Dave Buckingham

July 21, 2011

A very special thank you to Dave. You were very patient and a great teacher. We learned a lot about ropes, carbiners, and expecially safety, among many other things. We were challenged and each of us learned many knew things about ourselves today. Thanks again for an amazing and fun family outing!

Sherry Powers Kemp

June 13, 2011

Zion Adventure Company,

This past spring we had the privilege of participating in a canyoneering adventure with Dave. He was patient, prodding and motivating an excellent leader. The route was challenging while not overwhelming. The area we hiked in was breathtaking. A few times it seemed impossible to fit through the slots but with Dave's experience it became a lasting memory. The Zion area is beautiful and we thank you for sharing it with us. We will definitely recommend you to anyone who would like to experience canyoneering in Zion. I would also like to thank you for going above and beyond when you mailed us our camera case and memory card.

Thank you,
Dawn Tennant & Laurie Walters

Excerpted from Beth's May 2011 story on prAna.com:

"...I hired a guide, a nice guy named Dave, who obviously had experience working with kids – he had a bag of tricks that consisted of everything from a corny quarter-behind-the-ear gig, to a huge fluffy Golden Retriever that serves as both chick, and child, magnet. Samuel and I were not immune to Dave’s charms..."

Read the Entire Article

5/3/2011

I had a bit of a dilemma when planning our family trip to Zion. Our kids are 2, 5 & 13 -- and we like to do a little more adventure, rather than seeing the sights when we travel. However -- the adventure level of a 2 year old is definitely different than a 13-year-old. Anyway, I called Zion Adventure Company for a little advice; they suggested we split up our family and do 2 1/2 day rappel trips -- 1 adult & 1 older child for each trip -- that way there would be someone to stay with the 2-yr-old and we still could squeeze in a rappel which we were REALLY hoping to do. I know it seems like a simple and obvious solution... but I was so impressed how Zion Adventure listened to what we wanted -- was really honest about what WASN'T possible -- and gave us some great suggestions on what would work for us.

How was the rappel? Beautiful. Our 5-yr-old was a superstar -- it definitely helped that our guide (Dave) was so awesome with kids. My only regret it it was too short.

Thanks Zion Adventure -- many thanks! (Oh, and we loved our CD of pictures from the day; nice touch).

Beth Conway
Missoula, MT

10/20/2008

Dear ZAC Team,

Just a quick note to express great satisfaction with my experience with your company recently. We were taught a three-day canyoneering course by Dave Buckingham 22-24 Sep 2008.

We were a group of 5 friends traveling to Zion specifically for canyoneering and trail riding. Three of us took a one day course from you 2 years ago (Evan Pfaff), and so wanted to expand our knowledge and readiness to tackle bigger stuff. Achieving independence by course end was a major goal. Given our previous experience with ZAC, our expectations were high. As it turns out, our expectations were exceeded.

Even though we arrived with different experience levels (Scott F. was a rank novice with no rope experience whatsoever, Dan’s climbing days many years rusty, while Scott C., Pascale, and I took the course two years ago and felt we only needed a bit of review), the pace of the course that Dave delivered seemed to suit everyone. Given the overall “maturity” of our group, I really appreciated Dave’s teaching approach: he challenged us with tasks and gave us enough ‘rope’ to solve problems on our own. Yet, he was clearly always watchful, our safety his paramount concern (“Brian, is there a safer way to tie in?”). I never felt rushed or overwhelmed, and never bored. We learned many of the theories / basics in a stress-free environment, and then were challenged to apply them in canyon.

Most importantly, it was Dave’s demeanour and easy-going attitude that I most appreciated. I really liked that Dave did not carry a super-cool attitude and that he could relate to us “nerds”. I’d happily take another course from Dave again. And I’ll highly recommend ZAC to any friends who plan to canyoneer in Utah.

On behalf of the whole group, please pass along my gratitude to Dave.

Sincerely,
Brian Robitaille
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

9/20/2008

Hi Jonathan,

Before the glow of last week's experience begins to fade, I wanted to express my sincere thanks to you and the great staff at the Zion Adventure Company for helping make our adventure one to remember. When pitching canyoneering, I make a big deal out of the role ZAC plays in the experience. Once again, you folks did not disappoint!!!!

In particular, I wanted to extend a special thanks to Dave for leading our half-day basics group. I was a little concerned that maybe there wouldn't be enough time to fully prepare first-timers Lori and Cindy. But Dave was more than up to the task, sending them on their maiden-hike down Keyhole Canyon the next day with the confidence needed to make the experience a good one. Our following day descent down Mystery Canyon validated the effectiveness of his instructional / coaching skills. And for me...even though I've participated in three ODB sessions...I picked up a lot of new and useful information.

I am already starting plans to return next year...hopefully with some new recruits. In the mean time...keep up the good work. It really shows!!!!!

Jerry King
Laguna Beach, CA

Dave Buckingham

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