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