24 Aug 2016

Wilderness Navigation Basics

There are many parts to wilderness navigation, but four tools stand out as being the most important. First, a good topographical map. Second, a compass. Third, an altimeter. And fourth a GPS unit. Each of these items is a complex tool that takes a great deal of time and energy to use effectively.

The following video, made by the owner of Midwest Mountaineering, Rod Johnson, is a brief overview of the components required for successful wilderness navigation.

 

The map, the compass, the altimeter and the GPS must all be used in conjunction to one another. A climber should never depend solely on one of these items, but must practice using them as complementary tools.

The best time to practice with navigation tools is when you need them the least. When the weather is good and it is possible to see everything, then there is little need for these. But when the weather is good, it is also possible to see what real-life features look like on a map. Understanding what the real-world looks like vs. the world in a white-out when you are completely reliant on your understanding of your tools is incredibly important. If you can get your systems worked out in perfect weather, then you’ll be ready for it when things are less than perfect…

By: Jason D. Martin

http://blog.alpineinstitute.com/2016/08/wilderness-navigation.html?m=0
23 Aug 2016

Comfort Zone

Topick.Hket

Ok, so none of us here can read Chinese either. But we do know what this article is about. Our students in Hong Kong are committed to using canyoneering as a vehicle to challenge kids and others to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to be the best they can be.

Kudos guys!

23 Aug 2016

Icy Swiftwater Rescue Practice

Michael Short’s “Let’s Go Outdoors” joins some Canadian Fish & Wildlife officers as they practice swift water rescue skills in the Athabasca River with Joe Storms. Joe is an ACA certified Pro Canyon Guide, swifwater rescue instructor and Jasper Park Warden. The icy waters near Jasper were a real challenge for these recruits as they personally got to experience the thrill and terror of being carried along in the fast flowing river.
18 Jun 2016

ACA Guides in Japan

The ACA’s Rich Carlson traveled to Hakuba Japan in May to train canyon guides from Japan, Australia and the UK. All of the students passed the required assessment for certification as Fixed Site / Single Pitch Canyon Guides, with a few just shy of meeting the requirements for the Pro Canyon Guide level.

Congratulations and welcome to the ACA!

2 May 2016

Webbing Knotcraft

In this video ACA Instructor, Rich Carlson shows a variety of ways to tie and rig webbing on single-point anchors to address issues that include position, redundancy, strength, efficiency and equalization. Rich also demonstrates three different ways to set up courtesy rigging for rappels.

10 Jun 2015

Featuring Excursions of Escalante

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ACA certified guide/instructor, Rick Green featured in an episode of KSL Outdoors on June 4th, 2015

“It’s an endless opportunity, and the variety is incredible — an adventure every Utahn should try.

Located in the small southern Utah town of Escalante is Excursions of Escalante, the region’s first professional guiding service. Rick and his group can take you into all the hidden corners of the area.

A former search-and-rescue man from the area can help anyone who wants to go to BLM-registered areas like Grand Staircase National Monument and the surrounding canyons can help you make the most of your adventure — safely and soundly.

Follow the link below to SEE THE ENTIRE EPISODE

 

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