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Technical Competency Framework
Welcome to the SA AIA Technical Competency Framework — a national reference point for defining the minimum technical skills and assessment standards across all recognized adventure activities.
This page provides:
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An organised list of over 100 activities grouped into categories.
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Access to detailed competency profiles per activity called a Skill Guideline Document.
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General guidance on training, mentorship, and assessment.
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Supporting documents and standards for training providers and assessors.
How to use this page:
Browse by Category: Scroll to a category below to view the activities.
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Browse by Category: Scroll to a category below to view the activities.
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Select an Activity: Click on an activity name to access its access the protected PDF — free for reference use.
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Access Resources: Scroll to the bottom of this page for training and assessment guidelines.
WHAT'S IN A SKILL GUIDELINE DOCUMENT?
Each skills guideline document includes:
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Scope of Practice
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Required Technical Skills
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Minimum Safety Standards
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Environmental Considerations
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Assessment Criteria
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Legal & Regulatory Notes (where applicable)
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Applicable Roles (e.g., Guide, Assistant, Instructor, Facilitator)
ADVENTURE SKILLS
Mountaineering
Mountain Walking On Trail Single Day
Mountain Walking On Trail Multi Day
Mountain Walking Off Trail Multi Day
Abseiling under 60m
Abseiling over 60m
Single Pitch Rock Climbing
Multi Pitch Rock Climbing Single Day
Multi Pitch Rock Climbing Multi Day
SA Mountaineering Guide
Canyoning Limited Scope
Full Technical Canyoning Guide
Caving / Spelunking (non-roped)
Aerial non-flight
Ziplining
King Swing
Abseiling (artificial)
Rope Swings
Free Fall Devices
Sky Towers / Drop Towers
Tree Canopy Tours
High Wire Solo Traverse
QuickFlight / Airbag Jumps
Auto-belay Aerial Jump Systems
Wheel-Based
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
E-bike Guided Tours
Urban Cycling Tours
Quad Biking / ATV touring
Off-Road Motorbike
Off-Road Scooters
Overlanding Trucks
Other / Mixed
Archery (field or range-based)
Paintball
Airsoft
Laser Tag
Axe Throwing / Knife Throwing
Slingshot
Low Ropes / Ground-based Obstacles
Orienteering / Adventure Racing
Scavenger Hunts / Puzzle Trails
Trust Games & Team Challenges
Blindfold Navigation Tasks
Sensory & Reflection
Problem-Solving Initiatives
Meta-skills (empathy, communication)
Horseback Trail Riding
Horse-Packing / Multi-day Treks
Bouldering Walls
Escape Rooms
Virtual-Physical Hybrid Adventures
Water-based
Flatwater Kayaking
Whitewater Kayaking
Sea Kayaking
Canoeing (single trips)
Canoeing (multi-day trips)
Sit-on-top Kayaking
Whitewater Rafting
River Tubing / geckoing
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Open-water Swimming
Swiftwater / Rescue
Lifeguarding (inland/coastal)
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TRAINING & ASSESSMENT
The following applies across all activities & categories:
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Skills Development:
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Training should be context-specific and include practical instruction, scenario-based learning, and supervised application.
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Practitioners must demonstrate consistent competence under realistic conditions.
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Mentorship & Supervision:
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Novices & trainees must operate under supervision until deemed competent.
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Supervisors/mentors must be qualified & experienced in the specific activity.
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Assessment:
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Assessments must align with SA AIA's Technical Assessment Policy and:
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Be conducted by qualified assessors.
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Be documented & retained for review.
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Include both formative and summative evaluation.
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Safety & Ethics:
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Risk assessments must be in place for each activity.
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All practices must adhere to the SA AIA Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics.
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Consideration must be given to participant needs, local context, and environmental impact.
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