To Slot Canyon or not To Slot Canyon?? need some advice
First off, yes I'm a newbie to this forum and as a long time member of a snowmobile forum I know how annoying newbies can be, so I hope my question is not a laughable one, it is very serious to me.
I'm graduating high school and me and 3 other buddies, all 18 yrs old, are heading to Zion at the end of this month. One guy in our group has extensive knowledge in rock climbing and repelling, me and another guy have moderate experience (understand the basics, have been on local repelling trips) and the last of our group has very limited experience. All of us have lots of backpacking/camping/basic outdoor skills. NONE of us have done slot canyons. A neighbor of mine has been through Zion quite a bit and has been giving us ideas of day trips to go on, he insists with the knowledge and common sense that our group has we will be able to safely maneuver 3A/B canyons. He is a very knowledgeable guy but I would like a second opinion...
Based on the experience in our group would you think we would be safe in a 3A/B canyon??
I really appreciate all the help I'm doin my best to be as prepared as possible, and please be as honest. we want to be pretty safe but are open to a little risk.
Thanks,
CookieCutter
Re: To Slot Canyon or not To Slot Canyon?? need some advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by cookiecutter
One guy in our group has extensive knowledge in rock climbing and repelling, me and another guy have moderate experience (understand the basics, have been on local repelling trips) and the last of our group has very limited experience. All of us have lots of backpacking/camping/basic outdoor skills. NONE of us have done slot canyons. A neighbor of mine has been through Zion quite a bit and has been giving us ideas of day trips to go on, he insists with the knowledge and common sense that our group has we will be able to safely maneuver 3A/B canyons. He is a very knowledgeable guy but I would like a second opinion...
Based on the experience in our group would you think we would be safe in a 3A/B canyon??
Cookie, Welcome to the Canyoneering Forum.
Since I am awake I'll answer first before others chime in. For me I will tell you that your question poses a lot of difficulty and I am not going to give you a direct answer and I think anyone who does should have their advice seriously scrutinized.
The reason I say this is because for me to tell you to go for it and have a great trip based on what you have described over an Internet forum is practically impossible. You have certainly described some good qualities in your group, but the fact that you have not been in slot canyons with this group begs the question of how your group dynamics will actually play out in a canyon. Certainly a knowledge of climbing techniques will come in very handy as many techniques in rope work are taken from climbing, but have been modified. Simply knowing how to rappel (not reppel) is not the same as rappelling in a canyon, with wetsuits, backpacks etc. The fact that your group is competent in the outdoors does not mean you will be able to stem potholes or swim with all your gear on. If canyoneering is something that you are really going to be interested in there are several companies, some of which are right in the Zion area, that offer courses and intros to the sport.
Now before I rain on your parade too much. There are many canyons that can be tamed by the beginner and it varies on which canyons you do or are interested in. There are people (Tom) on this forum which can give you a better idea of which canyons in Zions those are than I. I simply want to let you know that the dynamics need to be considered before asking if we think you will survive a canyon or not. Make sure you are understanding the canyon ratings and what may be in those canyons.
Re: To Slot Canyon or not To Slot Canyon?? need some advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by cookiecutter
A neighbor of mine has been through Zion quite a bit and has been giving us ideas of day trips to go on, he insists with the knowledge and common sense that our group has we will be able to safely maneuver 3A/B canyons. He is a very knowledgeable guy but I would like a second opinion...
Based on the experience in our group would you think we would be safe in a 3A/B canyon??
I really appreciate all the help I'm doin my best to be as prepared as possible, and please be as honest. we want to be pretty safe but are open to a little risk.
Thanks,
CookieCutter
Hi CookieCutter. I'm in a similar situation to you, being a relative newbie in a group of people who are relatively comfortable around rope and climbing harnesses. A bunch of us will be in Zion just after you this year. I and some others in our group have descended the Subway previously, after getting some basic instruction in a nearby slot canyon (from Zion Rock and Mountain, Zion Adventure Company offer instruction too, I believe). Since then we've been getting lots of practice at rigging rappels and suchlike, and this year are planning to do the Subway again, followed by Echo Canyon, Keyhole Canyon and Pine Creek. I think they're about our skill level, and have been told by many that they're a good introduction to technical stuff.
You mention Mystery - I can only speak for myself, but as someone with not much experience of technical slots, I think I'm happier to leave Mystery for another trip. I think that would be pushing my comfort zone a bit.
Re: To Slot Canyon or not To Slot Canyon?? need some advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahlizzy
You mention Mystery - I can only speak for myself, but as someone with not much experience of technical slots, I think I'm happier to leave Mystery for another trip. I think that would be pushing my comfort zone a bit.
Technically I think Mystery is easier than Pine Creek. None of the rappels in Mystery are free hanging and there is no swimming in Mystery (Pine Creek can have a lot of swimming). The final rappel in Pine Creek can be a little intimidating. I know I've backed off of it before to calm myself before taking the the "final step". But than again, I'm a pussy when it comes to rappels....
:cool2:
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/Files/pinecreek3.jpg