Personal Profile
Accredited Practitioner Achiever - ADNY WRIGHT
Who are you?
Andy Wright, Newton Abbot Devon
What was your first experience of outdoor activities?
I started my outdoor activities sea fishing (which involved driving powerboats!) and then moved onto inland kayaking after watching paddles up! I have then continued with my kayaking but I have also added to my qualifications.
Your most enjoyable day at work providing outdoor learning?
I enjoy nothing more that taking a group of students on a yacht and giving them their first cross channel experience to France or the Channel Islands.
Where do you see your outdoor career eventually going?
I am happy teaching in Further Education although I have freelanced and taught in centres. Maybe Higher Education one day.
Outdoor learning might be your career, but how much of your spare time is spent in the outdoors?
Outdoor Education is a lifestyle and not a career. I spend much of my time in the Outdoors. This Summer I am first mate on a 68 foot sailing training yacht sailing across the Atlantic. I will be away volunteering for a month. I do however enjoying attending church, reading (about the outdoors) and acting as a groom for my wife at equestrian one day events.
What is your most invaluable piece of kit/gear?
My lifejacket.
What influence has APIOL had on your career?
APIOL has made me think much deeper about the outdoor experience for all groups of people and has aloud me to enhance the experience for the people I teach. It does not work for everyone, but I try my hardest with each and every person.
If you could offer one piece of advice to new outdoor practitioners what would it be?
Work hard, play hard and enjoy your time being in the outdoors. Teach outdoor education because you love participating and teaching not because you feel you have to, if that is you, take some personal time in the outdoors to rekindle you passion for it.
And Finally.....
Cake or pie?
Pie, It’s a no brainer!
Discover how to become an APIOL Achiever HERE