Canyoning
Under Canyoning (also Canyoning or gorge walking ) refers to the act of committing a gorge from top to bottom (in the early period of sport canyoning also from bottom to top) in the different variations. By abseiling, climbing, jumping, sliding, swimming and sometimes even diving , you can get through the gorges with suitable equipment. Canyoning established itself as an adventure sport in Spain and southern France in the late 1990s . The breakthrough also followed in the northern Alps at the turn of the millennium . In the United States , canyoning is more commonly known as canyoneering . It got an enormous development boost there through European influence.
The sport of canyoning
In addition to the sporty charm of the adventure , the focus is primarily on the experience of nature. In this sport, mastery of the special rope techniques and in-depth knowledge of regional weather and water conditions play an important role. Some conservationists criticize canyoning because parts of nature are committed that would otherwise remain untouched by humans. Commercial marketing for tourism in particular leads to problems. Supporters of canyoning reply that canyons are sometimes changed several times a year by floods more than by the influence of the people who run through these canyons. However, the increased use of access routes, approach paths and parking facilities is not taken into account. On many tours, the focus is on experiencing nature together.
safety
Canyoning requires a high level of alpine and water technology qualification. Once you have started a tour, it is often no longer possible to withdraw before the end of the tour. