Canyoning courses

As a recognised training provider of the Dutch Canyoning Association (NCB), we offer four canyoneer modules in which you learn to canyon independently. After that you can take two guide modules, in which you learn to lead others through a canyon. We also run specialisations that we developed ourselves.

Bouncing with excitement, I watch Roos rig the rope so her teammates can walk safely to the rappel. She sets up the traverse line, as we call it in canyoning, exactly as we practised on the rock this afternoon. At her rappel I notice her figure eight has slid onto the bolt. Bram walks up, clips into the traverse line, locks in his descender, checks everything and weights the rope. Halfway down I ask him to tie off his descender. I ask Roos to release the figure eight from above. Because it has slid onto the bolt, it won't come loose easily. "I didn't see that coming," she says. I take a photo: a great learning moment for tonight. I let Roos think it through, give her a few tips and she solves it simply and efficiently. Another lesson learned!

Being outdoors in the canyon every day with motivated students is wonderful. Every evening Frank and I go over the course: how do we challenge the students tomorrow, what needs extra attention, and who can we help with what?

We follow the module structure of the Dutch Canyoning Association. After the first three modules you can move safely through canyons of average difficulty (V3A3III). Module 4 takes you beyond that, together with partners of the same level.

The first module. You need no experience; canyoning or outdoor experience is simply a bonus. You work with the most commonly used techniques: recognising and assessing anchors, rigging ropes for a rappel, locking in, and tying off your descender mid-rappel so you have both hands free. In short: all the basics to move safely through a canyon.

Price: €595

Once you know the basic techniques, this module brings technique and canyon together. In module 1 you are often coached on which technique to use; now you decide yourself. We call this analysing the situation: how do you reach the start of the rappel safely, and which hazards will you meet (rope friction, current, recirculation)? Based on your analysis you make a plan and rig quickly and safely. We start easy and the situations grow more complex during the week. In short: this is where you learn to canyon independently.

Price: €595

The last module before you head into canyons on your own. Module 3 is about problems and rescues: what do you do when your rope is rigged too short, or someone gets stuck in a waterfall? How do you pull someone out of strong current and how do you move a casualty? You learn it all.

Price: €595

You have gained experience, feel comfortable on 30-metre rappels and in more water, and want to move on to extreme canyons. This week you tackle difficult canyons and more complex rope techniques. Before you know it you are hanging in a 100-metre waterfall or learning advanced whitewater swimming. A challenging week where you learn a lot.

Price: €745

Want to share your passion or work as a canyoning guide? After the four canyoneer modules you take the two guide modules. We often run them back to back, which gives a good mix of exploring canyons, guiding and practising rescues.

This module is about leading others. You take a group of participants without experience through the canyon while an instructor watches over your safety and theirs. At the end of the day you review it with your instructor and your participants. The next day there is a new group and a new canyon.

We work with public support: participants have booked a canyoning week led by a guide in training. That way you practise in the most realistic situation possible.

Price: €595

The second guide module covers rescue techniques. After a short refresher of module 3 you learn new rescues, with different priorities because participants are involved.

Price: €595

The canyoneer modules are assessed by the instructor during the course. You must complete all four canyoneer modules before starting guide training. After the two guide modules you take a two-day guide exam (guiding and rescues), assessed by an examiner of the Dutch Canyoning Association. Only then may you work as a canyoning guide. The exam price depends on the number of candidates.

A deeper dive after the courses you have already taken. Our instructors developed these specialisations; they are not part of the Dutch Canyoning Association programme. You receive a certificate of participation; there is no assessment.

• Bolting canyons and first descents (3 days)
• Vertical canyons (3 days)
• Expedition canyoning (3 days)
• Whitewater (3 days)

Package prices, accommodation, meals, transport and the discount for your own gear: it is all on one page.