I've always loved being in the outdoors! As a child I was always off exploring with my bike or going fishing, I guess it never left me. 15 years ago I gave up the 9-5 job, I needed to do something that actually mattered. Not just to me, but to others. At the time, a close friend had just got me into climbing indoors and we were going weekly. At about the same time he got accepted into an instructor role, at Kingswood, and convinced me to also apply.
I got the job!!
I had one of the best years of my life, teaching students how to; climb, abseil, go caving, ride quad bikes, the lot! It was this experience that cemented my love for the outdoors and made me realise my calling. I then spend a fantastic 3 years with one of the best outdoor companies I've ever had the pleasure of coming across; The Bushcraft company. During which time, my skills and knowledge progressed as well as my climbing. As soon as I passed my CWA, I started getting as many instructional and route setting hours as possible, working at Rockstar, Swindon. I then decided to get some life experience by doing a solo tour of Europe and seeing how the climbing walls on the continent operate. After that I was ready to get to instructing! I got a position at Redpoint, Bristol as an instructor and route setter. Once I attained my CWDI and RCI, I started freelancing and running my own courses and have done so now since Sept 2018 under my business; Up & Under Adventures. I am also now the external head instructor for Bloc Climbing in Bristol (since March 2023). Responsible for training, assessing and moderating their staff, as well as reviewing and writing new activity risk assessments, rescue procedures and operations standards.
Continued development is something I still prioritise to this day, gaining experience for my next qualifications. But most importantly, is to enjoy every moment and inspire others to explore the outdoors and the associated recreational sports.