Hi, I’m Jordan Atlee, the founder of Ridge & River. I’ve always been drawn to the great outdoors, and I’m passionate about sharing that enthusiasm with others. Whether it’s kayaking, climbing, or technical rescue, I believe that being outside brings out the best in us—and I’m here to help others experience the same joy and adventure.

My journey began when I first picked up a paddle at the age of 8 during a Scouts trip. By 16, I was a junior kayak coach, and from there, I knew the outdoors would be a lifelong pursuit. I went on to study an NVQ Level 3 in Outdoor Education, which didn’t feel like “school” at all. It was during my time at college that I discovered climbing, and it quickly became my favourite sport. Living near the Gower meant I could hop on a bus with my climbing rack and spend days scaling its beautiful cliffs.

Over the years, I’ve gained a wealth of experience working in some incredible locations. I’ve worked at outdoor centres in West Wales and Ireland, raft-guided in Austria, and continued guiding in North Wales, where I earned my first Rescue 3 qualification in 2008. My career later brought me to Rescue 3 UK, where I developed as a Rescue 3 instructor. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to technical rescue and outdoor education, which has allowed me to combine my love for the outdoors with a focus on safety and skill development.

One of the most rewarding chapters of my journey was working with United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) in their prestigious outdoor education department. I had the privilege of leading international trips to amazing destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, India, China, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Japan. Along the way, I’ve taken on roles involving risk assessment, operational procedures, and organisational development—all backed by health and safety qualifications.

Today, I’m proud to hold a range of professional qualifications, including Rescue 3 Europe Instructor Trainer, Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, and Kayak Coach. I also deliver instructor-level training and assessments for a range of Rescue 3 Europe courses. A full list of my qualifications and experience is available on my LinkedIn page—just click the button below.

When I’m not working, I’m adventuring with my amazing wife, Leanne, who’s the best adventure planner and partner anyone could ask for. Our small but mighty dog, Ivy, is always by our side, scaling the peaks of North Wales and proving that size is no barrier to adventure. (You might even spot her on our logo if you look closely!)

Ridge & River is built on a love for exploration and the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, push your limits, or simply enjoy nature’s beauty, I’d love to help you on your journey.