hello

[kyber]

hello, interested in becoming a guide, probably with geo based in monterrey, mexico. i'm 25 and have been climbing for a few years, and am very fond of traveling in mexico. i've been thinking of taking the aca courses to get certified, anybody have any suggestions for me? also, is it hard to find work as a guide, is there enough money to be made to support myself, is it an onseason/offseason type thing? thanks for any help.

kyber

[rcwild]

Kyber

You won't be ignored here, newbie or not. But there are no full-time moderators. It may take a couple days before someone is able to respond.

I worked as a canyon guide for 12 years. It would have been tough to make a living solely as a canyon guide. I also guided climbs, treks, etc. Canyoneering is seasonal.

Guides who worked for me usually fell under two categories: (1) guided part-time and relied on other employment for most of their income or (2) lived somewhat nomadic lifestyles, moving seasonally to where there was work.

If your goal is to support yourself solely as a guide, you should do everything you can to make yourself marketable. For example, Wilderness First Responder credential is now standard for any form of guiding in the U.S. Show prospective employers you are serious about the profession by getting your WFR certification as soon as possible.

AMGA certification is not a prerequisite to work as a climbing guide, but will certainly put you head and shoulders above the competition. The best-known climbing guide services in the U.S. all insist upon using AMGA certified guides.

Canyoneering hasn't reached that point here yet, but it will. Sooner or later, all true professionals recognize the value of a certification process -- both for themselves and for their industry.

Talk to Chuy and Luis at Geo. Both are pursuing ACA Canyon Guide certification. I'm pretty sure they will insist you do the same as a condition of employment. I'm also sure Chuy will be very open with you about the prospects for employment.

Good luck.

[chuygro]

Hola Kyber,

I used to be part owner of Geo in Mexico (just sold my part of the company to Luis). I can tell you that canyoneering here is a seasonal sport. In Monterrey we go to canyons from April to August. And the best months are May, June and July. There is a lot of work in that season. But winters are pretty low and there is not much work for guides. All the guides have other jobs besides canyoneering. Any way you can contact Luis at luis@geoaventura.com.mx . Feel free to contact me as well on guiding in Mexico.

Chuy