Sophie Tanner is an Outdoor Adventure Activity Instructor and the Director of Land & Wave, a thriving outdoor company based in Dorset, UK. With a passion for inspiring more females to join the outdoor industry, Sophie is dedicated to providing training, employment, and incredible experiences to encourage women to embrace the great outdoors.
As one of the four Directors of Land & Wave, Sophie plays a vital role in shaping the company's direction and success. She has a deep understanding of what Land & Wave does and the positive impact it has on people's lives.
Born and raised in Dorset, Sophie's love for the outdoors began at an early age, she spent countless hours at the beach and by the water, fostering a connection with nature that would shape her future. Encouraged by her family to engage in sports and spend time outdoors, Sophie developed a strong affinity for exploring and trying new things.
At the age of 16, Sophie contemplated her life's path. She desired to attend university but still yearned for opportunities to spend time outside. Taking a gap year at 18, she embarked on an adventure to Australia and New Zealand, immersing herself in the wonders of the natural world. This experience solidified her passion for outdoor adventure and led her to pursue a degree in Outdoor Adventure Recreation at university.
During her summer holidays, Sophie made the most of her time by working at kids' holiday clubs and providing sports coaching in schools. She eagerly prepared for life after graduation, taking a nine-month journey to Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, and Canada. These travels enriched her perspective and further fuelled her desire to make a difference in the outdoor industry.
Upon joining Land & Wave, Sophie dedicated herself to acquiring additional qualifications necessary for her outdoor pursuits. She obtained her First Aid qualification and completed her Mountain Leader training in Wales, paving the way for her to work full-time in the outdoors. Sophie thrived on the physical challenges of her job while also emphasising the importance of rest and recovery.
Recognising the barriers that women face in the outdoor industry, Sophie offers valuable advice for other women who aspire to work in this field. She shares her insights on dealing with challenging situations, encourages more women to sign up, and organises Open Days with Land & Wave to provide opportunities for women to explore outdoor career options.
Throughout her career, Sophie has witnessed significant changes in the outdoor industry over the past 15 years. She discusses these transformations and offers advice to women and girls seeking to gain experience in this dynamic field. Sophie highlights the Outdoor Instructor Fast Track Route and the thrilling activity of Coasteering as pathways for women to connect with Land & Wave.
To connect with Land & Wave and learn more about their initiatives, Sophie encourages listeners to explore the company's website and social media channels. In her final words of advice, Sophie leaves a lasting message for aspiring outdoor enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. Don't miss out on these empowering episodes sponsored by Land & Wave.
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Show notes
- Being 1 of 4 Directors of Land & Wave
- What Land & Wave does
- Living in Swanage
- Growing up in Dorset and her early years
- Spending time at the beach and by the water
- Being encouraged by her family to get into sports and spending time outdoors
- Working with her older sister Rosie
- Her love for exploring and trying new things
- Thinking about what she wanted to do with her life at 16
- Wanting to go to University but still wanting to spend time outside
- Taking a gap year at 18 to go to Australia and New Zealand
- Studying an Outdoor Adventure Recreation Course at University
- Making use of her summer holidays
- Working at kids holiday clubs and doing sports coaching in schools
- Making plans for after graduation
- Going travelling for 9 months visiting; Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Columbia & Canada.
- Starting at Land & Wave
- Getting additional qualifications needed for the outdoors
- Doing her First Aid qualification and doing her Mountain Leader training in Wales
- Wanting to work full time in the outdoors
- The challenges of working in the outdoor industry
- Dealing with the physicality of the job
- Rest & recovery
- Advice for other women who want to work in the outdoor industry
- Barriers for women working in the outdoor industry
- Dealing with challenging situations while at work
- Encouraging more women to sign up
- Open Days with Land & Wave
- What has changed in the industry over the past 15 years
- Advice for women and girls who want to gain experience in the outdoor industry
- Outdoor Instructor Fast Track Route
- Coasteering
- How to connect with Land & Wave
- Final words of advice
Social Media
Website: www.landandwave.co.uk
Instagram: @landandwave
Facebook: @landandwave
Youtube: @landwave9920
