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At some point in time i would like to get into the awesome sport of canyoneering; although, currently I hardly know anything about it. So fill me in Newshoolers! What is the sport all about? What are some things that i should know before setting foot into a canyon? Where can i find some awesome slot canyons to explore? Is their much of a canyoneering community? If it has anything to do with canyoneering, let me hear it!
Apparently its called canyoneering (which is how I know it) only in the US. The rest of the world just calls it canyoning. IMO canyoneering sounds stupid. What are you gonna do, engineer a canyon?
Names aside, I went when I was in Switzerland this summer. It's hella fun, I loved it, but didn't seem like something one just "picks up." You need to really know the canyon - fortunately we had guides that knew how deep all the pools were, etc. Do you have any experience rock climbing/cliff jumping/rappelling/etc?
blondie.Do you have any experience rock climbing/cliff jumping/rappelling/etc?
I have experience with cliff jumping, top rope climbing, and some sport climbing; although, I have never had the chance to try out, rapelling, or trad climbing, which I'm guessing is the type of climbing that you will mostly use while canyoneering.
blondie.Apparently its called canyoneering (which is how I know it) only in the US. The rest of the world just calls it canyoning. IMO canyoneering sounds stupid. What are you gonna do, engineer a canyon?
Im guessing the name derived from mountaineering, but yeah canyoning does sound better.
Was about to make a similar thread. I have a little rappel practice and a friend who has a lot more experience. Hopefully hitting snoqulamy next weekend. Anyone have any experience there?
blondie.Apparently its called canyoneering (which is how I know it) only in the US. The rest of the world just calls it canyoning. IMO canyoneering sounds stupid. What are you gonna do, engineer a canyon?
Names aside, I went when I was in Switzerland this summer. It's hella fun, I loved it, but didn't seem like something one just "picks up." You need to really know the canyon - fortunately we had guides that knew how deep all the pools were, etc. Do you have any experience rock climbing/cliff jumping/rappelling/etc?
It's the same as "orienteering". What are you gonna do, engineer directions?
Anyway, canyoneering is my bread and fuckin butter! It's an awesome sport and can be an awesome time, but do it safely. I have been intimately involved with several unprepared groups (not my own, but people we've encountered) who have put themselves and others in awful danger.
It seems to be picking up in popularity, and that's good and bad. Just be sure you are prepared to do all things safely.
First, get familiar with technical aspects. Learn how to make bombproof natural anchors and learn how to set them up well.
Then get familiar with the ratings and terrain of canyons. Read up on this site: http://climb-utah.com/
Tons of useful info there.
I'd suggest you go out the the Poison Springs area or the Alcatraz camp as a virgin trip. Invest in GOOD guidebook, and DEFINITELY do not rely just on internet beta.
As I see it, the main skills you must master are:
+ Ropework, anchor building, rappelling
+ Navigation and routefinding. A lot of canyoneering involves getting to/from the canyon itself
+ Self rescue and preparedness. These slots are rarely shared with groups in the same day (although the sudden spike in popularity seems to be changing that) and it is crucial that you know your shit and how to correct it should it go wrong.
Anyway, bottom line, poke around online, talk with people who are experienced, and get involved with an active, experienced and safe group (read: not the Boy Scouts).
You seem to know what is up. Any opinions on canyoning kegs? I am trying to figure out the best way to keep my camera dry/protected. Also, shoes. I have been tempted by the 5.10 guide tennie mid as an all around shoe for everything, would it be bad for wet canyons? or should I go with the water tennie. About to make some purchases this weekend, time to get some more 'biners, slings and other fun toys. Really stoked to get into this!
Pretty much what Bart said. Just make sure that you know your stuff when it comes to placing gear, and rappelling. It's a lot like climbing in regards to the fact that you can get yourself into some deadly situations very quickly, just keep a level head and practice the basics.
On the less technical side, make sure you dress in clothes that will still keep you warm even if they get wet (the old verbage of "cotton kills") and you'll have a kick ass time!
Bart.ManIt's the same as "orienteering". What are you gonna do, engineer directions?
Hahahaha touche, but still funny.
