A W.G.A. level 2 wilderness guide has become a proven expert in one or more eco-regions as defined by the W.G.A.
A level 2 guide has found his/her field of interest and is committed to promote and guide environmentally responsible activities/expeditions in areas that can be challenging. Guided activities demand very thorough planning and special skills and knowledge also about the chosen environment and the local culture.
A level 2 guide knows his/her market value well and might run an own business, employing other guides and promoting the wilderness guide association’s certifications and standards.
A guide can apply for Level 2 certification after:
- A minimum of 28 days of training (level 2 course)
- A minimum of 28 days of extra guiding within Level 2 competences (with at least one week non-stop with overnight experience)*
- A minimum of 4 specializations
- The guide must have a valid WFA certificate (revalidated every 3 years – minimum of 40 hours training)
*Level 2: 28 days of documented and suitable guiding experience under the direct supervision of a level 3 specialist in the ecoregion OR someone with comparable experience and skills, in case the supervisor is not a Level 3 WGA guide an adequate information about the supervisor must be included.
Wilderness Guide – Level 2: Backcountry
There are 4 modalities of Level 2 that are classified according to the ecoregion where they develop.
This ecoregions are2:
- Boreal/Nemoral Forest
- Tropical/Jungle
- Arctic
- Desert
Even though several skills may seem common across all ecoregions the particularities of each
environment may require additional learning.
Competences
Can guide Autonomously off trail in territory with which they are familiar, where
evacuation does not exceed 12hrs
- Can guide Autonomously off trail in territory with which they are familiar, where
evacuation does not exceed 12hrs - Can act as an assistant guide in unfamiliar territory with evacuation time exceeding 12hrs
under the direct supervision of a Lvl 3
Qualification assessment
All Level 1 skills and experience should be set as a base.
General requirements:
- 28 days of extra training (224 hours counting 8 hours a day) from which at least 14 days in Remote/ Backcountry areas within the corresponding ecoregion.
- A minimum of 28 days of extra guiding within Level 2 competences
- At least 4 specializations
- Valid Wilderness Advanced First Aid training (revalidated every 3 years – minimum 40 hours)
Ecoregion specific requirements
Tropical:
-To include at least 3 expeditions of 7 continuous days or longer under tropical forest canopy
Boreal:
-Theory assessment of the various subjects during the academic year
-Emergency plan
-Type of specialization assignment
Desert:
To include at least 3 expeditions of 7 continuous days or longer in the sand / bush
Arctic:
To include at least 3 expeditions of 15 continuous days or longer in winter
conditions