Am I good fit for your needs? It depends …
If you are looking for someone to teach you just a few quick techniques that you can memorize, with hopes they will keep you safe and get you through every problem you encounter, there are plenty of other instructors who can provide that for you.
But ...
- if you want your mind to be stretched to gain an understanding of the underlying principles involved in safe and efficient anchor, rigging and rescue systems
- if you want to learn a critical thinking approach to problem-solving that will enable you to assess each situation and adjust your response accordingly
- if you want to acquire improv skills to utilize the simple gear you have at hand, rather than relying solely on the latest hardware and technology
- if your goal is to become not only “trained”, but truly competent and self-reliant
... then my training is definitely the right fit for you.
Benefits for you as my student ...
My teaching approach develops your ability to think through problems rather than just follow procedures. You’ll understand the WHY behind each technique, giving you the confidence to adapt and improvise when conditions don’t match the textbook. Instead of memorizing rigid protocols, you’ll develop the decision-making skills to assess each situation and choose the most appropriate response – making you truly self-reliant rather than dependent on having the ‘right’ gear or perfect conditions.
Confidence
Develop unshakeable confidence in your abilities through principles-based learning. When you understand the WHY behind each technique, you can adapt to any scenario - even when conditions don't match your training or gear fails. You'll move from hoping techniques work to knowing you can solve problems.
Self-Reliance
Become truly independent rather than dependent on others or on perfect conditions or on specific gear. Learn to improvise solutions using whatever equipment you have available. Master the decision-making skills that let you assess situations and respond appropriately, making you the person others turn to when things go wrong.
Value
Get maximum competency in minimum time from the instructor who developed the curriculum most others still teach. With 35+ years of real-world experience, you'll learn proven methods that work - not theoretical techniques that sound good in classrooms but fail in the field. Investment in principles-based training pays dividends for life.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Southern Utah University
Learning canyoneering from Rich is like learning religion from the Pope.
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.
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!
Sharing my passion ...
In 1990 I left corporate life to follow my passion for teaching outdoor skills. Over 35 years later, nothing brings me more fulfillment than watching students apply the principles I’ve developed to solve real problems in the field.
My proudest achievement isn’t the reputation I’ve built worldwide – it’s seeing former students become confident leaders who make canyoneering safer and more accessible for others. In 1999, I became the first American certified as a canyoning guide in Europe and founded the American Canyoneering Association. In 2017, I established Canyon Guides International to train and certify guides globally.
Now focused entirely on teaching, my greatest passion is economic development through skills training. I work with professional guides and rescue teams worldwide, with special emphasis on serving underprivileged youth and unemployed adults in Native American communities and developing countries – because outdoor skills can transform lives and communities.
Qualifications and Certifications have Included:
- Senior Instructor / Course Manager, Officer Candidate School
- Army Reserve Officer – Training, Human Resources, Safety
- Certified Army Instructor
- Certified Community College Instructor
- Honor Graduate, Defense Mapping School
- Honor Graduate, Officer Candidate School
- AUSA Leadership Award Nominee
- Meritorious Service Medal, Arizona Army National Guard
- Several Army accommodations for innovations in training
- Certified Top Rope Site Management, American Mountain Guides Association
- Owned and operated AMGA Accredited Guide Service, 1990-2002
- Certified Canyoning Guide, Commision Europeenne de Canyon
- Certified Wilderness First Responder
- Certified First Aid and CPR Instructor
- Certified Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT2)
- Certified Ropes Challenge Course Facilitator
- Certified High Angle Rope Rescue Technician
- Technical Rescue Training – Rescue 3 International
- Technical Rescue Training – CMC Rescue
- Technical Rescue Training – Ropes That Rescue
- Technical Rescue Training – Rigging for Rescue
- Founder, American Canyoneering Association
- Founder and Technical Director, American Canyon Guides Association
- Founder, Canyon Guides International
- Technical Director, Hong Kong Canyoning Association
Featured in ...
Film, Television & Radio
My adventure programs and courses have been featured in the media around the world, including the documentary film, Gorging. Currently available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video.From the film’s description:
“Faced with a new era of off-the-couch recreationalists, three influential pioneers, a canyoneering instructor (Rich Carlson), photographer (Dennis Turville), and guidebook author (Michael Kelsey) each respond to a growing interest in the dangerous activity.”
Also featured in …
- In an episode of a PBS series called “Anyplace Wild”, hosted by then editor of Backpacker Magazine, John Viehman.
- In an episode of “Treks in a Wild World” for Lonely Planet.
- In an episode of “Nature of Champions” with rock climber, Isabelle Patisier for French television.
