Class meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings (my house) and all day Saturday at the Tom's Thumb Trailhead in Scottsdale. Registering for this day is for the entire course.

AMC INTRO TO CANYONEERING COURSE

Build the Skills. Gain Confidence. Explore the Canyons.

Whether you are new to technical canyoneering or looking to strengthen your foundational skills, this hands-on course provides the knowledge, techniques and practical experience needed to become a more capable and confident member of a canyon team.

Designed specifically for Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) members, this course combines classroom instruction with extensive field training. You will learn essential principles of canyon safety, equipment selection, rappelling, rigging, rope management and canyon movement.

Our teaching approach is simple: Explain it. Demonstrate it. Practice it. Rather than simply discussing techniques, we emphasize practical application, giving you the opportunity to work through the skills yourself under professional instruction.

The goal is to develop a solid understanding of technical canyoneering fundamentals so you can participate more confidently and responsibly alongside experienced canyon leaders and mentors.

Course Schedule

Tuesday Evening: Classroom instruction at the instructor's home.

Thursday Evening: Classroom instruction and technical concepts at the instructor's home.

Saturday (Full Day): Hands-on field training at Tom's Thumb Trailhead in Scottsdale.

One registration covers all three sessions. Attendance at all sessions is expected.

Skills and Topics Covered

• Trip planning, logistics and canyon safety
• Leave No Trace principles
• Equipment selection, inspection and rope care
• Essential knots and rope systems
• Introduction to anchors and rigging
• Single Rope Technique (SRT) and Double Rope Technique (DRT)
• Rappelling techniques and canyon movement
• Spotting, belaying and handlines
• Introduction to self-rescue
• Teamwork, communication and sound decision-making

What to Bring

Bring any personal canyoneering equipment you already own. All necessary technical equipment can be provided at no additional cost. Please let us know in advance if you need to borrow gear.

For Saturday's field session, bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, appropriate outdoor clothing and anything else you need to remain comfortable throughout the day.

Expect an active, rewarding day with plenty of hands-on practice.

This course is reserved exclusively for current AMC members.

Come prepared to learn, participate and develop the foundational skills that make technical canyon exploration both rewarding and responsible.