A place where amazing things Get Done!
The Association for Canyoneering Education :: ACE is an organization fulfilling the needs of an industry, guided by the wants of a community, propelled by the passion of an individual.
A unified industry is greater than the sum of its parts. This organization is a work-in-progress; an organization that will grow as needed and in ways driven by the demands and aspirations of the community. We welcome your ideas; we value your involvement.
Our Mission
To set an American Standard to which professional canyon guides and instructors can be held; to provide a clear path to certification for professional canyon guides; to host professional canyon guide assessments; to establish standardized technical canyoneering curricula; and to develop relationships between land managers, guide services, and training providers.
Our Location
What we do
- Certification for professional canyon guides
- Standardized curricula for canyoneering instructors
- Training recognition for the canyoneering community
Whether you’re interests are seeking certification as a professional canyoneering guide, seeking employment in the outdoor industry, starting your own guide business or school, being part of a nurturing community, seeking recreational canyoneering partners, or if you’re looking for a way to contribute your expertise to the community … we can help. That’s what we do!
Why We Do It
A BRIEF HISTORY: The ACGA (American Canyon Guides Association) was formed following the dissolution of the ACA (American Canyoneering Association) in 2011. (Update: The ACA has been re-formed, re-organized and is on its 3rd owner in 2 years.) The ACGA was to become America’s first professional association for the industry of canyoneering. Five years later, its volunteer Board of Directors and limited membership have been unable to host the guide assessments for which it was created, and it, too, has dissolved. America was in need of a consistent entity for curricula and Guide Certification! ACE is independently filling this void, is establishing/maintaining a standard for continuity in education, and is passionate about supporting a vibrant community of recreational canyoneers.
Certification
The Guide Assessment tests candidates on knowledge, technical skills, communication, and decision-making in the sport of canyoneering.
Instruction
Our Instructor designations ensure continuity of training without the worry of receiving ‘equal and valuable’ training from different providers at each level.
Recreation
Students taking ACE L1-L4 courses receive the added value of membership benefits in ACE, as well as peer recognition for each level attained.
Participation
Training by an ACE Instructor is not required to join ACE and all members in good standing are entitled to the benefits of recreational membership.
