ACA certified Lead Pro Canyon Guides are individuals who have attained and demonstrated a high level of technical competence through rigorous training and examination that meets and exceeds international standards. For prospective clients and students, ACA certification provides a decisive tool for choosing the right guide/instructor to help them achieve their objectives.

*If you are not certified as an Assistant Pro Guide, you will be required to perform the Assistant Guide 2 day internship.

Lead Pro Canyon Guides have successfully passed the ACA’s  4-day Lead Pro Guide Course and the 2-day Lead Pro Guide Assessment.

Lead Pro Canyon Guide -- Step by Step

  1. Prerequisite: Must be a current ACA Canyon Leader.
  2. Take the ACA's Lead Pro Guide 4-day Course
  3. Perform 2-day Internship (coordinate with Pro Guide)
  4. Pass the ACA's Lead Pro Guide 2-day in-canyon Assessment.
    • Prerequisite: 50 canyon descents completed by the time of Assessment.
  5. Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:
    • minimum of 100 canyon descents
    • minimum of 25 unique canyons descended
  6. Submit the appropriate First Aid / CPR certification (WFR for USA)
  7. Create and maintain your member profile on the ACA's website.

How long does Lead Pro Guide designation last?

Lead Pro Guide designation is valid for three years.

How do I renew my Lead Pro Guide designation?

To renew, you must before expiration:

Retake the assessment

OR...

Participate in 16 hours of continuing education + 2 Training Events (GLAR/Rondys/Ground School/Intro Classes)

AND...

  1. Must hold a valid WFR certification (or Intn’l equivalent).
  2. Keep your member profile current on the ACA's website

What people are saying …

"Excellent course. Well thought out. I felt I learned a great deal and had a lot of fun doing it."

June 18, 2019

"Phenomenal teacher, phenomenal training! I highly recommend this training for any canyoneer, whether beginner or experienced.”

May 28, 2015

"I just wanted to let you know I had a great time at the canyoneering course. Thank you guys for being so flexible with the group and for making sure we were all being taught material that suited our experience and interests. I hope to be able to attend one of the advanced courses in the next year."

August 28, 2019

"The cumulative structure of the course was right on. We had three opportunities to learn each technique - classroom (camp), controlled situation (bridge), then actual application in the canyons."

September 20, 2019

"This was definitely an eye-opening experience into understanding how much there really is to canyoneering. It was a challenging week with tons and tons of information and skills to be learned. Thank you for taking extra time and effort in seeing I understood things clearly. I'm very pleased with the setup of the course. I had so much fun - the canyon trips were excellent. My excitement for canyoneering has greatened even more."

May 28, 2015