Paul Swail
BMG Full Guide
Bio: For someone in his early thirties, Paul has racked up a lot of experience and can boast over 20 years of climbing and generally enjoying the mountains! He originally started walking in his local hills the Mourne Mountains, a stunning area in County Down. One thing led to another and Paul's walking had a bit more purpose - to reach the crags! In his mid teens climbing was starting to dominate his life and this was very much the pathway he followed - it's no surprise to anyone who knows him that he has ended up where he is now! Whilst studying for his BA Hons in Outdoor Education and Instruction at the University of Central Lanchashire, he worked his way through most of the UK mountaineering and climbing qualifications, struggling to feed his gear-buying habit as a student! Wouldn't it be nice to go back in time and tell that student that he'd end up being sponsored by Rab?!! Once he finished university Paul started to do ski seasons in the Ecrin National Park, France. Being based in the Southern Alps allowed Paul to develop his skiing and explore the alpine environment where he realised that becoming a Mountain Guide was his pathway to follow. No surprises there! Paul has a wealth of experience dealing with all types and ability levels of people in the outdoor environment. He was employed by Mountaineering Ireland for 4 years working with young people in climbing and has gone onto inspire many of them to make climbing a big part of their lives. He demonstrated the ability to communicate on several levels so that the youth he worked with really thrived an look up to him as a role model - with several of them threatening to out-climb him now! A rewarding area for Paul was when children he started working with at a young age grew older and more responsible, becoming keen, safe climbers and moving their skills outdoors, whilst developing a similar passion for the mountains as he himself did at their age. Paul's highlights include climbing the Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite National park in a 16 hour single push, getting some amazing face shots while telemark skiing in the Ecrin, France and watching the sun set over the Atlantic having just topped out at Fair Head, Northern Ireland!
Countries
Certifications
- BMG Full Guide
Activities
- Off Piste Skiing
- Ice Climbing
- Rock Around the World
- Ski Touring
- Alpinism
Specialities
BMG: British Association of Mountain Guides
BMG members work as Mountain Guides in the UK, Europe and further afield in the world's famous climbing areas and high mountain ranges. Every BMG Guide has a solid base of experience, knowledge and skill. Collectively they share a common passion for climbing, mountaineering and skiing, and a professionalism for leading groups in challenging and hazardous terrain. Beyond this, they are a diverse group of individuals, with a wide range of achievements and other interests.