What Is Canyoneering?

Canyoneering, also known as canyoning, is considered a sport wherein individuals engage themselves in activities that are done within canyons. It is basically an adventure sport exploring a canyon which can involve rappelling. This sport is also usually connected with mountaineering, rock climbing and sometimes whitewater rafting. While these canyoneering activities may look similar, they vary in the skill requirements, equipment lists, and technique.

It is believed that canyoneering originated from a group of people attempting to escape or pass through a canyon. Since, it has evolved into a fun and exciting activity and form of exercise, which has quickly become a very popular sport for tourist and adventure enthusiasts alike, who enjoy the thrill of exploring a remote canyon.

How to start your canyoneering experience

Determination and investing in quality gear/equipment are essential requirements. Without a doubt as a beginner or a tourist, it is imperative that you be accompanied by an expert ”canyoneer,” for direction and guidance. Many cannoneers claiming companies include the necessary hardware needed for a day or weekend of fun.

Canyoneering Basic Items (Hardware)

1. Sturdy ropes
2. Helmet
3. Climbing harness
4. Several carabiners
5. Rappel Devices
6. Ascending and descending equipment

Risks of Canyoneering

1. Water-related

Most of the canyoneering accidents reported are caused by water. This type of hazard can be further divided into flash floods and hydraulics. For the former, it is caused by a high level or precipitation requiring a large amount of drainage commonly passing through a canyon.

More often than not, it causes regular water levels in the canyon to abruptly increase. As mentioned, there exists a regular water flow in the canyon. Hydraulics is the one that concerns this threat. Drowning is the common accident associated with the hydraulics since it may be powerful enough to hold and even trap individuals who are not equipped with complex rope techniques.

2. Temperature-related

Dependent on the type of canyon an individual is visiting, he or she might be subjected to the risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia. Hypothermia is more evident in canyons susceptible to low temperatures. If the individual is not able to cover his or herself with appropriate suits for the canyon temperature, the results may be fatal. Hyperthermia, on the other hand, occurs when our body is made to handle higher temperatures than our body can handle. It is common in desert canyons.

Planning Your Next Rafting Adventure

Going on a rafting trip is no simple affair. This is the reason why those who would love to have this once-in-a-while experience search for trip organizers or agencies to help them with the planning.

Why hire someone or book a package? Basically, a trip that will last a few days will need some organizing. Destinations and campsites need to be plotted, food and tents need to be transported. If you are also not as knowledgeable in the area, you will also not know the easy or the wilder parts of the river. Lastly, there are also requirements to be met, like permits and other paperwork that can easily be handled by someone else.

The advantage of finding someone who has extensive tour options is the fact that it is easy to just use their rafting trip search engine on their website. With a few clicks and scrolls, you can see what kind of trips they have to offer, as well as research and compare the itinerary and the services they offer. Some would even allow you to browse through the meal menus, which helps if you have a special diet.

Finding the Best Agency

In fact, it is this breadth of offerings that will indicate a tour agency is very good. By having so many options, you are sure to find something that suits your interests, needs, and wishes. They will have various packages that will cover different destinations and even offer a full experience. Other than just rafting, they will plan some hikes and other activities that will make your time unforgettable.

A rafting trip search engine will also allow you to critically study the services being offered to guests. Taking a longer trip will mean a lot more food, clothes, and other items to bring with. A great agency will be prepared to transport them for the group, even if it means requiring an extra boat. Look for one that has portable toilets and bathing options, because after a few days, you will definitely start to miss having a bathroom.

Different Safety Tips To Consider When Going Whitewater Rafting Out West

For some people, the thought of whitewater rafting can be quite thrilling and exciting.  For others, the idea is frightening and confusing as to why anyone would wish to go whitewater rafting in the first place.  Regardless of your opinion, there may be a time when you will find yourself in a situation where you will need to engage in whitewater rafting.  For example, many corporate retreats use this sport as an activity for team building.

If you do happen to find yourself confronted with a raft, rapids, and the need to complete this task, you might as well make the best of it.  Who knows, you may enjoy rafting after all.  Of course, before you engage in the activity it is important to take certain precautions into account.  This article will discuss the different safety measures to consider when going whitewater rafting out West.

