SA Adventure Industry Association -SA AIA

29/07/2026

09/07/2026

💧 Water safety looks different in every environment — and that is exactly what made this workshop so valuable.

Facilitated by ATKV-Drakensville alongside the SA AIA Water Safety Chapter, delegates explored a variety of real water environments across the resort — from the outdoor cold swimming pool and indoor heated pool, to the Super Tube, activity pools, the dam with its zipline and “Blob”, future farm dam plans, and even small river crossings along a short hike.

At each stop, the group unpacked the activities taking place there and worked through practical considerations around risk, rescue, supervision, group management, equipment and emergency response.

A special mention must go to the TUT students, who brought incredible energy to the session. They stepped forward at every opportunity to learn, demonstrate, practise and engage professionally with the scenarios presented.

Thank you to ATKV Drakensville for opening up the venue as a living learning space, and for helping us turn theory into practical, context-specific conversations.

03/07/2026

From old-school gear to modern ice tools, Neil Margetts and the SA Outdoor Academy team brought Alpine and Ice Climbing Fundamentals to life in the best possible way.

With real ice to test, tools to explore, and even a look at how climbing fashion and technology have changed through the years, this workshop was practical, creative, and full of passion.

Neil and the SAOA team show up every year and never fail to bring the magic. We are so grateful for the energy, knowledge, and creativity they bring to our community.

03/07/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-roff-8a883a1b_last-week-i-ran-a-cpd-workshop-on-nature-ugcPost-7478018925428125697-SzNg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAQ3i4ABtXpaDu_pkBgu58tuJ07F13_aA9M
John Roff
ATKV-Drakensville

Last week I ran a CPD workshop on Nature Interpretation for Adventure guides, for the South African Adventure Industry Association (SAAIA) national conference, hosted by ATKV Drakensville. One highlight was this multi-sensory discovery of a wasp nest built with pine resin, attached to the sandstone....

03/07/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-roff-8a883a1b_last-week-i-ran-a-cpd-workshop-on-nature-ugcPost-7478018925428125697-SzNg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAQ3i4ABtXpaDu_pkBgu58tuJ07F13_aA9M

Last week I ran a CPD workshop on Nature Interpretation for Adventure guides, for the South African Adventure Industry Association (SAAIA) national conference, hosted by ATKV Drakensville. One highlight was this multi-sensory discovery of a wasp nest built with pine resin, attached to the sandstone....

03/07/2026

Steep ground safety is not about finding ways to take bigger risks. It is about knowing when to stop, reassess, and choose the safer option.

In this workshop, we explored practical rope techniques, but the strongest message was clear: ropes are a last resort. Good guiding starts long before that, with proper risk assessments, sound judgement, and the humility to recognise our own limits.

A big shoutout to Nic Shaw from MCSA Mountain Rescue and the conference high risk activity resident assistant Rob Thomas for this great workshop!

02/07/2026

02/07/2026

Practical skills, real scenarios, and plenty of hands-on learning.

Vertical Safety Systems led a workshop introducing delegates to rescue equipment and techniques, including a simulated rescue from a high ropes course. They also set up rope systems at the base, giving delegates the chance to explore the gear, ask questions, and build confidence through practice.

Thank you, Vertical Safety Systems, for bringing such an engaging and valuable workshop to the SA AIA National Conference.