Canyon Leader Certification

ACA Canyon Leader Certification is a recreational certification program. It is intended for individuals who facilitate canyoneering programs in group settings such as college outdoor recreation leaders, experiential education program instructors, wilderness therapy staff, camp directors, and youth leaders.

The mission of the Canyon Leader Certification Program is to improve canyoneering safety by developing qualified mentors, thereby reducing the number of canyon descent parties that have only beginner level skills. Goals of the program include: (1) Provide training and mentoring for beginner canyoneers, and (2) Provide advanced skills and canyon rescue training for experienced canyoneers who volunteer to serve as mentors for beginners.

Our Canyon Leader Certification Program consists of three levels:

• Aspirant
• Assistant Canyon Leader
• Canyon Leader

Aspirant Canyon Leader

An Aspirant Canyon Leader (Aspirant) is an individual who has passed an Aspirant Assessment that includes skills from the ACA's Core and Aspirant Skills Checklists. Aspirant Assessments are conducted by Assistant Canyon Leaders or Canyon Leaders, or higher. Aspirants have expressed their intent to pursue additional technical training, leadership training and mentoring through the ACA.

If accepted into our Aspirant Canyon Leader program you will have opportunities to assist ACA Canyon Leaders in conducting Intro to Canyoneering Workshops and Practice Sessions.

In return, the ACA will offer opportunities for advanced training. You will also be eligible to participate in our Leader-Guide Canyon Rendezvous (GLAR).

Note: Aspirant Canyon Leaders may not accept any form of compensation from participants for their service.

Aspirant Canyon Leader -- Step by Step

1. Start building your Canyon Resume (must descend 12 canyons before assessing)

2. Pass the ACA's Aspirant Assessment. ***Prerequisite: 12 canyon descents (Must have 12 canyon descents BEFORE assessing)

3. Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:

• • minimum of 25 canyon descents;
  • minimum of 5 unique canyons descended. (i.e. Cannot descend the same canyon 25 times)

4. Create and maintain your member profile on the ACA's website.

Assistant Canyon Leader

An Assistant Canyon Leader is an individual who has passed the Assistant Canyon Leader Assessment that includes skills from the ACA's Core, Aspirant, and Assistant Canyon Leader Skills Checklists. Assistant Canyon Leader assessments are conducted by a Canyon Leader or higher.

Once certified as an Assistant Canyon Leader you will be eligible to participate in free leader skills clinics and practice sessions, as well as our Leader-Guide Canyon Rendezvous.

Note: Assistant Canyon Leaders may not accept any form of compensation from participants for their service.

Assistant Canyon Leader -- Step by Step

1. Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:

• • minimum of 50 canyon descents
  • minimum of 15 unique canyons descended (i.e. Cannot descend the same canyon 50 times)

2. Pass the ACA's Assistant Canyon Leader Assessment. ***Prerequisite: 25 canyon descents (Must have 25 canyon descents BEFORE assessing)

3. Submit the appropriate First Aid / CPR certification (Basic First Aid / CPR in USA)

4.Create and maintain your member profile on the ACA's website.

How long does Assistant Canyon Leader designation last?

Assistant Canyon Leader designation is valid for three years.

How do I re-new my Assistant Canyon Leader designation?

Retake the assessment

OR..

Assess at the next level.

OR...

Participate in 16 hours of continuing education / training

AND...

1. Must hold a valid basic First Aid/CPR certification.
2. Keep your member profile current on the ACA's website