Learning to Canyoneer

Frequently when preaching about how difficult canyons can be, I'll hear: "Canyoneering is easy. It's hiking with a few rappels."

I've seen that you can die in a variety of very interesting ways so I would disregard this terrible advice. Rigorous training is, therefore, of the utmost importance.

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Preparation

If you're new to adventuring you probably have some preparations to make. None of these are required per-say, but you'll be more confident and a better companion.

• Hike! Lots! If you've never hiked before, you'll want to go do that first. Go crazy. Do hard hikes. The experience will pay for itself. You'll be glad you conditioned your body for it when you're carrying a wetsuit, 200 feet of rope, rescue gear, and a packraft up that same hill.
• Learn to swim. Many canyons are dry, or close to it, but you won't want to miss out on that fancy Class C canyon because you're a weak swimmer.
• Take a first aid, or better a wilderness first aid class. When your buddy busts his ankle or head, you'll want to have a vague idea of what to do next.
• Familiarize yourself with wilderness navigation. You might not get lost in a canyon. But there's a chance you could on your way to it!
• Go to the climbing gym a few times. Not only will this condition your body in interesting ways, but it will train your mind to remain calm in sketchy vertical situations.
• Join a community. Communities exist where you can join other canyoneers on trips. Meetup and Facebook are both good places to start.

Finding a mentor

What to look for

Chances are you don't have a lot of choice, but on the off chance you do:

• The best teachers don't necessarily do monthly first descents in the Alps. Much like a math genius might not be the most suitable candidate for teaching High School geometry.
• Someone who won't let you do something dangerous. If you're putting your harness on for the first time standing next to a 100ft waterfall is fun but not incredibly safe.
• Someone who can explain how do do something clearly and in multiple ways. The alpine butterfly is a great example. It can be made three different ways and some people have an easier time with certain methods.

What to look out for

Many people will jump right into a canyon, with no preparation, training, and insufficient gear. Maybe they'll be led by a friend who's slightly more competent than they are. They're a hazard to themselves and more importantly you. Keep an eye out for beer, badly chosen gear, flip-flops, and non-existent helmets.

Finding a class

Many people have a hard time finding friends who are both skilled and willing enough to teach them and elect to take a class. Classes are an excellent way to learn and (should!) come with the perks of insurance, curriculum, and skilled teachers. A drawback is typically their cost. [American Canyoneers has assembled an excellent list.]

Learning on your own

You have a lot of research to do. And I have lots of explaining TODO. There are so many websites and Youtube videos devoted to making anchors, knots, gear, etc, you should be able to have sofa knowledge of lots before getting outside to apply your (carefully monitored, hopefully!) new skills.

Curriculum

• Anchors
• Knots
• Rappel gear
• Ascending systems (Frog, most likely)
• First Aid
• Rope safety
• Etiquette