- ABC News
- BBC Radio (Britain)
- Cable Channel 12, Tucson
- CBS News, The Early Show
- CCTV 13, National News (China)
- Channel 3 News, Phoenix
- Channel 10 News, Phoenix
- Channel 10 “On the Arizona Road”
- National Public Radio
- Nickelodeon GAS
- Play TV (Taiwan)
- Worst Case Scenario
Features in print and online media include …
- Adventure Sports Magazine
- Adventure Sports Online
- America West Magazine
- Arenal Online (Costa Rica)
- Arizona Business Magazine
- Arizona Meetings & Events
- Arizona Republic, Business
- Arizona Republic, Travel
- Arizona Trails Monthly
- Aventura Vertical (Mexico)
- azcentral.com
- Backcountry Blog
- Backpacker Magazine
- Canadian Business Magazine
- Canyon Wiki
- Cedar City Review
- Collegian Travel & Adventure
- Conde Nast Sports for Women
- Denver Post
- Elle Magazine
- Esquire Magazine
- Jalisco Al Natural (Mexico)
- Jeep Magazine
- Living Fit Magazine
- My San Antonio
- National Geographic Adventures
- National Post (Canada)
- Nations Business Magazine
- New Times “Best of Phoenix”
- Newsweek
- OC Metro
- OC Register
- Outdoor Network
- Outdoor Utah
- Outside Magazine
- Outside Online
- Phoenix Magazine
- Scottsdale Progress
- Shape Magazine
- Spectrum
- Sports Illustrated
- Summit Magazine
- SUU Journal
- SWEAT Magazine
- Tucson Citizen
- USA Today
- Washington Post
I have also served as a technical consultant for many other news articles, feature articles, television shows, film projects and photo shoots.
Client List
Over 35 years, I’ve trained thousands of professionals across diverse industries – from Fortune 500 companies to elite rescue teams. My proven methods have prepared students worldwide to handle high-stakes scenarios with confidence. Organizations that have trusted me with their training include:
Canyoneering & Rescue
- Anyplace Wild
- Arizona Army National Guard
- Arizona Game & Fish Dept
- Army Special Forces
- Boy Scouts of America
- Bureau of Land Management
- Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau
- Cedar City Interagency Hotshots
- City of Chandler Arizona
- City of Glendale Arizona
- City of Phoenix Arizona
- City of Scottsdale Arizona
- City of Tempe Arizona
- City of Tucson Arizona
- Coconino County SAR
- Country School
- Discovery Channel
- FBI
- Hawaii Dept of Land and Natural Resources
- Hong Kong Canyoning Association
- Iran Canyon Group
- Lexington School
- Maricopa Community Colleges
- Mayo Clinic
- National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan
- National Park Service
- National Taiwan Sport University
- Navajo Nation
- Nepal Canyoning Association
- Oahu Army Natural Resources Program
- Phoenix Police Dept
- Popular Outdoor Outfitters
- Proctor Academy
- REI
- San Carlos Apache Tribe
- Saudi Arabian Royal Family
- Sedona Fire Dept
- Southern Utah University
- Town of Gilbert Arizona
- UK Canyon Guides Association
- University of Hawaii
- US Forest Service
- Utah Department of Wildlife Resources
- Utah National Parks Council, BSA
- Wai’anae Mountains Watershed Partnership
- White Mountain Apache Tribe
- Wide World of Maps
Team Building
- AC Delco
- Accenture
- Ademco
- Admiral Beverage/Pepsi
- Adobe Systems
- AG Communication Systems
- American Express
- American Heart Association
- American National Can
- Allied Signal Aerospace
- Arizona State University
- Army Family Team Building
- ASM International
- A T & T
- Avalon Software
- Badger Meter
- Bank of America
- Bank One
- Bell South
- Bergen Brunswig
- Bernard Hodes Group
- BNC Mortgage
- Boeing
- Bowne of Phoenix
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Cal-Air
- CareData
- Cendant
- Citicorp
- Clariant
- Corporate Express
- Cox Communications
- Davita
- Del Webb
- Delta Environmental Consultants
- Dial Corp
- Discover Card
- E-Forum
- Express Scripts
- Falcon Waterfree
- Fennemore Craig
- Finova Capital
- Gap / Banana Republic
- General Physics
- GeoQuest
- Giorgio Armani
- Global Crossing
- Hewlett Packard
- Intel
- International Typeface Corp
- Isuzu
- Job Corps
- KPMG
- Lockheed Martin
- Maricopa County Health Services
- Maricopa County Justice Dept
- MCI
- MGM Grand
- Microsoft
- Monier Life Tile
- Motorola
- Netscape/AOL
- PCS Health Systems
- Pelle Pelle
- Proctor and Gamble
- Roadway Express
- Salt River Project
- Samaritan Health Systems
- Sandpiper Networks
- Scottsdale Princess Resort
- Snell & Wilmer
- Source Informatics
- Spectria
- Sykes Enterprises
- Teradyne
- Tosco Corporation
- TRW
- Tyco Thermal Controls
- Unichema
- United Way
- US West
- Verizon
- Volkswagen
- Windmill Inns
- XO Communications