Canyoneering
Put simply, Canyoneering (sometimes called Canyoning) is the sport
of descending a canyon. Obviously this basic answer does not convey
enough about the sport. Canyoneering routes range from a simple
walk through canyon to long route facing many difficult technical
challenges.
Each time I am asked "what is canyoneering", I try to find an answer
that will give people a good idea of what canyoneering is and what
is involved in descending a canyon. I have found each person
connects with a different answer to the question. Sometimes when I think I got the
concept properly conveyed, I later find the other person still isn’t
clear on what is involved.
After explaining canyoneering I often hear the person say; oh so its
like climbing? Canyoneering can be technical and
involve ropes, but it is VERY different from climbing. Climbing
is the closest thing a lot of people can think of; and that's all it
will be to them until they get out there and try it.
The real answer is just as it is with many things........... "it
depends". Different areas are geologically different forming very
different types of canyons. The canyons within a specific area
can differ greatly as well (even if they are right next to each
other).
Canyons may be technically easy or difficult, skinny or wide, have
big rappels or no rappels at all, have many downclimbs or be an easy
walk through, involve high stemming or pothole escapes, and many
other differences. The answer you get about what canyoneering is
can greatly depend on who you ask, what area(s) they are familiar
with and the specific canyons they have visited.
With so many possible different answers, I can only give try to
convey what canyoneering is to me based on the areas and canyons I
am familiar with. If you ask someone who canyons overseas, or in
areas of the US I am not familiar with, you may get a very different
answer.
While canyoneering can be non-technical, that is not
what is generally meant by the term. In most
cases people talk of canyoneering routes that are technical and involve getting past
some obstacles along the way. Those obstacles may be simple
downclimbs, rappelling (sometimes in or next to waterfalls),
stemming, escaping potholes, climbing, swimming and many other
obstacles.
Another aspect of a canyoneering route is getting to the location.
To get to the desired canyon you may need to hike a short distance
or lug your gear many miles on steep difficult terrain. At times
you will also need some good navigation skills using maps, compass
or GPS to find your way to a place with no signs, roads or trails
leading there.
Canyons are generally carved from thousands of years of water
erosion and vary greatly in geologic make up depending on what part
of the country or world they are in. They
vary in width, depth, rock composition, vegetation and amount of
water. One of the more popular areas to canyoneer in the US is
the Colorado Plateau and is popular for the beautifully carved
sandstone canyons. Each area will have a unique character that is
very different from canyons not too far away. Canyons in Death
Valley, Red Rock, Zion, North Wash, Ticaboo Mesa (one of my favorite
places) and Capitol Reef all
have very different characters from one another. If you have
descended multiple canyons in only one or two areas, you may have a
good feel for what canyoneering is for that area but your overall
view of canyoneering is limited.
Deanpaul created a file to help describe what canyoneering is to the
new people he introduces to the sport. Part of that file was a
collection of pictures showing some of the things that can be
expected in the sport of canyoneering. With his permission I used
his idea as a framework and collaborated with him to create the
following pictorial layout. The intent is to give a quick
mental picture of what you may encounter in the sport of
canyoneering in the areas I am familiar with.
Enjoy the images and brief explanations below that are an attempt to
introducing you to what canyoneering is. Pictures with a few words
can convey more meaning than trying to explain it.
To truly understand what canyoneering is - get out there,
have fun and find your own meaning through your canyon experiences!
With Time and experience, you may find that your own answer of what
canyoneering is will change over time!
Picture section for this page is under
construction..............................
Picture section for this page is under
construction..............................
Picture section for this page is under
construction..............................
Picture section for this page is under
construction..............................
Canyoneering can be a dangerous sport - even more dangerous if you
don't know what you are doing. Before getting in over your
head in the sport of canyoneering take the time to
seek out someone who can show you the ropes (pun intended). If
you know someone who is experienced see if they will take you on
routes with them and learn from them. Another option is to take
a canyoneering course.
Helpful hint for new people going with friends or acquaintances.
If you want to be invited back to play again, be willing and eager
to help and learn. Ask questions, offer to try some of the
things you are learning be willing to help in little ways. By
doing these things you will learn more, connect better with those
around you, be more prepared for your next outing and above all you
will begin making friends faster than you ever though possible.
It is amazing how quickly this sport can kindle friendships!
One day you may be the teacher.