Syllabus - 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 principle

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 management

Day 1 - Rope Progression and Swift Water

Part 1A - Equipment & Knotcraft - Cliff/Climbing wall/Canyon/Trees

• Set up of harness and equipment check.
• Knotcraft

Part 1B - Horizontal Rope Progression
The student will learn how to move safely on:

• Traverse line without intermediate points.
• Traverse line with intermediate points.

Part 1C - Vertical Rope Progression (Descent)

• 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

Part 1D - Vertical Rope Progression (Ascent)

• Ascending
• Rope Conversion

Part 1E - Swift Water Progression - Canyon rated A3 or River grade 2 max

• Defensive swimming
• Active (Aggressive) swimming
• Swift-water entry
• Entering and exiting eddies
• Swift-water bag management
• River Crossing
• Duck-diving
• Deepwater disconnect

Part 1F - Swift Water Rescue

• 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

Part 2B - Rigging Traverse Lines

• Set up - Retrievable traverse line without intermediate points

Part 2C - Releasable Rigging Systems

• 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

Part 2D - Movement

• 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

Part 3B - Abrasion Management

• Isolation, Mitigation, Minimisation and elimination techniques

Part 3C - Guided Rappel

• Classic guided rappel
• In-loop guided rappel

Part 3E - Human Anchors

• Human anchor for abseiling
• Human anchor for a guided rappel

Part 3F - Incident Management

• Launching the Alert
• Emergency Escapes
• Transporting a casualty

Part 3G - Rescue

• 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

Day 5 - Clinic Day - Technical Review and Canyon Descent

Clinic days are designed to spend the day canyoning and go over any of the techniques from the course.

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) 

Membership

Recreational Membership

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
• SSE (Safety Security 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 - leapfrogging - leader progression
• Group management
• CLAP
• 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
• Parasitic movements 

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 

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. 

Working Controls

A successful candidate will be able to work alone in a canyon rated up to V2A2ii 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.  

Assessor

UKCA Senior Trainer  

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. 

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.

Log Book

Prior to assessment, the candidate must present a logbook with a minimum of:

• 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.

*These prerequisites are minimum requirements, extra days are recommended.

Competency Gateway

This assessment can be accessed directly. The UKCA is aware that previous experience and training may have been obtained through other organisations. If the candidate believes they have the skill and experience they can go directly into this assessment. 

Membership

Professional Membership (required on successful completion of the 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 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. 

1B - Equipment

The candidate will:

• 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.

1C - Knotcraft 

The candidate will demonstrate the correct tying and explain the application of the following knots, bends and hitches:

• 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

1D - Movement 

The candidate will negotiate features found in A3 or Class C canyons and will:

• 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.

1E - Movement on Rope

The candidate will have good knowledge of fall factor and dynamic loading, they will be able to identify the risks and understand how to reduce them. The candidate will:

• 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.

1F- Movement in Water

In an A3 or Class C canyon environment or Grade/Class 1/2 river environment the candidate will:

• 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. 

1G - Rigging

During a canyoning descent rated V2/V3 the candidate will:

• 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. 

1H - Rope Rescue 

The candidate will have knowledge of the risks involved with rescue and the difference between direct and indirect rescue the candidate will:

• 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.

1I - Teamwork and Incident Management

The candidate will:

• 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.

1J - Timed Tests

Test 1 - Indirect Rope Cutting 

The candidate will perform an indirect rope cut rescue in under 1.20 min

If the trainee makes a security error (open carabiner, cut wrong rope 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 1.10 min on a second fail of this test the trainee will not pass the L1 guide assessment. 

Test 2 - Rope Conversion Test 

The candidate will perform a rope conversion from ascent to descent at 5 meters in under 3 min. 

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 2.45 min on a second fail of this test the trainee will not pass the L1 guide assessment. 

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.

2B - Instruction

The candidate will provide instruction on some of the following:

• Fitting equipment
• Rappelling and movement on traverse lines
• Communication 
• Movement techniques
• Jumping
• Sliding
• Swimming 
• Teamwork

2C - Feedback, Review and Certification 

The candidates will have peer feedback and individual feedback. On successful completion of the assessment certification will be awarded.

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) 

UKCA recommends the student has consolidated skills working as a Level 1 guide and has a good level of canyoning experience.  

Membership

Professional Membership

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

Part 1B - Horizontal Rope Progression

The student will learn how to move safely on:

• Full void traverse lines with intermediate points

Part 1C - Vertical Rope Progression 

• 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

Part 2B - Anchors 

• Identification and use of natural anchors
• Human Anchors
• Retrievable anchor systems

Part 2C - Rigging Traverse Lines

• Set up - Fixed traverse line without intermediate points
• Set up - Fixed traverse line with intermediate points
• Set up - Retrievable traverse line with intermediate points

Part 2D - Rigging Systems

• 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

Part 3B - Swift Water Progression - Canyon rated A3 or River grade 2 max 

• Defensive swimming.
• Active (Aggressive) swimming.
• River Crossing advanced techniques.
• Set up and use a tension diagonal.

