Canyoning is actually a multi-sport adventure. Canyoners get into a neoprene suit, wear helmets and harnesses, use ropes and carabiners and get down a canyon through waterfalls, rocks, waterslides and jumps until they find the exit. If this is your first time, the process can be a bit scary but have in mind, that during canyoning there are lots of relaxing moments as well as intense, adrenaline-filled – so be prepared.
There are countless canyons in the world and various routes, where difficulty is always part of the weather conditions, the altitude and the water flow. Canyoning can be an amazing experience at the appropriate time of the year, where one can have the best moments exploring and enjoying nature in a way that is totally unique.
Canyoning gear may seem a little bit confusing at first but once your guide explains their useall starts to make sense. Neoprene suit can be annoying in the beginning but wait until you get in the water. Your harness might seem a funny element but once you start your first rappel you will realise that it is the key to your safety. All metals hanging from your harness, with their shapes and colours, making metal sounds as you walk, are the absolute gadgets getting you down the waterfall – and last but most essential – the rope, you are holding and releasing bit by bit as you descend, is the only link to toughing the ground safely.
Water is the fun factor in canyoning. However, since everything will get wet, be prepared to carry a canyoning backpack which will include a waterproof barrel. There you can store food, your phone (in a waterproof case), your headlight and some extra batteries. Your shoes will get wet, too. Canyoners wear neoprene socks and specific designed shoes for canyoning. At your first day of canyoning you can wear some old boots or sport shoes that you don’t mind to get muddy. Choose preferably a pair of 3 mm neoprene socks instead of cotton – they will prove to be warmer.Slippery rocks are a challenging part but they are commonplace in canyoning.
Rope management might seem very difficult in the beginning. Protect your hands with neoprene gloves at first and try without them for the experience. Many canyoners wear gloves with exposed fingertips to have a better grip during knots. Trust your gear and yourself, observe your guide’s instructions and you will do just fine. After a couple off rappels you might find rope skills a bit easier.
Sliding and jumping is ridiculously fun – let it be and try not to resist the participation. Think as being a water molecule, just get on your bum sliding on down or count to three, fly like a bird and hit the water! Your canyoning guide will advise you the best way to do it.
Most of the people trying canyoning for the first time can’t get enough! It brings back memories of childhood, it challenges physical condition, sharpens the mind and brings huge smiles and giggles.
