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 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

"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

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

June 18, 2019

"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

"Bruce is fantastic at teaching and explaining concepts. I would recommend him to anyone. Bruce was a hoot."

January 13, 2022