The comprehensive ATS Canyoneering School is based on the WCCM curriculum.
In this course you will spend time learning what to do when things do not go as planned.
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 III is a technical canyon descent focusing on detailed advanced intermediate evaluations and experience. This is a "team-based evolution" as every person is now trained to be a member of a canyon descent team. After a morning of technical training on rope ascension and alternative descension methods, the team will take the instructors down a nearby canyon route. Along the way the instructors will manipulate the situation to challenge every member equally.
Topics covered will include: "The What If's"
What if...The rope is too short?
What if...I have to turn and re-ascend the rope mid-descent?
What if... I need more friction mid-rappel?
What if... I find a "core shot" in the rope while I'm on it?
What if... I drop a rope?
What if... I drop a rappel device?
What if... The anchor is in a bad place?
What if... The anchor begins to shift under load?
What if... It gets dark and we are still in the canyon?
What if... The teams rope gets stuck during a retrieval?
What if...The tails of a "double line" rope system become dangerously uneven?
We will teach you the following:
•Alternate rope deployment tactics
•Rappelling past a knot
•Pros and cons of a single and double line rope system
•Righting a misadjusted double line rope system
•Ascending a double line rope system
•Ascending a single line rope system
•Alternative rappelling methods
•Going "hands free" mid-rappel
•Ascension techniques over "hard" edges and past knots
•Adding friction mid-descent both under a load and off a load
Post Course Homework: Continue personal outfitting with basic equipment and outerwear and three or more canyon descents with an ATS group or equal – visit the ATS Online Community to find experienced trip partners.
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)
ATS stands for Alpine Training Services, LLC, an outdoor education adventure provider specializing in rescue courses, adventure expeditions, and canyoneering, rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, and mountaineering courses and guiding throughout California, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Mexico, Utah, Oregon, British Columbia, and Washington.
Thousands of clients have enjoyed our outdoor adventure courses in Southern California, Red Rocks, Maui, Zion, the Sierra, Mount Whitney, Idyllwild, Mount Shasta, the Angeles Forest, Joshua Tree, the San Juans, Channel Islands National Park, the San Rafael Swell, and beyond...
