Raised at Solimar Beach in Ventura, Calif., Mary Osborne started surfing at 14 to compete with her older brothers on the waves rather than take up ballet. Her early inclination was right on and today she is a champion surfer, as well as a model, television personality, owner of Mary Osborne Surf Retreats (805.766.0616) and lifelong fan of California.
"I have traveled all over the world and something always brings me back to California," she says. "I think we have such a unique blend of people, culture, mountains and an absolutely beautiful coastline. As a native Californian, I feel lucky to live here."
For surfing, California’s coast features some of the best point breaks in the world, and almost every beach town has access to great waves.
"Even though surfing is becoming quite popular here in California, there are still those days you can surf with no one but yourself and Mother Nature," she says.
Osborne insists it’s a great idea for planners to look into group surf lessons when convening in California.
"At first, learning to surf can be very challenging and intimidating, but having a group of co-workers learn together is a great way to break the ice, watch each other succeed and overcome fears together," she says. "Surfing is a very individual sport, but when you’re out in the water with friends it’s a lot more exciting and motivating. You are yelling, laughing and cheering for each other. It is such a blast!"
Plus, surfing really is for all ages, so groups with a few older folks in the mix shouldn’t shrug off the idea. Osborne says even if attendees are just out there sitting on their boards, they are still getting the experience of being one with nature.
"It’s never too late to try surfing," she says. "It’s never easy starting a new sport or trying out surfing for the first time, but the minute you catch your first wave—even if you ride it on your belly—the feeling is unexplainable."
