What Is Canyoning? A Complete Guide
If you're looking for a new type of outdoor adventure to partake in, consider signing up for canyoning! Popular in Europe, this adventure sport has only recently started to catch on in other parts of the world – even in the UK. Complete with an adrenaline-inducing thrill and sweeping vistas, canyoning is quickly becoming a favourite of thrill seekers across the globe.
But what is canyoning exactly? And how do you prepare for it? In this article, we'll provide tips for tackling the sport and help you explore new heights of adventure!
What is Canyoning?
Sometimes referred to as "canyoneering", canyoning is a sport that combines a few other outdoor sports like abseiling and climbing, as well as typical sports like outdoor hiking and swimming. It sets itself apart from other outdoor exploration sports as canyoning allows adventurers to explore the more out-of-reach areas of natural landscapes through pathways and passages formed by running water . And unlike sports like caving or climbing, canyoning is a fairly new exploration sport, with it only been around for the last 20 years or so. Although much like caving and climbing, canyoning is also a sport that tests both your physical and mental prowess.
Some of the most established canyoning spots in the world can be found in Europe – more specifically, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. It's definitely a unique way to explore landscapes from various different angles, and it's a must-do experience for adventurers of all ages! Plus, it can be done at any time of the year. So long as you're comfortable with the water, there's an exciting canyoning adventure waiting for you.
Different Canyoning Techniques
Abseiling
Also known as "rappelling", abseiling is the controlled descent of a steep slope usually attributed to climbers. They would normally abseil back down the rock faces that they've climbed. Abseiling involves the use of a rope and a belay device to ensure a controlled descent from spots that are too high or too tricky to simply jump off of.
Although there are many canyoning routes that don't require abseiling, it's super important to understand what it is so that you're prepared whenever you may come across a route that does involve it. Make sure you get in touch with a reputable canyoning provider that will show you the ropes and teach you the right abseiling techniques – pun intended!
Bridging, Chimneying and Stemming
Canyoneers will often have to face a few different challenges when it comes to the passage through canyons. One of these is that their only option is going to be to go over, under or through various forms of rock – and sometimes, nature doesn't exactly make it easy for us, but that's what makes outdoor adventures so exhilarating! Bridging, chimneying and stemming are three climbing techniques that are very similar in nature. These movements may be familiar actions for you, especially if you were a cheeky, adventurous kid growing up.
Bridging involves using your body to form a "bridge" to fill a gap between two rock walls. You do this by placing your hands and feet on opposing walls with your back elongated between them. This technique allows you to traverse gaps with your body and would generally be used to climb or travel deeper into a gorge.
On the other hand, chimneying requires you to put your back against a wall face while your legs stretch out to place your feet against an opposing wall. The name probably comes from how the structure of the gap between the two opposing walls looks – a narrow space that looks much like a chimney on a home. Chimneying is generally used to move up or down a crack to process through the canyoning route.
Finally, stemming. It's a technique that's very similar to bridging but instead has you placing your left palm and foot on the opposite wall from your right hand and foot. You'll end up in a starfish-like position, and stemming allows you to traverse deeper into gorges and wall gaps, either vertically or horizontally.
Climbing
While you don't have to worry about climbing rockfaces that are tens or hundreds of feet high, you should still be prepared for some basic rock climbing experiences while you're on your canyoning adventure. Your next canyoning trip will likely have you climbing around and over rocks and boulders and other kinds of terrain as you traverse through the canyon. The same principles still apply, and the same techniques do too!
Many canyoning routes will require you to grab onto a crack in the wall or catch an overhang for you to be able to get deeper into a canyon – on top of using the bridging, chimneying and stemming techniques we've just mentioned. Sometimes, however, you'll need to climb up a surface before jumping into a pool or river. It's all part of the thrill of canyoning, so be sure that you're prepared physically to face those challenges!
Jumping and Sliding
Jumping is exactly as advertised. It involves you vaulting off of a cliff face, usually straight into a river or pool beneath the cliff. It's one of the techniques that you'll be sure to have to use during your canyoning trip! Leaping off of a cliff and into a body of cool water is probably the most exciting aspect of canyoning, so be sure to mentally prepare yourself beforehand.
Most canyoning routes have been vetted for safety but booking an experienced canyoning guide will ensure that your safety is always a priority and that you'll be able to enjoy your adventures without fear. So, don't worry – take that leap of faith and enjoy the refreshing waters that reward you at the end!
Sliding, on the other hand, is a technique that's also exactly as advertised. Rather than the man-made slides that you probably have more experience with at water parks or playgrounds as a kid, you'll quite likely come across slides that have been made by Mother Nature herself. These natural slides are the result of thousands of years of carving by flowing rivers to create a smooth rock surface that leads straight down to a pool at the end of it!
Swimming
Of course, once you jump or slide into a river or pool, you'll need to swim in order to keep moving forward through the canyoning route. Basic knowledge of swimming is a very important skill to have before getting into canyoning as you'll need to swim across those rivers and pools. Sometimes, you may even need to dive under rock formations to continue on your canyoning route.
Be sure that before canyoning for the first time, you are confident in your swimming abilities. Even if you've only got a few lessons under your belt, that'll be more than enough to canyon without any worries! However, if you still have concerns, be sure to mention this to your canyoning adventure company, and they'll definitely be able to accommodate your needs.
What Gear Do You Need For Canyoning?
Now that you know what canyoning is and the different techniques involved in a canyoneering adventure, let's talk about the gear that is normally involved in canyoning trips. Since the sport involves parts of other sports like climbing and swimming, you may notice an overlap between the gear. With that said, let's take a look at what you'll need on your next canyoning trip!
