Dispatch from Beyond Tam Junction w/Nicki Clark Founder Marin Outdoor Adventures
She walked on stage to tell her story. The heat of the lighting could be felt as 2000 people trained their gaze on her. AirBnb was launching their global experiences platform and Marin Outdoor Adventures, led by Nicki Clark, was the first chosen, and about to tell her story. Airbnb Experiences was an amazing opportunity for her, but Clark was already a success.
Who is Nicki Clark? She is a successful mother, surfer, and founder of Marin Outdoor Adventures. From the beginning, she had a propensity for adventure and exploration. Growing up in Marin County, the adventures weren’t far away whether it was surfing or mountain biking, she was there. From the time she left Marin for college, she could not ignore that feeling, the need to explore.
Her globe trotting activities included surfing in Australia and snowboarding in Alaska. Professionally she was a glacier guide for a helicopter company and also a rafting guide. Throughout her adventurous exploration of the human spirit, it was always the guiding and the teaching that brought her the most joy. This foundation allowed her to pursue the parts of her persona that could not be ignored. This in essence is the beating heart of Marin Outdoor Adventures.
But, what you see today is not always a perfect path to bliss. She was very candid about the struggles between motherhood and career. As a parent myself I understand the tradeoffs, but motherhood carries with it an increased intensity between what society expects and the ability to choose your own journey. But, as they say, follow your truth!
Clark was open with me about this challenge. But, like the surfing her company teaches to hundreds of clients, overcoming these expectations and obstacles becomes a way of life. Some days you take off on the face of a wave and some days the wave swallows you whole for a few seconds of “hold down”.
To that notion, Clark, who studies the teachings of Buddhism and mindfulness, brings a sense of calm into her teaching and guiding. She knows all too well that bringing clients into new experiences may put them in a state of vulnerability. Standing up on a surfboard could be the goal, but learning about how to handle oneself in an otherwise chaotic environment is just as important. Don’t worry, you’ll still be stoked by everything they offer.
Marin Outdoor Adventures offers surfing, mountain biking, hiking, and mindfulness opportunities. Their surfing program provides private lessons, group lessons, women’s surf clinics and as part of a brand new program mother daughter workshops. Clark and her team bring a combined expert knowledge and capability that is unrivaled. Their local knowledge of the surrounding mountains and beaches beyond Tam Junction will deliver nothing short of an adventure filled day.
2020 was a challenging year for people and especially business. But, it’s during this time that Marin Outdoor Adventures showed its resilience. This in a time when human connection was almost inconceivable, Marin Outdoor Adventures provided the Bay Area just what it needed. Those who ventured into Marin and found Clark’s team were met with incredible experiences in the awe inspiring landscape of Marin.
Many years ago, Nicki recalled a fascinating story about her sister finding a letter she had never read from her father. The letter said, “someday you will run your own business doing what you love”. While she never read that letter, her father knew what Nicki’s future would be and as the universe conspired, the success story of Marin Outdoor Adventures came to fruition. One stoked day at a time.
Marin Outdoor Adventures
3605 CA-1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Marin Outdoor Adventure Mission:
Through the activities we offer, our mission is to bring people joy through connectivity with nature. We believe that having appreciation for the outdoors yields a fruitful and healthy life not only for each person but also for the planet. Approaching natural spaces with awareness allows activities like hiking, surfing, and mountain biking to be therapeutic, empowering, and sacred experiences. We hope to share with people of all generations how the natural world is something to be cherished and kept safe.
We are proud of the work we do here and are grateful to our customers who impress us every day with their enthusiasm to learn and engage. We hope to have a positive impact on people's lives by bringing the joy and awe of Mother Nature to those who seek it.