
UKCA Course Syllabuses
Canyoning is an exciting adventure sport that has rapidly developed over the past couple of decades. Canyoning is now recognised as its own unique sport, with its own techniques, equipment and standards. Our training programme and courses are designed for anyone who wants to learn and develop their skills in canyoning. The UKCA delivers training courses, assessments and workshops. All the training is aimed at both a recreational and professional level. The professional training and certification programme is designed for skilled canyoneers who wish to lead commercial or organised groups both here in the UK and internationally. The courses have been created by professional experts and trainers to give you the most up to date skills and knowledge supported by outstanding online resources. The courses are progressional, covering all aspects of canyoning and are delivered by a highly skilled and experienced training team.
Course Summary
Recreational Courses
Intro to Canyoning
Intro to Canyoneering provides students with the basic personal canyoneering skills needed to descend easy canyons as team members with competent leaders and mentors. Read MoreSyllabus - Introduction to Canyoning
The UKCA Introduction to Canyoning is the first level of recreational certification within the UKCA award scheme. This is a fun introductory award for canyoning designed for the entry-level beginner canyoneer. Profile A successful candidate will be able to join an easy/moderate canyon descent Assessor UKCA Canyon Instructor or above. Pre-learning This course is supported by the V7 Academy online training resource. This is an introductory online resource covering the full syllabus of the practical course. Duration 2 days. Price £220pp Prerequisite Min age 14yrs Good level of fitness and ability to swim Membership No membership required.Syllabus
The syllabus is delivered over two days with the emphasis on experiencing canyoning and introducing the students to the sport. 1.A. Canyoning, Planning and Environment Elearning Feedback - Definition of canyoning Elearning Feedback - Canyoning rating system Elearning Feedback - Environmental awareness and trip planning Elearning Feedback - Topo Maps and information 1.B. Equipment Introduction to personal equipment Set up harness Rope packing, coiling and selection Team equipment 1.C. Knotcraft Overhand on a bite Figure 8 on a bite Mule hitch 1.D. Movement Walking techniques Downclimbing - Identification and assessment, techniques, traverse lines and spotting Jumping - Identification and assessment of jumps, making jumps safe and techniques Sliding - Identification and assessment of slides, making slides safe and techniques 1.E. Movement on Rope Moving on traverse lines Double-check principle Identification and use of a master point Abseiling - Set up of descender Abseiling - Static position and locking off Abseiling - Technical process Abseiling - General techniques Abseiling - Adding friction during an abseil Movement on a guided abseil Belaying from below 1.F. Movement in Water Swimming - Active and Defensive swimming techniques Deepwater disconnect technique Floatation Swimming with a bag Descending with a bag 1.G. Teamwork Communication - Visual and whistle Bag management Double-check principleCanyon Leader
Canyon Leader provides students with the skills and knowledge to take a lead role with competent piers in canyons rated up to moderate risk (V3A3ii). Five-day course *supported by V7 Academy level 2 online training resource. Read More
The UKCA Canyon Leader is the second level of recreational certification within the UKCA training scheme. This workshop-style training course is designed for a student who has experienced canyoning before on a lead trip and wishes to gain the skills and knowledge to lead competent piers in (up to) a moderate risk canyon.
Profile
On completion of the course, the student will have the skills and knowledge to lead competent canyoneers through a canyon rated up to V3.A3.II (Medium Risk). The graduate will be comfortable in canyon environments, demonstrating anticipatory skills for reducing risk to themselves and their teammates. The student will understand and implement safe and efficient rigging solutions in a moderate risk environment.
Remit
This is not a professional guiding course. The canyon leader training course is designed for recreational canyoneers who wish to lead other competent team members in a moderate risk canyon (>V3A3ii) The UKCA does not endorse this course for students to use for guiding paying customers.
Trainer
UKCA Trainer (or above)
Duration
5 days
Pre-learning
The Canyon Leader is supported by the V7 Academy level 2 online training course. Upon registering for the Canyon Leader training course, the student will get free access to the V7 Level 2 online training.
