Canyon Tech

There are varied opinions about how to balance safety and convenience in a canyon with Leave No Trace principles.  Listen to a discussion about ethical considerations and related techniques to allow everyone to enjoy the canyons as close to their natural state as feasible.

Taking kids into a canyon can be dangerous, but careful practice and planning can maximize safety. Hear recommendations for how to practice prior to any canyon trip.  Also, hear about techniques used to keep kids safe once you're in the canyon.

When things go horribly wrong and basic rescue techniques aren't going to solve the problem, it's time to shine using advanced techniques.  In this episode learn about techniques and considerations for a full raise, double-rope rappel issues, pickoff rescues, and rescuing from above or below using the victims rope.

When things go wrong in a canyon, ideally you can help your fellow canyoneers besides just calling Search and Rescue.  Learn about what risks to watch for in the canyon and what to do when someone on your team gets stuck or hurt.  

Now that you have all the right equipment and a wonderful team of people, it's time to make your way through a canyon.  Learn about the considerations as you evaluate anchors, get on rappel, manage ropes, and efficiently and safely move through a canyon.

Whether you're leading a canyon or want to be an informed member of the team, it's important to understand what goes into planning a successful (and safe) trip.  Team size and composition, approach and exit, the number of rappels, anchor types, canyon characteristics, and the weather will all determine how long the canyon will take and what to bring.  

Safety in a canyon starts with trustworthy anchors. Learn about solid, equalized, redundant, efficient, no-extension anchor building and inspection techniques!  Also gain an understanding of the types of anchors commonly found in canyons, how to inspect them, and what to watch out for.  

Knots, bends, and hitches are critical for canyoneering setup, safety, and rescue.  Hear about the must-learn knots, bends, and hitches that allow you setup a rappel and/or confirm your canyoneering colleagues have tied things correctly and safely!

Advanced equipment requires advanced skills: Self rescue; Rescue raise and lowering systems; Ascending.  Also equipment to stay safe in the canyons.

Become a real canyoneer by getting your first rope, a rope bag, and a rugged canyoneering pack to hold it all!