Standard Operating Procedure
Training Pathway
Purpose
To establish a safe, consistent, and progressive pathway for club members to become approved participants in canyoning activities, while recognising existing experience and external qualifications.
Canyoning Australia recognises canyoning is a team sport. As such our focus is on equipping all members, despite their desire to reach Activity Leader status, with a wide range of canyoning skills and knowledge to ensure they are able to make a constructive contribution to the team.
Scope
This SOP applies to all current members of the Canyoning Australia who wish to participate and/or lead club-endorsed canyoning activities in technical, wet, or dry canyons.
Prerequisites
Be a current financial member of Canyoning Australia.
Understand and commit to risk management practices and emergency response planning. Refer to:
Pathway Overview
There are four progressive stages toward becoming a safe active (non-dependant) activity participant and/or Activity Leader:
Safe Participant
Trained Participant (Intermediate/Advanced)
Aspirant Activity Leader
Activity Leader
Note: The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process may allow experienced individuals to enter or accelerate their status to an appropriate level.
1. Safe Participant
Objective: Build canyoning competency and situational awareness.
Requirements:
Attend a minimum of 3 club canyoning activities.
Demonstrate competence in:
Efficient movement in canyon terrain, situational awareness and self-management
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Following instructions and contributing to group safety
Training:
Complete an induction
In field ah-hoc training with an Activity Leader or delegate
Optional attendance at skills sessions or technical workshops
2. Trained Participant (Intermediate/Advanced)
Objective: Begin developing leadership experience in a supportive role.
Requirements:
Assist on 3 or more activities, participating in:
Rigging setup and anchor assessment
Group supervision and safety oversight
Communication and problem-solving in the field
Develop Trained Participant (Intermediate) and Trained Participant (Advanced) technical skills and knowledge as relevant to the canyon grade you seek to lead
Be familiar with the Australian Adventurous Activity Good Practice Guide (GPG).
Begin maintaining an activity logbook
Recommended Training:
In field ah-hoc training with an Activity Leader or delegate
Technical skills workshop covering rigging, rescue fundamentals, and group management
3. Aspirant Activity Leader
Objective: Take on increasing responsibility while being mentored.
Requirements:
Nominated by an Activity Leader or approved by the Training & Activities Officer.
Lead 2–3 club activities (moderate complexity) under supervision of an Activity Leader
Submit Activity Plans and Risk Assessments for each activity.
Demonstrate:
Activity planning based on weather, group ability, and canyon conditions
Group briefings and safety check procedures
Effective response to incidents or unexpected challenges
Develop Expert technical skills and knowledge as relevant to the canyon grade you seek to lead
Maintain an activity logbook
Recommended Training:
In field ah-hoc training with an Activity Leader or delegate
Technical skills workshop covering advanced rigging, rescue, and group management
Assessment:
Post-activity debrief with mentor
Feedback from activity participants
4. Activity Leader
Objective: Be recognised as a competent, independent Activity Leader.
Requirements:
Endorsement from two existing Activity Leaders
Demonstrate competence in Expert/Guide technical skills and knowledge relevant to the canyon grade you seek to lead
Submit Activity Plans and Risk Assessments for each activity.
Maintain an activity logbook
Maintain valid First Aid and awareness of club emergency protocols
Approval:
Review and formal endorsement by the Canyoning Australia Committee
The committee may place limits on canyon grade and areas an Activity Leader is allowed to lead.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Canyoning Australia acknowledges members may possess relevant experience, training and formal qualifications gained outside the club environment. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process allows experienced individuals to enter or accelerate their status to an appropriate level.
Eligibility for RPL:
To be eligible for the RPL you must meet one or more of the following requirements:
Outdoor leadership qualifications (e.g. Cert III/IV in Outdoor Rec, canyoning-specific certifications)
Participated in canyon specific training
Extensive personal or professional canyoning experience
Experience as a guide or leader with commercial or volunteer organisations (e.g. Scouts)
Relevant first aid, rescue, or risk management training
RPL Process:
Application Submission:
Submit a written request to the Canyoning Australia committee, via the Secretary, including:
CV or summary of experience including training
Summary of recent canyoning activities including canyon grades and canyoning area
Referees or references from peers or employers
Summary of adjacent activities and expertise (e.g. caving, kayaking)
Interview and Review:
Participate in a review session to discuss experience, judgment, and alignment with club practices
Demonstrate understanding of:
Best practise canyoning
Club culture and expectations
Emergency response planning
Environmental ethics
Outcome Determination:
Applicants may be:
Approved to a pathway designation commensurate with the applicant’s experience and skill
Asked to observe or participate in additional canyoning activities for assessment or familiarisation
Note:
RPL does not guarantee Activity Leader status outright; it fast-tracks the pathway where appropriate while still ensuring alignment with club procedures.
Ongoing Responsibilities of Activity Leaders
Conduct safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible canyoning activities inline with the Running a Canyoning Activity standard operating procedure
Submit activity reports and incident documentation as required
Maintain First Aid currency and participate in refresher workshops
Support the development of members through mentorship
Record Keeping
All progression steps, activity logbooks, qualifications, and approvals will be recorded by the Training & Activities Officer or designated coordinator.
Review Schedule
This SOP should be reviewed annually, or after any significant incident or change to best practice guidelines, by the club’s committee or training subcommittee.