The Owner - Andy Sutcliffe

Interview 2022/23

As a Husband – dad and instructor based in the UK, I specialise in ethics and life skills, using outdoor and indoor adventures as powerful tools for personal development.

My journey in adventure activities began during my childhood, but it truly took off when I pursued higher education in Outdoor Recreation and Leisure Management. In my early 20s, I excelled in college, graduating with distinction.

I then underwent an apprenticeship at PYB, where I achieved various qualifications, including ML and SPA (RCI), Level 3 Kayak, and 4-star certifications. Subsequently, I embarked on freelancing all over the UK, continuously seeking opportunities to expand my skill set.

My thirst for knowledge led me to obtain certifications in archery, skiing, rope access, PPE inspection, wall maintenance, and a plethora of first aid skills, risk management, TCI Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, social understanding, youth culture, religious studies, and learning styles, among many more.

I proudly contributed to the development of courses and qualifications now known as the Fundamentals of Coach Development Programs, being part of the pioneering team.

Throughout my career, I've collaborated with numerous organisations in the private and government sectors, including schools and sole traders, in the role of instructor and course director. My experience ranges from working with small groups to orchestrating large multi-activity days and weeks.

Adapting to various scenarios has become second nature to me, as I've worked one-on-one with individuals and small groups with special needs, as well as with larger groups comprising up to 200 people across multiple venues and days.

Climbing has been a significant passion, and I've accomplished impressive climbs up to E4 trad and 7a sport climbing. My adventurous spirit led me to participate in expeditions to Mount Kenya, conquering Batian at 5,199m and Nelion at 5,189m, as well as paddling in challenging Grade 4 rivers.

As my career progressed, I recognised the importance of slowing down and using my knowledge and experience to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the adventure world, especially focusing on climbing mountains. To this end, I secured my own AALA licence, (APS Creative Adventures for 15ys), which aims to make the outdoors more accessible to groups and individuals who face financial or accessibility challenges.

Currently, I serve as the Managing Director and builder of the Boathouse Climbing Centre. An experience that has further enriched my knowledge in various areas such as risk assessments, fire procedures, HR, employment practices, and BSI standards.

My training and qualifications, coupled with my wealth of experience, have allowed me to continuously refine and adapt my development practices.

I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from climbing and outdoor activities, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to each client's unique needs, even if they are uncertain about those needs themselves.

I strive to impart a strong sense of ethics and mindfulness that comes from engaging in these activities.

Over the years, I have mentored and assisted countless individuals in improving their lives, whether by achieving qualifications, enhancing fitness and wellbeing, or through rehabilitation work and club development teaching practices. I am the founder of GeckoHouse a mental health initiative creating safe space for people, and using adventure activities to help with wellbeing.

If you, or anyone you know, is seeking support or advice on an individual or group basis. Then I'm dedicated to creating personalised plans that lead to attainable goals.

Resources:

Apsadventures.co.uk

Boathouseclimbingcentre.co.uk

Geckohouse.co.uk

Matin

ML
RCI
RCDI
MCI Trained

Oggy Mountain Rescue

All round top geezer

Mark

ML
RCI
Paddlesport Instrutor
Open Water Diver
Personal Trainer
MCI Training Pathway
Post 14 PGCE in Education with Sports Specialism

Interests

Anything outdoor activity related (specifically climbing), fitness and training.

After leaving my teaching role and moving from the Peak District, The Boathouse Climbing Centre has been fundamental in my North Wales journey to becoming an MCI Trainee. Andy has done a great job of creating an amazing climbing community, has innovative ideas, and makes the most of the indoor and outdoor adventure in North Wales.

Throughout my undergraduate degree I gained my ML and RCI (SPA back then) and started freelancing. Since then I have worked in the industry in the UK and abroad. Now I am on the MCI pathway and developing my climbing and mountaineering experience in North Wales.

In the future I want to gain my MCI and IML, first ascent a trad climb and a 6000m peak.

Interesting fact - I have climbed on every habitable continent and I am a published poet.

Name – Seph

Interests – Climbing, drawing, sociology, and biology. I like music, playing the piano, harp, and guitar.

What I love about working here It’s such a welcoming environment and I’m constantly learning from the people around me. It’s easily my favourite job I’ve had.

My development as an instructor – Building confidence outdoors and developing my rope work and climbing skills.

Future goals – Learn more advanced rope work and multi-pitch climbing, explore more mountains, and study biology at university.

Qualifications – CWI, Abseil, Basic First Aid.

Interesting fact – I’m an unbelievably slow walker

Sam

Climbing, music - playing guitar and piano

The variety of work, and helping people overcome challenges on the wall.

Through the boathouse and

with the help of staff I’ve developed my skills at communicating and helping people understand the technicalities of climbing.

I would love to compete in climbing internationally, develop my outdoor skills as well as study to become a dentist.

In house qualified as an assistant, did a foundations course in movement for climbing.

I started climbing with Andy and I am a member of the GB Climbing Squad

Oliver

I enjoy climbing and hiking with friends and family. Badminton is a fun hobby of mine as well.

I enjoy working at the boathouse because of; the people I meet, the smiles and laughter, and mostly seeing young people like myself enjoying climbing.

Hopefully in the future I will be a fully qualified outdoor leader in water based and land based activities. I am currently trained to run groups at the boathouse after passing the in-house training

Did you know being tall is a super power in climbing. It is not a technique. I have been climbing for 10 years (about 2/3rds of my life!!)

Name - Thomas

Interests - Trains, climbing, Model trains

What you love about working here - I get to do a job I can enjoy about as well as being my hobby.

Your development into instructors - through the climbing clubs

Future goals - Become a train driver

Qualifications - no outdoor ones

Interesting fact - I have a DSLR camera and I trainspot