Core Skills /  ACA Level 1

**Participants in ALL EOE Courses should arrive prepared for full days of learning, teamwork and mental focus. We will… start early, train well, finish strong. Easy money.
Take this seriously: Think Yoga, and not Ninja Warrior.

Core Skills Course / ACA L1

This is the Level 1, of the two level ACA Recreational Canyoneer Program. We recommend folks complete the program to become a "sovereign" canyoneer.

GOAL: The objective of our “Core” course is to teach the canyoneering skills needed to safely become an "active participant" in 3A and 3B rated canyons. An “active participant” is someone capable of applying the basic fundamentals of safety, including confident rappelling and belaying (protecting partner), competence in identifying correct anchor and rigging techniques and have an understanding of typical environmental risks. This course WILL NOT prepare you for advanced canyons such as Imlay, Heaps, Choprock, etc.  However, it WILL empower you with the skills and mindset to join others who see and experience some of the World's most stunning scenery.

The EOE Classroom: Our courses are taught “in canyon”, where we can get our feet on the rock.  We have multiple canyons for specific skill training, where we can highlight techniques and work through a graduated scale or process.  On any given day we will select from dozens of canyon options, so our students time can be maximized, applying newly learned skills in a slot canyon environment. 

EOE Philosophy: Take this seriously: Think Yoga, and not Ninja Warrior. The best canyoneers understand and apply super low impact techniques. Low impact on the environment and low impact on themselves. Keep heart rates and respirations to a minimum, avoiding over exertion or unnecessary stress is best. "Aggressive" movements (straining) are much less safe and can impact the environment and the Team negatively. Same with “stressing out”. It’s difficult to see all options and make good choices under those type conditions. The greatest canyoneers go slowly, work well together, are kind to the environment and make a series of excellent choices…easy money!

Core Skills List

General Information

• Canyon Rating System

• Environmental Risks

• Equipment Care

• Basic Knots

• Anchors Intro

• Rigging Intro

 • Rappelling

 • Belays

 • Down Climbing

• Partner Assists

  • Courses begin at our shop (125 E. Main Street, Escalante) at 7:30 AM 
  • Students should expect to be with us for 8-9 hrs each day.
  • The Instructors choose from about a dozen canyons and training areas each day. The Instructors determine each day's training location the morning of the trip based on the weather and group. Safety First. 
  • Distance covered is up to 4 miles
  • Elevation gain/loss up to 500 ft. The locations we train in are within a 20-40 minute drive from our Main Street shop.  
  • The Locations we train in are within a 20-40 minute drive from our Main Street shop.

 

 

 

 GET  COMPLETE CORE SKILLS CHECKLIST BELOW

Prerequisites

• Students must be comfortable hiking between 3-4 miles on uneven terrain/no trails.

• Each student must be able to carry a backpack (approx.15 lbs) containing 2-3 liters of water, lunch, necessary gear and personal items.  

• Students must wear the proper clothing and footwear for safety purposes.

Excursions of Escalante Headquarters for the American Canyoneering Asssociation

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Excursions of Escalante 

125 East Main Street
Escalante, UT | 84726
info@excursionsofescalante.com

435.826.4714 | 800.U.EXPLOR