Pre-course Information

Read and be familiar with the:

• Canyon 1 Scope & Syllabus
• Assessments – What to expect
• Assessments – Feedback & Results Process

Assignment - Scenario

You will be given a scenario and asked to plan a half-day canyoning adventure for three clients based on the information given. The trip plan will include aims and objectives, route information, hazard id, contingencies, and how you would source weather and access information.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Canyon 1 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate the care and correct use of canyon equipment and clothing
• Section 10: Plan and prepare for a canyon experience
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

Mini Essay on an assigned topic (250-500 words/no more than one page)

Assigned topic examples:

• The use, advantages and limitations of a variety of emergency communication devices e.g. VHF radio, cell phone, satellite messenger, PLB
• A brief outline and summary about geology of NZ canyons
• Concepts of te ao Māori specific to the canyon/river environment including kaitiakitanga
• A brief outline of inspection protocol for canyoning safety equipment (both hardware and textiles) and how to identify worn / unsafe equipment
• Environmental practices for canyoning: - describe the impacts of visitation on canyon environments and how the principles of Leave No Trace can minimise human impact
• Hydraulic features commonly found in canyons
• Whistle and hand signal communication for canyoning

Applicable components from the NZOIA Canyon 1 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate the care and correct use of canyon equipment and clothing
• Section 4: Demonstrate save and efficient canyon movement techniques
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 9: Demonstrate and/or describe cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation of the canyon environment visited
• Section 11: Lead and manage a group during a canyon trip up to v3a3III
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

Introductory Session

• Welcome, introductions and outline of course
• Assessment process
• Safety management
• Overall logistics
• Results
• Theoretical knowledge: multichoice quiz and weather tests
• Questions and answers

The following will likely be covered on Day 1, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

Full day canyoning

• Organise gear
• Technical skills
• Personal movement
• Route selection and navigation
• File weather interpretation
• Rescue scenarios

Applicable components from the NZOIA Canyon 1 Syllabus:

• Section 1: Demonstrate the care and correct use of canyon equipment and clothing
• Section 2: Demonstrate safe and efficient handling of ropes and packs
• Section 3: Demonstrate safe and efficient rigging techniques
• Section 4: Demonstrate safe and efficient canyon movement techniques
• Section 6: Demonstrate navigation and route selection skills
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Understand the impact of the weather on safety in a canyon environment
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

The following will likely be covered on Day 2, depending on environmental conditions and other considerations at the time of the assessment:

• Rope technical skills and scenarios. Includes system set-ups, rescues and rope ascending
• White water swimming
• Rescue and river crossing
• Flora, fauna, geography and geology
• Model client planning session

Applicable components from the NZOIA Canyon 1 Syllabus:

• Section 3: Demonstrate safe and efficient rigging techniques
• Section 4: Demonstrate safe and efficient canyon movement techniques
• Section 5: Demonstrate canyon rescue skills
• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 9: Demonstrate and/or describe cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation of the canyon environment visited
• Section 13: Apply effective safety management

The following will likely be covered on Day 3, depending on environmental conditions and other consideration at the time of the assessment:

Instruct and facilitate a fun solo guided trip for clients.

Applicable components from the NZOIA Canyon 1 Syllabus:

• Section 7: Role model and promote accepted environmental practices
• Section 8: Understand the impact of the weather on safety in a canyon environment
• Section 9: Demonstrate and/or describe cultural and environmental knowledge and interpretation of the canyon environment visited
• Section 11: Lead and manage a group during a canyon trip up to v3a3III
• Section 12: Apply effective safety management
• Section 13: Deliver teaching sessions
• Section 14: Instruct the canyon skills required for a positive, educational and safe experience

Debrief with the Assessor and Assessment result