1. You Are In A Raft, Not A Canoe

Many people may not be aware of the difference between a raft and a canoe; however, there is an important difference that needs to be considered before heading out.  When going whitewater rafting, always check or note that the item used is a raft and not a canoe.  Professional whitewater rafts are designed to ensure no tipping of the boat and no puncturing.

Correctly constructed whitewater rafts are unique in that they bounce off the majority of boulders or rocks keeping a steady course in turbulent water.  If you attempt this in a canoe, the results will be catastrophic.

2. Wear Personal Floatation Devices

An obvious point, but one that many individuals do not follow when engaging in whitewater rafting out West.  It is vital that you wear a personal floatation device when rafting to ensure your safety.  When on a corporate event, the option of wearing a PFD is not optional; however, private events may take the DIY-approach, and this can be highly risky in turbulent waters.  An individual who does not wear these jackets or forgets to buckle the straps may find him or herself floating away.

3. Listen To The Professional Guide

It is common for professional whitewater rafting guides to accompany the party during the event, particularly when out with corporate teams.  If you are not aware of how to engage in the sport or are a small bit unsure, it is highly recommended you use the services of these guides.  They know the river, know the hazards, and know how to help you if you encounter any problems.  Many people who have experience avoid asking for guides, but it is always beneficial in the long-run.

What Makes Rafting Through the Arizona Mountains an Unforgettable Experience?

Arizona is such a huge place where you can discover a lot of attraction sites and natural wonders. More importantly, it is also a place where you can find strong rapids to do rafting. The place is home to White Mountains, which is the second highest peak within the state. The long range of mountain is dotted with streams and lakes where you can try different activities such as fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and, yes, rafting.    

Rafting through the mountains is undeniably a must-try activity because it will give you an experience that you will never forget. Here is a short list of the reasons why: 

Availability of Rafting Options

You may not have experienced rafting yet but is very eager to try it. However, you may have concerns like the high level of difficulty of the activity. Well, you don’t have to worry because there are other options that are highly recommended for first-timers. One of the options is kayaking, which can be done in parts of the river that don’t have strong currents. Another option is motor rafting, which does not require rafters to exert effort in paddling just to keep the boat moving. For rafters who have already experienced handling strong currents, they can bravely do the oar rafting or paddle rafting.  

With kayaking or boating, you can have all the time to enjoy all of the beauty around you. On the other hand, you can enjoy the force of nature when you choose to do paddle rafting. Challenging the strong rush and flow of rapids is such an amazing experience. 

Rare Beauty and Wonder 

Though the rapids are what matter when it comes to rafting, there is still a huge difference when you do the activity in a place that offers out of this world beauty. The towering and literally grand canyon alone is enough to make you feel like you are in another world. Being able to raft through the Arizona Mountains and canyon will make you feel like you are far stronger than those who have not tried rafting yet. After every rafting trip, you can just enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the setting sun as almost everything around you turns into different shades of orange and red.  

Aside from these, you can also try camping and experience the spectacular beauty of the sky during night time. Rafting during the day and camping during the night is definitely going to be an unforgettable experience.

Also read my previous post - Give the Gift of Adventure this Christmas

Give the Gift of Adventure this Christmas

It’s right about time to go shopping for Christmas gifts. It can really be tricky thinking of something to buy for family members and friends that they will surely like. Of course, there is always something to buy at the store, but if you are the kind of person who likes to give unique presents, then maybe you should consider another route.

Some people already seem to have all they need, or already have stuff accumulating in the closet. Therefore, giving them more clothes or things just does not make sense. There are also people who love being outdoors, who have the spirit of adventure. These are people who value experiences more than physical items. If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for someone like this, then why not buy him or her a certificate for a rafting trip this year?

Why would anyone consider giving a certificate?

1. It Will Be More Memorable

Although material things do make us happy, no one will remember that shirt that you gave them after a few years, even if they did love it at the time. However, a first-time rafting experience will be remembered for the rest of the life. So if you want a gift that will be enjoyed and be etched in their memory for a long time after, then this might be the perfect option for you.

2. They Might Never Buy It For Themselves

Most people tend to save money instead of splurging on traveling and other adventures, preferring to save their money or buy other things they need or want at this time. Therefore, you are sure that your gift is unique and that they do not have it nor will possibly buy it for themselves anytime soon. At the same time, if one of their goals was to actually do try whitewater rafting at least once in their lives, then you have also managed to make one of their dreams come true!

