I've heard it said that "sports like climbing are for the privileged", and with its origin image of gentlemen adventurers and mountaineering its easy to see why. its not scruffy inner city kids becoming instructors.
I came to climbing late, when I was younger climbing wasn't widely know and living near the Nottingham climbing centre didn't make it easier to access. We simply didn't have the money for extra curricular activities, so it's great to be in a position to change this for a new generation.
The training for my first award "the SPA" was taken as a way to learn how to do things safely, I'd spent 3 years simply trying to figure it out and was frustrated with winging it, we were safe but in efficient and messy with our practices. I figured an SPA would be a great way to repair my practices and open opportunities for a change of work.
9 years on I've progressed from failing on my first diff on a top rope to being a competent climber, both with sport and trad climbing. This path of improvement has given me a passion for training and coaching so it's made sense to not simply settle for and SPA/RCI I've pushed on and gained my CWDI and DCA this has been exciting for me especially as I now I have passed my RCDI
The RCDI was a huge milestone especially since passing it came little over a year since breaking my spine and while raising a little man who's 3rd birthday came during my assessment. (Its ok he joined me for birthday dinner)
For anyone in a similar situation i would suggest to be open and honest with your family about your goal.
Like most instructors I used to work for a climbing wall, but now I work independently running my own sessions that in turn support less privileged children get in to sports, and have a full and diverse client base.
I'm working hard towards providership with the same passion, commitment and support from my wife.