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View Full Version : Share your 'Lessons Learned'



jman
03-14-2017, 10:19 AM
I was reading a TR just today over on the CC about Medieval Chamber and am happy to hear that wisconnyjohnny shared a detail about (I'm paraphrasing) how he read a bunch of beta about Morning Glory Bridge and the issue of yelling "rope" since many hiking tourists will not know what expression means. I started a thread a year or so about that every issue and like to think (tooting my own horn) that people have read that, thought about it and are wising up now.

In other words, we are evolving as the 'sport' continually grows in record numbers and I like to see trends and patterns that can potentially help all of us.

So it got me thinking as to what are YOUR lessons that you have learned (in one or numerous experiences) that you would like to share. It may be preaching to the choir or maybe the eternal lurker will gain some valuable information by reading some of these thoughts.

*The point of the thread is to let members post their idea, while keeping it sweet and short. (It could turn into an exhausting list very quickly with pages upon pages of information just from one member alone!)


After 15 years of canyoneering thus far here are just a few of my lessons learned:

-I wish a bought a rope bag from day one. That would of saved a bunch of headaches and rope management in many canyons.

-I wish I knew about the triple clove many years ago. That's my now go-to hitch.

-Always bring a headlamp/Life Straw in my gear.


Like to share any of yours?

dakotabelliston
03-14-2017, 11:33 AM
-Always carry a form of water purification EVEN on dry canyons. After being lost in the desert & finding water a purification system BESIDES tablets would be nice.

- Don't rely on the group leader for route finding. EVERYONE should be familiar with the route through beta & maps. This goes in with me getting lost in the desert lol.

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Iceaxe
03-14-2017, 12:10 PM
Don't tie knots in the end of your rappel ropes when canyoneering. This is a popular practice among some rock climbers. Sooner or later a knot will get stuck in a canyon crack and you will be stopped mid rappel by a permanent fireman's belay.

TommyBoy
03-14-2017, 01:14 PM
- Don't rely on the group leader for route finding. EVERYONE should be familiar with the route through beta & maps. This goes in with me getting lost in the desert lol.

But sometimes you find a new canyon this way.:naughty:

rockgremlin
03-15-2017, 12:08 PM
Never, ever trust the weather. Especially in late summer.

If there's even a slight chance of precipitation assume that it WILL rain.

Walden
03-15-2017, 12:16 PM
· Have everyone bring their own harness and gear. Switching harness at repels takes forever. ( Sorry to the group behind us at the last Pinecreek rappel in 2006:facepalm1:)
· Plan your trips with an alternate contingency weekend scheduled, when possible. Having a backup weekend means you won’t talk yourself into doing a canyon during a flash flood.
· Do the right canyon based on your group’s skill level, during the right season, with the right weather condition, and with everyone properly geared.

nkanarik
03-15-2017, 12:28 PM
Don't jump even if it's less than 1 foot, and especially into water where you don't know what's underneath (a friend broke his tibia with a "tiny" jump)

jman
03-15-2017, 12:45 PM
· Plan your trips with an alternate contingency weekend scheduled, when possible. Having a backup weekend means you won’t talk yourself into doing a canyon during a flash flood.

Nice. This is excellent advice.


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Michael_WB
03-16-2017, 11:17 AM
Make an earlier start than you think reasonable, yet plan for it to be a later finish than you think likely.

PhysWiz
03-16-2017, 03:37 PM
Don't jump even if it's less than 1 foot, and especially into water where you don't know what's underneath (a friend broke his tibia with a "tiny" jump)

I would like to hear more thoughts on this. In principle I completely agree with this statement but in practice I wonder how much doesn't it slow you down you have a static landing at every little drop? :ne_nau: How many people practice this?

Iceaxe
03-16-2017, 07:19 PM
I would like to hear more thoughts on this. In principle I completely agree with this statement but in practice I wonder how much doesn't it slow you down you have a static landing at every little drop? :ne_nau: How many people practice this?

Wise and experienced canyoneers use finely honed skills, young and over enthusiast canyoneers attempt to cover up their lack of skills by jumping.

nkanarik
03-16-2017, 07:52 PM
I would like to hear more thoughts on this. In principle I completely agree with this statement but in practice I wonder how much doesn't it slow you down you have a static landing at every little drop? :ne_nau: How many people practice this?
Slow and steady == good pace (/pick up the pace on flat areas). Use your arms (semi stemming) to go down.