Variety is the spice of life...
...and I'm very lucky to enjoy such a varied and exciting career. As a result, I have a pretty unusual set of complementary skills and experiences. Sporting habits have been a particularly important and consistent feature of my life that I've been able to bring to bear on my other roles managing, consulting and coaching for the leading governing bodies and organisations of the outdoor industry.
I believe my own love of learning new skills helps me bring out the best in others. Especially when combined with my fascination for how people learn, and what makes people tick: from helping kids to develop their foundation skills and physical literacy through to helping adults achieve their life long dreams and fulfil their potential. We're all capable of so much more than we realise – especially with some effective coaching.
None of us can truly fulfil our potential alone. So whether you have an unfinished dream, or a project that needs a little injection of drive, enthusiasm and expertise – don’t hesitate to contact me if you think I might be able to help.
My CV
Key roles
- Self-employed guide and consultant - 2014-present
- Association of British Climbing Walls Training Trust: Executive Officer, 2014-present
- Mountain Training UK: Coaching Development Officer, 2014-present
- Fall-line skiing magazine: Backcountry Editor, 2012-present
- Plas-y-Brenin National Mountain Centre: Director of Development, 2014-15; Director of Training, 2011-14; Chief Instructor, 2006-2010; Senior Instructor, 1999-2006
- Mountain Training England: Executive Director, 2012-14
- British Mountain Guides - Publicity Officer, 2008-11
- Freelance outdoor instructor, 1996-1999
- Raleigh International - Project Manager, 1996
- Skern Lodge - Activity Development Manager, 1994-95
Education & Qualifications
- BA in 3D Design from DeMontfort University
- International (IFMGA) Ski & Mountain Guide
- British Canoeing Coach: Level 5 inland kayak; Level 3 sea kayak
Find more detail on LinkedIn.
Outdoors highlights
Routes climbed
- Classic alpine north faces, including the Walker Spur, Grandes Jorasses (ED1); NE Spur direct, Les Droites (ED1); North face of Les Drus (TD+); The Ginat, Les Droites (ED1); rare ascent of Mont Blanc du Cheilon, N Face direct (TD)
- Scottish winter climbs to grade VII,7 including Poco Loco, Tilt, Fall-out Corner and the second ascent of The Shroud, Ben Nevis
- Alpine water ice to grade WI6, including Nuit Blanche, Argentiere basin
- Three decades of adventurous rock climbing to E5, Fr 7a and including big wall experience, e.g. The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite
Expedition climbing and skiiing
- First ski descent of Kalanag (6385m) in Garwhal Himalaya, India
- Numerous first ski ascent/descents of peaks on the Homathko Icefield, British Columbia
- Ascent of the Monzino route, North Tower of Paine, Patagonia
- Rare ascent of Cerro Catedral, Northern Patagonia
- Huantsán E face expedition, Cordillera Blanca, Peru ‘98
- Parvati South, unclinbed SE ridge expedition, Kullu Himalaya
Rivers paddled
- Expedition kayaking to class V from Chile to Peru including: four day descent of the Bio-Bio; River Maipo; Trancura and Petrohue
- Division 1 slalom kayaker and member of the South England Development Squad in teenage years
- Classic Welsh rivers to grade V including Pont Cyfyng on the Llugwy
- Classic Scottish rivers to grade V including the Etive
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Photo © Konrad Bartelski