Aspirant 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 Level 1 and Level 2 Skills Checklists. Aspirant Assessments are conducted by Canyon Leaders, I or II. 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 Level 1 and 2 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.
Note: Aspirant Canyon Leaders may not accept any form of compensation from participants for their service.
Aspirant Canyon Leader -- Step by Step
1. Pass the ACA's Aspirant Assessment.
2. Create and maintain your member profile on the ACA's website.
3. Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:
- minimum of 25 canyon descents;
- minimum of 5 unique canyons descended.
ACA Canyon Leader Training
ACA Canyon Leader Training is not a 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, youth leaders, and recreational canyoneers looking to improve upon their technical skills.
The mission of the Canyon Leader Training 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.
Please Note: The Canyon Leader Training Program does not include a competency assessment, therefore it must not be represented as nor perceived as a certification. If certification is required, you should consider ACA Professional Guide Certification
Our Canyon Leader Training Program consists of three levels:
- Aspirant Canyon Leader
- Canyon Leader I
- Canyon Leader II
Typical Cost: Variable
Duration: Variable
Please check our calendar of events for a current list of scheduled training sessions.
Custom Training
Training can also be customized and scheduled based on your availability. Feel free to contact us any time to inquire about your desired topic and we can discuss available dates and participant minimums.
