101  Discover Canyoning

This is a living document that is updated regularly.  Last revision 8.21.24

Descend into the depths and heart-pounding excitement of canyoning! Get ready to learn the ropes (literally!).

Prerequisite: None

This Course Includes the following topics:

Canyoning: Terrain & Movement: Identify the different types of terrain and movement required to overcome obstacles encountered in wet and dry canyoning.

Knots: Identify the difference between a knot bend and a hitch. Recognize common knots used while canyoning.

Canyoning Anchor Systems: Identify the common anchors used while canyoning. Understand the uses of common anchor systems used while canyoning.

Canyoning Rigging Systems: Identify the common rigging systems used while canyoning. Understand the differences between static and releasable rigging systems.

Rappel Devices: Descenders and how they work

Learn how friction interacts with your descender

Canyoning Ropes: Static versus Dynamic Ropes

Understand why it is important to use static ropes while canyoning.

Rappelling Technique: Descending Rope. Understand proper body position while rappelling. Learn the importance of controlling your brake hand while rappelling.

Belaying: Protecting the Descent. Recognize and understand various belays used to protect your descent. Identify the different types of belays used such as bottom and top belays, hip belays, and self-belay systems.

Gear Essentials: Identify and explain the function and features of each essential piece of personal protective equipment, PPE. Choose and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for different canyon environments, dry and wet canyons. Understand the principles of thermal protection in aquatic canyoning gear selection.

Planning using the Canyon Rating System: Recognize and understand how to obtain canyon beta maps and how to interpret the ratings. Identify the key components such as technical difficulty, water levels, time commitment, and risk.

Canyon Stewardship: Understand the importance of your role in maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the canyon. Practice Leave No Trace principles while canyoning.

Canyoning Bible: 10 critical elements to follow while canyoning.

Join us! Learn more at Canyoning Institute.org