This is a two day course specifically designed for the Alpine Club for climbers who have experience with rope work and anchor building (for example lead or trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing, ice climbing, rope rescue, or other similar experience).  The goal of the 2 day course is to begin progress towards becoming competent in descending technical canyons with a competent leader and to begin progress in becoming competent in descending simple canyons with others of a similar skill level.  

The course runs over two days with significant learning and practice at a dry cliff and a half day in-canyon application of skills on the second afternoon.  

Prerequisites:

• Significant outdoor experience (climbing, hiking, water sports, etc.)
• Working knowledge of a variety of basic climbing and mountaineering knots (figure 8, Munter hitch, clove hitch, alpine butterfly, water knot) Knots can be reviewed on the course but the time and focus will not be on covering basics 
• Rappelling experience and comfort transferring from being secured on an anchor to a rappel are required and important for this course
• Working knowledge of anchor building (there is not a specific type of anchor to know, but participants should understand the principles of building a safe anchor and be able to apply their knowledge to one or two anchor types)
• Comfort in 5th class terrain with rope protection
• Basic rope ascension technique (using prussics to ascend a single rope)

What you will learn:

• Key safety differences between climbing and canyoning rope use and systems
• Canyon specific rappelling techniques and the differences between climbing and canyoning rope systems
• Spotting and backing up rappels
• The fundamentals of canyon progression (downclimbing, moving water swimming, jumping, sliding etc.)
• How to identify a competent leader
• How to prepare for a canyoning trip
• Canyoning ethics

Please note, we are listing this course the same weekend as a course designed for more experienced climbers.  We may not be able to run both depending on demand.  Participants will be held on the wait list until the course is confirmed at which time they will be added for payment.  If you sign up for both courses we will interpret it as you having the ability for the second level, but interest in either course if we can't run both.

Some pre-course material will be provided and participants are expected to complete it prior to the course.  

All gear is available to rent.  Canyoning specific gear is indicated.

• Harness* (a canyoning specific harness is required and available for rent)
• Helmet (a swiftwater or climbing helmet will suffice)
• 5mm wetsuit or drysuit (available for rent)
• Shoes appropriate for wearing in the water.  Old sneakers or approach shoes work well.  Must be a snug fit and rigid sole.  Hiking or mountaineering boots are not recommended.  
• 4 HMS carabiners
• 2 descenders (figure 8 type)
• Cordelette for prussics (6 or 7mm, 10kN)

Wetsuit rental $30 per day + tax

Full Canyoning Kit (wetsuit, helmet, harness, hardware) $50 per day + tax

Rental costs will be payable directly to the guiding company

Warm and comfortable clothes for theory and dry cliff portions

Camp chair

Notebook and pencil

Camera (waterproof)

Sunglasses + Hat

Rain gear

Appropriate footwear for dry cliff practice

Students are responsible for their own food, lodging, and transportation.  There are a few hotels and hostels in the area that may be open for the season and lots of crown land and provincial camping nearby.

Because of the discounted ACC rate cancellations will not be accepted.  The trip coordinator may be able to assist with finding a replacement.  Replacements will only be accepted if the trip is already full.