Canyoneering, also known as canyoning, is considered a sport wherein individuals engage themselves in activities that are done within canyons. It is basically an adventure sport exploring a canyon which can involve rappelling. This sport is also usually connected with mountaineering, rock climbing and sometimes whitewater rafting. While these canyoneering activities may look similar, they vary in the skill requirements, equipment lists, and technique.
It is believed that canyoneering originated from a group of people attempting to escape or pass through a canyon. Since, it has evolved into a fun and exciting activity and form of exercise, which has quickly become a very popular sport for tourist and adventure enthusiasts alike, who enjoy the thrill of exploring a remote canyon.
Determination and investing in quality gear/equipment are essential requirements. Without a doubt as a beginner or a tourist, it is imperative that you be accompanied by an expert ”canyoneer,” for direction and guidance. Many cannoneers claiming companies include the necessary hardware needed for a day or weekend of fun.
1. Sturdy ropes
2. Helmet
3. Climbing harness
4. Several carabiners
5. Rappel Devices
6. Ascending and descending equipment
Most of the canyoneering accidents reported are caused by water. This type of hazard can be further divided into flash floods and hydraulics. For the former, it is caused by a high level or precipitation requiring a large amount of drainage commonly passing through a canyon.
More often than not, it causes regular water levels in the canyon to abruptly increase. As mentioned, there exists a regular water flow in the canyon. Hydraulics is the one that concerns this threat. Drowning is the common accident associated with the hydraulics since it may be powerful enough to hold and even trap individuals who are not equipped with complex rope techniques.
Dependent on the type of canyon an individual is visiting, he or she might be subjected to the risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia. Hypothermia is more evident in canyons susceptible to low temperatures. If the individual is not able to cover his or herself with appropriate suits for the canyon temperature, the results may be fatal. Hyperthermia, on the other hand, occurs when our body is made to handle higher temperatures than our body can handle. It is common in desert canyons.
It is believed that canyoneering originated from a group of people attempting to escape or pass through a canyon. Since, it has evolved into a fun and exciting activity and form of exercise, which has quickly become a very popular sport for tourist and adventure enthusiasts alike, who enjoy the thrill of exploring a remote canyon.
How to start your canyoneering experience
Determination and investing in quality gear/equipment are essential requirements. Without a doubt as a beginner or a tourist, it is imperative that you be accompanied by an expert ”canyoneer,” for direction and guidance. Many cannoneers claiming companies include the necessary hardware needed for a day or weekend of fun.
Canyoneering Basic Items (Hardware)
1. Sturdy ropes
2. Helmet
3. Climbing harness
4. Several carabiners
5. Rappel Devices
6. Ascending and descending equipment
Risks of Canyoneering
1. Water-related
Most of the canyoneering accidents reported are caused by water. This type of hazard can be further divided into flash floods and hydraulics. For the former, it is caused by a high level or precipitation requiring a large amount of drainage commonly passing through a canyon.
More often than not, it causes regular water levels in the canyon to abruptly increase. As mentioned, there exists a regular water flow in the canyon. Hydraulics is the one that concerns this threat. Drowning is the common accident associated with the hydraulics since it may be powerful enough to hold and even trap individuals who are not equipped with complex rope techniques.
2. Temperature-related
Dependent on the type of canyon an individual is visiting, he or she might be subjected to the risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia. Hypothermia is more evident in canyons susceptible to low temperatures. If the individual is not able to cover his or herself with appropriate suits for the canyon temperature, the results may be fatal. Hyperthermia, on the other hand, occurs when our body is made to handle higher temperatures than our body can handle. It is common in desert canyons.
