We follow the guidelines of the Dutch Canyoning Association (NCB). We also draw on the French canyoning training: all our guides hold the French qualification as well as their Dutch guide papers. Our guides have worked in France, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and New Zealand.
Since 2021 the NCB has worked with modules. You can take module 1 with one provider and the next with another, which helps if you want to progress faster.
Canyoneer level
The canyoneer level consists of three modules of 5 days each. Modules 2 and 3 are often combined but can also be taken separately.
Module 1
You get to know independent canyoning. You spend most of your time in the canyon: about 80 percent canyoning and 20 percent dry practice. Topics include:
- Moving with a rope
- Moving without a rope
- Basic rope techniques
- Equipment
- Communication
Module 2
Building confidence and fluency in what you have learned, which only comes from covering a lot of ground. Every day there is a great descent, with plenty of attention for analysing the situation: how do you solve it in a way that is fun and above all safe?
- Trip planning and preparation
- Anchors and bolts
- Advanced rope techniques
- Analysing and anticipating the situation
- Recognising hazards
Module 3
Rescue techniques and whitewater swimming. You learn to solve simple and difficult problems in the canyon, training on the rock and in the canyon.
- Risk management in the canyon
- Case studies and self-rescue
- Whitewater swimming
- Rescue techniques
After modules 2 and 3 you can make independent descents up to grade V3A3III.
Advanced canyoneer level
Module 4 takes you into more challenging canyons: harder, wilder and more spectacular, where only experienced canyoneers go.
- Advanced rope techniques
- Assessing difficult situations
- Advanced rescue techniques
- Whitewater swimming
- Moving through harder canyons
After module 4 you are trained for canyons above V3A3III.
Guide level
This level has one guiding module and one rescue module. They are often combined, so the training takes just under two weeks.
Guide module 1: guiding
You are fully self-sufficient in the canyon and want to share your adventures. This module is entirely about guiding participants through the canyon.
Guide internship
Every guide needs experience leading groups. You can do an internship with guiding companies affiliated with the Dutch Canyoning Association. Canigou Outdoor also offers internships; with descents every day, you learn a lot in a short time.
Apply via info@canigououtdoor.com.
Guide module 2: rescue techniques
More difficult rescues involving participants: with a rope, without a rope and in whitewater. You work through a range of practical scenarios.
Instructor and examiner
Want to train canyoneers and guides yourself? We can support you through the instructor pathway.
The Dutch Canyoning Association is also always looking for examiners. As an examiner you assess guide exams and make a real contribution to the sport. We can support you there too.
Get in touch via canyoningschool@canigououtdoor.com.