ACA Canyon Leader Course

Canyon Leader Course
This course is the "top step" of our three tiered canyon leadership program, an achievement that is no simple task. It is for those who have dedicated many hours of time to technical skill training and are ready to begin mastering some of the toughest challenges of all... safely Leading humans when they are happy, scared, exited, bored.., and assisting them if they are in trouble.

The focus of this intensive 3 day course is to imbed confidence in technical rescue abilities, environmental assessments and group management techniques. A solid technical "strength" allows Leaders to focus on the multiples of other critical elements at hand. They must learn to simultaneously understand the groups abilities and expectations, to mitigate ever changing canyon challenges...the list is long. This course aspires to make technical skills, group management and environmental dynamics all a priority of focus.

This three day course will be held in Escalante Utah. We are fortunate to select from dozens of technically rated slot canyons, from which we provide our "in canyon" training. Students time is spent applying newly learned skills directly in a dynamic slot canyon environment. Participants in these courses should be prepared for three full days of learning, teamwork and fun.

ACA Philosophy: Take this serious, in all training, in all canyons: Think Yoga….. not American Ninja Warrior. We must relax and raise personal and situational awareness. The best canyoneers, that do the “biggest canyons”, understand and apply super low impact techniques. Low impact on the environment and low impact on themselves. Keeping heart rates and respirations to a minimum, avoiding over exertion or unnecessary stress is definitely best. "Aggressive" movements (straining) are much less safe, less efficient and can impact the environment negatively. The greatest canyoneers go slowly, work well together, are kind to the environment…..all while making a series of excellent choices……good stuff!

Topics Covered in the Canyon Leader Course:

https://www.canyoneering.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ACA-CL-Skills-Checklist-12-21-21.pdf

PREREQUISITES: Completion of Core, Aspirant and Assistant Leader Courses or equivalent training required. And meet all canyon experience and medical training requirements.

Core; https://www.canyoneering.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Core-Skills-Checklist-4-22-20.pdf

Aspirant; https://www.canyoneering.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Aspirant-Skills-Checklist-4-22-20.pdf

Assistant Canyon Leader; https://www.canyoneering.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ACA-ACL-Skills-Checklist-12-21-21.pdf

RATE: $581
Rate includes ACA Certified Instructor, coffee/tea in the morning & sorbet in the afternoon.
*Includes sales tax and Meetup processing fees.
*3 person minimum to conduct course.
*Transportation to training areas is not included. An SUV or Truck is needed. Please plan accordingly.

We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are Per Day and Cash Only.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

Payments are refundable (less $50 cancelation fee) until 60 days prior to course start date. Cancelations after this date are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.

We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the trip or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear. Cancellation due to bad weather is determined day of the trip. All guests must be present at time of determination. If we determine that the weather would make the trip unsafe, and therefore cancel, you will receive a full refund.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.