Technical Canyoneering Course

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Technical Canyoneering
ACE L1

St. George, Utah

Technical Canyoneering Course

Technical Canyoneering builds the foundational skills required to safely descend canyons. This fundamental and comprehensive two-day course provides instruction for beginner to intermediate canyoneers. Upon completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and skill to safely descend canyons as a contributing member of the group.

What You Will Learn

Anchor Building

Learn critical anchor building skills using natural features and bolted anchors. Through hands-on practice, you gain experience assessing anchor strength, tying knots, and using webbing to create safe rappel points. Anchor inspection training also teaches you to evaluate the safety of an existing anchor before trusting it.

Rappelling

Develop essential rappelling skills to safely navigate vertical drops and challenging terrain. You will learn proper body positioning, friction management, and controlled descent techniques to maintain stability and control. Practice allows you to refine your technique, troubleshoot common issues, and gain confidence in various rappel scenarios. Learn how to lock off your rappel device, both for short stops and full hands-free maneuvers, which is crucial for managing obstacles, assisting others, or dealing with unexpected situations.

Rigging

This course covers various rigging methods, including contingency anchors, releasable systems, and different rigging styles for single and double rope rappels. Practice techniques for adjusting rope length to increase efficiency and perform basic rescues.

Self Rescue

Learn essential self-rescue skills to handle unexpected situations while rappelling. Practice techniques for freeing hair or clothes stuck in your rappel device.

Knots

A variety of essential knots that are critical for safety and efficiency in the canyon. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each knot, and know when to use them. You also learn how to properly inspect knots for safety before committing to a rappel.

Reducing Hazards

While physical hazards like loose rocks, slippery surfaces, and falls are well-known, we also emphasize less obvious risks such as exposure to extreme weather, dehydration, or the danger of flash floods.You are taught how to assess weather and seasonal conditions, plan for proper hydration and nutrition, and understand the potential risks of getting stuck in a canyon during adverse weather. Attention is also given to evaluating the environment for hidden dangers like unstable anchors, animal encounters, or unseen hazards in murky water. By developing a proactive mindset, understanding canyon conditions, and employing preventive strategies, you can reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure a safer experience for yourself and your team.

Topics Covered

• Knots, Bends and Hitches

• Canyon Rating System

• Communication, Ethics, Courtesy

• Canyoneering Gear Requirements

• Belays and Hand Lines

• Natural and Artificial Anchors

• Static and Contingency Riggings

• Rope Management

• Canyoneering Rappel Techniques

• Down Climbing Skills

• Introduction to Pothole Escape Methods

• Safety Checking and Basic Self-Rescue

Prerequisite: None

The Technical Canyoneering course is designed to quickly bring beginners up to speed and build on the skills intermediate canyoneers already possess. Learn what to do if someone gets their hair stuck (hint: the answer isn't cut the hair). Inspect and build anchors, rig ropes for different situations, lock off mid rappel, and much more.

All technical gear is provided. If borrowing gear isn’t your thing we offer a 10% discount on all personal gear for our students!

Meet Your Instructor: T.J. Cottam

With over 22 years of canyoneering experience, T.J. is a seasoned expert in the field, dedicated to sharing the thrill of exploring nature's most breathtaking canyons. As an ACE L1-L4 Certified Instructor and ACE L5 Certified Guide, he combines extensive knowledge with a passion for safety and education.

In addition to his ACE credentials, T.J. has completed V7 Academy Level 1 and 2 training, enhancing his skills in advanced canyoneering techniques and rescue scenarios. Whether instructing novices or experienced adventurers, T.J. is committed to fostering a fun, challenging, and safe environment for all participants.

Join T.J. to experience the exhilarating beauty of canyoneering while learning from one of the best in the business!

What our Students are Saying

"I had an awesome experience taking the Technical Canyoneering Course from Adventure Plus. I have been rappelling for years with friends and family and was a bit hesitant to take a "beginner course". I was so pleasantly surprised! After spending the weekend with TJ, I discovered that I hadn't even begun to scratch the surface of what extremely useful knots, bends, hitches, rigging and anchors were available to me. I feel so much more confident and safe now while taking friends and family out canyoneering. I'm looking forward to taking the next 3 courses!"
- Russ G.

"I took a ACE level one course through Adventure Plus and it was awesome! Covered canyoneering from so many different aspects. Most importantly of all was safety and having fun. Met some great people and TJ was an awesome instructor who always had great advice and cool stories. Of course I took advantage of the discount they offered for students to grab a Critr and some other things."
- Sam L.