How to begin canyoneering

[hummingbird]

Hey everyone,
I am crazy interested in getting into canyoneering but don't really know how to go about it. I have a bit of gear (harness, biners, rope, webbing...mostly stuff I've gathered you need from reading about canyoneering online) but I don't have any friends who are into it. I've thought about dragging a friend to Zion or elsewhere to take a class with me but I don't know if this is a favorable option. Any thoughts/advice? I would be much obliged!
Sarah

[maarten.1975]

Good morning Sarah,

Speaking for myself, I started hking in the South West of the States, and after finding out I couldn't reach certain areas, I decided to start learning canyoneering to get there after all. I started with a 1-day instruction course at the ZAC. This gave me a good basis of knowledge, which I'm now extending by doing the more basic canyons. (A 3-day course will be even better I think for basic knowledge.)

Problem is golden rule nr. 1 or 2 (don't know exactly which one): don't go alone. So I'd advise you to try and find some people who you can join for some canyoneering trips, after the course. Bogley is a perfect medium for this I think.

Sarah, I hope things work out for you. Good luck and stay safe!

[peakbaggers]

Welcome to the canyoneering community. We would add to MAARTEN's comments:
1. Take a canyoneering class or two or three. Several sources available depending on your geographic location. Just google "canyoneering classes" & find one closest to you. Many that offer classes participate in this forum.
2. Put a little more info out there about yourself - such as your geographic location & any skills background like climbing, mountaineering, canyon hiking etc. That may help others discern if you can fit into their plans, activities, etc.
3. Keep participating in this forum & others.
4. Consider attending the ACA Zion Rendevous in the fall & others.
5. Search "MEETUP" for canyoneering groups & activities.

Hope that helps.

[Deathcricket]

Hey everyone,
I am crazy interested in getting into canyoneering but don't really know how to go about it. I have a bit of gear (harness, biners, rope, webbing...mostly stuff I've gathered you need from reading about canyoneering online) but I don't have any friends who are into it. I've thought about dragging a friend to Zion or elsewhere to take a class with me but I don't know if this is a favorable option. Any thoughts/advice? I would be much obliged!
Sarah

Welcome to the site. Can you be in Zion this Sun? You can cruz with my crew, we are very noob friendly and haven't killed anyone in like 2 weeks. Send me a PM for details if you are interested.

Here is a TR from our last trip. http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?63898-Fat-men-in-misery

[Iceaxe]

Just make a post on Bogley something like "Noob looking for Canyoneering Partner".

Post where you are from, where you want to go, and some dates when you are available.... That usually works for hooking up with canyoneering partners. If you are from out of state (Utah) and offer to bring some good beer that's a bonus. Lots of other incentives a noob can offer like providing half the car shuttle, cooking dinner or carrying the ropes.

Good luck and welcome to Bogley :2thumbs:

[Iceaxe]

Here is a TR from our last trip.

I'm not sure if I'd use that TR as a selling point. :lol8:

:popcorn:

[Deathcricket]

I'm not sure if I'd use that TR as a selling point. :lol8:

:popcorn:

That's exactly why I linked it. :haha: Didn't want to come off as a professional or anything. And after the last noob's girlfriend called SAR, I like to set the "expectation" bar very low.......

[ratagonia]

As the gentlemen have been pointing out, Sarah, not all people willing to take you on a trip are really experts. Taking a class can give you enough knowledge so that gentlemen's lack of expertise will not endanger your life.

Some options:

http://www.zionadventures.com - I work as a guide with Zion Adventures, but am mostly retired. I think we are the best act out there, but we are also not cheap. you could call and see if a suitable class has an opening.

If you are up on the Wasatch Front, you might find Steve and Clark at Dark Horse more convenient, and less expensive:

http://darkhorseleadership.com/

Tom

[Brian in SLC]

Might also check out the Wasatch Mountain Club if you're in Northern Utah.

As well, I think there's at least one meet up type group that canyons. And, folks here get out for "training" every once in awhile.

Speakin' of which, what's Rocky Mouth doing, flow wise?

[Brian in SLC]

Give Utah Mountain Adventures a shout out too...

http://www.utahmountainadventures.com/rock_courses_canyoneering.shtml

[joeb]

Sarah,
The smart, sensible thing to do would be to take a course. Or you could be cheap and not so smart like me:
1. Buy a couple books on canyoneering
2. Find a safe place to learn rappelling basics such as a local climbing gym
2. Go to Zion with a couple friends and do the basic canyons where you would be hard pressed to kill yourself as long as you are prepared with map, route description, proper equipment, etc (hurt yes - death would take some ingenuity)
a, Subway
b, Orderville
c, Keyhole
d, Middle Echo
At this point, if you like the sport, get together with more experienced canyoneers or take a course to get the tools necessary to move up to the next level of canyons.

