Tara Atkinson

Tara Atkinson / About

Multi–Adventure Sport Instructor with Media and Event Operations background
ISA Surf Instructor Level 1, MIAS Mountain Biking Instructor Level 2. Outdoor Community Development, Adventure Event Operations and Media Background.

Professional Summary
Born and raised in the UAE and based across the UAE and Oman, I bring over 10 years of experience within the regional adventure sports community. I’m a dynamic multi-sport instructor specialising in surfing, mountain biking, and climbing, with hands-on experience facilitating surf lessons for beginner to intermediate participants.

My career spans a wide range of roles including adventure sport event operations and logistics, creative media production, and women’s sport development. I’m passionate about creating welcoming learning environments that help people build confidence in the outdoors while progressing their skills safely and having fun in the process.

CORE SPECIALITIES

ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor (Beginners → Advanced Beginners) – Certified to coach new surfers with a focus on confidence, safety, and fun in the water.
Group Leadership, Safety & Risk Management – Experienced leading diverse groups in high-risk dynamic outdoor settings while prioritising safety and positive learning experiences.
Program Delivery & Session Structuring – Skilled at planning engaging lessons that balance progression, flow, and individual learning needs.
8+ Years of Dedicated Personal Surfing Experience – Deep ocean knowledge and passion for surfing, surfing culture and the environment that translates into water awareness and community engagement.
Ongoing Surf Anatomy Alumni – Coaching Programme – Continuous education that is helping refine personal technique and surfing methodology.
Mountain Biking & Downhill Coaching & Pump Track Flow – Good understanding in body mechanics and flow, helping students develop board control and coordination on land.
High-Risk & Outdoor Event Operations – Planned and led high-risk events, including deep water soloing and mountain biking races, managing logistics, safety, and participant liaison. Experienced in delivering smooth, successful adventure sports events across a range of challenging water and land based environments.
Women’s Adventure Community Development – Passionate about creating inclusive programs and clubs that empower participants of all backgrounds (Establishing Trail Foxes Oman, Oman’s first Women friendly mountain biking group).
10+ years as Founder and Photography Director– Executing creative projects, leading teams, and bringing ideas to life through editorial and brand photography for VIP and luxury clients. (www.tara-photography.com)

CERTIFICATIONS

Safety & Rescue

Wilderness First Aid
Emergency First Aid at Work
BMC Children and Adult Safeguarding
ILS Beach Rescue & Safety Award (UK ISA National Award)

Surfing

ISA Level 1 Surf Instructors, completed with hours from Surf House Dubai

Mountain Biking, Climbing & Movement

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

Climbing Fundamentals Level 1 & 2 (Movement & Technique)
Climbing Foundation Coach Training
Rope Safety and Rigging training (ongoing)
Climbing Wall CWI and Bouldering Wall BWI Training with on site hours
BMC Leadership Model & Responsibilities Training
Impact Climbing UK Route Setting Award

DEGREE

Art and Design Media Degree (BA HONS)

ACHIEVEMENTS & COACHING

Instructor Experience

Surf House Dubai – Surf Instructor Training
Delivered beginner and advanced beginner surf sessions over 3 months, coaching mixed-ability groups while maintaining safety, flow, and positive learning outcomes. Provided hands-on instruction in paddling, wave selection, positioning, and basic surf techniques, helping participants build confidence and progress their skills in the water.
MTB Guide & Outdoor Instructor- Get Outdoor Adventures Oman: Delivered multi-day and multi-sport Mountain biking, team building and pump track sessions 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.
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.

Regional Experience & Personal Coaching Style

With over a decade in the Middle East outdoor adventure industry and experience in media, content, and events, I bring leadership, cultural awareness, and a passion for creating engaging experiences. I’ve coached multicultural, multi-faith, youth, women, and mixed-ability groups, always fostering inclusive, welcoming spaces.

