Aim

The aim of this training course is to prepare the candidate for working as a canyoning guide in canyons rated V2A2i or below. The Canyon Guide Level 1 training course is designed to ready the candidate for the Canyon Guide Level 1 assessment. The course will cover skills in trip preparation, group management, leadership skills and rescue. This is a professional level of training so the candidate should be prepared with relevant canyoning skills and techniques. 

Prerequisites

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Hold a valid first-aid certificate (2-day minimum)
• Good level of fitness and swimming ability.
• Have completed the Canyon Leader Certification (or equivalent level of canyoning training) 

Syllabus 

Day 1 - (Theory) UKCA, Responsibility, Standards, Leadership and Psychology

1A - UKCA Framework 

• Knowledge of UKCA organisation, framework and pathway

1B - Standards and Responsibility

• UKCA professional standards and behaviour
• UKCA working controls
• UKCA Guide L1 role and responsibility
• Solo working controls
• Membership and CPD
• Risk assessments and SOPs
• SFE (Safety Fatal Error)

1C - Trip Management and Preparation

• Environment concerns and planning
• Participant Equipment
• Group Equipment 
• Risk Acceptance Forms

1D - Psychology 

• Participant fundamental needs
• Fear and Stress - participant assessment
• Fear and Stress - environment
• Comfort zones and participation

1E - Leadership

• Safety briefing
• Leadership tactics
• Group management
• Canyoning trip delivery

1F- Teaching

• Teaching concepts
• Steps of teaching

Day 2 -  (Practical) Rigging and Pitch Management and Rescue

2A - Movement

The candidate will learn how to safely manage the following:

• Jumps
• Slides
• Down-climbs

2B - Rigging 

• Anchors 
• FIxed traverse lines
• Releasable systems 
• Efficient rigging solutions

2C - Pitch Management

• Belaying 
• Movement on Rope
• Double-Check
• Assisted abseiling
• Lowering 

2C - Rescue

• Self Rescue
• Indirect Rescue
• Direct Rescue
• Team Rescue

2E - Incident Management

• Incident management process
• Transporting a casualty
• Emergency escape

2F - Feedback and Review

Email us: info@thecanyoningcompany.co.uk

Call us: 07565542766 – 07725813729

Profile

• A successful graduate of the Level 1 Canyon Guide Award will be able to lead novice canyoneers in a commercial environment through a canyon rated up to V2.A2.i. 
• The graduate will be very comfortable in canyon environments, demonstrating excellent anticipatory skills for reducing risk to their customers and themselves. 
• The graduate will understand and implement safe and efficient rigging solutions in the canyon environment. 
• The graduate will be able to plan and prepare introductory canyoning experiences.
• The graduate will be able to teach basic canyoning skills to a group.
• The graduate will be a role model for canyoning. 

Working Controls

A successful candidate will be able to work alone in a canyon rated up to V2A2i with up to 8 group members. This can be extended to 16 group members where another Canyon Guide L1 is present. A Canyon Guide Level 1 can assist a Canyon Guide Level 2 or a Canyon Instructor in canyons up to V3A3ii.  

Assessment Venue

Day 1 Technical - A moderate risk canyon rated around V3A3ii. The canyons should ideally have a selection of features and technical elements for example rappels, jumps, slides and traverse lines.

Day 2 - Leadership, Incident and Group Management - A canyon rated up to V2A2i.

Email us: info@thecanyoningcompany.co.uk

Call us: 07565542766 – 07725813729