Canyon Leader 1 Skills Checklist

Home»American Canyoneering Association»Canyon Leader 1 Skills Checklist

Original document from the ACA's resource page.

OBJECTIVE: The development of intermediate level canyoneering / problem solving skills, basic canyon leadership techniques, group efficiencies, and competence in straightforward companion rescues.

NOTE: Skills Checklists are cumulative in nature. Students must know all the skills from the 'Core' and the 'Aspirant' Checklists in addition to the skills listed here.

• Construct, evaluate, rig, test, backup, and use dead man anchors.
• Construct, evaluate, rig, test, backup, and use cairn anchors.
• Demonstrate how to backup / test a marginal anchor.
• Apply sequencing and friction to utilize otherwise marginal anchors.
• Set up and use human anchors. Explain why, when, and how to properly sequence this type of anchor.

• Set up and use releasable twin rope system (jester, joker), including three parts: (1) friction mechanism to allow controlled lowering, (2) tie-off that is releasable under tension, and (3) identifying risks and setting safety to mitigate those risks.
• Set up and use Dynamic Courtesy Rigging to facilitate hands free rappel start and trouble-free rope retrieval. Explain why, when, and proper usage and how to avoid rope grooves in soft rock.

• Set up and use a top-rope belay system a.) from human anchor (hip belay) 10ft or less, b.) from fixed anchor.
• Demonstrate use of simple lift-shift systems to help someone on rappel free stuck gear.
• Tension and securely tie off a guide rope at the bottom using mechanical advantage.
• Set up and use a retrievable guided rappel system tensioning from the bottom.
• Protect traverse and rappel with a retrievable safety line.
• Set up and use a counter-weight rappel, anchoring from bottom.

• Use drop loop 2:1 to provide lift for rappeller to free stuck gear.
• Convert static single rope rigging (e.g. block) to lower. Use hands free backup (i.e. friction hitch) when lowering.
• Demonstrate tandem rappel (aka assisted rappel).
• Demonstrate the following advanced partner capture techniques: a) Foot Capture; b) Partner Capture; c) Human Ladder.
• Perform a Dynamic Belay (Lowering while maintaining belay).
• Perform controlled rappel free hanging and/or up to 250'+ adding friction mid-rappel; communication - radios; hanging packs.

• Coach / Teach a person to basic rappel.
• Coach / Teach a person to basic bridge; stem; chimney, and downclimb.
• Belay a climber; climbing up, a.) using rope from human anchor (hip belay) 10ft or less b.) using rope from fixed anchor.

• Activate EMS system Non-Life threatening (Local SAR; Emergency Contacts).
• Activate EMS system Life Threatening or Time Critical (Local SAR; Emergency Contacts).
• Contact Rescue - Rappel on secured rope to provide assistance to person stuck on rappel; provide foot loop to free stuck gear (Not a pick-off).

• Weather – interpret Radar, Water Vapor, & Infrared Satellite Imagery
• Perform Pack Checks (for selected canyon) – check for appropriate: Water; Food; Clothing; Footwear; Equipment; First Aid Supplies; Technical eBag (extra hooks, webbing, rapides, Potshot, etc.).
• Model / Teach: basic bridging; stemming; chimneying.
• Manage participant fearful of rappelling (from bottom).
• Set Safe zones / gates – move group from safe zone to safe zone (keep group together).
• Recognize and treat symptoms of Hypothermia.
• Recognize and treat symptoms of Hyperthermia.
• Wilderness First Aid - perform: a) Splint a lower leg injury; b) Stabilize & Horizontal Evacuation.

• Scenario 1: Shirt / Hair stuck in rappelling device.
• Scenario 2: Tangled roped and/or rope doesn't touch the ground.
• Scenario 3: Late start - move group expeditiously.
• Scenario 4: Horizontal Evacuation of lower leg injury - stable patient; normal conditions.

OBJECTIVE: Provide students with the advanced personal and group canyoneering skills needed to become effective problem-solvers in Class A/B canyons.

Class A/B Canyons — Pothole Escape

• Escape a pothole using partner assist techniques.
• Escape a pothole using counter-weight techniques (pot shot; pack toss). Toss single Pot Shot as simple pothole counter weight, simple ascend out.
• Escape a pothole using aid hooking techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Provide students with the advanced personal and group canyoneering skills needed to become effective problem-solvers in Class C canyons.

Class C Canyons — Core Skills

• Assist swimmer(s) while maintaining separation with sequencing, tag lines, throw bags, and/or flotation devices.
• Jumping into water (Max distance 10ft./10ft. Min depth) identify hazards/depth, correct body position ("Pencil" technique).
• Cut self off of entangled rope in water (10 sec max).
• Swim for 4 minutes without floatation.

Recommendations After Training

• Practice technical skills in low-risk conditions, such as on clean and low angle "slab" type environments or on vertical terrain with an effective Top or Bottom (Fireman’s) Belay.
• Students should descend intermediate to advanced canyons with competent mentors, taking on progressively more anchor, rigging and problem-solving responsibilities.

Previous Page: Aspirant Skills ChecklistNext Page: Canyon Leader 2 Skills Checklist