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BOPA aims to further the professional standing of all who work
in the outdoor leisure industry and to encourage
professionalism in providing the best training in outdoor
activities of all kinds.
The British Outdoor
Professional's Association (BOPA) is a not-for-profit member
association for those persons involved in outdoor sporting
activities such as canoeing, horse-riding, caving, archery etc.
It provides its members with services such as information on
employment opportunities, professional insurance advice. as well
as training and development. It can offer assessment services
for the professional qualifications required to instruct a
variety of outdoor activities and generally uses registered
members to provide such assessments.
BOPA was founded in
1994 by four activity instructors who felt there was a void in
the market for an association to look after the interests of
individuals such as themselves. The association acts very much
like a trade union for outdoor professionals. Today there are
750 members, including trainees (who pay a reduced annual
subscription), full instructors as well as employees of
businesses which pay corporate membership fees. Around 25% of
the membership is from within Wales and the rest come from all
over the UK.
If you
want to...
Start a career in outdoor
pursuits;
Upgrade your existing
qualifications;
Find employment;
Set up a centre.
...please contact us.
BOPA recognises,
respects and works in conjunction and co-operation with
governing Bodies. BOPA fills gaps where no such governing bodies
exist and provides central communication for outdoor safety
training and assessment.
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Chris Charters (pictured), who
originally joined as a member in 1996 when he was
running a hotel, was a professional canoeing instructor.
After he retired in 1998, he was asked to become the
General Secretary of the association. He also acts as
the General Manager of the Roast Ox Inn. |
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