Outdoor pursuits training diary, Dartmoor, Devon, UK and Spain

What do you expect from Outdoor Activity training?
2006 graduate of Dartmoor Outdoor Company Jo Skinner aged 35 gives her view: What can you expect
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Jobs galore for Dartmoor Outdoor Company graduates
The 2007/2008 outdoor instructor graduates have begun taking up their new jobs. This year again our
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What do you expect from Outdoor Activity training?
2006 graduate of Dartmoor Outdoor Company Jo Skinner aged 35 gives her view:

What can you expect from outdoor pursuits? 2 Years ago I would have found that a difficult question to answer but since embarking on an incredible journey with Dartmoor Outdoor Company I can confidently say that “ I feel completely at home and confident in the outdoors”.

When I returned from trekking the Inca Trail in Peru in 2005, sitting in a 9-5 office job really felt mundane and uninspiring. I was looking for a big career change and researched Mountain Leadership qualifications on Dartmoor. I found Kate & Paul and saw that the course not only offered Mountain Leadership but also rock climbing, canoeing and other extreme sports that I thought were way beyond my limits.

When I met Kate and Paul I trusted that this was the right course for me and still struggle to put perspective on just how much the Dartmoor Outdoor Company has changed my life in such a positive way.

Having never rock climbed before, Kate and Paul saw my potential and encouraged me to achieve my SPA training and this is now one of my favourite sports.

I walked away from the course having gained the outdoor instructor qualifications offered but it is true to say that you will only get out of the course what you put into it. So if you are looking for an investment, this is absolutely the best one because it is in yourself.

1 month after completing the course, I was working in Greece as a Canoe coach and Safety boat driver. Whilst there, I gained RYA sailing qualifications and valuable coaching experience. Once that season had finished, I spent 2 months in the French Alps Ski-ing, and I am now back in the UK working for Kate & Paul on Canoe Tamar and aiming toward gaining further qualifications in Kayaking.

Ask me again what outdoor pursuits to me and I will tell you it means, adventure, survival, fun, respect, achievement and inspiration. Would I go back to an office job? You’re having a laugh!