This video-based course covers in-depth all the theoretical and practical elements of the course, this gives the student prior knowledge and familiarisation with the course syllabus, theory and techniques. For the student to be successful in this training course it is important the student studies all the theoretical elements of the course on the online platform.
Cost
£595pp
Prerequisites
Must be 16 years or older.
Good level of fitness and swimming ability.
UKCA recommends the student has some experience of being part of a lead canyoning group. The student should be familiar with abseiling and setting up a descender.
Membership
Free Membership.
Recreational Membership is available.
Syllabus
E-Learning (Pre Course Learning) - Canyoning, Environment, Planning, Equipment, Knotcraft and Teamwork.
Once the student enrolls on the UKCA Canyon Leader course they will receive access to the V7 Level 2 Course. The whole course content is covered in video and e-books. The topics listed below should be studied (as a minimum) before Day 1 of the course. 1&2. Canyoning & Environment History and Development Hydrology Geology 3. Planning Canyoning rating systems Guide books and info Basic navigation Topographic maps Water levels Watershed Weather Team selection’ Emergency planning 4. Equipment Loads and Forces Personal Equipment Team Equipment Rigging Equipment Care and storage 5. Knotcraft Knotcraft Level 2 6. Teamwork Communication Teammate assessment Team managementDay 1 - Rope Progression and Swift Water
Part 1A - Equipment & Knotcraft - Cliff/Climbing wall/Canyon/Trees- Set up of harness and equipment check.
- Knotcraft
- Traverse line without intermediate points.
- Traverse line with intermediate points.
- Clip into anchor station.
- Set up the descender using different modes.
- The technical process of moving from anchor station to descent.
- Static Position and Lock off
- Abseil technique and body positions
- Guided Rappel - Classic method
- Ascending
- Rope Conversion
- Defensive swimming
- Active (Aggressive) swimming
- Swift-water entry
- Entering and exiting eddies
- Swift-water bag management
- River Crossing
- Duck-diving
- Deepwater disconnect
- Rescue principles - Shout Reach Throw
- Conditional Rescues
- Rope Throwing
- Swimming Rescue
- Defence Tactics
Day 2 - Anchors, Rigging, Canyon Progression
Part 2A - Anchors- E-Learning Feedback - Fall Factor and Impact Force.
- E-Learning Feedback - Identification of linked and unlinked anchors.
- E-Learning Feedback - Redundancy
- Linking unlinked anchors.
- Master Carabiner.
- Double-check method.
- Natural Anchors - set up and identification
- Set up - Retrievable traverse line without intermediate points
- Releasable System - Single strand (MMO)
- Releasable System - Single strand (Releasable fig 8 block)
- Static System - Knot block
- Cleaning the anchor
- Belaying from below
- Belaying from above
- Jumping
- Sliding
- Downclimbing
Day 3 - Clinic Day - Progression and Swift Water
Clinic days are designed to spend the day canyoning and go over any of the techniques from the course so far.Day 4 - Rigging, Anchor Management and Incident Management
Part 3A - Setting the Rope Length- Setting rope length when the anchor manager cannot see the bottom with a knot.
- Setting rope length when anchor manager cannot see the bottom using Swiftwater lock-off
- Isolation, Mitigation, Minimisation and elimination techniques
- Classic guided rappel
- In-loop guided rappel
- Human anchor for abseiling
- Human anchor for a guided rappel
- Launching the Alert
- Emergency Escapes
- Transporting a casualty
- Self Rescue - Releasing a jammed descender
- Indirect Rescue - Releasable rigging
- Indirect Rescue - Indirect rope cutting using MMO
- Indirect Rescue - Indirect rope cutting using counterbalance
- Indirect Rescue - Releasing jammed descender with 2:1 lift
Advanced Canyon
Advanced Canyon provides the student with advanced personal skills in order to progress into more advanced canyons rated V3A3ii and above. Four-day course Read More
The UKCA Advanced Canyoning is the third level of recreational certification within the UKCA training scheme. This workshop-style training course is designed for a student who is at an intermediate level and wishes to progress their technical canyoning skills in order to progress into more advanced canyons.
