Safety First
WCA – Rocky Mountains – Abraham Lake, AB
At WCA, we prioritize your safety and that of our guides to the highest possible standard. We adhere to strict protocols and guidelines, ensuring that our guides are always up-to-date with certification, training, and equipment management. We understand that canyoning can seem daunting, and we hope the information on this page will alleviate any uncertainty and help you feel confident in your decision to join us for some fun. If you still have questions after reading the following, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Guides’ Certification and Training
Canyoning specific
All of our guides have either a certification from The American Canyoneering Association (ACA) or The Canyon Guides International (CGI), both of which are two of the most recognized associations in North America. Other internationally recognized certifications are also accepted.
WCA is involved in the creation of the Canadian Canyoning Association (CCA) that will provide professional certification adapted to our specific conditions here in Canada.
Swiftwater Rescue
All of our guides, who guide in class C / aquatic canyons (a creek with normal current) are required to hold a minimum of Swiftwater safety rescue level 3 from Rescue Canada or other equivalent certification.
First Aid
Depending on the level of commitment of the canyons they lead, our guides hold 80 or 40 hour Advanced First Aid Responder certification.
Internal Training
WCA hosts internal training events regularly, keeping skills sharp and continuously improving our abilities. Every canyon is different, this why we train our guides on the technical details of each one. After receiving specific canyon training, we ask the guides to assist on trips led by our lead guides until they are considered to have become autonomous, and can guide on their own.
We only provide quality specific gear
We picked the best gear for you to stay safe and comfortable!
Yes, the water is cold in the Rockies, but with our 5mm neoprene long johns and jacket as well as 2mm shorties, you will have about 12mm of protection over your core to keep you warm all day long! We also switch to drysuits when weather dictates.
We provide canyoning specific harnesses and shoes as a measure of safety since they are better suited to our environment.
Helmet, harness, ropes, carabiners, pfds, etc. supplied from excellent brands and are always inspected before and after the trips.
Canyon Conditions
As guides and passionate canyoners, we are always out leading trips, training, or exploring new canyons. We know our environment well, and monitor it closely.
We have protocols and guidelines to follow to ensure we are always up-to-date with the current conditions in the canyons. We regularly inspect the equipment placed in canyons, monitor the weather forecast, and communicate between guides and other canyon users about the latest conditions. If we are unsure, we simply check onsite before running a trip.
Recreational canyoners are welcome to contact us if they would like information on current conditions, water levels, and beta, before going on their trip.
Safety Talk Before the Tours
This is a very important step in the tour that involves the participation of our clients, and happens before we even leave the parking lot. This is where we’ll have a chance to talk about our plan for the day and communicate risks involved. Getting everyone prepared mentally and on the same page increases our ability to run the day smoothly, safely and pack in more fun.
You can also read our release form if you want to know in advance.
By knowing the risks involved you are responsible for your own safety and will have to adhere to the instruction of your guide(s) to keep you safe. Nothing that will deprive you of having lots of fun!
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