Professional surfer and champion longboarder Mary Osborne is a globally recognized waterwoman whose passion for the ocean and people has shaped a remarkable 25+ year career. Having traveled the world inspiring thousands of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, Mary is much more than a renowned athlete — she is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and community leader.

Over the past two decades, Mary has launched multiple small businesses, founded a nonprofit, appeared on magazine covers, authored a book, and served as an ambassador for international organizations and leading lifestyle brands. Her journey reflects a lifelong mission to LIVE • LOVE • INSPIRE — a mantra that shines through in everything she does.

Whether she’s teaching a child to catch their first wave, leading a women’s surf and yoga retreat abroad, or developing outdoor education programs for youth, Mary’s genuine warmth and contagious enthusiasm immediately put people at ease. Her teaching style blends confidence-building with respect for the ocean, encouraging others to create healthy, balanced, and empowered lives through surfing.

A pioneer in women’s surfing, Mary made history as the first woman ever invited to surf the Silver Dragon Tidal Bore in Hangzhou, China, a prestigious international event she has been invited back to multiple times. She has represented global companies such as Patagonia, Olukai, Maui Jim, and Robert August Surfboards, as well as served as an ambassador for Billie Jean King’s Women’s Sports Foundation.

In 2019, Mary fulfilled a lifelong dream by co-founding her nonprofit OLAS Foundation (Outdoor Leadership Adventure Services) — dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide through ocean-inspired programs that integrate environmental education and youth empowerment. (In Spanish, olas means “waves.”)

Mary’s entrepreneurial spirit continues through her award-winning MO Surf Academy, named “Best Camp in the West” by Sunset Magazine and repeatedly voted Ventura County’s Best Surf Camp and Best Female Athlete (2010–2023). Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Shape, Self, Sunset, and Women’s Surf Style magazines, among many others.

Beyond the surfboard, Mary is also a devoted mom to her husband, energetic son, Stetson, and an active force in outdoor event production, brand partnerships, and community engagement throughout Southern California.

“The ocean has truly inspired me in more ways than one. It’s given me lifelong friendships, true love, and incredible adventures. There’s a feeling only a surfer knows — a gift every time you ride a wave and connect with Mother Nature. The ocean keeps me young, healthy, and free.”
 

• 2025 Voted Best Surf Camp by VC Reporter
• 2019: Co-founded OLAS Foundation nonprofit organization  
• Founder of MO Surf Academy, named “Best Camp in the West” (Sunset Magazine)  
• Ambassador for 5 Gyres Institute and United Nations Safe Planet Campaign  
• Crossed the Atlantic Ocean (33 days) studying plastic pollution in the Atlantic Gyre (2010)  
• First woman to surf the Silver Dragon Tidal Bore in Hangzhou, China (2010–2011)  
• Winner – Malibu Surfing Association (MSA) Classic (2009, 2010, 2022)  
• Television host for various international sports and travel programs  
• Winner of MTV’s Surf Girls 
• Featured writer for Shape, Self, Sunset, Women’s Surf Style, and DEEP magazines  
• Magazine covers: Surfer’s Path, Surf Life for Women, Making Waves, Surfing Girl, and more