Outdoor activities instructor

Career path and progression

You could work on contract, or do freelance work.

Some work may be seasonal or may involve staying overnight at the centres. Your food and accommodation may be included as part of your salary.

With experience, you could progress to centre management, or set up your own activity centre.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• sensitivity and understanding
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• have a life-saving certificate if you instruct water-based activities
• have a first aid certificate
• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physical Education - Outdoor activities instructors need a high level of physical fitness and practical skill in sports like climbing, canoeing, and hill walking. PE develops understanding of how the body performs during exercise, how to train safely, and how to coach others in physical activities.
• Geography - Outdoor activities instructors work in natural environments and need to read maps, navigate using compasses, understand weather patterns, and assess terrain. Knowledge of landscapes, rivers, and environmental features is essential for planning safe routes and trips.

Also relevant

• Biology - Outdoor activities instructors benefit from understanding how the body responds to physical exertion, cold, heat, and altitude. Knowledge of topics like respiration, the cardiovascular system, and hypothermia helps them keep participants safe during demanding activities.
• Environmental Science - Outdoor activities instructors work closely with natural environments and need to understand how to minimise their impact on wildlife and habitats. They often teach participants about conservation and responsible use of the countryside as part of outdoor education programmes.
• Psychology - Outdoor activities instructors help people overcome fears, build confidence, and work as a team – often in challenging situations like climbing or open water. Understanding motivation, group dynamics, and how people respond to stress helps them support participants effectively.
• English Language - Outdoor activities instructors give clear verbal instructions and safety briefings, often to groups of young people in noisy or stressful environments. They also write risk assessments, session plans, and incident reports that need to be precise and easy to understand.
• Business - Outdoor activities instructors often progress to running their own activity centres or working as freelance instructors. Understanding how to manage finances, market services, and handle bookings is important for those who want to build a career independently.