Wild Sky Guides Announces ICA Spring Training Courses in Costa Rica January - February 2026.
When: January 26th – February 7th 2026
Where: Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
What: ICA Direct Access Guide Course and Auxiliary Rope Techniques Module.
Wild Sky Guides was born out of a mission to promote safety canyoning by being a bridge between American and European canyoning communities.
In pursuit of that mission Wild Sky Guides is launching our 2026 Spring Training initiative in the world-class canyons of Costa Rica.
In partnership with our hosts; the team of professionals at DROPS Canyoning in Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica and the International Canyoning Academy (ICA), we are offering two professional-level courses in canyon rigging and rescue. This is an opportunity to earn an internationally recognized ICA canyoning guide certification.
Here are the details on the courses:
Course 1: ICA Auxiliary Guide Rope Techniques and Whitewater Module
This intensive 10-day course is focused on developing mastery in efficiency and safety. Participants will engage in a deep dive into advanced rigging, rapid rescue techniques, and the core principles of risk management essential for every serious canyoneer.
- Dates: January 29th – February 7th.
- Focus Areas: Efficient rigging, fast rescue techniques, and introductory risk management concepts.
- Certification: ICA Auxiliary Guide Rope Module and Whitewater Certification
- Price: $1300
Course 2: ICA Lead Guide - Direct Access
This is the Direct Access path for professionals to earn the ICA Lead Guide professional certification. The 13-day course begins with three days of intensive “homologation” to align all participants with proven ICA rope technique standards. The program then progresses into a comprehensive leadership curriculum, focusing on high-level risk management, group dynamics, and complex rescue scenarios.
- Dates: January 26th – February 7th
- Focus Areas: ICA rope standards, advanced risk management, whitewater risk management, and rescue techniques for professional guides.
- Certification: ICA Lead Guide Certification
- Price: $2100
Prerequisites and Commitment to Excellence
These are advanced courses designed for dedicated canyoneers. To ensure a high-caliber learning environment, a minimum skill level is required for entry. Aspirants must submit a video performing a set of timed rope techniques. This standard ensures that all participants arrive with a shared foundation and a serious commitment to learning, regardless of their years of experience.
How To Join A Course:
In order to guarantee course quality a conference call with Wild Sky staff will be necessary to book your spot.
No pressure! During the call you will be asked to go over your vertical rope experience and reasons for joining the class before you will be directed to a booking page.
Future ICA Courses: September 2026
For those unable to join us in Costa Rica, we will also be announcing another ICA Training course in Seattle next September.
Finally, our signature Canyon Challenges will be available in Costa Rica for interested school groups. We encourage inquiries for available dates.
Stay tuned for more details.