Who Is The Other Canyoneering Association?
The Other Canyoneering Association is a loose association of canyon enthusiasts, without formal by-laws or membership, enthusiastic about promoting greater communication amongst Colorado Plateau canyoneers. The OCA sponsors the Canyons EGroup on Yahoo, and has occasional informal rendezvous, where canyoners from all over can meet, enjoy the wild-lands and each other's company.
The Canyons Group is a forum for sharing ideas and information among an international community of canyoneering, canyoning and slot canyon enthusiasts.
At the beginning of January 2002, Rich Carlson realized that certain
divisive political debates, over such issues as fixed anchors, were
distracting the ACA from pursuing its primary mission of promoting safe,
responsible canyoneering by way of its courses and rendezvous. It became
obvious that these issues would be better addressed by an open, democratic
organization, outside the ACA's umbrella. He was also growing concerned that
interest in the ACA's Canyoneering Rendezvous was outpacing the ACA's
ability to identify qualified trip leaders. Until more leaders are trained
and certified, participation in ACA Rendezvous will be limited to ACA
members only.
As a result of these developments, a small group of ACA enthusiasts met and
decided to organize and promote informal canyoneering trips, primarily as
social events, while considering the shape of an open,
democratic canyoneering association focused primarily on the needs of
Colorado Plateau canyon enthusiasts, while still supporting the ACA and its
mission.
There really is no 'membership' in the OCA. However, there are people engaged in a discussion of what form a group should take in the future. If you're interested in being included, please send me an email, and I'll add you to the list.
Like to host a Rendezvous? Send me an email and let's discuss.
Sorry if all this is a little vague, but really, at the moment, this is an informal group and there is not all that much to say except - get out there and enjoy some canyons!