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.