Outdoor activities instructor

Outdoor activities instructors lead trips and teach skills in activities like hill walking, climbing, canoeing, skiing and snowboarding.


Typical Salary

£16,000 – £30,000

per year

Working Hours

36–38

hours per week

Career Area

Sports coaches, instructors and officials

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • plan and prepare activities
  •  explain, advise on and demonstrate activities
  •  instruct in specialist areas, like sailing or climbing
  •  make sure all equipment and facilities are safe
  •  explain safety procedures

Skills needed

  • 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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • doing specialist courses approved by national sporting bodies

Career 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.