Tara Atkinson

Tara Atkinson / About

Multi Adventure Sport Instructor, Pump Track, Mountain Biking. Instructing, Community Development & Outdoor Operations experience.

Professional Summary
Based in the UAE & Oman with 15+ years experience in the adventure sports community I’m a dynamic multi-sport adventure instructor specialising in Mountain Biking skills and pump track fundamentals with surfing and climbing facilitation experience.

My career spans operational roles in trail building events, adventure sport competition logistics, creative media, women’s sport development, and beginner friendly to intermediate level coaching.

Core Specialties

Mountain Biking Skills & Downhill Coaching
Pump Track & Flow Movement Instruction / progression frameworks
Group Leadership & Rider Experience
Safety & Risk Management
Program Delivery & Session Structuring
Women’s Adventure Community Development
Outdoor Event Operations and Logistics
Surfing experience
Climbing wall experience
Photography content production

CERTIFICATIONS

Safety & Rescue

Wilderness First Aid
Emergency First Aid at Work
British Mountaineering Children and Adult Safeguarding

MTB & Movement

Mountain Biking MIAS Level 2 MTB Coach Award
Acro-Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Therapy Teacher Training

Climbing & Movement

Fundamentals 1 & 2 (Movement & Technique)
Foundation Coach Training
Climbing wall CWI and Bouldering Wall BWI Training with on site hours
BMC Leadership Model & Responsibilities training

CERTIFICATIONS

(Completion: Jan-Feb 2026)

ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor
ILS Beach Rescue & Safety Award (UK ISA National Award)
Pool & Beach Lifeguard (UAE National Award)
CWI – Climbing Wall Assessment Award
BWI – Bouldering Wall Assessment Award
Impact UK Route Setting Award

Regional and Cultural experience

With over a decade of involvement in the Middle East outdoor adventure industry, I bring a strong foundation of rider experience, environmental safety, pedagogical instruction, and community leadership. With experience coaching multicultural, multi-faith, youth, women-only, and mixed-ability groups, I prioritise accessibility and cultural sensitivity.

ACHIEVEMENTS & COACHING

Mountain Biking & Pump Track Experience

Lead Instructor – UAE MTB Academy: Delivered beginner and intermediate MTB group sessions, managed mixed-ability groups while ensuring safety, flow of the experience and positive learning outcomes. Coached features, cornering, and pump track fundamentals that built confidence and kept energy levels high.
MTB Guide & Outdoor Instructor- Get Outdoor Adventures Oman: Delivered multi-day and multi-sport Mountain biking, team building and pump track sessions for 200+ school youths and large British Army cadet groups. Managed group dynamics, safety briefings, equipment preparation, and trail maintenance to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Technical Workshop Leader- UAE: Designed and facilitated the UAE’s first intermediate technical Mountain Biking workshop, providing structured skill development for riders seeking steeper terrain capability and downhill mountain biking confidence.
Women’s MTB Community Developer and Coach – Oman Trail Foxes: Built trail training environments, conducted risk assessments, and coached 50+ riders across beginner, intermediate, and women-only programs focused on confidence-building and movement foundations.
Competitive Performance:
• 5-year National Champion in Women’s Downhill – Oman
• Multi-year UAE Women’s Downhill Champion
• Multi-year Red Bull Pump Track and Skateboard UAE Winner and Podium
• Ranked 30th globally at the Red Bull Pump Track World Championships 2019

Personal Coaching Style

I aim to create inclusive, welcoming learning environments where participants feel supported and able to progress at their own pace. My coaching approach blends challenge-by-choice learning, confidence building, and strong safety principles, enabling riders to develop new skills with trust and comfort while keeping sessions engaging and energising.

Work Experience

2015-Present

Independent Photographer – Project-Based

Specialising in lifestyle and editorial content.

Delivered photography and creative production for regional clients and brands. Managed full project cycles from concept to final delivery.

Abu Dhabi UAE, Muscat Oman, Remote

2020-2024

Oman Trail Builders – Organisational & Operations Coordinator

Event logistics, trail building coordination, race operations, volunteer management, media management, rider timing and safety compliance for local and international events including the EWS.

Muscat, Oman

2023-2024

Oman Climbing Community– Project Manager Lead

Deep Water Solo event management, fundraising, athlete liaison, event branding and safety logistics. Post event reports, olympic committee and stakeholder engagement.

Muscat, Oman

2022- 2023

GET Outdoor Adventures Oman – MTB Guide & Outdoor Instructor

Guided mountain bike rides, pump track coaching, climbing assistant and team building outdoor sessions for mixed-ability groups (youth and adults). Conducted safety checks of gear, route planning, and participant support. Taught foundational Mountain biking and pump track handling and movement skills.

Muscat, Oman

2022

MTB Academy UAE – Lead Instructor

Delivered mountain biking sessions for mixed-ability groups, including first-timers, adults, and children. Taught on-trail technical skills, safety, cornering, and pump track fundamentals, while leading group management and safety briefings.

Dubai, UAE

2019-2021

Zeenah Design Agency – Creative Producer and Content Manager

Managed production workflows and multi-platform creative projects.

Coordinated design teams and client delivery. Oversaw brand and campaign execution.

Muscat, Oman

2017-2019

Tonique Consultancy (F&B/ Hospitality) – Creative Manager & Photography Director

Directed photography and visual branding for hospitality and F&B clients. Managed creative teams and produced content campaigns. Developed brand identity and storytelling assets.

Dubai, UAE

2014-2016