Note, this "self-taught" approach assumes you are already comfortable in the outdoors, reading a map, basic first aid, etc. If not, go ahead and spend the money on a course.

Have fun and good luck!

[hank moon]

Hi Sarah

As long as we're slinging advice to strangers, please consider adding a suitable (ideally CE/UIAA rated) helmet to your list of equipment - and then wear it. Perusing the TRs on this site, you might see folks using good safety equipment (proper ropes, harnesses, etc.) but wearing no helmets (sometimes they are hanging off of backpacks, to protect important sandwiches or bananas, presumably). Protect your head. It's the only one you've got.

- Specialist Hank of the Brain Rangers aka Melon Patrol aka Helmet Police

p.s. And take a course - even if only a short one. I would not take a cheap one, because you really do get what you pay for.

[Deathcricket]

55557

:hail2thechief:

[Iceaxe]

Speakin' of which, what's Rocky Mouth doing, flow wise?

Soon as I get a spare day I'll be taking my kids to Rocky Mouth to give them some instruction on Class C.... maybe we could do a Bogley training thing for anyone that wants to attend.... I also need to shoot some video of the falls.

:stud:

[Brian in SLC]

Some night after work would be sweet!

Given the low snowpack this winter, my bet is its dryin' up already...

[ratagonia]

So cool we can quote attachments now! :2thumbs:

Deathcricket - I would think you would find enough objectionable materials in my actual posts, that you would not be so trollish as to fabricate posts from me to quote. Please do not do so.

You can make the same "humorous comment" without falsely attributing it to me.

Tom

[hank moon]

Deathcricket - I would think you would find enough objectionable materials in my actual posts, that you would not be so trollish as to fabricate posts from me to quote. Please do not do so.

You can make the same "humorous comment" without falsely attributing it to me.

Tom

I thought the post was funny - especially b/c it seemed to be a quote from one of Tom's posts.

Context: not funny
Content: still funny
Not wearing a helmet while canyoneering: selfish and un-self-caring

[Scott Card]

I wonder if the hummingbird will come back?

Ice telling her to bring beer and carry ropes, NOOB's girlfriend calling SAR, buy classes, back-handed smacks between canyoneers, helmet patrol issuing citations without violations......Boy! Do we know how to sell a sport! :haha:

Sarah, just start. Start with the Subway, one of the best hikes ever, follow the Canyons Group on Yahoo or hang out with the misfits here and hook up with some groups. Invites are going out all the time.

[Iceaxe]

That's canyoneers for ya.... take something simple and make it complicated.

:roflol:

[hummingbird]

The hummingbird is back...I know it's a really cool name and you're all jealous. Thanks for your replies, I like you guys already even though I am just trying to keep up. And Deathcricket, your TR doesn't daunt me but unfortunately I'll be stuck working on Sunday :(
Also, since I apparently have to protect my noggin will a skating helmet do?

[Deathcricket]

Deathcricket - I would think you would find enough objectionable materials in my actual posts, that you would not be so trollish as to fabricate posts from me to quote. Please do not do so.

You can make the same "humorous comment" without falsely attributing it to me.

Tom

Ahh come on that was genius and perfectly quotes you. "Don't go with people who will teach you for free, you will die, pay me $300 cause I'm a pro". And I gave you the Ahhhnold voice to boot! :haha:

Whatevs, I see you cried like a baby to the mods and they edited it for you. :cry1: Problem solved.

[ratagonia]

Ahh come on that was genius and perfectly quotes you. "Don't go with people who will teach you for free, you will die, pay me $300 cause I'm a pro". And I gave you the Ahhhnold voice to boot! :haha:

Whatevs, I see you cried like a baby to the mods and they edited it for you. :cry1: Problem solved.

I didn't say that, but then again, we have known for a long time that you have a problem with reality.

To be more explicit, Sarah, one of the people you should NOT go canyoneering with is DeathCricket, as he is a danger to himself and others. And proud of it.

Tom :moses:

[Deathcricket]

The hummingbird is back...I know it's a really cool name and you're all jealous. Thanks for your replies, I like you guys already even though I am just trying to keep up. And Deathcricket, your TR doesn't daunt me but unfortunately I'll be stuck working on Sunday :(
Also, since I apparently have to protect my noggin will a skating helmet do?

Bummer! Next time then.

Yeah, any helmet will keep the "helmet police" off your back. although I have seen them getting picky lately like insisting the chin strap be fastened and stuff like that. :haha: Check out the hidden canyon TR and you'll see what I mean.

[ratagonia]

The hummingbird is back...I know it's a really cool name and you're all jealous. Thanks for your replies, I like you guys already even though I am just trying to keep up. And Deathcricket, your TR doesn't daunt me but unfortunately I'll be stuck working on Sunday :(
Also, since I apparently have to protect my noggin will a skating helmet do?

