Sovereign Course - Escalante Tours

Sovereign Course / ACA Level 2

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

Sovereign Course / ACA L2

This is Level 2, of the two level, ACA (American Canyoneering Association) Recreational Canyoneer Program. We highly recommend completing this course to become a "sovereign" canyoneer.

The primary objectives of our Sovereign Canyoneer Course are to provide additional skills sets for those wishing to become directly involved in assessing and mitigating canyon technical problems. By building on the solid foundation of our Core skills list, Sovereign Canyoneer will break down the essentials of canyoneering and prepare people for the challenges and rewards of making excellent canyoneering choices, with competent peers. To be clear, this course WILL NOT prepare you to LEAD a canyon. It WILL empower you with the skills and mindset to see and experience EVEN MORE of the World's most stunning scenery!

For this three day course we are fortunate to select from dozens of technically rated slot canyons, from which we provide our "in canyon" training. Students time is spent applying newly learned skills directly in a dynamic slot canyon environment. Participants in these courses should be prepared for three full days of learning, teamwork and fun.

EOE Canyoneering Philosophy:

Take this seriously: MISTAKES IN JUDGEMENT OR TECHNIQUE CAN HAVE SIGNIFICANT CONSEQUESNCES. The World’s best canyoneers understand and apply super-efficient low impact techniques. Low impact on themselves and low impact on the environment. You should think of emulating a Yoga Master, and not a Ninja Warrior. Keep your heart rate and respirations to a minimum, avoiding over exertion or unnecessary stress. "Aggressive" movements (straining) are much less safe and can impact the Team and the environment negatively. The same can be said about “stressing out”. It’s difficult to see all options and make good choices under those type conditions. The greatest canyoneers have excellent personal and situational awareness. They move methodically, work well with a Team and enjoy linking together a series of excellent choices.

The EOE Classroom:

Our courses are taught “in canyon”, where we can get our feet (and butts) on the rock. We have multiple canyons for specific skill training, where we can highlight techniques and slowly 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.

SKILLS CHECKLIST: SOVEREIGN / ACA L2 CANYONEER COURSE :

General Information

• Navigation, Beta, Weather

• Canyon First Aid / Evacuation

• Equipment Care

• Emergency Response

• Knot Craft

• Anchors

• Rope Retrieval

• Rigging

• Belaying

• Signals / Communication

• On Rope Techniques, Companion Rescue

GET REQUIRED PROFICIENCY SKILL SET CHECKLIST BELOW

• 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.

Prerequisites

COMPLETION OF CORE COURSE/ACA L1 OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

Students must be comfortable hiking between 3-4 miles on uneven terrain/no trails.
Each student must be able to carry a backpack (approx. 15lbs) containing 2-3 liters of water, lunch, necessary gear and personal items.
Students must wear the proper clothing and footwear for safety purposes.