Profile
On completion of the course, the student will have the skills and knowledge to progress into more advanced canyons rated V3.A3.ii and above. The graduate will have strong technical skills in canyon environments, demonstrating anticipatory skills for reducing risk to themselves and their teammates. The student will have the skills to progress into multi-pitch canyons with strong knowledge of Swiftwater, rescue and technical rigging.
Trainer
UKCA Senior Trainer
Duration
4 days
Cost
£460pp
Prerequisites
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Good level of fitness and swimming ability.
- Have completed the canyon leader training course (or similar)
Syllabus
Day 1 - Rope Progression and Swift water
Part 1A - Horizontal Rope Progression The student will learn how to move safely on:- Full void traverse lines with intermediate points
- Passing knots on descent
- Passing knots on ascent
- Descend using improvised descenders
- Ascend using improvised device
- Ascend on double rope
- Pass a knot on a double rope
- Pass a rebelay
- Ascend a guided abseil
Day 2 - Anchors and Rigging
Part 2A - Rigging Theory- Fall factor and impact force
- Single, twin and double rope systems
- Compound and Isolated rigging systems
- Rope optimisation and packing
- Identification and use of natural anchors
- Human Anchors
- Retrievable anchor systems
- Set up - Fixed traverse line without intermediate points
- Set up - Fixed traverse line with intermediate points
- Set up - Retrievable traverse lines with intermediate points
- Releasable System - Twin Rope (MMO)
- Releasable System - Twin Rope (Releasable fig 8 block)
- Releasable System - Twin Rope (Joker system)
- Releasable System - Double Rope
- Static System - Twin Rope (Stone Knot)
- Static System - Twin Rope (Fig 8 Block)
- Multi-Pitch Rigging
- Guided Rappel - In loop method
Day 3 - Rescue and Swift Water
Part 3A - Rescue on Rope- Indirect - Counterbalance haul rescue using PCP
- Indirect - 3:1 Simple Haul
- Direct - Assistance rescue
- Direct - Rope cut rescue
- Defensive swimming.
- Active (Aggressive) swimming.
- River Crossing advanced techniques.
- Set up and use a tension diagonal.
- Rescue principles - Shout Reach Throw Go
- Contact Rescue
- Swift-water tie off
Day 4 - Clinic Day
The clinic section is designed to give the student the opportunity to practice and start consolidating skills from the course under the guidance of a trainer. The clinic can be carried out on a canyoning descent on a training wall or cliff.Professional Courses
Guide Level 1 - Training
A Level 1 Guide is qualified to lead commercial and organised groups in canyons rated up to V2A2i. This programme compromises of a two-day training course followed by consolidation then a two-day assessment. Read More
The UKCA Canyon Guide Level 1 (CG1) is the first level of professional certification within the UKCA award scheme. This training is designed for the competent intermediate level canyoneer who wishes to prepare for assessment in order to lead canyoning/gorge walking excursions in a commercial/professional environment rated up to V2A2ii.
Aim
The aim of this training course is to prepare the candidate for working as a canyoning guide in canyons rated V2A2ii or below. The Canyon Guide Level 1 training course is designed to prepare 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.
Trainer
UKCA Senior Trainer
Duration
2 days
Price
£260
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
- UKCA professional standards and behaviour
- UKCA working controls
- UKCA Guide L1 role and responsibility
- Solo working controls
- Membership and CPD
- Risk assessments and SOPs
- SSE (Safety Security Error)
- Environment concerns and planning
- Participant Equipment
- Group Equipment
- Risk Acceptance Forms
- Participant fundamental needs
- Fear and Stress - participant assessment
- Fear and Stress - environment
- Comfort zones and participation
- Safety briefing
- Leadership tactics - leapfrogging - leader progression
- Group management
- CLAP
- Canyoning trip delivery
- 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
- Anchors
- FIxed traverse lines
- Releasable systems
- Efficient rigging solutions
- Parasitic movements
- Belaying
- Movement on Rope
- Double-Check
- Assisted abseiling
- Lowering
- Self Rescue
- Indirect Rescue
- Direct Rescue
- Team Rescue
- Incident management process
- Transporting a casualty
- Emergency escape
Guide Level 1 - Assessment
A Level 1 Guide is qualified to lead commercial and organised groups in canyons rated up to V2A2i. Once completing the CG1 training and consolidation or entering via a Validation of Current Qualificationthen (VCQ) assessmant can be completed. On successful completion of the assessment certification will be awarded. Read More
The UKCA Canyon Guide Level 1 (CG1) is the first level of professional certification within the UKCA award scheme. This award is designed for the competent intermediate level canyoneer who wishes to lead canyoning/gorge walking excursions in a commercial/professional environment rated up to V2A2ii.
