Pay it forward: a new kind of corporate away day
At Ocean Vertical, we’ve always believed in the power of the outdoors to change lives.
Whether it’s a CEO swapping their laptop for a paddleboard or a teenager stepping into the
sea for the very first time, time in nature has a way of helping people reset, reconnect and
realise what they’re capable of.
That belief is what inspired us to launch our new corporate ‘pay it forward’ scheme – a way
for businesses to combine their own team development with the chance to open the
outdoors to those who need it most.
The scheme is run through Wayfinder International CIC, our community interest company
dedicated to extending access to the outdoors for those who might otherwise miss out.
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Why we created it
Over the past year we’ve seen a big shift in what companies want from away days. Gone are the days of conference rooms and PowerPoints. Teams are looking for something different – experiences that build resilience, focus on wellbeing, and put the environment at the centre.
That’s exactly what we do here at Ocean Vertical. Our adventure-led days out include paddle boarding, coasteering, mountaineering, yoga, axe throwing and more. Groups leave feeling re-energised, more connected and ready to take on challenges back at work. Now, through the pay it forward scheme, a percentage of every corporate booking will fund outdoor sessions for disadvantaged teenagers and young adults across Scotland – young people who may be dealing with trauma, anxiety, disadvantage or who simply haven’t had the chance to access nature before.
How it works in practice
One of the first organisations to support the scheme was Charlotte Street Partners, who brought their team to our base near Dunbar. They described the day as calm, welcoming and ego-free, and left with something valuable – connection, confidence and the rare feeling of properly switching off.
We’ve also welcomed groups from organisations like Baillie Gifford and Ventient Energy, and most recently the Scotland Women’s Rugby Team, who joined us ahead of their World Cup tour. Each group arrives with different goals, but they all leave with a stronger sense of perspective, energy and connection. Now, thanks to the scheme, they’ll also know their day has helped someone else take their first step into the outdoors.
Looking ahead
We started Ocean Vertical because we wanted to do more than just offer adventures. Our vision has always been about purpose, confidence and connection – giving people the chance to grow through time outdoors. With this new scheme, every business that spends a day with us can help make that vision real for young people across Scotland. Together we can create experiences that ripple far beyond a single away day.
If you’re interested in organising a corporate away day with impact or finding out more about the pay it forward scheme, find out more here: https://www.oceanvertical.com/groups/corporate-adventures
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