WELCOME TO OUTDOOR WOMEN BY JO PROIA

BASED IN SUMMERFIELD, NC AND BEYOND...OUR MISSION IS TO EDUCATE, EMPOWER AND EXCITE WOMEN ABOUT THE OUTDOORS WHETHER KAYAKING, STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING, HIKING, CAMPING, RIDING, SHOOTING AND SO MUCH MORE

 Please click on the calendar in top right corner of our website to see what's currently on the schedule, or you can visit our Facebook page where all our events are also listed under "events" or email me for your private or semi-private lesson. If you'd like to be on my monthly newsletter list and hear about new offerings first, please email me and I'll add you. 

Email: jo@outdoorwomenbyjp.com

Our goals include fulfilling our mission via kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), hiking, kayak camping, SUP camping, backpacking, handling horses, horseback riding, horse camping, target shooting, rock climbing, outdoor yoga, flora and fauna ID, geological and archaeological learning, basic survival skills, animal tracks ID, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, meditative silence while adventuring in nature, and so much more. Doing this with courage, knowledge and joy. Our goals include igniting (or re-igniting if lost) women’s passion for the outdoors in an unplugged manner so she can experience the incredible rejuvenation in full that nature offers and to encourage women to interact with the outdoors on a regular basis for their mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. 

Wondering if we can accommodate your idea or outdoor dream? Just ask. Want to paddle, camp, backpack, kayak camp or hike somewhere but not sure you can handle it on your own? Jo is an ACA Certified L2 Touring and L2 River Kayak and L2 SUP Instructor since 2011; guiding, teaching and she loves to travel. She is a certified Day Trip Leader, L1 Yoga Instructor and is certified in Wilderness First Aid. She completed the Cornell University Nature Education Course in 2019, and was the founder of a wildly successful all women’s kayaking/sup/camping group in 2011 before starting her own business, Outdoor Women by Jo Proia in the spring of 2020. So “just say a hearty yes to your adventure” and come spend some time in the woods or on the water with us. Your joy in the outdoors awaits you. 

“The big question is whether you’re going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure!” Joseph Campbell

"It took me almost 2 years to take Jo's beginner kayaking class. I'm so glad I did. Jo was great! She was patient and encouraging. I learned so much! I learned not only techniques of paddling and maneuvering the kayak but a lot about safety and water etiquette. Jo teaches the importance of preparedness and respecting the environment. Can't wail 'till the next class. Suzy

"My self-esteem is somewhere it's never been before." Susan

"I was terrified of a kayak, took your classes then went kayaking in Alaska! Thank you! Lisa

"What an absolutely amazing trip! The pace allowed us to breathe in the beautiful natural surroundings. The attention to detail letting us know what to expect and what to pack made this kayak camping experience very successful. Just enough of everything to say "I did it!" Encouragement, laughter, sharing tent pegs and stories, so very grateful." 

"Your job, your invitation from the universe, is to give people back to themselves." Linda

"I cannot tell you how much your classes have given me the confidence to totally enjoy kayaking. It's really been a life changing experience and I look forward to every weekend!" S.L.