Steve grew up in Northern Ireland and began helping at an outdoor activity centre at just 13-years-old—a spark that grew into a career spanning more than twenty-five years.
His work in the sector has been wide‑ranging: outdoor instructor, college lecturer, programme manager, head of department, and consultant. He has lived and worked across all three home nations of the UK and in several centres overseas. His inspection experience includes eight years as an AALS inspector in the South of England and as an RYA inspector in Scotland and the South West.
As a young athlete, Steve competed nationally in windsurfing and represented his country in kayaking at European and world championships. More recently, he has embraced major challenges and expeditions, including rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and undertaking multiple sea‑kayaking journeys.
Steve began coasteering in Pembrokeshire and has since guided groups throughout the UK. He has also represented the National Coasteering Charter in Scotland, collaborating with guides and businesses to promote good practice and shared learning across the sector.
Reflecting on his work, Steve says: ‘I love everything about working in the outdoor industry—from giving people their first taste of adventure to helping shape and develop future instructors. Working as an inspector gives me the wonderful privilege of meeting and working with lots of other outdoor providers who share the same passion and understanding of the importance of adventure in everyone’s lives.’
Steve holds degrees in Applied Sports Science and Teaching, alongside a wide range of technical qualifications in windsurfing, paddle sports, climbing, surf lifesaving, and mountaineering.