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.ii.
- 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.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Hold a valid first-aid certificate (2-day minimum)
- Good level of fitness and swimming ability.
- Minimum of 20 canyons at least 5 different canyons rated V3A3ii and above.
- Minimum of 10 canyoning days of co-assisting, co-leading or shadowing on commercial canyoning excursions V2A2i.
Syllabus
Assessment Notes The syllabus outlines what the content of the assessment will include and gives an idea of what assessment tasks the candidate will be asked to complete. All judgements on how the candidate meets the syllabus must be based on current best practice and industry standards. Assessors use five types of direct evidence to determine a candidate’s competency: - Written entry test: multiple choice questions. - Questioning and discussion. - Observation of practical tasks. - Presentation of Information. - Timed Tests.Section 1 (Day 1) Technical Competence
1A - Canyoning, Environment and Planning The candidate will:- Demonstrate their knowledge of the FFME and ACA grading system and other popular canyon grading systems used internationally.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of basic geology and hydrology e.g. rock types, geographical areas and their effect on canyon systems.
- Describe the impact of visitation to the canyon environment, including bolts, anchors and erosion.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of planning a canyoning trip. This will include weather checks, resources, reading topo maps, water levels, basic navigation and emergency planning.
- Explain their understanding of PPE certification.
- Explain their knowledge of forces and loads e.g fall factor and impact force.
- Explain and describe how they store, maintain and check equipment before and after their canyoning trip.
- Have personal equipment fit for purpose, in good working order.
- Describe their personal equipment and why they carry it. They will describe the advantages and disadvantages of equipment e.g. wetsuits, drysuits, shoes, harnesses, helmets, bags and ropes.
- Demonstrate the group and emergency equipment the candidate will pack for canyoning trips and how to use it.
- Demonstrate how to coil and uncoil a rope.
- Demonstrate how to safely pack a rope into a rope bag.
- Figure 8 on a bight
- Overhand knot on a bight
- Bowline
- BFK (big fat knot) - Overhand on a double bight
- Double Fisherman's Bend
- Figure 8 Bend
- Stacked Overhand Bend
- Clove Hitch
- Munter Hitch
- MMO - Munter Mule Overhand
- Tape Knot
- Demonstrate effective down climbing technique, and demonstrate safe and effective techniques for aiding a teammate from above and below.
- Demonstrate safe and effective sliding technique.
- Demonstrate safe and effective jumping technique
- Demonstrate how to assess a jump or slide to make it safe for team members.
- Demonstrate ascending technique with mechanical ascenders or prusiks.
- Demonstrate descending technique with mechanical ascenders or prusiks.
- Convert from ascent to descent and descent to ascent.
- Demonstrate a confident and effective defensive and active swimming technique.
- Demonstrate ferry swimming and entering and exiting an eddy.
- Demonstrate how to safely swim with a canyoning bag, and demonstrate knowledge of how to move bags safely down swift water environments.
- Show their knowledge of river crossing techniques and the risks involved with river crossing.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of duck diving up to 3 meters.
- Understand the term ‘Rig for Rescue’ and will implement this in all their rigging tasks.
- Identify natural and bolt anchors, understand principles of anchors such as strength, redundancy and equalisation. Identify materials used and different anchor set-ups.
- Show that they are double checking each anchor and their rigging systems at each anchor point.
- Demonstrate how to link unlinked anchors and bolts.
- Demonstrate their ability to set up and deconstruct safe and efficient traverse lines, rappel systems, guided rappels on fixed or natural anchors.
