Over 30 Adventures
To Choose From!
Reserve Yours Today Online
or call or email us anytime:
1-800-348-3794, Ext. 3
adventures@sportchalet.com
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Canyoneering
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Activity Level
Beginner |
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Total beginner and can meet the standards below.
- Class Time: 2-4 hours per day
- Distances: Can walk/ hike/ paddle 3 miles in a 2-4 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
- Surfaces: Flat, even "on trail" or calm water paddling
- Water Exposure: None unless it's raining
- Altitude: Course location may be at elevations up to 7,000 ft
- Elevation Change: Little to none
- Equipment Used: Hiking shoes, hydration and day / fanny pack
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Active |
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New to outdoor adventure but participates in a regular exercise program 2-3 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very few committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing may be required.
- Class Time: 4-6 hours per day (possible camping)
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 5 miles in a 4-6 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
- Surfaces: Steep, even "on trail" hiking. Some beginner climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls or calm water or class I currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Shallow wading or stream crossing
- Altitude: up to 8,000 ft
- Elevation Change: up to 2,000 ft per day
- Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets
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Moderate |
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Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 3-4 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Several committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing will be required.
- Class Time: 6-8 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 8 miles in a 6-8 hour time period on the surfaces and elevations listed below some camping living in the back country
- Surfaces: Steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with some scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Some beginner to intermediate climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Some waves or class II currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Waist deep wading and or multiple shallow stream crossings with a pack on
- Elevation Change: up to 3,000 ft/day
- Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
- Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking / climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, simple rope systems for climbing and rappelling
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Vigorous |
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Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 4-5 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress but certain obstacle evasion points along the course.
- Class Time: 8-10 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 12 miles most days and live in the back country
- Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class III currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Must be able to swim under supervision in Class I current with a backpack
- Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
- Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
- A doctor's release may be required
- Equipment Used: Hiking and climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, PFD, advanced rope systems for climbing and rappelling
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Strenuous |
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Very experienced with outdoor adventure and regular fitness program 5-6 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress or obstacle evasion at any point.
- Class Time: 10-14 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle 12+ miles per day on the surfaces and elevations listed below and be able to live in the back country
- Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class IV currents if paddling
- Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
- Water Exposure: Constant, deep pools, fast current swimming up to class II possibly unsupervised for brief moments.
- Altitude: may exceed 14,000 ft
- A doctor's release may be required
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Canyoneering Overview
Canyoneering is the sport of technically exploring a canyon. It can involve many rappels, swimming through swiftwater, dangerous currents, exposure to hypo- and hyperthermia, intense teamwork, exposure to high angles, and the ability to experience something incredibly beautiful that few people ever get to see.
Sport Chalet Adventures provides the most definitive canyoneering curriculum in the industry based on numerous rope related methodologies. We've worked with instructors and curricular information from the PCIA, Rescue 3, Int., Peak Rescue Institute, SAR teams around the country, and our own in-house instructors to develop by far the most comprehensive training available in the United States. Our curriculum allows us to take canyoneers at various skill levels and empower them to become safer and more efficient at what they do.
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Course Types
Canyoneering I
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Price: $135 - $165 Days: 1
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Activity Level -
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Description:
A great intro to the sport with a full day spent descending a local canyoneering route. We'll cover gear, basic rope systems, and safety protocols, all while rappelling down waterfalls.
Adventure Locations:
Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, Mexico, Zion, and the Sierra
Canyoneering I Details
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Canyoneering II
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Price: $135 - $165 Days: 1
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Activity Level -
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Description:
Spend a morning learning all the basic anchor systems for canyoneering followed by an afternoon of building your own anchors while descending a technical route. Emphasis is placed on leaving behind safe and professional anchors while learning how to safely inspect and backup previously installed anchors and make changes if necessary.
Adventure Locations:
Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, Mexico, Zion, and the Sierra
Canyoneering II Details
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Canyoneering III
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Price: $135 - $165 Days: 1
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Activity Level -
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Description:
This full day is spent learning what to do to help yourself when something goes wrong. Self-rescue is an integral part of any adventure sport and considerable time is spent on being prepared for what can happen. A morning ground school is followed by an afternoon descent of a local route where your newfound skills are put to the test.
