Water Skills Intensive
Empowering the next generation of outdoor leaders
Becoming an outdoor professional requires more than just technical skills. It demands time, immersion, and community. We guide students to transform their outdoor passions into meaningful careers. This comprehensive program also serves as an ideal gap year experience, providing structure, purpose, and valuable certifications.
ECAT - Water Skills Certificate
Our 9-month program combines intensive technical training with professional development across Germany, Switzerland and Iceland. Students work alongside experienced guides and industry leaders to build practical and technical skills
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Leadership 1
Snow Safety for Outdoor Guides 5 day practical field course, 4 hour online theory of ... Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
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Online Marketing 1
Foundational Courses
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (8 days)
Course Description:
Comprehensive wilderness medicine course that combines intensive medical training with challenging outdoor scenarios in remote environments. Students progress through increasingly complex medical situations while developing critical decision-making skills and learning to manage extended care situations with limited resources.
Learning Objectives:
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Master patient assessment techniques and vital signs interpretation in wilderness settings
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Develop advanced trauma management and improvised care strategies
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Learn complex medical evacuation protocols and decision-making frameworks
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Practice extended patient care and monitoring in remote environments
Certification: Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (Wilderness Medical Associates)
Relevance: Required certification for professional guides in EU/North American parks and protected areas. Meets safety standards for outdoor educators, expedition leaders, and adventure travel companies. Essential for employment with: National Park Services, glacier trekking outfitters, remote backcountry operations, and youth wilderness programs.
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Navigation (16 hours online)
Course Description:
Foundational navigation theory course establishing core map reading and route planning skills through interactive online modules. Theoretical knowledge is applied practically during intensive field components of MT201 Backcountry Travel Basics and MT203 Mountaineering.
Learning Objectives:
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Master map reading, compass use, and terrain interpretation
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Develop comprehensive route planning and selection strategies
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Learn integration of digital tools with traditional navigation
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Build theoretical foundation for field application in subsequent courses
Relevance:
Essential skill set for any land and water-based adventure guiding activities. Meets certification requirements for international guiding licenses (IFMGA, UIMLA) and national outdoor safety standards. Critical for mountain expeditions, coastal kayaking tours, and wilderness trekking operations across all environments.
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Weather Forecasting (16 hours online )
Course Description:
Theoretical foundation in mountain and marine meteorology, establishing critical weather analysis skills for outdoor operations. Knowledge is practically applied during field components of MT201 Backcountry Travel Basics, WN302 Snow&Avalanche Safety, MT203 Mountaineering, and WS402 Sea Kayaking. Students learn to interpret weather patterns and forecast changes while developing risk assessment strategies.
Learning Objectives:
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Master basic weather pattern recognition and forecasting
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Develop systematic approach to weather risk assessment
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Learn to utilize various weather resources and tools
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Practice weather-based decision-making for activities
Relevance:
Foundational prerequisite for all outdoor leadership roles. Critical skill for outdoor adventure professionals , adventure tourism operators, and environmental field researchers. Required knowledge base for advanced certifications in alpine marine environment guiding.
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Outdoor Activity Skills - Water
Whitewater Rescue Technician (4 hrs online, 5 days field)
Course Description:
Technical rescue course focusing on professional-level swiftwater rescue techniques in challenging Class III-IV environments. Students engage in complex scenarios using advanced rope systems, mechanical advantage setups, and hydraulic analysis to manage group safety during commercial operations.
Learning Objectives:
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Master advanced river hydrology analysis and hazard recognition in technical whitewater.
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Develop professional-grade rescue systems using tensioned diagonals and vector pulls.
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Learn commercial operation safety protocols and guide team coordination strategies.
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Practice victim stabilization and evacuation procedures in high-consequence environments.
Certification:
WRT-PRO (Rescue3Europe)
Relevance:
Required certification for professional white water guides operating in technical whitewater across EU countries and North America.
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Rafting (6 days)
Course Description:
Foundational whitewater course focusing on commercial rafting operations in Class II-III conditions. Students learn comprehensive river skills while developing professional protocols for client safety and risk management in dynamic water environments.
Learning Objectives:
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Master fundamental rafting techniques and guide commands
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Develop comprehensive river reading and hazard assessment skills
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Learn professional protocols for commercial rafting operations
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Practice effective client briefing and group management techniques
Available Certification: IRF Whitewater Raft Guide Level 2/Level 3 (depending on skill level and experience)
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Rafting (6 days)
Course Description:
Foundational whitewater course focusing on commercial rafting operations in Class II-III conditions. Students learn comprehensive river skills while developing professional protocols for client safety and risk management in dynamic water environments.
