North Wash Outfitters - Technical Canyoneering Course

3 Day Technical Canyoneering

March 6 - 8, 2008
April 10 - 12, 2008
April 22 - 26, 2008 (Back to Back w/ Advanced Course Following)
May 22 - 24, 2008
June 5 - 7, 2008 ( Course Full )

Custom Dates Upon Request

You can view photos of past courses here on our Blog.

The Technical Canyoneering course is designed to give beginners and novices alike the confidence they need to pursue their canyoneering explorations further and maybe even take it to that next level. The course discusses beginning and intermediate techniques as well as to help you feel more comfortable in a canyon setting. The class prepares you to travel through canyons rated up to 3B in the canyon rating system. The course meets in the mornings with in-class, hands-on technique discussions and practical's. In the afternoons, we hike into the adjacent canyons for practice in a real canyon environment. As an ACA accredited school, the course includes the techniques and skills taught in the ACA Technical course, and will satisfy prerequisites for other ACA courses.

The course focuses on beginning and intermediate canyoneering techniques. You will learn:

Canyon topography and rating systems
Canyon navigation and route finding
Canyoneering gear selection, use and care
Climbing, belaying and hand lines
Utilizing transient anchors for belays and hand lines
How to evaluate and rig specialized canyoneering anchors and belay systems
The importance and proper use of tension-releasing hitches
Rappelling and passive lowering systems
Efficient rope deployment and rigging
Locking off on rappel
Meteorology and flash floods
Canyoneering style and ethics
Ascending fixed ropes
Transitions from rappel to ascend and back to rappel
Escaping potholes

Tuition for the course is $345.00 per person for Non ACA Members and $295.00 for ACA Members.

With the Technical course training, you also have the opportunity of joining the ACA with a lifetime membership.

We do offer coure refresher fees. If you have already taken this course and would like to again, as a refresher, you can do so as many times as you would like for only $50.00. This is available on a space available basis.

Cost includes instruction, T-shirt (except for refresher participant), course handouts, and all group canyoneering equipment, i.e. ropes, slings, and rigging. We like to encourage you to be able to bring the minimal beginning equipment for canyoneering. This includes - harness, helmet, a rappel device, several locking carabineers, and proper clothing for the season. If you do not have your own gear let us know and we can provide helmets, harnesses and hardware for you to use. Once here or prior to arrival you also have the opportunity to purchase gear from our store at a student discount rate. Cost does not include lodging, meals, transportation to and from Bluff, personal equipment, and gratuities (tips) for instructors/guides.

To register, fill out our Course Registration Form. Then e-mail us with a verification that you have paid for and signed up for the course. Any questions as well as finding out equipment needs, expectations, and lodging information during the course, check out our FAQ's page. Or you may contact Jared Hillhouse at jhillhouse@northwashoutfitters.com or call 435-672-9942. You will not be signed up or have a spot reserved until you have completed registration which includes paying for the course or sending in a deposit. Class size is limited and fills up on a first come first serve basis.

Quotes from our students ...

View More Quotes