Welcome to our latest blog series, where we are thrilled to introduce our newest brand ambassadors! These passionate adventurers share an unbreakable bond with nature, each bringing their unique stories and experiences to the table. We got to hear about their journeys—from the first moments they caught the adventure bug to the mentors and friends who helped them along the way.
In this Q&A, you’ll learn about their favorite outdoor spots, memorable mishaps, and proudest achievements. So, kick back and join us as we dive into the lives of these inspiring outdoor enthusiasts and discover what makes their connection to nature so special.
Meet one of our newest brand ambassadors, Rebecca Watson.
Q: What is your primary passion (activity, pursuit, adventure)? Please describe how it fits into your life?
My primary passion is the pursuit of wellness by means of embodied movement and conscious stillness. I teach and practice yoga and meditation; and I enjoy getting out into nature by way of hiking, camping, and enjoying communing with the land.
Q: What are your secondary activities/passions?
My secondary activities & passions include educating and advocating for youth (of color) to have access to nature, and the education to be safe and well while outdoors. I do this with OBA (Outward Bound Adventures), and the work as a Field Instructor includes day hikes, intro to camping, and eventually backpacking.
Q: In relation to that primary passion, can you tell us when you first got the itch? Did you have a mentor, family member, friend or guide who helped get you into it?
I have always been drawn to movement, growing up and athletic yet awkward child; and my appreciation for the outdoors was cultivated by my mother who was my Girl Scout troop leader. She was one of few Black women leading in our area at the time, and this imprint let me know that I could go and do whatever it was I wanted, even if I didn’t feel too seen.
Q: In what ways do you find and inspire joy on your adventures or in your active lifestyle? How do you break away from pre-packaged outdoor experiences and imprint your own style on your adventures?
I find joy on my adventures, by keeping an open mind and doing my best to enjoy the moment. I seek out like-minded community, and that enhances our mutual enjoyment because we can be ourselves without judgments or explanations.
Q: Have you had any noteworthy active/adventure mishaps, successes, or a-ha moments?
Mishaps — a particularly unfortunate bout with poison ivy. A ha moments, acknowledging less is more after carrying too much gear on my first backpacking trip.
Q: Where is your favorite place to spend a day in the outdoors?
I struggle with absolutes, so I’ll say it’s a calm place with trees and water. A most recent favorite has been some quiet corners in the Los Padres National Forest.
Q: Who inspires you, both personally and in the world of adventure and/or travel?
Folks who show up as themselves, for their communities. Personally, I’ll share one of my yoga elders, Krishna Kaur Khalsa. She is one of the first western Black women in the Sikh faith and Kundalini Yoga tradition. She still shows up with fierce grace for her students and the practice. In adventure, I’m inspired by any creators with marginal identities who are taking up space in the outdoor industry.
Q: What is your greatest adventure/active lifestyle triumph?
Thus far, my greatest active lifestyle triumph has been graduating DOLI — Diverse Outdoor Leaders Institute led by Outward Bound Adventures (OBA). I spent over 3 months learning nature skills with other folks of color, becoming adept at organizing and safely leading trips for underserved youth throughout LA county. It was hard work, and it’s been incredibly rewarding seeing young people accomplish tasks they thought were impossible for them!
Q: What is your next trip active lifestyle goal or skill you’d like to learn?
I’ve dabbled with indoor climbing in the past year or so, and I’d love to start exploring climbing outdoors. My next non local trip is to Utah, and I’m excited to explore the unique beauty there.
Q: Where do you really want to go and why?
I would love to visit more National Parks, and to learn about the original nations stewarding that land.
Q: What are your current favorite outdoor clothes that aid you in outdoor adventure or active lifestyle pursuits? How do you plan to enhance your activities with Outdoor Afro Inc. gear?
My favorites are anything that enhances my performance needs at that time. As a yoga teacher, I end up wearing a lot of yoga clothes or athleisure for my outdoor activities. OA gear will help me enhance my activities with its thoughtful and functional designs.
Q: What is your favorite Outdoor Afro Inc. product, and why? Or a product you’re most excited to try out?
It’s a close close race between the trail pants and fleece pullover; but I gotta go with the pants! I’m excited to try the silky pillow, since I usually only use rolled up clothes for pillow purposes.
Q: How do you like to connect with your community and the people within it?
I love to connect by sharing experiences I love with like-minded folks. This can be in the yoga studio, up a mountain, or out on any trail. I like to share myself as a possibility model; and I love to learn from those already practicing things I aspire to try.
______________________________________
Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about our brand ambassador, Rebecca Watson. Now we want to hear from you! What else do you want to hear from us? Let us know on social media: @outdoorafroinc.
Make sure to sign up for our email newsletter so you never miss an update from Outdoor Afro, Inc. or our Ambassadors who are crisscrossing the world and putting our gear through its paces. Do you think you’d make a good addition to our crew of ambassadors? Check out the team and apply here.
Want to learn more about our REI x Outdoor Afro Inc. collection? Check out the collection here.
