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
- Prerequisite: Must be a current ACA Canyon Leader.
- Take the ACA's Lead Pro Guide 4-day Course
- Perform 2-day Internship (coordinate with Pro Guide)
- Pass the ACA's Lead Pro Guide 2-day in-canyon Assessment.
- Prerequisite: 50 canyon descents completed by the time of Assessment.
- Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:
- minimum of 100 canyon descents
- minimum of 25 unique canyons descended
- Submit the appropriate First Aid / CPR certification (WFR for USA)
- 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...
- Must hold a valid WFR certification (or Intn’l equivalent).
- Keep your member profile current on the ACA's website
What people are saying …
"In all my years of guiding I've learned to use many varied anchor systems. In just one day of the course I learned three new and efficient ones specially adapted to canyoneering."June 16, 2019
"Phenomenal teacher, phenomenal training! I highly recommend this training for any canyoneer, whether beginner or experienced.”May 28, 2015
"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
"Bruce is fantastic at teaching and explaining concepts. I would recommend him to anyone. Bruce was a hoot."January 13, 2022
"Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I really enjoyed your course. Thanks for your patience. You are a great teacher. I have found in the past that just because one has the knowledge on something, doesn't mean they have the ability to convey that information to others in a way they can retain it. You actually have the gift. I know I retained more that I thought I would. It was a pleasure spending those three days under your guidance."May 28, 2015