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.

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