What is Canyoning?
Canyoning is a great combination of different mountain activities such as hiking, rapelling, scrambling and swimming, all ment to offer an adventurous way of crossing through canyons. The activity itself takes place in remote parts of the mountains where the water has carver natural “passages” for adventurers to explore. The really cool features about these natural “passages” is that they often form natural water slides (that we encourage to use) and natural pools, a lot of them perfect for a nice dive (check the depth before doing it).
What equipment do I need for Canyoning?
1 -Descender and Carabiner
2 – Wetsuit
3 – Canyoneering Bag
4 – Canyoneering Harness
5 – Life Vest
6 – Water resistant shoes or comfy sneakers
7 – Helmet
8 – Wetsuit gloves
9 – Wetsuit Socks (pull over shoes if you do not have water resistant ones)
The above mentioned is the gear you need if you would go by yourself or with friends. If you go with a guide or with a company that organises this, they will most likely provide you with all this gear (always double check if they do). So all you need is swimming suit, towel and shoes that allow the wetsuit socks on top. For our tours we always mention what equipment is included for each activity (that requires gear) and also we will give you a list before each adventure with what you should consider taking with you.
Canyoning for the first time – tips
As a first timer the most important thing you need to do is to find an experienced instructor or a company that are professionals in the field. Apart from all the fun and the excitement, this activity involves a lot of knowledge and risk. The instructors will not only keep you safe but also be your guides.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS. This activity varies from easy drops where you won’t even need a rope, to 200 m abseil through a waterfall. That is why it is important to know your level of fitness and know how much you can control your fear of heights (if you have nay).
If you took some courses (which we recommend if you want to go on your own) and you are certified and ready to go with your friends always make sure to be on the safe side by:
- Knowing where you go – read guidebooks, check with people who know the are etc. Learn as much as you can before you venture out.
- Stay in touch – you may loose phone signal time to time, so no matter what always give your family back home or close friends an update.
- Always check your protection and gear, double and triple check. You are never too sure and you don’t want to risk anything.
- Make sure you are in good shape and in a good state of mind
The last tip would be, DO NOT BACK DOWN AND TRY IT OUT. If you really want to be an adventurer and explorer, then you need to try this activity. Find a company or an instructor, grab your buddies and go. You will never regret it.
Is it safe?
It is as safe as you will make it be. As mentioned before, if you are a first timer, we strongly suggest you find professionals that will ensure your safety. An extra thing you can do to keep safe if to listen to all instructions and ask questions if you did not understand something. Better ask before you start abseiling down a 50m gorge.
Where can I try canyoning?
1 – Canionul Oselu, Canionul Vanatarile Ponorului, Canionul Cascada Cailor
2 – Les Gorges de Loup, Bollèn, Maglia
3 – La Salanfe Canyon, Chli Schliere Canyon, Grimsel
4 – Alpenrosenklamm, Kronburg, Auerklamm
5 – Nevidio, Rikavac, Sopot, Drenovsnica
6 – Calypso, Viniani, Cave of Grevena
7 – Predelica Stream, Grmečica Canyon, Sava Bohinjka
8 – Barranco Moreno, Las Buitreras, Guadalmina River
9 – Rio Nero, Torrente Tuffone, Vajo dell’Orsa
