Canyoneering V: Group Rescue Course Overview

The comprehensive ATS Canyoneering School is based on the WCCM curriculum.

In this two day course, you will become the leader and take charge when accidents happen in the canyon.

We offer complimentary course shadowing for students who complete any of the ATS Canyoneering Courses. Course shadowing may be completed in a different region from where you took your original class.

Schedule and Bookings

Canyoneering V is a two day training school. The first day will be spent entirely in a vertical ground school environment learning many techniques for group rescue. On day two, we venture into a nearby canyon and complete real-time rescues. Canyoneering I–III and at least 12 canyon descents with others are the prerequisites for this course. Canyoneering V will cover the following:

•Rescue psychology
•Incident size up
•Accessing a victim from below
•Accessing a victim from above
•Committed rope systems vs. open rope systems
•Switching from a static to a load releaseable anchor (LRA) under load
•Victim retrieval including victim load transfers and/or "pick offs"
•Victim transportation methods
•A psychological review of canyon accidents
•Control methods, knowing when to act, delegate, and go for help

Note: This is a "light use" training course for recreational canyoneers. Visit our Canyon Rescue section to learn more about our "general use" canyon rescue class for Search & Rescue teams operating under NFPA guidelines.

Post-Trip Homework: 12 more canyon descents with an ATS group or equal.

Qualifications:
This is a strenuous course! You must have the ability to walk/hike distances up to 6 miles on uneven surfaces, dirt trails, and canyon beds. You must be able to lift objects while wearing a backpack weighing up to 35 pounds. You may be required to swim, wade, and/or tread water over short distances. There may be moments where you will be completely submerged by water both on and off rappel. Due to the nature of the sport, there is a high level of personal and group commitment involved with the day. There will be exposure to cold water, heights, and strenuos hiking scenarios sometimes in and around brushy areas. The course is suggested for persons with a body weight of up to 260 pounds, and a waist size up to 38 inches.

Important Information about Air Travel:
Contact ATS prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Price Includes:
Professional instruction; campsites in Zion, Washington, the Sierra, Mexico, and Arizona, technical canyoneering equipment, ATS Canyoneering Textbook, DVD, Leave No Trace ethics card, and sample rope/webbing (see gear list below for details).

Not Included:
Transportation from your hometown to the group meeting point; lodging or campsites in the Los Angeles course, insurance of any kind; all meals, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Note: alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the course.

Closest Airport(s):
Burbank Airport (BUR) - Los Angeles, California
Phoenix Airport (PHX) - Phoenix, Arizona
Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) - Seattle, Washington
St. George Airport (SGU) - St. George, Utah (Zion School)
Tampico Airport (TAM) - Tampico, Mexico
Fresno Airport (FAT) - Fresno, California (Sierra School)

Transfers:
If you require a transfer from the closest airport, just let us know and we'll arrange transportation for a small surcharge (typically $50-$100).

Weather:
Temperatures can range from 50 - 80° F during the day to 40 - 60° F at night depending on course location and time of year. Upon registration, a seasonal and location specific gear recommendation list will be sent electronically.

To-Bring List:
Note: Items marked with an * are provided by ATS upon request

Shoes that can get wet (5.10 savant, insight, runamuck recommended)
Paddle Top (NRS brand recommended) *
Paddle Pants (NRS brand recommended) *
Fleece Top (mid-to-heavy weight) *
Fleece Pants (mid-to-heavy weight)
Insulating sock (wool, neoprene, seal skinz recommended)
Beanie *
Backpack with waist strap (2500 cubic inches recommended) *
High caloric lunch and energy drink
2 liters of drinking water per day
Drybag *
Headlamp
Prescriptions glasses, medications, etc...
After canyon clothes (will stay behind at the car/camp)
Optional: Personal harness and helmet *
Optional: Waterproof and shockproof camera (ATS will often take photos)
Optional: Gaiters (Black Diamond GTX recommended)

Schedule and Bookings