jaredr
10-05-2013, 12:34 PM
I recently hit my year mark of my first technical canyon descent and thought it would be a good time to introduce myself to the world. It all started for me in Zero Gravity. I remember looking at the towering walls above me, amazed that something like this could even exist. I realized canyoneering would be a big part of the rest of my life. I'm sure many of you have that same feeling. Since that time, every vacation and almost every PTO day has involved a canyon descent or two. And after a year, my desire to experience these places has only grown. Hopefully subsequent years will continue to be eventful as I descend more and more canyons and see more places.
Some highlights of the past year:
- I'm just experienced enough to realize that I know almost nothing and have a long way before becoming a competent canyoneer.
- My one near miss - a friend burned his hand on a rappel. After this incident, I realized I knew very little and needed some training beyond reading internet forums.
- All the classes and workshops I've attended. I highly recommend taking formal classes from the pros.
- Attending the Salt Lake showing of Gorging with my wife on our 5-year anniversary. She enjoyed the film but still hasn't come canyoneering yet.
- Meeting some of the most amazing, creative, and passionate people.
Goals for the coming year:
- Go on at least as many canyon outings as I did this year. I was able to descend about 30 canyons, though most were shorter.
- Take more classes.
- Finish descending all the Irish canyons.
- Meet more people in the canyoneering community and hear your stories.
Anyways, thanks for reading this humble introduction and I look forward to seeing you all in the canyons!
Some highlights of the past year:
- I'm just experienced enough to realize that I know almost nothing and have a long way before becoming a competent canyoneer.
- My one near miss - a friend burned his hand on a rappel. After this incident, I realized I knew very little and needed some training beyond reading internet forums.
- All the classes and workshops I've attended. I highly recommend taking formal classes from the pros.
- Attending the Salt Lake showing of Gorging with my wife on our 5-year anniversary. She enjoyed the film but still hasn't come canyoneering yet.
- Meeting some of the most amazing, creative, and passionate people.
Goals for the coming year:
- Go on at least as many canyon outings as I did this year. I was able to descend about 30 canyons, though most were shorter.
- Take more classes.
- Finish descending all the Irish canyons.
- Meet more people in the canyoneering community and hear your stories.
Anyways, thanks for reading this humble introduction and I look forward to seeing you all in the canyons!