- Identify where abrasion management is needed and identify different techniques used for abrasion management.
- Demonstrate the use of one belaying technique from above and below.
- Understand the theory of sequencing team members and how to safely set the rope length when the bottom is not visible from below.
- Demonstrate how to self-rescue themselves when they are stuck on the rope with a jammed descender.
- Demonstrate how to release and secure a releasable system when a participant is stuck on descent.
- Demonstrate how to safely and effectively perform an indirect rope cutting rescue to release a stuck participant.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of visual and sound signals.
- Identify the process of launching an alert.
- Have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
- Identify the signs and symptoms of common issues that could occur on a canyon descent such as exhaustion, hyperthermia, hypothermia, stress, anxiety and exhaustion.
- Demonstrate a method of transporting a casualty.
- Managing a flood incident in the canyon.
Section 2 (Day 2) - Instruction, Leadership and Planning
On day 2 the candidate will be expected to lead a group in a canyon up to V2A2ii. 1A - Leadership The candidate will lead a canyoning excursion with a real group, during the excursion they will demonstrate and will be assessed on:- Never compromising their safety or the safety of the group.
- Professionalism - language, appearance, gestures and engagement.
- Preparing and briefing.
- Time management.
- Role Modeling, motivating and having fun with the group.
- Establishing a rapport with individuals and having emotional awareness of individuals needs.
- Safe and efficient rigging.
- Fitting equipment
- Rappelling and movement on traverse lines
- Communication
- Movement techniques
- Jumping
- Sliding
- Swimming
- Teamwork
Guide Level 2 - Training
A Level 2 Guide is qualified to lead commercial and organised groups in canyons rated up to V3A3ii. This programme compromises a two-day training course (Advanced Canyoning Pro) followed by consolidation then a two-day assessment. Read More
The UKCA Advanced Canyoning Pro is the second level of professional training within the UKCA award scheme. This training is designed for the competent Canyoning Guide level 1 who wishes to prepare for the Level 2 Guide assessment in order to lead canyoning/gorge walking excursions in a commercial/professional environment rated up to V3A3ii.
Profile
On completion of the course, the student will have the skills and knowledge to progress into more advanced canyons rated V3.A3.ii and above. The graduate will have strong technical skills in canyon environments, demonstrating anticipatory skills for reducing risk to themselves and their teammates. The student will have the skills to progress into and lead multi-pitch canyons with strong knowledge of Swiftwater, rescue and technical rigging. The student will have the technical knowledge to lead in canyons rated up to V3A3ii.
Trainer
UKCA Senior Trainer
Duration
4 days
Cost
£460pp
Prerequisites
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Good level of fitness and swimming ability.
- Have completed the Level 1 Guide Assessment (or similar)
Syllabus
Day 1 - Theory, Rope Progression and Swift water
Part 1A - Theory The student will learn about the roles and responsibilities of working as a Level 2 Guide- UKCA professional standards and behaviour
- UKCA working controls
- UKCA Guide L1 role and responsibility
- Working with a second guide
- Psychology - Feedback from L1 Guide Training
- Full void traverse lines with intermediate points
- Passing knots on descent
- Passing knots on ascent
- Descend using improvised descenders
- Ascend using improvised device
- Ascend on double rope
- Pass a knot on a double rope
- Pass a rebelay
- Ascend a guided abseil
Day 2 - Anchors and Rigging
Part 2A - Rigging Theory- Fall factor and impact force
- Single, twin and double rope systems
- Compound and Isolated rigging systems
- Rope optimisation and packing
- Identification and use of natural anchors
- Human Anchors
- Retrievable anchor systems
- Set up - Fixed traverse line without intermediate points
- Set up - Fixed traverse line with intermediate points
- Set up - Retrievable traverse line with intermediate points
- Releasable System - Twin Rope (MMO)
- Releasable System - Twin Rope (Releasable fig 8 block)
- Releasable System - Twin Rope (Joker system)
- Releasable System - Double Rope
- Static System - Twin Rope (Stone Knot)
- Static System - Twin Rope (Fig 8 Block)
- Multi-Pitch Rigging
- Guided Rappel - In loop method
Day 3 - Rescue and Swift Water
Part 3A - Rescue on Rope- Indirect - Counterbalance haul rescue using PCP
- Indirect - 3:1 Simple Haul
- Direct - Assistance rescue
- Direct - Rope cut rescue
- Defensive swimming.
