Single Site Pro Canyon Guide is a certification available to individuals who guide fewer than three canyons that all have similar characteristics, hydrology, and emergency response requirements with simple, straight-forward anchors and rigging (e.g. single-point natural anchors, bolted anchors, basic deadman anchors).

This certification level is ideal for those seeking an entry-level certification as a foundation for gaining additional guiding experience working as an assistant guide before pursuing full Lead Pro Canyon Guide certification.

It is also suitable for individuals who anticipate that a significant portion of their work will be teaching canyoneering skills in non-canyon environments (i.e. local climbing crags).

Single Site Pro Canyon Guide - Step by Step

  1. Prerequisite: Must be a current ACA Canyon Leader.
  2. Take the Single Site Pro Guide 3-day Course.
  3. Perform 2-day Internship (coordinate with Pro Guide).
  4. Pass the ACA's Single Site Pro Guide 2-day in-canyon Assessment.
    • Prerequisite: 25 canyon descents completed by the time of Assessment.
  5. Submit a Canyon Resume that reflects the following:
    • minimum of 50 canyon descents
    • minimum of 2 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

***Single Site Pro Guide is limited to operating in accredited canyon(s)

How long does Single Site Pro Guide certification last?

Single Site Pro Guide designation is valid for three years.

How do I renew my Single Site 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,

Custom Training & Assessments

Custom training and assessments are available for programs who are interested in pursuing certification for their staff. Training can be tailored to your specific needs and taught at your location. This allows your team to develop skills based on the local environment and the anchor, rigging and rescue situations they could most likely encounter.

It may be possible to schedule a Single Site Canyon Guide Course and Single Site Canyon Guide assessment, as well as an Accreditation Review during the same visit.

What people are saying …

"I have been a rock climber for over a decade and didn't really expect to learn anything new. Was I ever wrong. I didn't realize that there were so many specialized systems employed in canyoneering. All of it makes sense. Rock climbing systems are fine for dry rock, but not at all appropriate in a canyon - especially if there is water present."

May 28, 2015

"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and now have a new rule for choosing canyoneering partners - ACA course graduates only. You guys are the real deal and you are raising the bar for all canyoneers.”

May 23, 2015

"I wanted to thank you again for the course on technical canyoneering last weekend. It truly was a great course and I am very glad I took it. I learned so much that I think I went into information-overload. So I tried to focus on the main principles you reinforced in the scenarios more than anything else: repetition, repetition, repetition. I guess I am writing because I am so grateful. I have been on the ACA website these last few days and I have noticed how much effort you put into the site, promoting the sport and the proper techniques. Thanks, it has opened up a whole new world for me.”

May 28, 2015

"Super helpful class - I learned a lot of rappelling and rappel set up techniques that I can't wait to use on my next trip. In the meantime, I have A LOT to practice."

May 28, 2015

"This was a great opportunity for me to get exposure to a myriad of new techniques for use in future canyoneering exploits. The experience and perspective of the instructors added another dimension and contributed greatly to the value of the course."

May 28, 2015