Core Skills Checklist

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Original document from the ACA's resource page.

OBJECTIVE: Provide students with the fundamental canyoneering skills necessary to join a competently led group into canyons rated up to 3A/B III and supervised introduction to technical canyoneering skills.

• Understand the ACA Canyon Rating System and different types of canyon terrain, as well as the special issues related to that terrain (i.e. swift water canyons, dry and semi-dry canyons, slot canyons, pothole escape problems, long committing canyons, permit requirements). ACA Canyon Rating System booklet can be found here: www.canyoneering.net/docs/ratings.pdf
• Using the ACA canyon rating system and canyon beta, estimate necessary rope lengths, list required technical gear and personal equipment for a selected canyon.
• Understand common causes of accidents in canyoneering and precautions that can be taken to avoid them.
• Understand how to find/read/interpret weather reports, cloud formations, changing weather patterns.
• Identify and describe variables that contribute to flash flood risk. Describe flash flood warning signs.
• Describe appropriate responses to an impending flash flood including identifying canyon exits and high ground.
• Demonstrate how to activate an SOS on a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

• Read the ACA’s Canyons booklet www.canyoneering.net/docs/booklet.pdf
• Understand and apply low impact canyoneering practices.
• Understand and apply techniques to avoid rope grooves/damage in soft rock.
• Understand and apply appropriate methods for human waste disposal.

• Understand and apply good rope care practices.
• Demonstrate coiling a rope; (a) Alpine coil, (b) Canyon coil.
• Stuff and use a rope bag.
• Understand and apply good equipment care and handling practices.

• Tie and inspect; Figure Eight knot; (a) on a Bight, (b) Follow-through.
• Tie and inspect; Ring Bend in webbing (aka Water knot).
• Tie and inspect; Clove hitch.
• Tie and inspect; Munter hitch (aka Italian hitch, Dynamic hitch).
• Tie and inspect; Girth hitch.
• Tie and inspect; 3-wrap Prusik hitch.
• Tie and inspect; secure bend to connect two load-bearing ropes for rappelling (i.e. Double Fisherman bend, Figure Eight bend).
• Tie and inspect; Valdotain Tresse (tied with a VT Prusik or equivalent).

• Evaluate and rig existing fixed artificial anchors (bolts) using the acronym EARNEST (Equalized, Angle, Redundant, No Extension, Strong, Timely).
• Identify, Evaluate, and rig single-point natural anchors (i.e. tree, boulder, arch) using a) simple webbing wrap, b) cinching wrap (i.e. wrap 2 pull 1, Girth hitch).
  Explain the pros and cons of each and demonstrate how to securely back up & test single point anchors.
• Set up and use a releasable/contingency system for rappel. Explain the hazards/risks of using releasable systems and steps that should be taken to avoid accidents and mitigate risks.
• Identify & explain the variables and situations (scenarios) that dictate safely setting rope length to the height of a rappel. Demonstrate setting the rope length for safe descent for each scenario using appropriate communication and applicable rigging techniques.
• Set up and use edge protection to protect rope from abrasion and soft rock from rope grooves/damage.
• Identify, assess and mitigate basic rope retrieval challenges (crossed ropes) including minimizing or avoiding rope grooves/damage to soft rock.
• Prep ropes for retrieval & successfully retrieve rope and prep for transport (Coil or Bag).

• Understand and use proper verbal for commands for belaying, rappelling, and up/down climbing.
• Understand and use proper hand signals. https://www.canyoneering.net/docs/signals.pdf

• Move on 3rd and 4th class terrain (scrambling - rock climbing terrain).
• Move on 5th class terrain (rock climbing terrain).
• Demonstrate chimneying, stemming, and bridging techniques.
• Spot a climber; climbing up, climbing down.
• Understand and use partner capture (climbing down) andpartner assist (climbing up) techniques for short vertical problems.
• Understand and apply appropriate use of a hand line.
• Understand and apply appropriate use of a friction hitch safety on a hand line.

• Understand and explain the risk and tasks associated with being the first rappeller.
• Set up and use a self belay with a Valdotain Tresse (tied with a VT or equivalent).
• Rig rappelling device for correct friction on 8mm to 11mm ropes, single and double strand, understand the variables that contribute to friction requirements.
• Rappel; control speed while rappelling, apply brake to stop mid-rappel.
• Rappel using different the starting positions that include a) traditional (standing) b) sitting c) soft start (body friction/smearing); explain when such a start should be used.
• Add friction while rappelling.
• Lock off rappel device while rappelling.
• Lock off while rappelling using leg wrap.
• Demonstrate proper bottom belay (Fireman's belay).
• Demonstrate proper belay commands / verbal communication techniques.
• Demonstrate appropriate rappelling practices to minimize rope abrasion.
• Rappel with pack on and off. Describe scenarios for both situations.
• Use rope grab (friction hitch or mechanical ascender) and foot loop to remove tension from rappel device to free stuck gear while rappelling.
• Perform controlled rappel up to 150'+ adding friction mid-rappel; communication - whistles or radios; hanging packs.

• Create and use flotation with gear available.
• Swim 50 yards with gear, using floatation if necessary.
• Describe and identify water hazards.
• Safely perform water depth check; AKA "dipstick". ***No jumping!***
• Jumping into water (pool) using 'standard position' (feet first, arms slightly out). ***5 feet maximum height*** (5ft min depth).
• Perform wet rappel disconnect in water.
• Water slides; identify hazards, correct body position.

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.
• Join well organized groups with competent Leader(s) descending easier canyons rated up to 3A/B III.

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