- Research your excursion thoroughly.
- Study the weather conditions carefully.
- Study your itinerary and the characteristics of the water flow in the canyon, so you know if it is prone to flooding or sudden changes in volume.
- Determine whether you are technically, mentally and physically prepared.
- Always tell someone responsible where you are going, who you are going with and your estimated time of return. Remember there’s no mobile phone coverage in most canyons.
- Don’t forget to take a whistle; it’s the only way of communicating when no one can see or hear you.
- The ideal number for canyoning is at least 4 people.
- Adopt the correct techniques, use a rope of the correct length and releasable systems, so you can free yourself if you become blocked on the rope or stuck under a waterfall.
How do I go about planning a canyoning trip?
One of the most important things on this kind of excursion is to monitor the water level at all times. Check the weather forecast closely and study the characteristics of the water flow in the canyon, so you know if it is prone to flooding or sudden changes in volume.
Choose your itinerary according to your skill level and physical fitness and make sure you have the right gear.
Don’t go on your own! In an emergency, having a companion can be crucial.
As there’s no mobile phone coverage in most canyons, always give the details of your itinerary to someone responsible.