To the OP, it make sense that it stems from mountaineering, I hadn't thought of that. The combination of those hard e sounds (or-ee-ent-eer-ing, can-ee-on-ee-ring) with these words makes them sound strange.
Okay, I'm done, I promise. OP, it's real fun and you'll love it.
Bart.Man, does one ever do this alone (perhaps a stupid question)? How often do you (and your group) go into canyons where no one has been before? How much evaluation of the terrain do you do before hopping in and jumping off things?
You seem to know what is up. Any opinions on canyoning kegs? I am trying to figure out the best way to keep my camera dry/protected. Also, shoes. I have been tempted by the 5.10 guide tennie mid as an all around shoe for everything, would it be bad for wet canyons? or should I go with the water tennie. About to make some purchases this weekend, time to get some more 'biners, slings and other fun toys. Really stoked to get into this!
Ballin, man! I've made canyoneering threads before and they've never gotten such a response. Glad to see the sport growing.
As far as waterproofing, we typically use dry bags, similar to what you'd use rafting, and tuck our water-sensitive gear inside. For more fragile things like cameras, a hard case may be a good solution, but I've never used one, so I can't make any recommendations.
Any outdoorsy 5.10s will do the trick. Awesome shoe with awesome rubber. It depends on where you're going to be doing most of your canyoneering. I've done mine exclusively in Utah/Arizona, so no C-class (i.e. running water in the canyons). If you're doing A or B class stuff mostly, then water shoes aren't necessary, just get some basic 5.10s (I dig the Camp 4s for canyon work) and wear wool socks. Additionally, if you are going to be doing a lot of C-class canyons, a wet or dry suit is a worthwhile investment.
If you do get some gear, mostly just focus on descending device, a static rope and lots of webbing and hardware for standard anchor building things.
Big5hiftyPretty much what Bart said. Just make sure that you know your stuff when it comes to placing gear, and rappelling. It's a lot like climbing in regards to the fact that you can get yourself into some deadly situations very quickly, just keep a level head and practice the basics.
On the less technical side, make sure you dress in clothes that will still keep you warm even if they get wet (the old verbage of "cotton kills") and you'll have a kick ass time!
Yes! Never ever wear cotton into a canyon. I love Army surplus BDU pants. They dry quickly, are durable, and are cheap to replace when they blow out. Wool socks are a must, too.
Also know that canyons are extremely brutal on gear. I have shredded many packs and articles of clothing in canyons as well as shoes. Bring extra shoe laces! They frequently wear through and break. And always bring a headlamp.
blondie.Hahahaha touche, but still funny.
To the OP, it make sense that it stems from mountaineering, I hadn't thought of that. The combination of those hard e sounds (or-ee-ent-eer-ing, can-ee-on-ee-ring) with these words makes them sound strange.
Okay, I'm done, I promise. OP, it's real fun and you'll love it.
Bart.Man, does one ever do this alone (perhaps a stupid question)? How often do you (and your group) go into canyons where no one has been before? How much evaluation of the terrain do you do before hopping in and jumping off things?
You can do it alone, but that typically limits you to very basic canyons. It's a bad idea for sure, just try to go with at least one or two other people.
We've never done any first descents of canyons, although out on the Colorado Plateau there are plenty of unexplored drainages. It's risky to go into unfamiliar territory. Some of these slots get insane. Like, 100+ feet of exposure while you're stemming across a narrow gap insane (see pictures below. Not me or my group, just some examples.). Beyond that, some of these slots go on for a very long time without exits and going into one unprepared could be hazardous. Additionally, some of them end in massive drop offs and if you don't have the proper gear, you're shit out of luck.
It's important to know the terrain, but there will be unforeseeable circumstances. Canyons are drainages for water and they change with just about every storm. Stones and features move, but that's part of the fun of canyoneering-- adapting to the situation and figuring out a way through it.
This canyon is rated a XXX slot (slot severity/danger is rated like movies.) Below the guy the canyon drops about another 80 feet until it's about 6" wide. If you fall, you slide and get stuck.
More gnarly exposure. This canyon is right next to another, more docile one. If you take a wrong turn at the entrance, you end up here. An example of why knowing your shit is crucial.