1. Abseiling equipment
Although most canyoneering routes don't involve any large descents, if you're going to be abseiling down from great heights, you'll need suitable abseiling gear. Proper abseiling equipment will help you to descend safey and consists of a harness, ropes, carabiners and a descender (or belay device). But don't fret about needing to buy a kit before undergoing your first canyoning adventure; the outdoor adventure provider will have everything you need to ensure that you get through the route as safely and efficiently as possible!
2. Wetsuit
One of the first things that you'll need is warm clothing – preferably a wetsuit. Wetsuits will keep you warm by trapping a layer of warm water around your body heat, keeping the chill off of your body and preventing you from getting cold on your trip when you slide down the smooth river beds and into a big pool of water. Wetsuits aren't technically necessary as long as you're prepared to get soaked during your canyoning trip, but they'll definitely be great to have!
3. Backpack
You may need a backpack to carry some gear that you'll need on your canyoning expedition, plus any small snacks you'd like to help boost your energy during your trip. A waterproof backpack would be a major plus. Similar to needing a wetsuit, it would be preferable to keep all your belongings as secure and dry as possible when you plunge into those bodies of water, after all!
4. Canyoning shoes
The right shoes are incredibly important in canyoning, as you'll be climbing and sliding over slippery rocks. Consider getting yourself a pair of specialised canyoning shoes, especially if you're thinking of going again (trust us, this is definitely a possibility). Canyoning shoes feature a sticky rubber sole that'll allow you sure-footed traction while also providing the grip you need to scramble over rocks, boulders and other types of terrain. They also tend to be waterproof, which comes in handy again when you need to get through rivers and pools to keep yourself moving forward. Therefore, canyoning shoes will be a major asset to your canyoning trip.
5. Helmet
The most important gear that any canyoneer will need is a helmet. Although canyoning adventures are generally safe, there are still a number of variables that we can never account for, and the best we can do is protect ourselves from that possibility. A helmet will protect your head from any potentially dangerous falls, plus it can also be worn for abseiling to ensure that your head stays protected during the descent in case any debris might fall from the surface above. Better to be safe than sorry, as they say!
Canyoning Tips for Beginners
If you're now keen on getting started with canyoning, that's great news! There's nothing quite much like canyoneering, and getting to grips with the sport will be a thrilling experience in itself. We've compiled an easy list of three tips that you should keep in mind when going on your first canyoning trip so your journey in canyoneering can kick off to a brilliant start.
1. Fitness is key!
Although you don't have to be extremely fit in order to get started with canyoning (it's suitable for kids, too, after all!), you do have to have a relatively decent level of fitness to get through it. This is because you'll have to hike and climb your way through these canyon routes – so being able to carry your own body weight would be ideal, at the very least.
As we've mentioned before, you don't have to be an expert canyoneer to enjoy canyoning. However, it's definitely still important to learn some of the techniques beforehand. While most of the techniques we mentioned in the previous section can be learned on the go, swimming experience is definitely a must!
2. Take it slow
There is no rush for you to get from A to B while you're out canyoning, so take your first few canyoneering experiences as slowly as you need to! Taking things slowly, especially as a beginner canyoneer, will allow you to get used to all the facets of canyoning, particularly the techniques we mentioned before. Getting a proper feel for the different methods and the way your body moves through them is the best way to improve those skills and to make you a better canyoneer!
Canyoning isn't a race, and taking it slow also allows you to truly enjoy the gorgeous landscapes that you'll be sure to come across during your expeditions. We believe that one of the most unique ways to explore nature is through canyoneering, so make sure you make the most out of your outdoor adventure and take it one step at a time.
3. Have fun
As with most outdoor adventures, the most important tip that we can give to you is to go out there and just have fun. Enjoy the time that you'll be spending in the beautiful landscapes of the natural world surrounded by, even if it's just for a few hours! Canyoning is both a laborious and a thrilling experience that lets you explore Mother Nature in a way that no other experience can provide you.
So as you pant, grunt and sweat your way through some of the best canyoning locations in the world, remember to enjoy every moment of it. Just remember to have fun, and you'll find that the whole experience will go by in no time. And even if you're just curious about canyoning, give it a go! You definitely won't regret it.
How to Start Canyoning
As a canyoneering beginner, it's highly recommended that you look into booking a guided canyoning experience for your first time. With a reputable outdoor adventure company, you'll be provided with not just the gear you need to thoroughly experience canyoning safely, but you'll also be led by an experienced guide who would be more than happy to teach you all you need to know about the sport.
Booking a guided canyoning experience also ensures that you're taken on a route that's suitable for your canyoneering skill and physical fitness levels. This then ensures that everyone will be able to get through the canyon safely and will be able to enjoy their journey throughout!
Canyoning for Beginners
Whether you're a complete novice or you've been canyoning for years, there's nothing quite like the thrill of traversing through some of the great canyons of the world. Especially when a cool body of water awaits you at the end of your laborious journey! Much like most things, it might take a bit of practice before you become a pro, but don't worry – with our canyoning tips and tricks, it'll be an easier journey to take.
Canyoneering is a full-on adventure that leaves you exhausted and sweaty yet gives you an adrenaline rush like no other, leaving you exhilarated and probably keen for more! It's a completely new way for one to experience what nature has to offer, all in a neat little package. And if you've been looking for an outdoor adventure to enjoy this summer, this is definitely one for you.