A Level 3 wilderness guide is able to train level 1 & 2 guides and is involved in the certification of association members. A Level 3 Guide should have at least 4 specializations and training according to the eco-region of his/her expertise. The specialization could be instructor/trainer/teacher level in activity/skills recognized and certified by the approved third parties. Teach and qualify lower level guide/instructor certifications.
A Guide can apply for Level 3 certification after:
- A total of >120 days guiding experience*
- A minimum of 4 specialization
- The guide must have a valid WFA certificate (revalidated every 3 years – minimum of 40 hours training)
Wilderness Guide – Level 3: Expert Guide
There are 4 modalities of Level 3 that are classified according to the ecoregion where they are performed.
The ecoregions are:
- 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 in off trail in unfamiliar territory where evacuation may exceed 12hrs
- Can train level 1 and level 2 aspirants if requirements are met.
Qualification assessment
All Level 1 and 2 skills and experience of the corresponding ecoregion should be set as a base.
General requirements:
- A minimum of 120 days (960 hours) of guiding at level 2 competences from which at least 60 days (480 hours) in Remote / Backcountry areas from which at least 75% should be within the Corresponding ecoregion.
- Valid Wilderness Advanced First Aid training (revalidated every 3 years – minimum 40 hours) by a recognised provider.
- Search & Rescue fundamentals (NASAR)
- Knowledge of Metabolic engines the phosphagen, the glycolytic, and the oxidative pathway
- Be able to organize and lead a rescue party in remote areas (know what to do and what not to do)
Ecoregion specific requirements:
Tropical:
-At least one 10-day expedition, sleeping in hammocks under tropical forest canopy.
– Valid swift water, cayoneering or white water rescue training by a recognised provider
Boreal:
-Didactics, Teaching, Public Speaking, Leadership, Coaching & Training
Desert:
-At least one 10-day expedition, sleeping in wild desert / bush / field.
– Valid recognised 4×4 off-road driving qualification
Arctic:
-At least one 20-day expedition, sleeping in Wilderness
*Level 3: 120 days of any documented and suitable guiding experience with references either from the employer/supervisor or from the clients assessed by at least two Level 3 WGA guides of that 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.
* Transferable skills: As Level 2 and Level 3 certifications are ecoregion specific, it is possible to substitute 25 % of the experience required for each level by experience from different ecoregion but with comparable conditions and requirements. This will be assesed individually case-by-case.