Bart.ManBallin, man! I've made canyoneering threads before and they've never gotten such a response. Glad to see the sport growing.
As far as waterproofing, we typically use dry bags, similar to what you'd use rafting, and tuck our water-sensitive gear inside. For more fragile things like cameras, a hard case may be a good solution, but I've never used one, so I can't make any recommendations.
Sweet! I'm up here in the northwest so more running water and more cold. Neoprene socks are a must up here, I am told, as well as a wetsuit. Probably going to go with a keg and ziplock bags inside to keep my camera safe. Stoked to finally have an excuse to grab those 5.10s. I'm all set with a harness and a BD guide ATC, picking up a figure 8 as a backup and some more carabiners, also getting a sling for clipping in and a bunch of webbing/other anchor building stuff. Hopefully going to get out for the first time next weekend! If this works out I will have another excuse to live in my car in Utah for the summer!
cydwhitSweet! I'm up here in the northwest so more running water and more cold. Neoprene socks are a must up here, I am told, as well as a wetsuit. Probably going to go with a keg and ziplock bags inside to keep my camera safe. Stoked to finally have an excuse to grab those 5.10s. I'm all set with a harness and a BD guide ATC, picking up a figure 8 as a backup and some more carabiners, also getting a sling for clipping in and a bunch of webbing/other anchor building stuff. Hopefully going to get out for the first time next weekend! If this works out I will have another excuse to live in my car in Utah for the summer!
Dude, all bullshit aside, if you go out to Utah this summer, hit me up! If you decide you like it, check into a Petzl Pirana (sp?). It's an awesome defending device designed specifically for canyoneering/rappelling in general. It allows you to add friction and lock off mid-rappel. I'd link, but I'm on mobile.
Bart.ManDude, all bullshit aside, if you go out to Utah this summer, hit me up! If you decide you like it, check into a Petzl Pirana (sp?). It's an awesome defending device designed specifically for canyoneering/rappelling in general. It allows you to add friction and lock off mid-rappel. I'd link, but I'm on mobile.
You're in Utah Bart? Let's get a drink or hang sometime! But you could also use a prussik (sp?) to increase friction and make the rappel easier cy.
Bart.ManDude, all bullshit aside, if you go out to Utah this summer, hit me up! If you decide you like it, check into a Petzl Pirana (sp?). It's an awesome defending device designed specifically for canyoneering/rappelling in general. It allows you to add friction and lock off mid-rappel. I'd link, but I'm on mobile.
Big5hiftyYou're in Utah Bart? Let's get a drink or hang sometime! But you could also use a prussik (sp?) to increase friction and make the rappel easier cy.
Sweet! Thanks, Utah is definitely on my short list for this spring/summer. I'm pretty stoked on my guide ATC, went and played with it on some buildings on my campus and it is pretty simple and easy to use, easy to lock off with a couple of loops around a leg as well. Just need to get a figure 8 for backup in case I drop something. So stoked to get into this, I had forgotten how much fun rappelling and exploring is. And it looks like some insane photo ops.
Big5hiftyYou're in Utah Bart? Let's get a drink or hang sometime! But you could also use a prussik (sp?) to increase friction and make the rappel easier cy.
Na, just over the border in CO. Prussic knots are a life saver. Learn them and use them well. Although they wouldn't be great for adding friction to a rappel. As soon as the bite, they lock off.
Bart.ManNa, just over the border in CO. Prussic knots are a life saver. Learn them and use them well. Although they wouldn't be great for adding friction to a rappel. As soon as the bite, they lock off.
Prusiks are frequently used when in rappelling to act as a fail safe.
Also learn how to make a climb heist (spelling?), which is an auto blocker made with webbing
Bart.Man
This canyon is rated a XXX slot (slot severity/danger is rated like movies.) Below the guy the canyon drops about another 80 feet until it's about 6" wide. If you fall, you slide and get stuck.
More gnarly exposure. This canyon is right next to another, more docile one. If you take a wrong turn at the entrance, you end up here. An example of why knowing your shit is crucial.
