Dominica July 2022

Extreme Dominica Team, ACA Assessment Certification 2022.

The ACA has recently returned from certifying 6 Professional Guides and 1 Assistant Canyon Leader on the Caribbean island of Dominica. Joe Storms, Bruce Shapiro and myself spent 8 days in a stunning jungle environment, training and assessing the guiding and technical skills of 7 fine gentlemen. The company’s name is Extreme Dominica, and they have been in operation as a professional canyoning guide service since 2007. They focus is on running high quality canyoning adventures for folks visiting the island via cruise ship.

LINK HERE for Facebook photos.

Joe is from Jasper Canada, he teaches all critical aspects of Class C guiding and is our Guru in that realm. His analytical skills and detailed feedback are priceless to the success of achieving our objectives. Bruce Shapiro of SLC Utah has elevated Instructing to a very high level with his work at the U of U. He can teach complex topics in a variety of styles that opens many students minds. Also up for pre-dawn explorations and just about anything else. My job is to talk a LOT about pushing and sequencing butts through canyons, mixed with stories of consequential search and rescue missions and other lessons learned.

The owner of Extreme Dominica (EXDOM) is Niels Noteboom, a man of incredible talent and unending generosity. Every single need we had was handled easily, no matter how challenging the request. The support he gives the Team is inspirational. His Partner and Lead Guide Coordinator Mr. Nahgie Laflouf kept focus on optimizing every minute of our time with the Guides. When Nahgie says “no worries, we got this”, he means it. The whole program is run incredibly tight and it is a privilege be around and associated with such dedication to professionalism. A Five Star operation.

The guides themselves are absolutely phenomenal. The amount of canyon guiding experience they possess is extraordinary and is matched with a clear passion for guests safety and empowerment. The two Senior Guides have been leading these adventures for a combined total of well over 25 years and had run thousands of people safely through the canyon. Even the “new guide” had been leading for 8yrs! Everything Guide had spent years spotting, coaching, sequencing, providing good belays….it was all there.

The canyon and surrounding terrain is fantastic. The primary routes they guide are through a deep and sinuous slot canyon, cut into soft volcanic stone by a spring fed river. The beauty is almost overwhelming, but the sliding, jumping and rappelling into crystal clear pools probably helps keep the guests pretty focused:). High quality public adventure is an exotic setting.!

Our days started early at the shop, which is set up very nicely and has everything you need. Good music, fresh bread or pastries from Berani, a little bad dancing (me:) while we get into wetsuits, then we’d be on our way. To a canyon, to a river, to a canyon river….training, training, training. Each evening we’d finish up at late and get to the shop where Niels had a locally catered dinner ready to nourish our tired brains and bodies. The men focus and skill levels compelled each of us to dig deep inside and elevate our efforts to another level. One heck of an experience!

As a bonus, we met with the overseeing government authorities who are currently writing rules and regulations for commercial canyoning tours on the island. They are very dedicated to ensuring their Island has high quality guide services for visiting tourists, and it is great to see their proactive approach to finding a healthy balance between responsible tourism and protecting the Natural environment.

Special thank you to all your Hosts. Not only did they go out of the way to show kindness and sincere gratitude, they made each of us feel as we were a part of they’re Team. The openness in which we were received will forever stick in my mind, I learned much, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Also much love to Joe and Bruce. Excellent work, profound experience.

ACA Dominica Fest 2023’. Ya buddy, more fun ahead! Stay tuned. LINK HERE for Facebook photos.

Safe Travels,
Rick Green
EoE Owner/Guide
ACA President