James

About Me

James Champion
Outdoor Instructor

I am an Outdoor Activities Instructor with 5+ years experience working in and managing teams which deliver a broad range of Outdoor Sports and Experiences. I have worked for a variety of large and small companies both in the U.K and further afield in Europe, North America and Australasia specialising in my delivery of High Ropes and Team Building sessions with further experience in Watersports, Bushcraft, Archery and more Outdoor Skills. As well as freelance Team Building and Climbing work in the U.K. 

Qualifications

  • Climbing Wall Instructor
  • BMC Fundamentals 1&2
  • Foundation Coach Training
  • ERCA Traditional Ropes Course Instructor
  • NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership
  • Mountain Leader Training
  • Hill and Moorland Leader Training
  • 16hr Outdoor First Aid

Current Employment

Duty Manager at Volume 1 Climbing (2020 – Present, U.K)

Volume 1 is a premium bouldering centre based in East Grinstead with links to GB Climbing. Working as the Duty Manager, on my shifts I have a variety of responsibilities to ensure the safe and smooth running of the centre including:

  • Opening and closing the centre
  • Coaching and Instructing a variety of clubs and courses for all ages.
  • Staffing and Bookings.
  • Customer service, Retail and More!

Freelance Work

Whilst I currently work full time hours I can still take bookings where possible. Over the past 5+ years I have worked for a wide variety of Climbing, Team Building and Water Sports companies facilitating sessions in a freelance setting for companies including:

  • Evolution Climbing Centre
  • Clip and Climb Tonbridge
  • The Problem Solving Company
  • Wiseup Teambuilding
  • Fluid Adventures
  • YMCA
  • Lodge Hill Activity Centre

Previous Employment

Operations Manager at P&O Edge (2018 – 2020, Australia)

P&O Edge is Australia’s largest adventure park at sea. I have worked on 2 cruise ships as the P&O Edge Operations Manager responsible for managing a team of 4 people delivering high adventure activities to 2000+ passenger each cruise. I would report directly to the head of operations who was based on land and as a result my role was a combination of 3 separate positions:

Lead Instructor –

  • Staff Training and Observations
  • Delivering Sessions including Zip Wire, Climbing, Abseiling, as well as unique ropes based activities to a wide variety of guests aged from 5-95 years old
  • Ensuring SOP’s are updated and improvements are made where appropriate
  • Monthly Maintenance – Equipment and Rigging Inspections, communicating directly with suppliers when required

Marketing Manager –

  • Developing marketing strategies to boost revenue
  • Ensuring a high level of customer service and handling any issues which arise

Operations Manager –

  • Managing financial targets and objectives of a company with up to AUD$100,000 monthly turnover
  • Producing Daily and Monthly reports to ensure on board and shore side objectives and expectations are achieved
Outdoor Skills Director at JCYS (May 2018 – August 2018, U.S.A)

JCYS is a company based outside Chicago Illinois with several centres. Our centre had 2 residential camps on site, one for 5-16 years old and one for disability groups of all ages. We also facilitated a wide variety of external groups. As Outdoor Skills Director I was responsible for facilitating and maintaining all adventurous

  • Delivering Activity Sessions (High Ropes, Climbing, Zip Wire, Archery, Team Building, Bushcraft)
  • Management Experience
  • Training and Signing Off all staff on the ropes course
  • Developing A Summer Program (Lesson Plans, Training Plan, Syllabus)
Instructor at P&O Edge (October 2017 – April 2018, Australia)
  • Delivering Activity Sessions (Zip Wire, Climbing, Abseil, High Ropes, Archery etc)
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Accessing and Maintaining Equipment
  • Training and Development
Ropes Specialist at JCYS (June 2017 – September 2017, USA)
  • Delivering Activity Sessions (High Ropes, Climbing Wall, Zip Wire, Low Ropes)
  • Running Team Building Sessions (1-3 hour sessions)
  • Training and Supervising Staff in Belaying
  • Accessing Equipment on the course
Ski Guide/ Barman at Ski Miquel Holidays (December 2016 – April 2017, France)
  • Planning and Delivering Daily Guided Tours. Organising Restaurant Bookings.
  • Managing The Bar – Stock Management, Serving Drinks, Money Management.
  • Other General Duties – Waiting Tables, Customer Feedback
Activity Leader at Kingswood (February 2016 – November 2016 & May 2017, Wales)
  • Delivering Sessions (Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Zip Wire, Raft Building, Archery, Caving etc)
  • Running Team Building Sessions (1hour)
  • Leading Groups
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Nominated Apprentice of the Year