Outdoor Recreation Instructor
Tasks & duties
Outdoor recreation instructors may do some or all of the following:
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plan instruction programmes
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assess weather conditions and risks
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organise or provide transport to outdoor locations
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organise and maintain outdoor equipment
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teach outdoor recreation skills
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ensure activities are run as safely as possible
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perform administrative tasks such as giving quotes and taking bookings
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keep up-to-date logbooks, and risk management forms
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provide first aid assistance for any injuries
Specialisations
Outdoor recreation instructors may specialise in the following areas:
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Parachuting)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in parachuting teach skills such as exit, flight and landing techniques to recreational skydivers. They may also work for the Royal NZ Air Force instructing specialist parachutists, such as members of the NZ Special Air Service (NZSAS).
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Mountaineering)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in mountaineering teach skills such as the use of specialist mountaineering equipment and climbing techniques for travel in areas with snow, rock and ice, alpine safety and hazard awareness, and survival skills for alpine conditions.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Rock Climbing)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in rock climbing teach technical skills, knowledge of equipment, and knots and safety skills. They may also instruct in abseiling techniques that are relevant to rock climbing.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Tramping)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in tramping take groups to bush areas to teach them about clothing and equipment needed for tramping, food and cooking, shelter building, river crossing, map reading and outdoor survival.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Caving)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in caving teach safety skills and techniques for exploring caves under the earth's surface. This may include skills such as climbing, abseiling, river crossing, map reading and underground survival.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (White Water Rafting)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in white water rafting take groups on rafting trips where they teach them how to paddle and control a raft in white water, and about river awareness and safety, and what to do if a raft capsizes.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Abseiling)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in abseiling teach different abseiling methods and techniques, such as roping, knots, and safety skills. They may also instruct in relevant rock climbing skills.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Kayaking)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in kayaking take groups and individuals on kayaking trips where they teach paddling, river awareness and safety, rapid running, kayak rolling and white water paddling skills.
Outdoor Recreation Instructor (Mountain Biking)
Outdoor recreation instructors who specialise in mountain biking teach riding skills and techniques to use on formed tracks or cross-country trails.
Skills & knowledge
Outdoor recreation instructors must be highly skilled and knowledgeable in an outdoor activity. They also need to have:
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excellent communication and people skills
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leadership skills and the ability to motivate people
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good planning and organisational skills
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decision-making skills
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problem-solving skills
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knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) requirements and first aid skills
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knowledge of the geography and climate conditions of the area where they are operating
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knowledge of transport and accommodation services in the area where they are operating
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knowledge of outdoor survival
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knowledge of human behaviour
Entry requirements
To become an outdoor recreation instructor you need to have a first aid certificate and depending on the specific activity you choose, you may need certain qualifications.
Tertiary education
There is a Certificate in Outdoor Adventure Skills and Leadership, and a National Diploma in Outdoor Recreation (Instructing) available.
Training on the job
Outdoor recreation instructors should attend refresher courses to update their technical and first aid skills. For further information on training contact the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Industry Training Organisation or the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA).
Useful experience
Useful experience for outdoor recreation instructors includes practical experience in a relevant outdoor activity. Evidence of working with people such as teaching and leadership experience is also helpful.
Related courses
Sport and Recreation Activities
Tourism Studies
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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