This International Women’s Day, I asked chat GPT what barriers women face that prevent them from having outdoor adventures, and even I was shocked….

Mar 8

Breaking Barriers: Why Women Face Challenges in Outdoor Adventure (And How to Overcome Them)

Outdoor adventure has long been seen as a male-dominated space, but more and more women are stepping outside and claiming their place in nature. However, the journey to feeling comfortable and confident in the outdoors isn’t always easy. Women face unique challenges when it comes to outdoor recreation — from safety concerns to social pressure — that can make stepping into the wild feel intimidating. At Enliven Outdoor Adventures, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the freedom, connection, and empowerment that comes from outdoor adventure. Here’s a closer look at the barriers that women face in outdoor adventure — and how we can start to break them down.

1. Lack of Confidence

Many women feel like they’re “not fit enough” or “not skilled enough” to try outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, or kayaking. This lack of confidence often stems from a lack of experience and exposure. Women may hesitate to join group activities or try new adventures for fear of looking inexperienced.

How to Overcome It: Building confidence starts with supportive, beginner-friendly environments. At Enliven, we create small-group experiences where everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and feel supported, no matter their skill level.

2. Safety Concerns

For many women, safety is a significant barrier to exploring the outdoors. Worries about being alone, getting lost, or encountering unsafe situations can prevent women from taking part in outdoor adventures.

How to Overcome It: Providing guided experiences led by trusted female instructors helps create a safer and more comfortable environment. Knowing that someone experienced is there to provide guidance and support can make all the difference.

3. Gear and Knowledge Gaps

Not knowing what equipment to use, how to pack for a trip, or how to read a trail map can discourage women from even starting their outdoor journey.

How to Overcome It: Offering gear rentals and clear instruction removes some of the logistical barriers. Our tours include all the necessary equipment and guidance so participants can focus on the experience, not the details.

4. Lack of Female Role Models

When you don’t see women leading outdoor adventures or participating confidently in outdoor activities, it’s harder to envision yourself doing it.

How to Overcome It: Representation matters. Having female guides and leaders in the outdoor industry helps shift the narrative and shows women that they belong in these spaces.

5. Time and Responsibilities

Balancing work, family, and personal time can make it hard for women to prioritise adventure. It’s easy to feel guilty about taking time away from family or work.

How to Overcome It: Offering shorter experiences and weekend getaways makes adventure more accessible. At Enliven, we design tours that fit into busy schedules, allowing women to recharge without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Fear of Judgement

Women often worry about looking inexperienced or not being able to “keep up” with others in a group setting.

How to Overcome It: Creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment helps participants feel comfortable asking questions and learning at their own pace.

7. Cost Barriers

Outdoor adventure can feel financially out of reach when factoring in gear, transport, and guided experiences.

How to Overcome It: Providing affordable options and family discounts makes adventure more accessible. Enliven also offers free experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants as a way to give back.

8. Limited Access to Outdoor Spaces

Not everyone has access to safe, well-maintained outdoor areas or the transport needed to reach them.

How to Overcome It: Offering transport options and partnering with local venues helps bridge the gap and make outdoor experiences more accessible.

9. Social Pressure and Expectations

There’s often an unspoken belief that adventure is for the young, the fit, or the fearless. Women may feel that taking time for themselves is selfish.

How to Overcome It: Encouraging women to see outdoor adventure as an act of self-care and strength shifts the narrative from selfishness to empowerment.

10. Lack of Inclusive Spaces

Traditional outdoor groups or tours can feel competitive or intimidating, discouraging women from participating.

How to Overcome It: Creating female-focused, beginner-friendly spaces ensures that women feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

Breaking Down Barriers Together

Empowering women in the outdoors starts with creating spaces where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to challenge themselves. At Enliven Outdoor Adventures, we’re committed to breaking down these barriers and making outdoor adventure more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re trying stand-up paddleboarding for the first time, joining a women’s surf camp, or exploring the Coorong by kayak, we’re here to help you discover your strength, confidence, and connection to the outdoors.