3. You Can Enjoy It Together

Some people would like to try out something but don’t know anyone who will go with them willingly (and pay for it themselves). Therefore, you can buy a gift certificate for the two of you to enjoy together, and have the time of your lives! Again, if experience is such a valuable gift, then why not pamper yourselves as well? Not only can you have fun together, but you can build memories as a couple or family that you will cherish forever.

In fact, buying a gift certificate might not end up costing you much more than an expensive watch or even gadgets. But in terms of worth, you might give what is definitely the most special and exhilarating gift they have ever received!

Also read my previous post - Fun Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Trips 

Fun Advantage Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Thinking about the Advantage Grand Canyon rafting trips and what they have to offer? Do you want to participate in one of these trips and have the time of your life? Well, this is the number one choice to go with if that is the case. Let's take a glance at why this is the way to go.

Beautiful Sights

The sights that are present will matter a lot to those who are hoping to have a good time. You want to be able to enjoy the sights and you will on this great trip. You are going to see the Grand Canyon from all angles and that is what it is all about.


Proper Arrangements

The arrangements are going to matter to those who are looking to get things into place in an organized manner. You will not want to be left stranded in a poor situation where you are not going to know what to do and how to do it. This is when you will be able to meet the organizers of this trip and ensure things are going ahead as needed.

It is this professionalism that will let you get the most out of the trip and what it has to offer.

Excellent Accommodations

These trips are all about enjoying the sights and being able to remember the good moments for a long time to come. You don't want to stay in a location where everything is untidy, and you are not able to have as much fun as you would like. This is the number one option for those who want to get a great solution and want to have a good time at the same time.

These are the accommodations you are going to crave when you are going for a trip.

When it comes to these Advantage Grand Canyon rafting trips, you are not going to find a better solution. You are going to meet people who are knowledgeable and are going to show you around. They will give you the ins and outs of this experience as much as possible.

It does not get better than this for those who want quality and want to have fun. You are going to soak in everything and enjoy it for a long time to come. This is what a rafting trip is all about. Why go anywhere else when you can come to this location?

Also read my previous post - A Summary Of Whitewater Rafting Vs Kayaking

A Summary Of Whitewater Rafting Vs Kayaking

If you would like to take a trip down a local river, you may have to choose between the option of rafting or kayaking. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but in reality, they are very different and require different skills to be proficient. Either one of these will allow you to experience how it feels to go down the river, even if you are heading Whitewater rapids. The following information will give you a basic overview of how each of them differs, how they work, finally clearing up the difference between Whitewater rafting vs kayaking.

What Is Rafting?

Rafting is an outdoor activity, one that is typically conducted in what is called an inflatable raft. It is usually done in waters that are somewhat rough, although participants may opt for a calm river which is done basically for sightseeing. There are often more than one person in a raft, usually a group of four or more. Those that do Whitewater rafting will participate in areas that are divided up into classes scaled from 1 to 6. A class one rafting trip will be the easiest, and class 6 are considered to be the most dangerous. This is much more different than kayaking, though you will still achieve the same objective.

What Is Kayaking?

Kayaking is a sport that is very similar to canoeing, something that was created by the  Inuit or Eskimos. It made it very easy for them to go out on the water fishing which is how they were able to survive, and it has since become a sport that many people enjoy. The main difference between canoeing and kayaking is that with a kayak, your legs are situated directly in front of you, with you inside a very small flotation device. A canoe can actually hold more than one person, whereas a kayak typically is designed for one with a closed deck.

Whitewater Rafting Vs Kayaking

The main difference between the two of these has to do with the flotation device and the number of people in each one. Whitewater rafting typically has multiple people in a rubber inflatable raft, whereas kayaking involves one or two people that are in a fiberglass boat that is propelled by a double bladed. Otherwise, the sports are very similar, although a person on a kayak has a lot more maneuverability. They can actually go underwater and come back up, and also spin backwards, making it much more fun for those that are adventurous on the Whitewater rapids.

Now that you know the difference between the two, you can find a rental company, or one that can give you tours, so that you can go out on one of your favorite rivers that you have wanted to see. It's a great way to experience scenery around you, especially down a beautiful river on either a raft or kayak.