Information for the Skilled
Introduction
As adventure sports go, Canyoning is one of the new kids on the block with a short but interesting history. After many of the summits in the European alps had been claimed by the early 1900s, adventurers were looking at new places to put their name to and the deep inaccessible nature of canyons became almost irresistible to the early pioneers.
The sport is made up of a mixture of disciplines which covers various techniques practiced in Caving, Rock Climbing, abseiling, Kayaking and Mountaineering. All of which are necessary for the safe practice of our sport. It should be noted that even if you have had experience in all of the sports doesn’t mean you are ready to jump, slide and abseil into deep cracks in the ground . First you will need to learn about the basic do’s and don’t to prevent injury or worse! The best way to do this is to join friends who have the necessary experience to teach you and if not have a look lessons provided by various canyoning companies.
Anchors
How much force do we produce?
An approximate force measured in KN based on a body weight of 70kg.
Trees
20cm CIRCUM
Bolts
Coeur SS 10 X 70mm
Risks
Every year we see minor/major incidents and fatalities in our canyons, some could have been easily avoid, other could not.
We are now going to cover the most common risk found in our canyons, be aware that we have not covered every risk you may face. As canyoneers we are constantly assessing risk whilst canyoning to ensure the safety of ourselves and the rest of our group. Below are the most common risks associated with Canyoning.
Jumps
How deep do you think you go? An approximate depth based on a mass of 170cm x 70kg in to calm water.
Access
Canyoning access is a delicate subject in the United kingdom. As a new sport many local residents to our canyons are (understandably) not in favour of the increased number of canyoneers; making noise, leaving rubbish, using the trees as a toilet, getting changed in public and sleeping in their cars and have been vocal about restricting or removing access permission to these canyons. To prevent future closures there are multiple access agreements for canyons across the country which we publish on the canyons information page. By following the terms of the agreement you are ensuring the future of our canyons.
Not all canyons have access agreements however the Canyon access guidelines should be followed at all canyons when possible.
CANYON ACCESS GUIDELINES
- When arriving at a canyon location, ensure your vehicle is parked out of the way of traffic and not a hazard to other road users.
- When parking is in or near a residential area, keep music turned down to reasonable levels and avoid shouting/swearing.
- When getting changed, look for a private area out of sight of houses and roads.
- Stay on tracks leading to the start of the canyon and back to the car. If no track is present then avoid damaging plants along the way.
- Take all the litter you carry back with you.
- Try to only use public toilets and avoid going into the trees.
- Do not sleep in your vehicle near the canyon or in the canyon car park.
Canyon Log
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Skill Development
Online
A mix of free and paid for courses
Training Providers
Reputable canyon providers located around the UK.
Qualifications
Qualifications vary in difficulty and required experience, below is a list of canyon qualifications you may be interested in.