- Active (Aggressive) swimming.
- River Crossing advanced techniques.
- Set up and use a tension diagonal.
- Rescue principles - Shout Reach Throw Go
- Contact Rescue
- Swift-water tie off
Day 4 - Clinic Day
The clinic section is designed to give the student the opportunity to practice and start consolidating skills from the course under the guidance of a trainer. The clinic can be carried out on a canyoning descent on a training wall or cliffGuide Level 2 - Assessment
A Level 2 Guide is qualified to lead commercial and organised groups in canyons rated up to V3A3ii. Once completing the CG2 training and consolidation or entering via a VCQ assessmant can be completed. On successful completion of the assessment certification will be awarded. Read More
The UKCA Canyon Guide Level 2 (CG2) is the second level of professional certification within the UKCA award scheme. This award is designed for an experienced Guide Level 1 (or equivalent) who wishes to lead canyoning excursions in the UK and internationally in a commercial environment rated up to V3A3ii.
Profile
- A successful graduate of the Level 2 Canyon Guide Award will be able to lead novice canyoneers in a commercial environment through a canyon rated up to V3.A3.ii.
- 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 and intermediate canyoning experiences.
- The graduate will be able to manage canyoning groups as a head guide.
- The graduate will be able to teach canyoning skills to a group.
- The graduate will be a role model for canyoning and the UKCA.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Hold a valid first-aid certificate (2-day minimum)
- Good level of fitness, mental health and swimming ability.
- Hold the Canyon Guide L1 award (or similar)
- Hold the Advanced Canyoning Pro award (or similar)
- Minimum of 40 canyoning days in at least 5 different canyons rated V3.A3.ii and above.
- Minimum of 40 canyoning days, leading canyoning trips in a minimum of 3 technical (V2.A2.i) canyons.
Syllabus
Assessment Notes The syllabus outlines what the content of the assessment will include and gives an idea of what assessment tasks the candidate will be asked to complete. All judgements on how the candidate meets the syllabus must be based on current good practice and industry standards. Assessors use five types of direct evidence to determine a candidate’s competency: - Written entry test: multiple choice questions. - Questioning and discussion. - Observation of practical tasks. - Presentation of Information. - Timed Tests.Section 1 (Day 1) Technical Competence
1A - Canyoning, Environment and Planning The candidate will:- Demonstrate their knowledge of geology and hydrology e.g. rock types, geographical areas and their effect on canyon systems.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of access legislation within the UK.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of planning a canyoning trip. This will include weather checks, resources, reading topo maps, guide selection, water levels, basic navigation and emergency planning.
- Complete a pre-activity check of equipment and describe how to identify worn equipment e.g. surface wear of ropes, tapes and harnesses, internal damage to ropes, wear and stress to the metal of carabiners and descenders, wear and stress to helmets, recommended maximum life for use of equipment
- Explain and describe how they store, maintain and check equipment before and after their canyoning trip.
- Demonstrate the group and emergency equipment the candidate will pack for remote canyoning trips and how to use it.
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of current equipment and clothing used for canyoning and reasons for choice e.g. wetsuits, shoes, helmets, harnesses, buoyancy aids, ropes, descenders, karabiners and other technical gear.
- Demonstrate effective down climbing technique, and demonstrate safe and effective techniques for aiding a participant from above and below.
- Demonstrate efficient and timely movement through the canyon.
- Show how to assess a jump or slide to make it safe for participants.
- Demonstrate how to descend with an improvised device.
- Demonstrate how to pass a deviation or rebelay.
- Demonstrate how to pass a knot during an abseil.
- Demonstrate how to ascend double rope
- Demonstrate how to ascend a guideline (guided abseil)
- Show strong swimming ability.
- Demonstrate good ferry swimming technique.
