Training & Assessment Programs
CGI’s training courses, assessments and certifications are designed to certify you, the individual guide, with the skills necessary to effectively guide clients in varied canyon terrain. We run programs throughout the year, which open the door for individuals with our certifications to work in the United States, Canada, Mexico and around the world.
All credible professions require formal training and proof of competency. The profession of canyon guiding is no different. The real value of certification is in proving technical knowledge and competence, which can be accomplished through our unique assessment process, regardless of where or how you acquired the knowledge and skills.
Teaching canyoneering skills to others involves more than technical competence. Effective instructors must be good communicators who use an array of teaching strategies to accommodate students’ learning styles. CGI offers instructor development training and assessment as an add-0n for CGI certified guides.
CGI’s accreditation program has been developed for guiding programs, schools and services that offer canyoneering instruction and/or guided canyoneering. Accreditation provides a consistent standard for judging the reliability and professionalism of a canyoneering service by ensuring it conforms to industry standards, conducts ongoing guide training and promotes ethical business practices.
CGI’s Canyon Leadership Program is intended for individuals who facilitate canyoneering programs in group settings such as college outdoor recreation leaders, experiential education program instructors, wilderness therapy staff, camp directors, and youth leaders.
The Canyon Rescue Technician (CRT) is a multi-skilled rescuer trained in a combination of technical canyoneering, canyon, cave, river and high angle rescue skills. He is one member of a Rapid Access Team (RAT) of first responders that can quickly access an injured or stranded group of canyoneers, initially assess the scope of the problem, provide escape assistance, first aid for any injured parties and be the liaison between the party being rescued and the High Angle Rescue Team (HART) on the rim. He also has the skill and training to initially package and transport an injured patient to a place in the canyon more accessible to the high angle rescue team or helicopter.
