It’s that time of year when the winter months are behind us, the weather is turning warm and people are once again heading outdoors.  Whether it’s for work or play, being outside with the sun shining and the birds singing gives you a sense of freedom.  Today more and more people are tired of being cooped up in an office all day and are looking to jobs and careers in the outdoor industry.  Getting paid to do a job you’ve always dreamed of, but up until now has just been a hobby, is becoming a reality for many.  If you love any type of outdoor sports, extreme or otherwise, why not go for it?  Combine your passion of being outside with your love of sports and make a new career for yourself today! 

A lot of great jobs and careers are available in the outdoor industry as guides and instructors. Becoming a guide or tour leader is a great way to gain experience and expertise in a specific outdoor industry. When hiring a potential candidate, employers are often looking for an outdoor mentality or passion and experience in the outdoors or with an outdoor business. The variety of jobs available in the outdoor industry is staggering.

If you have a passion for the outdoors then you might want to consider becoming a guide or tour leader in one of these fields

• Paddle/Water Sports
• Climbing
• Fishing
• Hunting and Shooting
• Action Sports
• Bicycling
• Hiking

What’s great about outdoor jobs is that they can be found all around the world; anywhere there’s a mountain, lake, ocean or woods.  Even if you’re not looking for a career change but still love outdoor sports, anywhere you go on vacation you’ll find plenty of these activities. 

One of the most important aspects of any outdoor sport is safety.  Safety saves lives!  Every outdoor sport has its own safety initiatives and resources.  Helmets, gloves, work boots, attire, high visibility clothing, goggles and safety pads are just some of the things you’ll need when setting about on an outdoor adventure.  As a guide or tour leader you’ll have the highest knowledge of safety equipment needed for your specific sport and your clients will look to you for their safety.   

So whether you’re considering throwing in the towel on an old career and finding a new one in the outdoor arena or simply want to make an outdoor sport into a hobby by getting to know mother nature better, make sure you get all your facts together first. Get online and find everything you can about your field of choice and make your decision from there. Finding that perfect outdoor career can be challenging, rewarding and fun.