- Explain the use of tension diagonals to move a group across a substantial flow.
- Demonstrate group river crossing techniques.
- Explain the risks involved with trap pools, hydraulics, undercuts.
- Effective bag management.
- Demonstrate safe, effective, efficient and CLEAN rigging in a canyon that is unfamiliar to the candidate.
- Demonstrate rigging to avoid or mitigate water hazards, specifically using guided abseils and ziplines.
- Demonstrate rigging releasable twin rope systems in order to add efficiency to a descent.
- Demonstrate the use of double rope systems and when its appropriate to use them.
- Describe the use of static rope systems and when it is appropriate to use them.
- Demonstrate the use of fixed traverse lines and when it is appropriate to use them.
- Demonstrate how to perform a counterbalance haul rescue using a PCP
- Demonstrate how to perform a direct assistance rescue, using a foot loop or lift to manage a stuck descender.
- Explain the use of an indirect 2:1 lift rescue.
- Demonstrate how to perform a 3:1 simple haul.
- Perform a direct rope cutting rescue.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of visual and sound signals.
- Identify the process of launching an alert.
- Have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
- Explain the use of sequencing and how they will implicate it on a canyoning trip
- Demonstrate a team method of transporting a casualty.
- Describe the working controls for a UKCA CG1 and CG2.
- Describe the process of leapfrogging and leader progression.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of effective positioning as the lead guide.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of working with a second guide.
Section 2 (Day 2) - Instruction, Leadership and Planning
On day 2 the candidate will be expected to lead a group in a canyon up to V3.A.3ii. 2B - Leadership The candidate will lead a canyoning excursion with a real group, during the excursion they will demonstrate and will be assessed on:- Never compromising their safety or the safety of the group.
- Effective group briefing including; setting boundaries, ground rules, appropriate and effective risk disclosure.
- A leadership style that is appropriate for the clients; their skill and experience level and their needs.
- Demonstrate safe practices and good judgement and decision making within the scope of this qualification
- Professionalism - language, appearance, gestures and engagement.
- Preparing and briefing.
- Time management.
- Use of a second guide.
- Role Modeling, motivating and having fun with the group.
- Establishing a rapport with individuals and having emotional awareness of individual needs.
- Safe, appropriate and efficient rigging.
- Fitting equipment
- Rappelling and movement on traverse lines
- Communication
- Movement techniques
- Jumping
- Sliding
- Swimming
- Teamwork
- Personal Feedback
- Introduction to the Canyon Instructor programme.
Canyon Instructor
A Canyon Instructor is qualified to lead commercial and organised groups in canyons rated above V3A3ii (where appropriate risk management and systems are in place) A Canyon Instructor can deliver the Intro to Canyoning course. Three-day training and assessment. Read More
The UKCA Canyon Canyon Instructor (CI) is the highest level of professional certification within the UKCA award scheme. This award is designed for a highly experienced Canyon Guide Level 2 (or equivalent) who wishes to lead canyoning excursions in the UK and internationally in a commercial canyoning environment above V3A3ii. This award allows the graduate to deliver the Introduction to Canyoning programme and is the first step to becoming a Trainer.
Profile
- A successful graduate of the Canyon Instructor Award will be able to lead an appropriately skilled group in a commercial environment through a canyon rated above V3.A3.ii.
- The graduate will be expertly skilled in canyon environments, demonstrating excellent anticipatory skills for reducing risk to their customers and themselves.
- The graduate will master safe and efficient rigging solutions in the canyon environment.
- The graduate will be able to plan, prepare and deliver the Introduction to Canyoning Award.
- The graduate will be able to teach canyoning skills to a group.
- The graduate will be a role model for canyoning and an ambassador for the UKCA.
- The graduate can be a mentor for other professional trainees.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Hold a valid first-aid certificate (2-day minimum)
- Good level of fitness, mental health and swimming ability.
- Hold the Canyon Guide Level 2 award.
- Attended the Canyon Rescue workshop.
- Minimum of 80 canyoning days in at least 20 different canyons rated V3.A3.ii and above.