Adventure Locations:
Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, Mexico, Zion, and the Sierra
Canyoneering III Details
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Canyoneering IV
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Price: $270 - $330 Days: 2
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Activity Level -
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Description:
At this intensive two day course, you'll have the chance to learn advanced rope systems and swiftwater rescue protocols specific to canyoneering. This course is only offered when the water is at the right levels to create the optimal learning environment.
Adventure Locations:
Los Angeles, Seattle, and Mexico
Canyoneering IV Details
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Canyoneering V
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Price: $270 - $330 Days: 2
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Activity Level -
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Description:
This course is for the canyoneer looking to take their skills to a whole new level. A full day is spent at a ground school going over every rescue scenario and solution that we can imagine. On the second day, we'll put it all to the test as we complete real time staged rescues during a technical canyon descent.
Adventure Locations:
Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, and Mexico
Canyoneering V Details
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3 Day Canyoneering School
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Price: $405 - $495 Days: 3
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Activity Level -
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Description:
Our most popular program takes the novice all the way from an intro of the sport to covering self-rescue. During this program you will complete three separate canyon descents over the three days. This is the equivalent of taking Canyoneering I-III.
Adventure Locations:
Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, Mexico, Zion, and the Sierra
3 Day Canyoneering School Details
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Canyoneering Course Breakdown: Level I-V
Our courses break down into five levels. Canyoneering I, Canyoneering II, and Canyoneering III are covered in our popular 3 Day Canyoneering School. They can be taken in three consecutive days or broken up over several months. This school begins with a textbook and course material (including homework) arriving in the mail and concludes after three full days of canyon descents where basic skillsets, anchor building, team problem-solving, and self-rescue are all covered. Students who take this course together often stay together as canyoneering partners as they move into their own canyon careers.
Once you have had a chance to sample the basic skills and get out to practice, you are encouraged to attend Canyoneering IV. This two-day course covers advanced rope systems and swiftwater skillsets. Our instructors carry swiftwater certifications from Rescue 3, Int. and have used their cumulative knowledge to create the safest and most efficient systems for canyoneering in swiftwater. Expect to get wet and stay wet over an intense two days.
Those who have continued to stay active with their skills should definitely consider the Canyoneering V course. Over a two-day period, we'll cover most elements of canyon rescue, including patient transport on and off rappel, pick-offs, lower outs, switching from a static to load releasable anchor, and a whole lot more. The first day is spent in a vertical ground school covering all the rescue systems while the second day is wholly within the canyon running real time rescue scenarios.
From here, a few individuals who are looking for a professional certification may choose to pursue the WCCM certification. This process is recommended for professionals or even recreational leaders who plan on taking others out for the first time and want to be as safe and responsible as possible.
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Guided Adventures
If you're looking specifically for a guided canyoneering day, please contact us at adventures@sportchalet.com or by calling 1-800-348-3794, Ext. 3.
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Canyoneering Gear Checklist
Recommended Gear:
- Hiking Shoes: Broken in and able to get wet
- Socks: Thick synthetic, wool or neoprene socks
- Fleece Pants
- Fleece Top *
- Rain/Paddle Pants: Waterproof and breathable *
- Rain/Paddle Top: Waterproof and breathable *
- Beanie
- Backpack: With waist strap *
- Headlamp *
- Lunch
- Water: 2-3 liters per day
- Personal prescriptions or medications
- After-canyoneering clothes
- Gaiters (optional)
- Camera: With secure, water-resistant storage (optional)
- Spare contact lenses or glasses (optional)
- Whistle (optional)
* Provided by Sport Chalet Adventures by request
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About Our Instructors
We are committed to providing the most qualified instructors and guides in the industry. Each of our adventures is led by a senior guide or instructor who specializes in the particular location and sport in which you are participating. Our staff holds many certifications from industry agencies including the American Mountain Guide Association, Professional Climbing Instructors Association, Peak Rescue Institute, Rescue 3 International, Wilderness Medicine Institute, the West Coast Canyoneering Methodology, and the Leave No Trace Institute. The list of staff below is a partial list and gives you an idea of the experts who lead our trips.
