Canyoning is an extreme sport or recreational activity that combines rock climbing, hiking, swimming, and rappelling.
Canyoning involves traveling down canyons using various techniques, including other outdoor activities like walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming.
While non-technical descents like hiking down a canyon (canyon hiking) are sometimes called canyoneering, the terms canyoning and canyoneering are more commonly associated with technical descents. These involve activities such as rappelling, ropework, technical climbing, jumps, or swims, typical of the extreme sport. In this context, canyoning and canyoneering can be used interchangeably, with canyoning being more popular in Europe, while canyoneering is more prevalent in the United States.
Canyoning can be both an extreme sport and a recreational activity, depending on the context and the individual's approach. As a sport, canyoning involves a high level of skill, physical fitness, and competition, with participants seeking to complete challenging routes and achieve first descents of unexplored canyons. As a recreational activity, it is more about the adventure and enjoyment of exploring natural landscapes, often undertaken with guides and in less challenging environments.
The canyons chosen for the extreme sport of canyoning are typically carved into bedrock stone, containing narrow gorges with numerous drops, sculpted walls, and sometimes spectacular waterfalls and other scenic backdrops. Most canyons are cut into limestone, sandstone, granite, or basalt, although other types can also be found.
These canyons can be categorized as technical canyons, non-technical canyons, wet canyons, dry canyons, and slot canyons.
Technical canyons require ropes, harnesses, and special hardware and are usually completed top-down by rappelling vertical drops that cannot be climbed.
Non-technical canyons can be completed without rappelling. Although they might still have vertical drops, they can be scrambled over or around.
Wet canyons contain flowing water or pools that must be navigated through, often requiring swimming, while dry canyons are without water, although they may contain pools that can be avoided.
Often found in desert regions, slot canyons are narrower than wide. They can be particularly challenging due to their confined space.
The gear required for canyoning depends on the type of canyon and the specific conditions. Frequently, these will include specialized canyoning harnesses with replaceable seat protectors, sturdy, non-slip shoes, or specialized canyoning shoes, wetsuits for cold water canyons, helmets to protect against falling rocks and during rappelling, ropes and carabiners for rappels and climbs, waterproof backpacks to carry gear and supplies, and a first aid kit.
Proper training is a necessity for safe canyoning. Some organizations offer courses covering essential skills, such as ropework, navigation, and rescue techniques. For example, the V7 Academy provides online courses ranging from basic to advanced levels, including rigging, knot craft, and swift water canyoning modules.
Canyoning is categorized as an extreme sport due to the hazards involved in the activity, which go beyond the simple act of hiking in a canyon. Sudden flash floods can occur, posing a significant risk in narrow canyons. Besides the risk of drowning, prolonged exposure to cold water can also lead to hypothermia. There is also a danger of loose rocks falling, particularly in steep or unstable areas. Additionally, navigational errors can lead to becoming stranded in remote areas.
Canyoning is a multifaceted activity that offers a combination of thrilling challenges, serene landscapes, and natural beauty. Whether it is approached as a sport or recreational adventure, it requires careful preparation, proper training, and respect for the natural environment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Topics related to canyoning are appropriate for this category, although shopping sites would be listed in the appropriate Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
The Canyoning Challenge offers an exciting and personalized canyoning experience in the Bovec and Soča valleys up to Triglav National Park in Slovenia. Each tour is customized to match the skill level and preferences of the participants, and professional guides lead the tours, focusing on safety and fun. Private tours and adventure dates are available for couples, and various canyons suit varying adventure levels. Tours may be booked online, and contacts are available.
https://canyoning-slovenia.com/
Offering canyoning experiences in the Dominican Republic, Canyoning Republic Dominican (RD) provides a variety of outdoor activities, including rappelling and climbing in Scape Park, Cap Cana, including canyoning, cliff jumping, cave swimming, and other extreme and less extreme outdoor activities. They also offer a cultural route that showcases replicas of Taino Indian homes and other historical sites. Its services, contacts, and online reservations are featured.
https://www.canyoningrd.com/en
Providing canyoning opportunities in Serbia and Montenegro, the company's team is introduced, and photographs depicting canyoning adventures in several of the most famous canyons in Serbia and Montenegro are included, along with the rules and regulations for participating, and a list and description of the gear required is posted. An online booking form is provided, along with news, announcements, an email address, and an online contact form for additional information.
https://www.extremecanyoning.com/
Pure Trek is based in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. It specializes in canyoning and waterfall rappelling and offers thrilling experiences for both families and thrill-seekers. Tours include a series of waterfall rappels, rock climbing, and the "Monkey Drop," which is described on its website. Guides are professionally trained and certified, ensuring a safe experience, and they have special gear and techniques for children, allowing for family-friendly adventures. Tours may be booked online.
https://puretrek.com/
Situated in Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Ticino is known for its canyoning experiences, offering routes for adventurers of all skill levels, including popular spots like Boggera, Valle Maggia, and Iragna, a region that boasts several trails with views of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Gambarogno, such as canyoning opportunities as well as hiking, mountain biking, water sports, paragliding, and family-friendly activities, including family canyoning in Cresciano.
https://ticinooutdoor.com/
V7 Academy is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to canyoning training. Its courses are designed to enhance the student's technical knowledge and skills in canyoning, catering to different levels of expertise. The courses are prepared by professional canyoning instructors. The site highlights its team, courses, and modules and describes partnership opportunities. Testimonials are published, contacts are available, and an informational blog is included.
https://www.v7academy.com/