I love introducing new surfers to the ocean, helping them build confidence on their first waves. My hands-on coaching breaks skills down step by step, keeping sessions fun, safe, and full of stoke. I am Level 1 Arabic and currently studying Level 2, strengthening my ability to connect with Arabic-speaking surfers.

Commercial Work Experience

2015-Present

Founder, Creative Services Manager & Photography Director–
Tara Atkinson Photography | Paragon Media Services

•Founded and grew a successful creative services business, managing client acquisition, partnerships, and commercial contracts across the GCC.

•Built and led high-performing creative teams, coordinating complex projects across asynchronous and remote workflows.

•Acted as account lead for luxury brands, delivering high-quality media solutions in fast-paced, event-driven environments.

•Directed concept development, shot planning, and execution for multi-channel campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and business objectives.

•Oversaw end-to-end project management, driving operational efficiency, quality control, and client satisfaction in the luxury, lifestyle, and hospitality sectors.

UAE, GCC, Remote

2024-Ongoing

Photography and Content Manager- Future Seas Global SPC

•Directed photography and content strategy for bi-yearly sea turtle conservation initiative, creating engaging visuals and educational materials to raise awareness of ocean sustainability and species protection.

•Collaborated with scientists, researchers, and local communities to ensure scientific accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical wildlife practices in all media.

•Promoted marine conservation principles through mission-aligned storytelling.

Masirah, Oman

2023-2024

Deep Water Solo Event Lead Project Manager – Oman Climbing Community

•Successfully co-founded and led the full execution of Oman’s Deep Water Solo event, a one-day public-facing sports and branding activation bringing together climbing over water, managing all elements from planning and risk through post-delivery.
•Secured all sponsors covering 100% of the total event cost.
•Coordinated logistics across three locations, acting as lead liaison for over 60 international athletes, spectators, volunteers and media teams. 

Muscat, Oman

2020-2024

Operations Coordinator – Oman Trail Building Organisation

•Managed event logistics for outdoor adventure and sports events, including site setup and participant registration.
•Coordinated trail building and course preparation, ensuring safe and sustainable designs for mountain biking and other outdoor activities.
•Led media management, capturing event photography/video and producing content for promotion, reporting, and participant engagement.
•Supported volunteer teams, providing training, task assignment, and on-site supervision.
•Ensured safety compliance for all participants, volunteers, and staff, following risk management protocols and high-risk activity guidelines.
Muscat, Oman

2022-2023

MTB Guide & Outdoor Instructor – Get Outdoor Adventures Oman
•Guided mountain bike rides, pump track coaching, climbing assistance, and team-building outdoor sessions for mixed-ability youth and adult groups.
•Delivered multi-day, multi-sport sessions for school participants and large British Army cadet groups, managing group dynamics, safety briefings, and equipment preparation.
•Conducted gear and route safety checks, trail maintenance, and participant support to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
•Taught foundational mountain biking and pump track handling, movement skills, and climbing techniques, adapting instruction to different abilities.

Muscat, Oman

2019-2021

Zeenah Design Agency– Creative Producer and Content Manager

•Managed production workflows and multi-platform creative projects.

•Coordinated design teams and client delivery.
•Account management, 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

Outdoor UAE– Photographer, Editor & Writer

•Created features, athlete profiles, and gear reviews.

•Produced editorial content on regional adventure sports.

•Delivered photography assignments for print and digital.

Dubai, UAE

2010-2014

Outdoor UAE– Sales & Marketing

•Developed promotional strategies for adventure events.

•Managed client accounts and sponsorship campaigns.
•Coordinated Outdoor UAE events, including The North Face talks, Columbia trail running events and larger scale outdoor UAE Festivals.

•Supported outdoor industry partnerships and brand activations.

•Managed advertisements sales and marketing activities.
•Organised logistics of magazine distribution.
Dubai,UAE

2005-2008

BA Hons in Arts & Design Media

Leeds University.

Leeds, UK

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