Part 3C - Swift Water Rescue

• 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

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. 

Working Controls

A successful candidate will be able to work alone in a canyon rated up to V3A3.ii with up to 8 group members. This can be extended to 16 group members where another Canyon Guide L2 or L1 is present. A Canyon Guide Level 2 can assist a Canyon Instructor in canyons above V3A3ii.  

Assessor

UKCA Senior Trainer  

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 V3A3ii. 

Duration 

2 days 

Price

£260

Prerequisites

• 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)

Log Book

Prior to assessment, the candidate must present a logbook with a minimum of:

• 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.

*These prerequisites are minimum requirements, extra days are recommended.

Competency Gateway

This assessment can be accessed directly. The UKCA is aware that previous experience and training may have been obtained through other organisations. If the candidate believes they have the skill and experience they can go directly into this assessment. 

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. 

1B - Equipment

The candidate will:

• 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.

1D - Movement 

The candidate will negotiate features found in A3 -A4 or Class C canyons and will:

• 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.

1E - Movement on Rope

The candidate will have good knowledge of fall factor and dynamic loading, they will be able to identify the risks and understand how to reduce them. The candidate will:

• 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)

1F- Movement in Water

In an A3 or Class C canyon environment or Grade/Class 2 river environment the candidate will:

• 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. 

1G - Rigging

During a canyoning descent rated V3/V4 the candidate will:

• 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. 

1H - Rope Rescue 

The candidate will have knowledge of the risks involved with rescue and the difference between direct and indirect rescue the candidate will:

• 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.

1I - Teamwork and Incident Management

The candidate will:

• 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.

1J - Working with a Second Guide

The candidate will:

• 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.

1K - Timed Tests

Test 1 - Rope Conversion Pass a Knot 

The candidate will ascend past a knot to reach 5 meters, convert and descend past the knot to reach the ground in under 6 min.

If the trainee makes a safety 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 5.5 min on a second fail of this test; the trainee will not pass the L2 guide assessment. 

Test 2 - Direct Rope Cutting Rescue

The candidate will perform a direct rope cutting rescue,  within 1.7 of the trainer's set time.

If the trainee makes a safety error (open carabiner, dropped knife 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 trainer's set time. On a second fail of this test the trainee will not pass the L2 guide assessment. 

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.

3B - Instruction

The candidate will provide instruction on some of the following:

• Fitting equipment
• Rappelling and movement on traverse lines
• Communication 
• Movement techniques
• Jumping
• Sliding
• Swimming 
• Teamwork

3C - Feedback and Review

• Personal Feedback
• Introduction to the Canyon Instructor programme.

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.

Working Controls

A successful candidate will be able to work alone in a canyon rated above V3A3.ii with up to 6 group members where appropriate risk assessments and management systems are in place. This can be extended to 8 group members where another Canyon Guide L2 is present. A Canyon Instructor will be a mentor for other professional trainees. A Canyon Instructor will be able to deliver the Introduction to Canyoning award programme.

Assessor & Trainer

UKCA Senior Training Team 

Assessment Venue

Day 1 Technical and Theory - Classroom

Day 2 & 3 Course delivery - Canyon

Duration 

3 days 

Price

£360

Prerequisites

• 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.

Log Book

Prior to assessment, the candidate must present a logbook with a minimum of:

• 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. 

*These prerequisites are minimum requirements, extra days are recommended.

Competency Gateway

This assessment cannot be accessed directly. The candidate must have worked as a UKCA Level 2 Guide and have relevant experience in UK canyons. 

Membership

Professional Membership

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

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.

Working Controls

A successful candidate will be able to work in a canyon rated up to V3A3.ii with up to 6 group students where appropriate risk assessments and management systems are in place. This can be extended to 12 group members where another Trainer or Senior Trainers is co-delivering. A trainer will be a mentor for other professional trainees and contribute to the development of the UKCA. A Trainer will be able to deliver the Canyon Leader Award programme.

Assessor & Trainer

UKCA Senior Training Team 

Training & Assessment Process

During the 7 day course the candidate will be continually assessed on safety, technique and applied teaching.

Assessment Venue

Day 1 Teaching Theory - Classroom

Day 2 & 3 Course preparation and technical theory - Canyon/Classroom

Day 4 - 8 Canyon Leader course delivery and assessment.

Duration 

8 Days 

Price

£1660

Prerequisites

• 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.

Log Book

Prior to assessment, the candidate must present a logbook with a minimum of:

• 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. 

*These prerequisites are minimum requirements, extra days are recommended.

Competency Gateway

This assessment cannot be accessed directly. The candidate must have worked as a UKCA Canyon Instructor and have relevant experience in UK canyons. 

Entry Test

Test 1 - Counterbalance Rescue (from below) 

The candidate will ascend 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 trainer's set time; on a second fail of this test the trainee will not continue onto the Canyon Instructor Course. 

Test 2 - Rope Itinerary Test

The candidate will complete a rope itinerary test set out by the training team. The candidate must complete the test within 1.7 of the trainer's 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 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.