Women’s Courses: Meet the Instructors
Learn a bit about the female instructors who’ll be delivering some of our women’s courses at the end of August. These courses feature the same challenges and content as our regular offering, but are intended for women who would like to learn with other women, from a female instructor and alongside like-minded individuals.
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DISCOVER HILL & MOUNTAIN SKILLS: Nicola Welch
How long have you been instructing for?
11 years
What do you enjoy about being in the mountains?
The mountains supply me with an overwhelming sense of freedom and calmness, they trigger a deep sense of happiness and make me feel empowered to explore. I don’t think I get that sense of control or confidence to this extent anywhere else. To say I love being in the hills would be an understatement!
Do you enjoy any other outdoor activities?
I like to keep my time spent in the outdoors varied, spending a fair amount of time on the West coast of Scotland guiding in sea kayaks, exploring lochs and rivers in canoes and teaching young people to rock climb mainly in the North East of England. I also design, develop and deliver outdoor adventure expeditions to school groups out in the Middle East and help them explore places like Nepal, Oman and Malaysia.
When not doing that, I’d say a super power would be getting youngsters involved in the outdoors. I work part time in a residential care home and like to instil a sense of adventure in those I work with!
Learn more about our Women’s Discover Hill & Mountain Skills course.
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DISCOVER SEA KAYAKING: Lizzy Murphy
How long have you been instructing see kayaking?
I’ve been instructing sea kayaking for 15 years now, wow where did that go…
What do you love about kayaking on the sea?
I love where the water takes you…. amazingly special quiet coves, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches. I love the energy in the sea environment and how it’s always changing and how it keeps you on your toes.
I love the people I get to meet doing this but most importantly I love guiding people into this dynamic environment and sharing my passion with them, to be able to teach people the skills they need to enjoy and respect the sea environment.
What other outdoor pursuits do you enjoy?
I enjoy river paddling and do this throughout Scotland and the Alps. I love riding my road bike and pushing myself up the big cols in the alps. I spend my winters teaching skiing and ski touring. To me the mountains are a huge, playground, covered in snow waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Learn more about our women’s Discover Sea Kayaking course
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TRAIL RIDING: Emma Holgate
How long have you been instructing mountain biking?
I have ridden a bike from a young age, riding a coast-to-coast route as a 10 year old staying in B&Bs along the way. However, I did not own a bike with any suspension until I was well into my 20s
What do you enjoy about being on a bike?
The freedom to explore, and the ability to travel fast and light!
What other outdoor pursuits do you enjoy?
Skiing, as it gives me the same feeling of freedom and excitement that you get on a bike but in even more hostile and challenging environments.
Learn more about our Women’s Trail Riding course
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DISCOVER WHITE WATER KAYAKING: Georgina Maxwell
How long have you been instructing white water kayaking?
Having found the sport of white-water kayaking at the age of 16 I have been obsessed ever since. I was a volunteer coach at 18 years old and after I left university I gained my qualifications. This gives me around 20 years experience coaching.
What do you love about being on the water?
Everything! From the nature and beauty of the locations it takes you to the people, culture and challenges it offers
What other outdoor pursuits do you enjoy?
Climbing mountaineering, Alpinism, skiing, sea kayaking, road biking and hill walking.
Learn more about our Women’s Discover White Water Kayaking course.