Get in the Driver’s seat

At BRP, we believe that every woman has a place in the driver’s seat.

The powersports and marine community is made stronger when more are included. A sense of freedom and empowerment, both on and off the playground, is a right that should be available to all.

 

On this International Women’s Day and every day after, BRP celebrates the growing number of women who are fearlessly and joyfully taking their place in the driver’s seat in powersports and marine. Our Get in the Driver’s Seat initiative features the stories of our incredible community of trailblazers who ride for the freedom, the fun or to simply get exactly where they want to go.

If you too want to get in the driver’s seat or just want to throw your support behind women riders, sign the commitment and for every name gathered, we will commit a dollar to incredible organizations around the Globe dedicated to the advancement of womenCanadian Women’s FoundationSheJumpsJuárez - Mujeres Resilientes A.C.Alliance for Gender Equality in EuropeDress for Success Sydney


*Up to $50,000 CAD in donations will be distributed among these organizations, in the main regions in which we operate.

We also want to hear from you. Share your stories, best memories and what inspires you to get in the driver’s seat, and we may feature you in our community throughout the year.

Get to know some of our ambassadors

Sherry Holmes

Can-Am On-Road Ambassador

Growing up, we never owned any kind of recreational vehicles, so I didn’t have much experience in the powersport world. But I have always been very open to trying new things that scare me. I ended up getting my motorcycle license as a little something “for me”. I was nervous but realized how invigorating and exciting it is to be on a Ryker out in the open air; and I felt so safe on three wheels. I’ve never felt so empowered and free. I have only been riding for a year. I feel so accepted and badass when I’m out riding and see other women out there too. I work in a male dominated industry. I really do understand the importance of having more women dive into typically male dominated industries. It’s important to remember that no matter our gender, we can do whatever we WANT to do. There is power in seeing other women do something you’re interested in. As a newer rider, I feel like women-specific riding days have really helped encourage and empower me. And social media; it can be such a wonderful tool to see and meet other people crushing it out on the open road. I believe it is so important to have other women in your life to look up to or surround yourself with, that are challenging you to change your perspective on things. Seeing more women in the powersport industry reminds me that I can do it, too.

Lisa Granden

Uncharted Society Ski-Doo guide

I’ve always loved going fast and challenging myself. I had a Ski-Doo 440 when I was a kid, and it was thrilling. My older brother has always been a great example for me, encouraging me to try things that seem scary. There is more recognition for women now. We can achieve a high level of skill and athleticism. The sky’s the limit. I think we can strive to get more women involved by providing the education and opportunity to make it easier to begin. Events, classes, group rides, gathering women together to learn from and get inspired by others, has been the most successful thing I’ve seen. I once overheard a stranger complaining in the parking lot that a girl was going. I was too nervous to say anything, but my friends stood up for me and of course I rode even harder than usual. I felt I needed to prove myself. I outrode that same guy all day. If I can show another woman that her goals are possible and worthwhile, help her build confidence, be happier, do hard things and succeed, it will all be worth it. I remind myself that I’m doing it for the pure joy of riding, and that’s personal. It’s about the freedom and happiness it brings me and being better than I was the day before.

Jenny Reimold

Manitou Ambassador

My grandfather introduced me to boating when I was very young. He had a home in Sanibel Island and his boat was docked behind his house. My cousins and I would bait fishing rods with hot dogs and catch catfish off the back. Just before he passed away, he was left with no voice but held up a photo of me after catching a large snook and gave me a thumb's up. I remember very early on that I would wear boys' boardshorts because there wasn't much apparel for women who enjoyed watersports. I think that was certainly reflective of the culture back then and now as an adult and mother of five daughters, I love to see female captains and women anglers. To make women feel more comfortable boating, INCLUDE THEM IN THE CONVERSATION! Include them in the advertising, include them in educational classes and include them in the conversations in marinas and boat shows. All too often, when standing right next to my husband, people speak directly to him about anything boat related when I am the one with more knowledge and a boating license. Being in this industry as a woman means that my five daughters can captain their own ship. It means my two sons are being raised to understand that their future wives and daughters are equally capable. I try to give myself grace on hard days, see the positive in most situations...and I fly a pink pirate flag off our boat!

Tiffanie Hoops

Ski-Doo Ambassador

As a little girl if there was anyone I wanted to be just like, it was my uncle. That truly was the reason I fell in love with powersports- demolition derbies, autocross racing, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTV, watercraft. My passion for the sport came from being raised by a single mom who always gave me the confidence to have a can-do mentality. Women have always been a supportive link to the industry. I believe the next generation has risen to the occasion and not being a shadow and more in the driver’s seat. I reflect back on my grandma, aunt and mother supporting the family’s needs while the men participated in powersports. There is more support now on both sides, in the shop and in the home, which is gaining traction, so we all have equal opportunities to participate in powersports. Being a woman in the powersport industry means breaking the stigma that it’s a male's sport and sending a message loud and clear that it is for everybody. It truly comes down to owning your life and making decisions for you.

