GLOSSARY
77 terms every adventure operator should know.
Group river run using inflatable rafts. Classes I-V per difficulty.
Descending canyons via rappelling, swimming, and sliding. High skill.
Gravity-driven cable descent. Usually tree-to-tree or cliff-to-cliff.
Protected climbing route with fixed cables and steel rungs.
Ascending rock with ropes and protection.
Pre-bolted routes. Lower commitment than trad.
Placing your own gear. Advanced.
Rope from anchor above. Beginner-friendly.
Low-height climbing without ropes. Crash pads.
Underground cave exploration.
Controlled rope descent.
Paddling in sit-in or sit-on-top boat. Sea, river, or whitewater.
Standing paddling on board. Flat water or surf.
Instructed surfing, beginner to advanced.
Climbing mountains, often multi-day with ropes and gear.
Multi-day hiking with accommodations.
Single-day walking activity.
Off-road cycling on trails.
Waist/leg safety harness for climbing, ziplining, rope work.
Head protection. Climbing-rated, kayaking, cycling specific.
Gated metal link for connecting rope to harness or anchor.
Friction device for safely lowering or holding climber.
Life jacket for water activities.
Neoprene thermal suit for water sports.
Waterproof suit worn over layers. Colder water.
Rescue rope in bag, thrown to swimmer.
Mountaineering tool for stability on snow/ice.
Spiked attachments for boots in ice/snow.
Stretch rope for climbing, absorbs fall energy.
Low-stretch rope for rappelling, rescue.
Certification for rescue in moving water. Essential for rafting/kayak guides.
Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder. Multi-day remote response.
UK: Summer or winter mountaineering certification.
UK: Single-pitch climbing instruction. Entry-level.
American Mountain Guides Association credentials.
International mountain guide certification.
Primary guide on activity with ultimate authority.
Secondary guide providing rescue support.
Junior guide, often in training.
Staff member with current first aid certification.
Certified raft guide per river-specific requirements.
Royal Yachting Association sailing/paddle qualifications.
Online-signed liability release.
Waiver for under-18 requiring parent/guardian signature.
Documented evaluation of hazards and mitigations.
Pre-activity instruction on safety procedures.
Written procedure for emergencies.
Formal record of incident, witnesses, actions.
Incident without injury but high risk. Must be logged.
UK: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.
UK Health and Safety Executive.
US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
UK: Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. Required for many activities with minors.
Guide call whether conditions allow activity.
Pre-activity assessment of fitness and experience.
Per-session participant list with emergency contacts.
Customer meeting time, usually 30 min before activity.
Time between sessions for gear and brief reset.
Lead guide for multi-day or expedition.
Operation HQ or starting point.
Customer arrival location.
Process of assigning gear to participants.
Post-activity gear check-in.
Physical count of participants at key moments.
Favorable weather period for activity.
Booking exclusive to one party.
Threshold below which activity cancelled or combined.
Safety-driven upper limit.
Partial payment at booking.
Some operators require full at booking.
Activity + accommodation + meals bundle.
Multi-day remote trip, often premium-priced.
Educational discount for structured group.
Reseller platform (Viator, GetYourGuide, etc.).
Tip to guides, typically 10-20%.
Refund or reschedule rules for weather-cancelled activities.
EquipDash manages activities, guides, waivers, certifications, and multi-day itineraries.
