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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
Abseiling
Single Pitch Rock Climbing
Multi Pitch Rock Climbing
Canyoning
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
High Ropes
Wheel-Based
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
E-bike Guided Tours
Urban Cycling Tours
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 (Swift water / Rivers)
Sea / Ocean Kayaking
Whitewater Rafting
Canoeing
River Tubing / Geckoing
Flatwater Paddling
Whitewater Paddling (Swift water / Rivers)
Sea / Ocean Paddling
Sit-on-top Paddling
Stand-up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Swimming
Snorkelling
Raft Building
Swift Water / Rescue Training
Team Building (to be expanded)
Adventure Fishing Skills and Safety
E-foiling
Adventure Activity Tours
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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