Rebekka Redd

Alumacraft Ambassador

My love for fishing has its roots in my childhood. At the age of 8, my eldest brother took me to the dock and introduced me to the art of angling. With the sun shining down on us and the gentle waves lapping at our feet, we cast our lines and waited with baited breath for a bite. And, it was then that I caught my first walleye - an experience that was both thrilling and humbling. It was that moment that sealed my fate and sparked a lifelong passion for fishing, family and the great outdoors. From that day forward, I was hooked. Stepping onto my boat is like entering into my own personal domain, where I can find solace and focus my thoughts. The tranquility of nature envelops me, as the sounds of the surrounding environment simplify the complexities of the world. It is a place where I can fully connect with myself and the world around me. Off the boat - As a social connector, angler , traveler and writer for various magazines and media outlets, I have a deep connection with outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The joy and energy I receive from connecting with them through my work is immeasurable. I am especially gratified when I receive messages from those I have inspired, whether it be to take up fly fishing, explore new waters, or share their love of the outdoors with their family. It is truly a privilege to play a small role in their outdoor adventures.

Sara Price

Can-Am Off-Road Ambassador

My journey into power sports started when I got my first motorcycle when I was 8 years old. I started racing motocross, went through the ranks and ended up being one of the first factory females ever in America. I had an awesome career path on two wheels. But now I’m on four wheels and I am climbing the ranks all over again. The industry has changed tremendously for women in motorsports. Not only are there a lot more of them, but they aren’t afraid to get in there with the men. We have female ride groups, we have girls out there winning races, we have girls out there doing everything possible in motorsports, from mechanics to engineers, and it's just incredible. I think getting women into powersports is about education. There’s a place for anyone and everyone, female or male. Just immerse yourself in it, go make friends and learn everything you possibly can. The off-road community is so incredible and so small that you guys will be family after a while. When you're humble and you put in the work, people see that, and the results do the talking. It's no longer ‘Oh, there's a girl’. It's ‘Hey there, Sara.’ When the helmet goes on, you're just a racer, right? Trust your gut. Do what you think is right and have fun.

Alvean Azurin

Sea-Doo Ambassador

I love learning new things, exploring and adrenaline. So, what better sport for me than PWC riding? I was determined to learn as much as I could about these powersports machines and be as independent as possible when I ride. By educating myself and putting the time in, I have been able to gain confidence and go places I never would have imagined. Every year I see more women riding and I love it. But many women I have encountered feel intimidated by handling their own powersports machine. I did a lot of research online and watched how-to videos to help prepare myself, but noticed none of the people I was getting info from were women. I knew that had to change. I try to put out video content showing how easy it is to handle a PWC or boat so they see it can be done. There have been plenty of situations where I feel singled out as a woman, but I immediately shut them down once they see I handle a PWC better than most men. It means a lot to me to be a woman in this sport. It feels great to have other women tell me that they bought their PWC because they watch my videos. That’s why I make the content I do, to inspire other women and help give them confidence.

Mariell Kvickström

Lynx Ambassador

Sleds have always been a part of my family. We spent a lot of time in our cabin so we used snowmobiles to go ice fishing or just explore. For me it was natural to get my own sled when I turned 16. I’m also a person who wants to try everything so when people around me did wheelies, jumped or made donuts I did too! I don’t really know why it’s still an issue to get women into powersports, to be honest. There are a lot of camps to join nowadays where you can meet other riders. And social media - which has opened a lot of doors. Reach out! It might be a confidence-thing for some, but the only way to learn is by doing. So long as you are trying, no one will judge, we are all beginners when we start something new. So just get out there, you will be happy you did. Welcome anyone who gets into this amazing world of sledding. Discrimination is never okay. Whenever I feel singled out for being a girl in situations in life, I only get more determined to prove them wrong. I will never forget the first time a girl told me she was riding because of me, that I had inspired her to start. Things like that make me extremely happy and motivated. Girls are rocking in every segment now! And a lot of girls are really pushing it - which I love.

