Freelance indoor climbing coach

Adult beginners, parents of keen kids, school and youth groups, and climbers wanting to improve technique.

Hourly fee for private or semi-private lessons, per-person fees for small courses, and block bookings for groups or birthday-style events.

• Solid climbing and belaying experience
• Clear, patient teaching
• Safety awareness with groups and children

• Commercial general liability insurance that covers instruction, and check whether the gym requires its own cover or a waiver
• Gym policies: many gyms don't allow outside coaches or charge a fee, so get agreements in writing
• Extra checks for working with children, such as a police vulnerable sector check, which clients and gyms often ask for
• Registering as a sole proprietor and checking when GST/HST registration is needed once revenue passes the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on your gear, insurance and any fees you pay gyms. Treat it as a rough estimate for your area.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many private lessons, courses and kids' sessions you run. You can start with about 5 hours a week.

Check that your commercial general liability insurance covers instruction, and whether the gym needs its own cover or a waiver. Many gyms don't allow outside coaches or charge a fee, so get agreements in writing. For work with children, check police vulnerable sector checks.