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Canyoning: What you need to know before you jump
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If the idea of jumping into foaming pools, and rappelling down waterfalls excites you, then you might want to consider trying canyoning. However, there are a few things you may want to know before you take the Plunge.
Canyoning is a special type of mountain climbing that follows the paths of water falls using a variety of techniques including jumping, climbing, rappelling, and even swimming. The person may climb the mountain to the top where the waterfall starts or many times will be taken to the top by some form of lift, as the actual canyoning requires a lot of energy. A canyoning trip can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day depending on the length of the waterfall.
The first thing one should know is that once you're in the canyon, the only way out is to descend down the same route of the waterfall. It is nearly impossible to escape out the sides of a canyon once you are in it.
Because of the level of danger, certain equipment is required including:
- helmets to prevent head injury,
- ropes to rappel down areas too dangerous to jump from or climb down,
- wetsuits to prevent hypothermia, and
- special shoes to help reduce the possibility of slipping on wet, weathered rocks.
Even with all of these precautions, the sport is still quite difficult. Many times, it is necessary to take the less direct route down the mountain and climb up to a cliff within the canyon to safely rappel or jump to the next level. Most of climbing up is free climbing and the rocks are wet and slippery, making it much more difficult and dangerous to climb.
Rappelling and using zip lines is probably the easiest and most fun way to descend down the mountain. However, it is not possible at all levels, so in some areas one must cliff jump. However, the pools below are very shallow. Therefore, once you jump, you must immediately tuck yourself into a position as if you were sitting in a chair to prevent breaking a leg or foot. Even with perfect form, hitting the water with such impact is quite hard and can cause bruises or pop blood vessels.
Canyoning requires good balance and therefore is very good for your core. However, the routes are very long and there are very few places to stop and rest. One should be prepared to be well rested before taking on a canyoning trip and should consider the first time doing one of the shorter trips that is half-day or only a few hours.
Aside from the dangers, canyoning is a great work out, and with the proper equipment and the right instructor can be a fun way to see some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. Being aware of some of the challenges associated with the sport should help make it more enjoyable as you encounter them.
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