Alex Templeton

Can-Am Off-Road Ambassador

I was born and raised on my family's farming ranching operation here in Northwest Missouri. My family runs a large-scale row crop and cattle business, and ever since I can remember, I've placed myself right in the middle of it. Growing up, I was my dad’s shadow, loving the farm life. And as I grew older, I began to realize the deep-rooted love I have for agriculture. I began working for my dad full time in 2015. I can only speak from my experience, but it seems way more common to speak with women directly when it comes to buying and selling livestock, marketing grain, etc. As a woman myself, when marketing livestock, I usually only deal with men, and as the years go by, I get less and less "can I speak to your dad or husband" requests than I used to. And that’s a great feeling that I'm respected for my work, not judged for my gender. I think a lot of women are intimidated. It can be hard to not only try something new, but to feel like the only girl doing it is scary! But if you dive right in, people are a lot more welcoming than one might think. And you find more women than you might think who are already involved. I always remember my upbringing and where I came from. I'm proud to be a farmer's daughter. And I'm proud of what my family has accomplished before me, and what we've accomplished together. No matter where my life takes me, my heart will always be here, in Northwest Missouri!

Tatum Monod

Ski-Doo Ambassador

I’ve always looked to the mountains for inspiration. They are a huge white canvas just waiting to be explored. I wanted the freedom to get to untouched areas to sled and ski. Once I became efficient at snowmobiling, I was able to get to some of the most incredible remote terrain imaginable. I’ve seen a huge shift in women getting into snowmobiling. When I first started out, I was lucky to see one other girl at the trailhead and even that was rare. Now almost every woman I know in my mountain town rides. The learning process of snowmobiling is intimidating. They are big, powerful machines. It’s a good idea for beginners to take a clinic or find a mentor to help you get started. With the right tips and technique, it’s really all about getting out there and riding as much as possible. Ride, ride, ride. If you see someone who’s learning and they get stuck, go over and lend them a hand. Encourage them and remind them that getting stuck is part of the fun. It takes two minutes out of your day and is a guaranteed day-maker for them.

Brehanna Daniels

Can-Am On-Road Ambassador

My journey in powersports has been nothing short of amazing. My Can-Am Ryker plays such a huge part in my life now. It’s so different from driving your regular vehicle. I hop on my Ryker when I want to catch a vibe and clear my mind with no distractions whatsoever. The industry has changed a lot from when I first joined when it comes to women. There weren’t that many women when I started out. I feel like once people found out that Can-Am came out with three-wheel vehicles they wanted to join. And not only that, being a part of powersports gives us women a great feeling of empowerment. To be honest; I think the most important gesture that can be made to make women feel more welcome in powersports is to help women feel welcome in all spaces. I took it one day at a time when I was learning and got a feel for my Can-Am Ryker. Being a woman in this industry means so much to me. I’m just so glad I can inspire younger girls and other women to get on board. Riding makes me feel like a superhero. When I put all my gear on, I feel like such a badass.

Bri Andrassy

Sea-Doo Ambassador

When I started deep sea fishing, I used to launch a kayak from the beach to get out deep in the Atlantic Ocean in search of sailfish. I got stuck in one too many storms over the years, so when I saw the Sea Doo FishPro, I knew that it was made for me. The feeling of getting towed by a big fish is what I long for and dream about while I am at work. The FishPro makes it easier for me to get out deeper, faster, with more time to fish, and it’s fun getting to and from my fishing spots. I am seeing more women on the water and more couples wanting to get FishPros to adventure together. Everyone has a fear of failure, and no one wants to look foolish. Trailering, boat ramp etiquette, and navigating the waterways is a lot to learn for someone who is new to the sport. So it’s important to be nice to newcomers and answer any questions they may have. If you feel excluded or singled out, remember it doesn’t matter what other people think. If what you’re doing feels good to you, keep doing it. I live a simple life with people I love, and I do things with purpose. Life is short, so I try to make the most of each day.

Nadine Overwater

Ski-Doo Ambassador

I grew up on a farm in the foothills of Alberta and had the access and ability to roam the countryside on our family dirt bikes, ATV's and snowmobiles. Later in life I discovered mountain snowmobiling and the continued freedom it gave me to explore the vast backcountry of British Columbia. I was hooked. The industry has changed so much since I first got started - in my earlier years it almost seemed like an anomaly to be a female sledder, there were few and far between. In the last 15 years I have seen the parking lot grow from women being the anomaly to women being the norm. There is such huge support for each other to be out there within the female community and from our male counterparts. It is the best place to spend your time with the ones you love regardless of gender. As we see the sport grow with women, we are finding ourselves riding together more and more and instead of me out there chasing the boys and trying to keep up, I am now chasing talented women and trying to keep up. It is very inspiring and just continues to grow and build each year. It is sport, it is machines, it is empowering, it is something we do - let's remove the stigma that there’s a barrier and just treat it like we are already a force in the powersport world - because we are.

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