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Canyon Rapid Access Team

I help experienced canyoneers and aspiring guides transform from technique-dependent followers into confident canyon leaders who can safely guide others through complex terrain using improvisational decision-making skills that work when routes don't match the beta and conditions turn dangerous.

Canyon Leadership Master Class - Coming Soon
Rich Carlson founded the American Canyoneering Association in 1999 and developed the curriculum that most U.S. canyoneering instructors still teach today. With 35+ years of experience training everyone from recreational adventurers to professional rescue teams, Rich has literally shaped how canyoneering is taught in America.
 
Now serving as Senior Instructor for Canyon Guides International, Rich continues to refine his principles-based approach that teaches you to think and adapt, not just memorize techniques.
 
Whether you’re seeking recreational skills, professional certification, or rescue capabilities, you’ll learn from the instructor who trained most of the other instructors.

The Competencies Checklist was developed through a joint venture between Canyons & Crags and Canyon Guides International (CGI). Use the checklist as a road map on your journey toward acquiring knowledge and skills to become a more competent and self-reliant canyoneer.

COMPETENCIES CHECKLIST

Build a solid foundation in canyoneering fundamentals with rappelling basics and essential canyon knowledge. Learn proper techniques, safety protocols, and risk assessment from the curriculum developer whose methods are taught by instructors nationwide. Designed to prepare you for safe canyon descents with competent leaders while building skills for future independence.

Master fundamental canyoneering skills and transition from memorized techniques to true understanding of anchor, rigging, and rope systems. Whether you’re new to canyoneering or ready to move beyond basic rappelling, this course builds the problem-solving foundation you need to descend technical canyons safely and confidently using Rich’s principles-based approach.

Advance your canyoneering skills with comprehensive training in anchors, rigging, and rescue systems. This intermediate-advanced course develops the technical competence and problem-solving abilities you need to tackle challenging canyons confidently. Master advanced rappelling, ascending, and improvisational techniques using Rich’s principles-based approach – building skills that prepare you for the most technical descents and provide a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

Develop essential canyon leadership skills including technical decision-making, risk assessment, and group management using Rich’s proven principles-based approach. This comprehensive course prepares recreational leaders and aspiring guides to safely lead teams through technical canyons, especially when conditions don’t match expectations and improvisation is required.

Master advanced canyon rescue techniques for real emergencies when professional help isn’t available. This intensive course teaches you to handle rescue situations using minimal gear with simple, effective solutions. Develop the problem-solving skills and technical competence to respond to group emergencies confidently using Rich’s proven ultralight rescue methods.

PURSUE TRAINING

What our students and clients are saying ...

A person's most useful asset is not the head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help.

-Unknown
I’m so thoroughly satisfied with how much l learned this weekend! I feel so revved up to keep at it! We shared so many different ways to complete various tasks on rope. My favorite thing about Rich Carlson as an instructor was how open he was to let others share how they like to do things. I dig a leader that doesn’t have pride issues. Very personable, lots of stories, thorough and patient with all my questions. Thank you Rich for expanding my abilities this weekend.
Lisa Hewitt
Dave Black
Dave Black
Canyon Guide, Retired
Rich Carlson could be considered the father of American canyoneering because of his influence on style, technique, and ethics. In 1999 Carlson established the American Canyoneering Association to promote safety, responsibility, and ethics in American canyoneering. Rich and the ACA have been critical factors in building national standards that have become the cornerstone of canyoneering at the recreational and professional levels throughout the Americas.
Rebecca Haacke
Rebecca Haacke
Canyon Guide
I have had the opportunity to take several courses from Rich Carlson, and have come away with so much more new information than I expected. His depth of knowledge and experience is invaluable and it seems the more I learn, the more he has to teach. I most enjoy that no matter your level of rope work education, Rich makes the curriculum easy to grasp, and offers concepts and methods that challenge even the most skilled students. Rich has taught me that every situation has nuances that dictate the options and applicable best practice, and that “it depends” is an important mantra to prevent getting stuck in a “one size fits all” mentality. I have greatly benefited from Rich’s instruction and highly recommend!
Joe Storms
Joe Storms
Canyon Guide, Canada
I have known you for a long time now and I want to express my thoughts. It’s going to sound a little mushy. I have appreciated the leadership and intimate details you display with training. Your knowledge on several subjects is next level ( I have no other way to describe it). I enjoy watching you head off students before they meander down the road of no return, meaning you know exactly the mistakes they are about to make before they even know they are headed in that direction. I have learned an immense amount from you and for that I am grateful.
Adolfo Isassi
Adolfo Isassi
Canyon Guide
The canyoneering classes that I have taken from Rich Carlson not only have been a passport to places only accessible via rope work, but have created a foundation of understanding of risk management in natural vertical environments. If you are looking for a path of self-reliance and clear understanding of canyoneering and rope work, look no further.
David Meding
David Meding
My first course was taken over 20 years ago. But what I learned that week, and over several continuing courses, rendezvous, workshops and outings was a safe and efficient method to explore the marvel of the world of slot canyons. These courses are invaluable for those who not only want to become competent canyoneers, they are also a resource for learning how to solve problems and prepare for the unexpected while in the wilderness. They are also a huge resource for making contacts with like minded adventurers. The canyoneering community is small, but it is huge compared to when I entered it. I have met many wonderfully fascinating people over the years and have made friendships that continue to this day. I have explored canyons in numerous states and several foreign countries. I have survived close calls because of what I learned through these courses and I have taught what I have learned to numerous others. I can’t thank Rich enough for the years and patience and guidance.
Dan Kidder
Dan Kidder
Outdoor Skills Instructor
I have trained with Rich and not only do I see the immense value of his knowledge, I also see the practical benefit of sharing that knowledge. Beyond the technical expertise, he provides the tools to help you think through the challenge, and apply the knowledge. His training will make you safer, more prepared, and a better leader or guide.
Briget Eastep
Briget Eastep
Southern Utah University
Learning canyoneering from Rich is like learning religion from the Pope.
Takman Rai
Takman Rai
Canyon Guide, Nepal
Rich is a very good instructor, with a gift for training. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience from him. He provides a great mix of listening, explaining and practice activities to provide a very safe, supportive learning environment.
Shane Wallace
Shane Wallace
Canyon Guide
When I first got into canyoneering I quickly realized that I needed some training. While doing a deep internet search, two names kept popping up as people I might want to train me. When I found out that Rich Carlson had trained the other guy I knew I wanted him as my instructor. Over the years I have received training from other instructors, but I consider my training from Rich to be the best. Rich has taught me so much about canyoneering and I still learn every time I attend a course with him. I never thought I would go as far as becoming a guide and instructor myself, but here I am and I thank Rich for all he has taught me. He gives more than his knowledge to the community around the world and it’s usually for minimal financial gain. Rich was my instructor in the beginning and now he is also my friend. Thanks Rich!
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