Learning Objectives:
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Master fundamental rafting techniques and guide commands
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Develop comprehensive river reading and hazard assessment skills
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Learn professional protocols for commercial rafting operations
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Practice effective client briefing and group management techniques
Available Certification: IRF Whitewater Raft Guide Level 2/Level 3 (depending on skill level and experience)
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Whitewater Kayaking/Pack Rafting (4 hrs online, 6 days field)
Course Description:
Progressive whitewater course that tailors instruction to individual skill levels across kayaking and/or packraft disciplines. Students begin with skill assessments before focusing on technique development in their chosen craft, with opportunities to cross-train in both disciplines under guided supervision.
Learning Objectives:
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Master self-assessment techniques for choosing appropriate craft/run difficulty.
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Develop equipment-specific skills through focused kayak or packraft modules.
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Learn dynamic risk assessment strategies for switching between craft types.
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Practice combined group management techniques for mixed craft expeditions.
Certification: IRF Whitewater Kayak or Packraft Guide Level 2/Level 3 (depending on skill level and experience)
Relevance:
Essential for guides operating in multi-craft environments or managing groups with varied skill levels. Provides flexibility for professionals working in both technical kayaking and expedition packrafting contexts.
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Whitewater Kayaking/Pack Rafting (4 hrs online, 6 days field)
Course Description:
Progressive whitewater course that tailors instruction to individual skill levels across kayaking and/or packraft disciplines. Students begin with skill assessments before focusing on technique development in their chosen craft, with opportunities to cross-train in both disciplines under guided supervision.
Learning Objectives:
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Master self-assessment techniques for choosing appropriate craft/run difficulty.
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Develop equipment-specific skills through focused kayak or packraft modules.
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Learn dynamic risk assessment strategies for switching between craft types.
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Practice combined group management techniques for mixed craft expeditions.
Certification: IRF Whitewater Kayak or Packraft Guide Level 2/Level 3 (depending on skill level and experience)
Relevance:
Essential for guides operating in multi-craft environments or managing groups with varied skill levels. Provides flexibility for professionals working in both technical kayaking and expedition packrafting contexts.
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Sea Kayaking (8 hrs online, 8 days field)
Course Description:
Progressive coastal kayaking program utilizing Iceland's dramatic coastline for skill development from fundamental to advanced techniques. Students learn to manage groups in dynamic coastal environments while mastering navigation, rescue techniques, and expedition planning.
Learning Objectives:
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Master coastal navigation and tide/current analysis techniques
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Develop comprehensive rescue protocols and group management strategies
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Learn advanced weather interpretation and trip planning methods
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Practice expedition leadership and risk management in coastal environments
Certification: BCA Level 2 Sea Kayak Guide
Relevance:
Required certification for commercial sea kayak guides operating in tidal zones and protected coastal areas under European and British Canoeing regulations.
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Sea Kayaking (8 hrs online, 8 days field)
Course Description:
Progressive coastal kayaking program utilizing Iceland's dramatic coastline for skill development from fundamental to advanced techniques. Students learn to manage groups in dynamic coastal environments while mastering navigation, rescue techniques, and expedition planning.
Learning Objectives:
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Master coastal navigation and tide/current analysis techniques
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Develop comprehensive rescue protocols and group management strategies
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Learn advanced weather interpretation and trip planning methods
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Practice expedition leadership and risk management in coastal environments
Certification: BCA Level 2 Sea Kayak Guide
Relevance:
Required certification for commercial sea kayak guides operating in tidal zones and protected coastal areas under European and British Canoeing regulations.
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Elective Professional Development Skills (choose one out of the three options)
Outdoor Photography & Videography (2 days field/class + 4 hrs online)
Course Description:
Intensive media production course focused on creating professional adventure content in challenging outdoor environments. Combines hands-on field shooting with digital post-production training, teaching students to capture compelling visual stories while managing technical constraints of outdoor conditions.
Learning Objectives:
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Master camera operation techniques for extreme temperatures/weather
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Develop dynamic composition skills for action shots and landscapes
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Learn efficient workflow for field-to-edit media production
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Practice storytelling techniques through sequenced images/video
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Apply ethical environmental practices while shooting in sensitive areas
Online Component:
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8-hour editing module covering:
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Basic color grading for outdoor footage
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Sequence editing for narrative flow
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Audio enhancement of field recordings
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Export optimization for social/web platforms
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Relevance:
Essential for guides creating promotional content, aspiring adventure media professionals, and outdoor educators needing documentation skills. Aligns with industry demand for visually-driven marketing in adventure tourism.
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Freelance Guide Start Up Essentials (24 hours online)
Course Description:
Practical business development program focused on launching and managing successful freelance guiding operations. Combines live video instruction with interactive case studies to teach legal, financial, and marketing fundamentals for independent outdoor professionals.
