Date: 19th November 2015
Top Tips for outdoor instruction
Working as an outdoor instructor in different areas I have had the opportunity to work alongside many talented outdoor professionals, in this time I have “borrowed” (or blatantly stolen?) and used many of the different approaches that I have seen, below are a selection of the top tips that I have learned over time (there are many more, these are merely a selection of my current favourites).
Ensure your approach to all instruction is simple, effective and efficient
Negative instruction rarely has positive outcomes (be positive with instructions and demonstrations)
There is no such thing as a stupid client, only a bad instructor
Learn to lead your group from an appropriate position (not just the front)
If your group is bored, you are boring
Good judgement is critical as an outdoor instructor
Attempting to work beyond your ability or experience is not a good idea
Just because you have used the same approach for 20 years doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way
Avoid judging people by their appearance
Observe as many other instructors / coaches as possible, adopt or adapt what you like and learn from what you don’t
CLAP – Communication, Line of sight, Avoidance, Position of maximum use
If you can’t see your group, how do you know what they are doing? If you don’t know what they are doing, can you claim to be in control?
Have your own experiences and epics, don’t confine outdoor adventure only to work
Posted in: Adventure Training Blog