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Darren Jeffrey
Darren Jeffrey, the president of ATS, has pioneered the sport of canyoneering in the United States over the last decade, including over 100 canyoneering first descents in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Washington and Utah. His innovative techniques and gear designs have continued to push the sport forward, increasing safety margins across the board. With a varied range of certifications including PCIA, AMGA, NFPA, and SRT and an extensive history of life experiences, Darren is easily one of the most skilled canyoneering instructors in the world and one of the top rock climbing and canyoneering instructors at ATS.
Courses: Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, V; All Rock Climbing; Intro to Mountaineering; Snow Camping
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J.J. Getskow
J.J. has completed extensive training in a variety of fields to present himself as an expert guide. JJ can be found assisting with canyoneering and rock climbing programs, when not off leading backpacking treks, or visiting jungles in remote corners of the globe. J.J. is always quick with a joke and one of the most charismatic instructors we have.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering,Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School
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Sandra C.
When Sandra is not backpacking through the Sierra or rock climbing in Yosemite, she can be found leading many of the multisport programs to our exotic locations. Sandra's heart truly lies in the outdoors and this love for adventure clearly shows on all her trips. WCCM, LNT, WMI certifications and a winning smile make Sandra a great asset to our team.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Rock Climbing I, II, III, Stillwater Kayaking, Ocean Kayaking, All Trekking
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Travis McDaniel
A co-founder of the WCCM and Vice-President of ATS shows the passion Travis holds toward the sport of canyoneering and adventure in general. Travis is a true adventurer at heart and when not off saving the planet, he can be found searching out new locations for future trips. With certifications from Rescue 3, WMI, and the PCIA, Travis continues to teach adventures in every discipline as one of our most requested guides.
Adventures: Stillwater Kayaking, Intro to Whitewater, Ocean Kayaking, Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Trekking, All Multisport
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Chase Rivera
Chase Rivera, a certified ACA whitewater kayak instructor, has an in-depth fitness background with multiple certifications from the NASM. The Fitness and MultiSport Director for ATS since 2007, Chase has proven himself in the field many times over and freely dispenses his extensive knowledge on the human body. If you go on one of our many kayak adventures, the chances are good that Chase will be there.
Adventures: Intro to Whitewater, Canyoneering I, II, III, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Multisport
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Gavin Santillan
Gavin Santillan is one of the most highly skilled instructors at ATS. Whether off exploring new slot canyons in Utah, rock climbing in Los Angeles, or dreaming of the jungle rainforests in Mexico, Gavin has adventure on the brain. Gavin can frequently be found leading canyoneering programs and teaching our survival school. A natural born teacher, Gavin effortlessly imparts his extensive knowledge to all his students.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, All Trekking
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Chuck Chapman
You would be hard pressed to find a more honorable human than Chuck Chapman. A native of Arizona, Chuck spends every second of his free time researching and exploring adventures throughout the Southwest. With extensive experience in desert survival, Chuck always has a good story to tell. Being a patient teacher has made Chuck our top instructor in Arizona.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School, All Trekking
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Jace Getskow
Jace Getskow always finds peace in the middle of any chaotic canyoneering route. A natural at the sport, Jace sees waterfalls in his dreams. A kinesiology major has trained Jace on the movement of the human body making him a perfect teacher to instruct you on moving down and through a waterfall.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Survival School, All Trekking
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Johnnie Braden
Johnnie has an extraordinary passion for showing people the natural world. His thirst for adventure is only quenched when he is able to show people a side of nature very few ever witness. With ATS, WMI, and Rescue 3 certifications, Johnnie is a great instructor to trust in the field. When not off exploring the deserts of Death Valley or the rainforests of Maui, Johnnie can be found leading canyoneering, trekking, and survival schools courses.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School
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R.B. Hopkins
R.B. is one of the most easygoing guys you will ever meet. He is also one of our most well-rounded instructors and assists on our trekking, paddling, canyoneering, and rock climbing programs. On his off days, he can be found riding his horse through the local mountains, out exploring some single track on his bike, climbing some crags in Joshua Trek, or hiking through the Sierra.
Adventures: Stillwater Kayaking, Intro to Whitewater, Ocean Kayaking, Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Trekking, All Multisport
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Overview and Course Types
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Gear Checklist
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Meet The Instructors
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