For a start, yes, pretty much any helmet will do.

Tom

[DiscGo]

For the record DeathCricket is one of the coolest people on and off of this website. I am not an expert on Canyoneering (or hardly anything for that matter) but I can say that I trust him completely and greatly enjoy his company.

[ratagonia]

For the record DeathCricket is one of the coolest people on and off of this website. I am not an expert on Canyoneering (or hardly anything for that matter) but I can say that I trust him completely and greatly enjoy his company.

Maybe to YOU, DiscGo. To me, he is an complete and utter jerk, but he HAS singled me out for his jerkiness.

I AM an expert on canyoneering, and have done a canyon with DeathCricket (which was fun, no problems). But, he is a beginner, does not have good judgement, and it would be a mistake to trust him with your safety in a technical canyoneering environment. There are lots of people out there who are trustworthy and safe - and members of Bogley. Hook up with one of them (in the canyoneering sense).

Tom :moses:

[jbick]

I have absolutely nothing to add since I'm also a canyoneering noob, but this is probably the best thread I've read so far!:popcorn::popcorn:

[SRG]

"As long as we're slinging advice to strangers, please consider adding a suitable (ideally CE/UIAA rated) helmet to your list of equipment - and then wear it."

:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

Think about how much your brain is worth to you, then spend about that much on a helmet.

Seriously though, welcome to Bogley :mrgreen:

[oldno7]

Hi Sarah

You could contact Blueeyes on this forum, I hear she has a trip going out next Friday(29)
Rumor has it she might have a spot, not sure, you'll have to ask her.
I've also heard members of her group may have extra gear, such as helmets.

Maybe she has a full crew:ne_nau: Worth a shot....
How much rappeling experience do you have?

[Deathcricket]

Maybe to YOU, DiscGo. To me, he is an complete and utter jerk, but he HAS singled me out for his jerkiness.

I AM an expert on canyoneering, and have done a canyon with DeathCricket (which was fun, no problems). But, he is a beginner, does not have good judgement, and it would be a mistake to trust him with your safety in a technical canyoneering environment. There are lots of people out there who are trustworthy and safe - and members of Bogley. Hook up with one of them (in the canyoneering sense).

Tom :moses:

I agree! Tom is pro, we did a canyon together 4 years ago and I have learned zero since then. I am a complete noob. I also agree that I am very dangerous and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt on one of my trips. I'm very lucky to have done this for so long and had zero injuries, ever, with anyone in my party of noobs. Speaking of getting hurt and breaking bones, hope your broken arm is all healed up Tom.
:haha:

55558

[ratagonia]

I agree! Tom is pro, we did a canyon together 4 years ago and I have learned zero since then. I am a complete noob. I also agree that I am very dangerous and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt on one of my trips. I'm very lucky to have done this for so long and had zero injuries, ever, with anyone in my party of noobs. Speaking of getting hurt and breaking bones, hope your broken arm is all healed up Tom.
:haha:

It is doing quite well, thanks for checking in Death.

Tom :moses:

[hummingbird]

How much rappeling experience do you have?

Not much. I've done it enough but never set up the system myself.

[ratagonia]

Not much. I've done it enough but never set up the system myself.

The important distinction here is that you are not starting from zero. If you have been on rope before, that is a big help.

Just to be clear because the is more than one interpretation available of what you mean by "the system" (your rappel device -or- the rope for the group)...

Did you set up your rappel device yourself? Do you know how to set up your rappel device for a couple different sizes of ropes?

Tom

[hummingbird]

Did you set up your rappel device yourself? Do you know how to set up your rappel device for a couple different sizes of ropes?

Tom

Yes, in the context of rock climbing. And the few times when I've climbed outside I did not set the rope.

It's been awhile since I've climbed, I'm trying to remember exactly what I did and didn't do. Climbing doesn't hold as much appeal for me; you get to the top and then you come back down, but you don't actually go anywhere, or explore much. Then again I'm an incredible novice...

[Iceaxe]

I'm very lucky to have done this for so long and had zero injuries, ever, with anyone in my party of noobs. Speaking of getting hurt and breaking bones, hope your broken arm is all healed up Tom.
:haha:

Game - set - match to deathcricket.

[DiscGo]

Off topic a bit, but is anyone else surprised how much Ratagonia and Deathcricket don't get a long? For you new comers this is kind of a long time bad relationship, but most people on Bogley get along fine.

[DesertDuke]

Just get permits for one of the canyons that requires them and you will have plenty of takers. You can screen them then based on previous broken limbs, calls to SAR, etc. I think Tanya included a "beware of" section in her book with both of their pictures.....

"mostly retired?" Ratagonia what is up with that?

[ratagonia]

"mostly retired?" Ratagonia what is up with that?

Thanks for asking, Duke.

