W.G.A. Level 1

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 (within the Level 1 competences) by a W.G.A. Training Institute.
  • A minimum of 2 (documented) specializations by a W.G.A.Training Institute or similar.
  • A minimum of 28 days of (assistant) guiding under supervision of an W.G.A. approved Level 2/3 guide or organization (with overnight experience)*.
  • 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 Level 2 or Level 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 frontcountry environment.

Qualification assessment

  • At least 28 days (224 hours, counting 8 hours a day) of Wilderness Guiding Training by a W.G.A. Training Institute.
  • At least 2 (documented) specializations by a W.G.A. Training Institute or similar.
  • A minimum of 28 days of (assistant) guiding under supervision of an W.G.A. approved Level 2/3 Guide or organization (with overnight experience)*.

Level 1 Guide should be trained in:

  • Leadership Skills
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Navigation & Orientation
  • Survival Skills
  • Search & Rescue
  • Safety- & Risk Management
  • Wilderness First Aid
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Hiking & backpacking Travel
  • Wildcamping
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Planning & Logistics
  • Environmental & Cultur
  • Equipment & clothing
  • Meteorology