seat

I’ve always loved going fast and challenging myself. I had a Ski-Doo 440 when I was a kid, and it was thrilling. My older brother has always been a great example for me, encouraging me to try things that seem scary. There is more recognition for women now. We can achieve a high level of skill and athleticism. The sky’s the limit. I think we can strive to get more women involved by providing the education and opportunity to make it easier to begin. Events, classes, group rides, gathering women together to learn from and get inspired by others, has been the most successful thing I’ve seen. I once overheard a stranger complaining in the parking lot that a girl was going. I was too nervous to say anything, but my friends stood up for me and of course I rode even harder than usual. I felt I needed to prove myself. I outrode that same guy all day. If I can show another woman that her goals are possible and worthwhile, help her build confidence, be happier, do hard things and succeed, it will all be worth it. I remind myself that I’m doing it for the pure joy of riding, and that’s personal. It’s about the freedom and happiness it brings me and being better than I was the day before.

My grandfather introduced me to boating when I was very young. He had a home in Sanibel Island and his boat was docked behind his house. My cousins and I would bait fishing rods with hot dogs and catch catfish off the back. Just before he passed away, he was left with no voice but held up a photo of me after catching a large snook and gave me a thumb's up. I remember very early on that I would wear boys' boardshorts because there wasn't much apparel for women who enjoyed watersports. I think that was certainly reflective of the culture back then and now as an adult and mother of five daughters, I love to see female captains and women anglers. To make women feel more comfortable boating, INCLUDE THEM IN THE CONVERSATION! Include them in the advertising, include them in educational classes and include them in the conversations in marinas and boat shows. All too often, when standing right next to my husband, people speak directly to him about anything boat related when I am the one with more knowledge and a boating license. Being in this industry as a woman means that my five daughters can captain their own ship. It means my two sons are being raised to understand that their future wives and daughters are equally capable. I try to give myself grace on hard days, see the positive in most situations...and I fly a pink pirate flag off our boat!

My love for fishing has its roots in my childhood. At the age of 8, my eldest brother took me to the dock and introduced me to the art of angling. With the sun shining down on us and the gentle waves lapping at our feet, we cast our lines and waited with baited breath for a bite. And, it was then that I caught my first walleye - an experience that was both thrilling and humbling. It was that moment that sealed my fate and sparked a lifelong passion for fishing, family and the great outdoors. From that day forward, I was hooked. Stepping onto my boat is like entering into my own personal domain, where I can find solace and focus my thoughts. The tranquility of nature envelops me, as the sounds of the surrounding environment simplify the complexities of the world. It is a place where I can fully connect with myself and the world around me. Off the boat - As a social connector, angler , traveler and writer for various magazines and media outlets, I have a deep connection with outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The joy and energy I receive from connecting with them through my work is immeasurable. I am especially gratified when I receive messages from those I have inspired, whether it be to take up fly fishing, explore new waters, or share their love of the outdoors with their family. It is truly a privilege to play a small role in their outdoor adventures.

My journey into power sports started when I got my first motorcycle when I was 8 years old. I started racing motocross, went through the ranks and ended up being one of the first factory females ever in America. I had an awesome career path on two wheels. But now I’m on four wheels and I am climbing the ranks all over again. The industry has changed tremendously for women in motorsports. Not only are there a lot more of them, but they aren’t afraid to get in there with the men. We have female ride groups, we have girls out there winning races, we have girls out there doing everything possible in motorsports, from mechanics to engineers, and it's just incredible. I think getting women into powersports is about education. There’s a place for anyone and everyone, female or male. Just immerse yourself in it, go make friends and learn everything you possibly can. The off-road community is so incredible and so small that you guys will be family after a while. When you're humble and you put in the work, people see that, and the results do the talking. It's no longer ‘Oh, there's a girl’. It's ‘Hey there, Sara.’ When the helmet goes on, you're just a racer, right? Trust your gut. Do what you think is right and have fun.

I love learning new things, exploring and adrenaline. So, what better sport for me than PWC riding? I was determined to learn as much as I could about these powersports machines and be as independent as possible when I ride. By educating myself and putting the time in, I have been able to gain confidence and go places I never would have imagined. Every year I see more women riding and I love it. But many women I have encountered feel intimidated by handling their own powersports machine. I did a lot of research online and watched how-to videos to help prepare myself, but noticed none of the people I was getting info from were women. I knew that had to change. I try to put out video content showing how easy it is to handle a PWC or boat so they see it can be done. There have been plenty of situations where I feel singled out as a woman, but I immediately shut them down once they see I handle a PWC better than most men. It means a lot to me to be a woman in this sport. It feels great to have other women tell me that they bought their PWC because they watch my videos. That’s why I make the content I do, to inspire other women and help give them confidence.

Sleds have always been a part of my family. We spent a lot of time in our cabin so we used snowmobiles to go ice fishing or just explore. For me it was natural to get my own sled when I turned 16. I’m also a person who wants to try everything so when people around me did wheelies, jumped or made donuts I did too! I don’t really know why it’s still an issue to get women into powersports, to be honest. There are a lot of camps to join nowadays where you can meet other riders. And social media - which has opened a lot of doors. Reach out! It might be a confidence-thing for some, but the only way to learn is by doing. So long as you are trying, no one will judge, we are all beginners when we start something new. So just get out there, you will be happy you did. Welcome anyone who gets into this amazing world of sledding. Discrimination is never okay. Whenever I feel singled out for being a girl in situations in life, I only get more determined to prove them wrong. I will never forget the first time a girl told me she was riding because of me, that I had inspired her to start. Things like that make me extremely happy and motivated. Girls are rocking in every segment now! And a lot of girls are really pushing it - which I love.

I’ve always looked to the mountains for inspiration. They are a huge white canvas just waiting to be explored. I wanted the freedom to get to untouched areas to sled and ski. Once I became efficient at snowmobiling, I was able to get to some of the most incredible remote terrain imaginable. I’ve seen a huge shift in women getting into snowmobiling. When I first started out, I was lucky to see one other girl at the trailhead and even that was rare. Now almost every woman I know in my mountain town rides. The learning process of snowmobiling is intimidating. They are big, powerful machines. It’s a good idea for beginners to take a clinic or find a mentor to help you get started. With the right tips and technique, it’s really all about getting out there and riding as much as possible. Ride, ride, ride. If you see someone who’s learning and they get stuck, go over and lend them a hand. Encourage them and remind them that getting stuck is part of the fun. It takes two minutes out of your day and is a guaranteed day-maker for them.