I am mostly retired from guiding. I have a couple trips I am committed to in the fall; otherwise I am not on the schedule.

Tom

[Bo_Beck]

Just get permits for one of the canyons that requires them and you will have plenty of takers. You can screen them then based on previous broken limbs, calls to SAR, etc. I think Tanya included a "beware of" section in her book with both of their pictures.....


Our book certainly suggests caution, but by no means is a "tutorial", rather an all inclusive Guidebook. As a matter of fact the book contains very minimal canyoning.

[tanya]

I wonder if the hummingbird will come back?

Ice telling her to bring beer and carry ropes, NOOB's girlfriend calling SAR, buy classes, back-handed smacks between canyoneers, helmet patrol issuing citations without violations......Boy! Do we know how to sell a sport! :haha:

Sarah, just start. Start with the Subway, one of the best hikes ever, follow the Canyons Group on Yahoo or hang out with the misfits here and hook up with some groups. Invites are going out all the time.

Or Orderville

[Spidey]

As the gentlemen have been pointing out, Sarah, not all people willing to take you on a trip are really experts. Taking a class can give you enough knowledge so that gentlemen's lack of expertise will not endanger your life.

Some options:

http://www.zionadventures.com - I work as a guide with Zion Adventures, but am mostly retired. I think we are the best act out there, but we are also not cheap. you could call and see if a suitable class has an opening.

If you are up on the Wasatch Front, you might find Steve and Clark at Dark Horse more convenient, and less expensive:

http://darkhorseleadership.com/

Tom

Hi Sarah. If you are interested in a class, or particularly are along the Wasatch front you can P.M. me or contact us through our website at darkhorseleadership.com Now Tom is right ZAC is a first rate outfit, however Clark and I are the best!!:cool2: It's my fault I forgot to send Tom the memo about us being the best, not the oldest, but definitely the BEST:lol8:

Steven Jackson AKA Spidey

[Brian in SLC]

Climbing doesn't hold as much appeal for me; you get to the top and then you come back down, but you don't actually go anywhere, or explore much.

Oh...that's great!

And all along I thought canyoneering was just slidin' down a rope...

Thanks for the chuckle!

Ice, put together a Rocky Mouth gig next week! Let's git our noob on!

Since there's only a couple rappels, we'll have plenty of time to debate how to rig them...

[Dan-wild]

Death Cricket-I'm sure you are a lovable human being in real life...but please learn when to shut the F up online. You are a troll to Bogley sometimes. Please stay constructive. That's all.

[Renatomic808]

This is my opinion on canyoneering and what I feel should be done.

Keep an open mind. Learn from everyone you can, however learn it from one person at a time, along with their methods, and master it. Next, find someone with different methods, and learn it. Find out why one person uses "method a" vs "method b". Sometimes, one method works best in this situation, but won't work so great in another.

I come on here, and watch people argue what way is best. There isn't a single "best" way of doing things. Its what works for them and what they've learned. Reading their methods seem to work great in most of the canyons they've done, but doesn't work well in the canyons here. But i still practice it, because there could be a situation where I might need to utilize it. Maybe one day you could try combining methods, and create your own method of saving your ass, or someone else's.

Good luck, and stay safe.

Ren

[hummingbird]

Oh...that's great!

And all along I thought canyoneering was just slidin' down a rope...

Thanks for the chuckle!

Ice, put together a Rocky Mouth gig next week! Let's git our noob on!

Since there's only a couple rappels, we'll have plenty of time to debate how to rig them...

I thought that might come back to bite me. But I hoped I was covering my ass when I explained what a first-rate beginner I am!

[blueeyes]

Hi Sarah

You could contact Blueeyes on this forum, I hear she has a trip going out next Friday(29)
Rumor has it she might have a spot, not sure, you'll have to ask her.
I've also heard members of her group may have extra gear, such as helmets.

Maybe she has a full crew:ne_nau: Worth a shot....
How much rappeling experience do you have?

hummingbird you are most welcome to join us if you can make it Friday. We do have one spot left. I am new at this canyoneering sport myself and learning. I did take a three day course and highly recommend you do the same. I also support wearing a helmet and being very careful of the canyoneernig partners you pick. Not all are team players as I am sure you can tell by this thread. PM if you are interested in joining us. And if you come down bring your mountain bike and we will ride on Saturday!

Chere'

[Deathcricket]

Death Cricket-I'm sure you are a lovable human being in real life...but please learn when to shut the F up online. You are a troll to Bogley sometimes. Please stay constructive. That's all.

you'll wake up someday and realize that "the Emperor has no clothes". Metaphorically speaking of course. :lol8:

Let's not forget that I simply offered a noob a place on one of my trips, and it was suggested that I would endanger their life. Who is trolling here? Plus that was a great online spanking and was enjoyed by all. it made an entertaining thread.