Canyoneering IV: Advanced Rope Systems and Swiftwater Course Overview
The comprehensive ATS Canyoneering School is based on the WCCM curriculum.
In this two day course, you will take your training to a new level as you learn new rope systems to best deal with a swiftwater environment.
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.
Canyoneering IV is a technical canyon descent focusing on detailed advanced evaluations and experience. Over the duration of this two day class students will have a chance to not only train in swiftwater canyons but to apply the tools taught in a new sequence on day two as we travel higher in the canyon to train on "unseen" obstacles. This is a unique course that will challenge each participant. Canyoneering IV will cover the following details of a canyon swiftwater rope system:
•Stillwater versus swiftwater swimming techniques
•River current negotiations
•Water hazard negotiation
•Direct waterway rappelling techniques
•Edge top belaying of a swimming leaders tag line
•Base setting and belaying of the tag Line
•Setting the rope length
•Negotiating a two stage drop
•Intellectual and practical leadership training
•Pothole escapes
•Advanced T.ER.M. including wetsuit vs. WCCM layering system
•An introduction to Canyoneering V: Group Rescue
Post-Course Homework: 4 Class “C” canyon descents with an ATS group or equal. Basic Wilderness First Aid Training.
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 Los Angeles, Washington, the Sierra, and Mexico, 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; 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
Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) - Seattle, Washington
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)
ATS Adventureworks specializes in canyoneering, rock climbing, technical mountaineering adventure courses domestically throughout California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Oregon; providing international training in Ireland, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, Canada, Peru, Panama, Brazil and the United Kingdom.
ATS Filmworks provides specialty adventure film rigging and stunts for the film industry including work on the Amazing Race and The Biggest Loser.
ATS Tradeworks is a provider of professional elite training for service agencies and the military including rope rescue, confined space rescue, rappelling tactics, and swiftwater rescue.
