Adventure Parc Snowdonia's story

Osian Wyn Coyle, Surf instructor

Osian splits his time working at the inland surf lagoon at Adventure Parc Snowdonia and as a surf instructor in Abersoch, and says he finds it refreshing having the flexibility to work between two places with different sets of people.

It’s quite cool to be able to work in this industry because obviously I get paid to do what I love to do and it’s good fun.

“Most of the surfing qualifications that are involved here are internationally recognised as well so you can travel with them, which is my aim.

“It’s so much fun and it’s so nice being able to wake up in the morning and look forward to going into work.

“I’m with my colleagues all the time so you build a really good bond and it’s quite a tight-knit community we have here. They’re not just colleagues, they’re your mates too.

“We get up top all sorts of things when we’re not in work, climbing, mountain biking, we’ll go surfing, swimming.

“The best things about working here for me is being able to come into work and hang out with your mates all day pretty much and go surfing, and seeing the look on people’s faces when they catch their first wave.”

Cari Ann Pierce, Guest Services coordinator

Cari worked at the site part-time during her university studies in Liverpool, and says she is delighted to be able to use her love of outdoor pursuits in a full-time role while she prepares to embark on her chosen career in psychology.

Working in the industry has really helped me improve my confidence and people skills.

“I’ve just recently graduated from university with a degree in psychology, and I think it’s been really useful for a career in that field to learn how to speak to people and learn how to interact with people in a professional way.

“Going back and forth to England for university meant it was quite easy for me to stop using the Welsh language, but because we have quite a few Welsh speakers here I’ve been able to keep it to a good standard.

“It’s a big part of the industry too because it’s nice for customers to be able to hear the language being spoken.”

Charles Dale, Bartender

Charles trained as an actor before moving to Wales to live with his girlfriend, and says his bartender role allows him to make use of his love of putting on a performance for an audience.

What this industry offers is a sense of belonging and caring about something that you can invest yourself in.

“I don’t think people realise how much fun it is working in a bar.

“On shift and off shift there’s usually a lot of talking about cocktails, drinking stories and we enjoy having a good drink after shift while talking about how the night went.

“I’m a trained actor and studied at drama school. I think certain elements of bartending is like performing – it allows your personality to come out and have fun and make sure your guests are enjoying themselves.”

Kieran Russell, Retail team leader

Kieran has held several different jobs at the site to make the most of his love for outdoor activities and sports, and hopes to continue to take advantage of opportunities to climb the professional ladder.

“Because people are coming here to Adventure Parc Snowdonia to have fun they’re generally in a really good mood so it always puts you in a good mood as well.

The best part about working in this business and in this industry is the progression opportunities available.

“I started with handing out wetsuits and greeting people, but then I developed myself into a surf instructor, into a lifeguard, and then I took on a more managerial role within the activities and commercial diving.”