Three-Day Basic

NGA-PNG Featured by National Geographic Magazine. Taking the journey into this three-day course will not only prepare you for many years of self-guided canyoneering, but also introduce you to skill sets which are useful in any outdoor adventure. Nine years of fine-tuning have produced hundreds of graduates with precise attention to detail, hands-on ability with both theory and application, and strong decision-making expertise. This is a beginner level course, yet it is comprehensive and empowering. Consider this course an investment toward a lifetime of exploration.

“A long overdue email to thank you and Nick for a great canyoneering adventure just a few weeks back. Kelly and Rosa have been talking about Zion Adventure Company since last year when they first engaged with you, and now I understand why. I'm not sure how to explain how my journey through canyoneering with you and Nick has changed my world. I just know you both created an environment that was physically and emotionally safe for me, and intense all at the same time. It made a difference in my life and I wanted to thank you both.” Jean D. Konnoff

- Age 16 or older recommended, or otherwise accompanied by a guardian

- Mandatory group size between 3 and 7 for greater mobility and efficiency in the canyons

When you register, we will send you some pre-course homework, so you can show up ready to demonstrate:

- Competence with knots: Figure 8 (on a bight, follow-thru, equalizing), Overhand, Water Knot, Double Fisherman's

- Competence with hitches: Munter, Clove, Girth (Lark's Foot), Auto-Block/Prussik

On Day One, we lay the groundwork early with a four-hour intensive ground school to introduce a series of technical set-ups and sequences. In the afternoon, we head into a compact caanyon for another four hours of application and competency tests. Days Two and Three take place in wilderness canyons outside the boundary of Zion National Park, where we solve unforeseen problems with limited resources, calculate risks, and begin to discover our potential. Depending upon seasonal conditions, we will deal with flowing water, pool swims, and both hot and cold air temperatures. Your instructor will be very demonstrative and involves early in the course, in hopes of "shadowing" more and more as the course goes on, gradually becoming a quiet observer as you become more comfortable with your choices and skills. By the middle of Day Three, your group may be ready to prove its ability to operate independently, a sign you are ready for your own descents after the course.

We cover the entire One-Day Basic curriculum, plus:

- Additional knots and hitches
- Down-climbing logs, chutes & dryfalls
- Stabilizing packs and weight
- Lowering & traversing rope systems
- Natural anchors (logs, trees, boulders, pinches, constrictions, etc.)
- Pool ingress and egress
- Self-rescue, retreat, and recovery
- Energy and time conservation
- Group problem solving
- Further development of critical thinking ability
- Extended in-canyon time as both student and leader
- Increased responsibility determining the outcome of your days

Canyons in Zion National Park recommended after class:

- Echo Canyon	- Pine Creek	- Mystery Canyon
- Spry Canyon	- Telephone Canyon	- Behunin Canyon
- Fat Man's Misery

Try to plan extra days after the course to descend a few of the above canyons!

We provide all the necessary technical gear, some of which you will keep at course completion. A course packet (mailed to you upon trip confirmation) contains items you will need to gain familiarity with prior to your arrival: Knot book, sample rope, and sample webbing. We recommend owning your own harness and helmet if you foresee using them after class. We use and sell the Petzl Aspir seat harnesses, which provide a combination of security, simplicity, low weight, and water repellency. There are many neat toys and gadgets out there, but many are unnecessary. Request a dialogue with your class instructor prior to investing in a bunch of gear for this trip.

Please also bring each day to class:
- 2 quarts of water/person + lunch/snacks for the day
- Sunscreen and swimsuit in summer
- Warm synthetic clothes, hat, gloves, any time of year
- Rain gear (course goes out even in inclement weather)
- Camera

Please choose your dates when registering. If the schedule provided does not coincide with yours, please request custom dates. Early reservations advised. All trips leave from Zion Adventure Company at 36 Lion Blvd., across from the Quality Inn. First day of class meets at 7:30am.

Dates for 2012:

April 13-15	June 22-24	Aug. 31-Sept. 2
May 7-9	July 13-15	Sept. 14-16
May 25-27	Aug. 3-5	Sept 28-30
June 15-17	Aug. 13-15	Oct. 12-14

Course Tuition:

One on One		Not Available
Two Only		$820.00 per person
Three or more		$550.00 per person
Group Discount	6 or more	10%

Three-Day Basic

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