Wilderness guide – Level 1: Frontcountry
A Level 1 – guide knows about his/her limitations and possibilities as level 1 guide and his/her responsibilities towards nature and customers. He or she can make risk assessments, safety plans and provide solutions for problems for a variety of basic activities in different environments and can guide a group in all in semi remote areas. All activities are organized within the capabilities, experience and specialized training of each guide.
A guide can apply for Level 1 certification after:
- A minimum of 28 training days
- A minimum of 28 days of (assistant) guiding under supervision of an approved organization (with overnight experience)*
- A minimum of 2 specializations
- The guide must have a valid WFA certificate (revalidated every 3 years – minimum of 40 hours training)
*1) Level 1: 28 days of any documented and suitable guiding experience with references either from the employer/supervisor or from the clients, supervised and signed off by a Level 2 or 3 WGA guide or another experienced guide from a suitable organization or association. At least 14 days should be under direct supervision.
Competences
- Can guide autonomously on established trails in territory with which they are familiar where evacuation does not exceed 6hrs.
- Can act as an assistant guide in off trail under the direct supervision of a Lvl 2 or Lvl 3 guides.
- Knows about his/her limitations and possibilities as level 1 guide and his/her responsibilities towards nature and customers.
- He or she can make risk assessments, safetyplans and provide solutions for problems for a variety of basic activities in different environments and can guide a group in all in semi remote areas.
- All activities are organized within the capabilities, experience and specialized training of each guide in a front country environment.
Qualification assessment
- At least 28 days (224 hours, counting 8 hours a day) of training.
- At least 2 specializations
- A minimum of 28 days of (assistant) guiding
Level 1 Guide should be trained in:
- Leadership Skills
- Nature & Wildlife|
Navigation & Orientation - Survival Skills
- Search en Rescue
Safety- & Risk Management
First Aid
Environmental Hazards
Hiking & backpacking Travel
Wildcamping
Outdoor Cooking
Planning & Logistics - Environmental & Culture
Equipment & clothing
Meteorology