I’m Mikey, an outdoor educator and paddlesports instructor based in County Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland. Born in Liverpool and raised in Scotland, I have lived and worked in Ireland for the past decade.

I have experience working across educational, recreational, and instructional outdoor settings in Ireland and abroad. Over the past decade, this has included delivering structured outdoor learning programmes within residential outdoor education centres for schools and youth services, as well as instructional and guiding roles with commercial activity providers and freelance delivery. I have worked across many of Ireland’s established outdoor education and commercial centres, and in adventure tourism and instructional roles throughout Sweden, Finland, and Norway

I hold a range of nationally recognised outdoor and paddlesports qualifications relevant to the work I deliver. These include Level 3 Sea Kayak Instructor, QQI Level 6 River Instructional Skills, Trail Cycle Leader (Cycling Ireland), and Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor. I am also a graduate of Munster Technological University (MTU) with a degree in Outdoor Learning. I hold current first aid and safeguarding training appropriate to work with children and young people.

Further details of qualifications and certification can be provided on request.

My teaching philosophy is grounded in inclusive, person-centred learning. I prioritise creating supportive environments where participants can engage at their own pace, learn through experience, and develop confidence through success and reflection rather than instruction-heavy delivery.

My coaching approach focuses on skill development through observation, guided discovery, and progressive challenge. I aim to support learners to become more autonomous and reflective, adapting coaching style, pacing, and feedback to suit individual needs and context.

Yes. Guided kayak tours are a big part of what I do. They’re about enjoying the journey, learning a bit about the place, and having a good time on the water.

Yes. Splash & Dash sessions are a regular part of my delivery and remain one of my favourites due to their fun, engaging, and confidence-building nature.

I have experience delivering programmes for children, young people, and adults. Minimum ages vary depending on the activity and context, and all work with under-18s is delivered within the safeguarding policies of the hosting organisation.

I deliver a range of outdoor learning including kayaking skills and journeys, coastal navigation, trail cycling, team-building activities, and environmental or place-based learning. I also support short programmes, taster sessions, and adapted delivery depending on need and context.

I am a Canoeing Ireland - registered Level 3 Sea Kayak Instructor, qualified to deliver and assess Canoeing Ireland Sea Kayak Skills Awards up to Level 3, as well as Essential Coastal Navigation, on behalf of Canoeing Ireland.

Across educational and commercial outdoor centres, I have delivered and supported a wide range of land-based, water-based, and winter activities as part of structured multi-activity programmes, delivered in line with centre operating procedures and safety systems.

Experience includes archery, aerial obstacle courses, bushcraft, canoeing, climbing walls, coastal navigation, coasteering, cross-country skiing, gorge walking, high ropes, hillwalking, ice fishing, introductory river kayaking, Jacob’s Ladder, mountain biking, orienteering, powerboating, sea kayaking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, team-based challenge activities, and zip lining.

Delivery has taken place in Ireland and internationally, including winter environments in the Arctic.

I am based in Donegal and primarily operate across Donegal and the surrounding regions. I am available to work nationwide in Ireland, with further travel possible depending on the nature of the work and scheduling.

I am fully self-sufficient when working away from home, including overnight stays in my van, and can transport my own kayak, bicycle, and specialist outdoor equipment. I hold both UK and EU passports and am open to opportunities in Ireland, Britain, the EU, and internationally.

Yes. I am fully mobile and can transport my own equipment as required. I have my own paddlesports equipment maintained to Level 3 instructional standards, as well as a mountain bike. I operate from a van capable of transporting equipment and supporting short-term overnight stays where appropriate, allowing flexibility for multi-day programmes, remote locations, or freelance arrangements.

In most cases, participants are expected to use equipment provided by schools, centres, or partner organisations. I do not generally supply full participant equipment independently, and equipment arrangements are agreed clearly during the planning stage.

I am currently compiling a portable collection of team-based games and challenge activities, and I hold the charts, publications, and teaching resources required to deliver an Essential Coastal Navigation (ECN) course to a small group where appropriate.

Group sizes vary depending on the activity, environment, and supervision requirements. I work within recognised best practice and governing body guidelines, with group sizes agreed in advance.

Yes. Wherever possible, sessions can be adapted to support participants with additional needs, disabilities, or differing abilities. Adaptations may involve pacing, roles, equipment, facilitation style, or activity design. Where full participation is not appropriate, realistic and safe alternatives are explored collaboratively.

Yes, I am Garda Vetted. I do not hold standalone public liability insurance. I have limited cover through Canoeing Ireland, provided activities are delivered strictly within the remit of my qualifications and governing body guidelines. Where appropriate, delivery takes place under an organisation’s insurance arrangements.

Yes. I can support multi-day delivery and longer programmes where appropriate, particularly when working in partnership with organisations or centres.

Both. I work independently on a freelance basis and also deliver sessions in partnership with organisations when appropriate. This can include schools, Youthreach, youth services, outdoor education centres, clubs, and other organisations, depending on the context. Delivery may involve on-site team development, communication and problem-solving activities, confidence-building sessions, or outdoor learning programmes informed by curriculum and national policy, with learning supported through structured, guided reflection.

I do not carry independent insurance. Any personal cover is limited to Canoeing Ireland member cover and applies only when activities fall within the scope of my qualifications. For most work, I operate in partnership with organisations and deliver under their insurance and safeguarding frameworks. Insurance arrangements are clarified during planning.

You can get in touch using the contact details on the site. I’m happy to discuss ideas, suitability, logistics, and any specific needs before confirming a session.