San Rafeal Swell: The Squeeze (video)

[ratagonia]

The water conditions we encountered made it quite difficult. None of us had done the canyon before and the water was just low enough to cause ankle injury if sliding in; you couldn't see what you were landing on. We did a lot of spotting but the bolts were very helpful in these low conditions. I was glad to have them. If the water was 2 feet lower it would have been very challenging and a hook anchor may have been needed in places.

Could you, perhaps, of used a meat anchor to put someone down there, to either clear it for sliding in, or if not overhead, to provide a spot/thigh belay/catch?

Yes, plug and chug is faster and easier.

It's not clear to me that "faster and easier" is a primary objective in canyoneering.

Tom

[New Mexico]

Nice video. Did the squeeze with a group of friends this year and had a great time.