This year we are experimenting with having ACA accredited training centers host some rendezvous. Rondies were hosted by North Wash Outfitters, Desert Highlights and Excursions of Escalante (one more to go, hosted by San Juan Mountain Guides in Ouray, Colorado).
From all accounts they were huge successes. People especially seemed to enjoy having the opportunity to learn from and descend canyons with the guides. Needless to say, the rendezvous were not profitable for the guides/instructors, but they enjoyed hosting them.
Listening to input and ideas from the guides and participants, I am entertaining some ideas for next year. ACA will continue hosting our annual spring and fall rendezvous in Arizona and Zion as usual. Considering offering the other hosted rendezvous as opportunities for skills practice. For example, a rendezvous in Escalante might include a map reading and land navigation workshop, followed by a canyon trip that focuses on utilizing land navigation skills. A rendezvous in Ouray might include a swift water workshop, followed by a canyon trip that focuses on utilizing swift water skills. Of course there will be a couple extra days for doing canyons just for fun, too.
Thoughts?
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Have fun. Be safe.
Rich, Instructor & BDFL
Canyoneering • Canyon Rescue • Leader-Guide Training
Online Training: ART of Canyoneering • Gear: Canyons & Crags
Well, I've done Barney Springs and Little LO, and I'm hoping to do Shamrock before Zion. But other than those I don't know of any keeper potholes. I'm sure there are some around Page (which is practically UT), but a lot of those canyons have been closed. Either way, there's certainly nothing like Imlay close by.
I'd love to hear about any others that you know of closer to central AZ.
Joe
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I think having additional learning opportunities is a great idea. Never too old to learn from others right? Having attended 2 (soon to be 3) out the 4 rondies listed, I really appreciate those who are hosting these events. Hopefully we are passing it on by sending clients their way, posting links to their websites from the photos/videos we share, etc.
I like the idea Rich!!! will be nice to do one here in Costa Rica for local people.... or maybe see how many canyoneers want to come for the next version of the multi-sport rondy in the tropics...
Practice is always important...
Learning from Rich and Rick and other canyoneers in such a pristine place as Escalante was a trifecta! I love the town and the laid-back attitude. Having been on the rondy piqued my interest in the area and thus returning for a paid workshop. I look forward to paying Rick as a guide in the future.
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