Learning Objectives:
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Master business registration processes and insurance requirements
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Develop competitive pricing models and service packages
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Create legally compliant contracts/waivers
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Master professional invoicing, accounting strategies and payment tracking
Live Session Components:
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Daily 2-hour interactive workshops covering:
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Building client pipelines through social media
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Risk management for independent guides
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Tax planning and deductible expenses
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Live Q&A with established freelance guides
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Relevance: Critical for guides transitioning to self-employment, outdoor professionals seeking side income streams, and seasonal workers building year-round businesses. Addresses the expansion of independent contractor models in adventure tourism.
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Digital Marketing & Self Promotion (3 days online + 1 day class/practical)
Course Description:
Strategic online branding course combining digital marketing theory with practical content creation in outdoor settings. Teaches guides to build professional brands, optimize online visibility, and convert followers into clients through authentic storytelling.
Learning Objectives:
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Master SEO optimization for adventure service listings
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Develop engaging content strategies across social platforms
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Create high-conversion website/booking profiles
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Analyze digital marketing metrics for ROI improvement
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Implement ethical influencer collaboration tactics
Field Component:
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6-hour outdoor session producing marketing content:
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Action shot photography/videography
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Live social media engagement exercises
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Location-based hashtag campaigns
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Client interaction scenario training
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Relevance:
Vital for modern guides needing digital presence, tourism entrepreneurs scaling businesses, and professionals transitioning to freelance work. Meets market demand for tech-savvy outdoor leaders.
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Course Catalogue
Elective Foundational Courses (choose two out of the four options)
Guiding Leadership (8 hrs online, 1 day classroom/field)
Course Description:
Essential leadership course focusing on fundamental decision-making and group management in outdoor settings. Students develop core leadership abilities through practical scenarios while learning to implement systematic risk management strategies.
Learning Objectives:
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Master essential group management and leadership techniques
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Develop comprehensive risk assessment and decision-making skills
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Learn effective communication strategies for outdoor settings
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Practice implementing leadership styles in various scenarios
Relevance: Foundational for all guided adventures - enables safe group management in emergencies, adaptation to diverse client needs, and dynamic decision-making in changing environments.
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Instructional Skills (8 hrs online, 2 days classroom/field)
Course Description:
Foundational teaching methodology course focused on effective outdoor education and skill instruction. Students learn to develop and deliver clear, progressive lessons while adapting to various learning styles and group dynamics.
Learning Objectives:
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Master fundamental teaching techniques and learning theories
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Develop comprehensive lesson planning and delivery skills
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Learn assessment methods and progression building
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Practice adapting instruction for diverse audiences
Relevance:
Foundational for outdoor educators and guides, scout leaders, and certification course instructors. Required for teaching roles in accredited outdoor education programs.
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Environmental Systems (16 hrs online, 1 day field/classroom)
Course Description:
Comprehensive study of alpine ecosystems and their interpretation for outdoor education. Students develop deep understanding of mountain environments while learning to create engaging educational experiences about natural history and environmental processes. Interpretive presentations will be conducted during the class/field day.
Learning Objectives:
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Master fundamental concepts of alpine ecology and geology
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Develop effective environmental interpretation techniques
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Learn to identify local flora, fauna, and geological features
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Practice creating engaging nature-based presentations
Relevance:
Builds ecological expertise to interpret mountain ecosystems and conservation values to clients. Essential for guides in protected areas to analyze terrain/weather safety factors while explaining glacial processes and alpine biodiversity.
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Outdoor Ethics & Sustainability (16 hrs online)
Course Description:
Comprehensive study of environmental and cultural sustainability principles in adventure tourism operations. Course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application strategies for implementing sustainable practices in commercial outdoor programs. Practical application of appropriate outdoor ethics and Leave No Trace principles specifically during MT201 Backcountry Travel Basics and other field based courses.
Learning Objectives:
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Master fundamental principles of sustainable tourism and their practical application
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Develop strategies for minimizing environmental impact in commercial operations
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Learn methods for measuring and managing sustainability initiatives
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Practice implementing sustainable solutions in real-world scenarios
Relevance: Essential for guides leading trips in protected areas (national parks, UNESCO sites) to minimize environmental impact and comply with local regulations. Meets certification requirements for Leave No Trace Trainer. Directly impacts client education on responsible practices during multi-day expeditions.
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Why Adventure Training
Adventure tourism is rapidly growing, with its market value expected to reach $1.626 billion by 2026. Unlike many modern professions, adventure guiding requires human judgment, adaptability, and interpersonal skills that AI cannot replace. This sector includes activities like mountaineering, ski touring, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. Adventure guides not only lead these activities but also create meaningful experiences, manage risk, and help people connect with nature. The demand for qualified guides is increasing as more people seek authentic outdoor experiences and challenging adventures.
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