- Minimum of 80 canyoning days leading canyoning trips in a minimum of 5 technical (V2.A2.ii) canyons.
- Have shadowed 2 Introduction to Canyoning course.
Entry Test
Test - Counterbalance Rescue (from above) The candidate will descend to the victim and perform a counterbalance rescue in order to descend with the victim within 1.7 of the trainer's set time. If the trainee makes a security error (open carabiner, disconnect etc.) they will fail that attempt. If the trainee does not meet the time criteria on the first attempt they can retake the test directly afterwards. On the second attempt, they must pass within 1.6 of the trainers set time on a second fail of this test the trainee will not continue onto the Canyon Instructor Course.Syllabus
Assessment Notes The syllabus outlines what the content of the assessment will include and gives an idea of what assessment tasks the candidate will be asked to complete. All judgements on how the candidate meets the syllabus must be based on current good practice and industry standards. Assessors use three types of direct evidence to determine a candidate’s competency:- Questioning and discussion.
- Observation of practical tasks.
- Delivery of Content
Section 1 (Day 1) Teaching Theory
- 10 steps of teaching.
- Risk management.
- Roles and Responsibilities of a Canyon Instructor.
- UKCA procedures and standards.
- Introduction to Canyoning overview.
- Introduction to Canyoning mastery of techniques.
Section 2 (Day 2&3) Course Delivery
- Delivery of Introduction to Canyoning course
- Review, Monitoring and Feedback
Trainer
A Trainer is certified and experienced to deliver the Canyon Leader training course. They can assist a Senior Trainer on delivery and assessment of professional training courses. Read More
The UKCA Trainer Course is for expert, highly experienced professional canyoneers. They will be an ambassador for the UKCA and canyoning in general. A Trainer will deliver the Canyon Leader Course and CPD workshops and will contribute to the development of canyoning training and teaching concepts with the UKCA training team.
Profile
- A successful graduate of the Trainer Scheme will be able to teach novice canyoneers in a canyon environment rated up to V3.A3.ii.
- A successful graduate will be motivated, passionate and have excellent teaching skills.
- The graduate will be an expert canyoneer, demonstrating excellent anticipatory skills for reducing risk to their students and themselves.
- The graduate will be a role model for canyoning and an ambassador for the UKCA.
- The graduate can be a mentor for other professional trainees.
- The graduate will be a member of the UKCA training team.
- The graduate will work for the UKCA to deliver courses when they are needed.
- Must be 24 years or older.
- Hold a valid first-aid certificate (2-day minimum)
- High level of fitness and swimming ability.
- Hold the Canyon Instructor award for a of two years.
- Taught a minimum of 4 Intro to Canyoning courses.
- Pass selection interviews.
- Be motivated, positive, approachable and passionate about canyoning.
- Minimum of 120 canyoning days in at least 20 different canyons rated V3.A3.ii and above.
- Minimum of 10 days canyoning internationally
- Minimum of 120 canyoning days leading canyoning trips in a minimum of 5 technical (V3A3ii) canyons.
- Shadowed 2 Canyon Leader courses.
Syllabus
Assessment Notes The syllabus outlines what the content of the assessment will include and gives an idea of what assessment tasks the candidate will be asked to complete. All judgements on how the candidate meets the syllabus must be based on current good practice and industry standards. Assessors use 5 types of direct evidence to determine a candidate’s competency:- Questioning and discussion.
- Written multiple choice tests
- Observation of practical tasks.
- Presentation of information
- Delivery of Content
Section 1 (Day 1) Teaching Theory
- Teaching Concepts and Techniques
- Teaching in a moderate risk environment
- Psychology
- Risk management
- Roles and Responsibilities of a trainer
- UKCA procedures and standards
Section 2 (Day 2&3) Course Presentation and Technical Theory
- Canyon Leader overview.
- Presentation delivery.
- Environment concerns when delivering.
- Delivery of teaching concepts.
- Technical teaching test.
- Course preparation techniques
- Technical overview and delivery
Section 3 (Day 4-8) Canyon Leader Course Delivery and Assessment
- Delivery of the Canyon Leader Course.
- Feedback and Review.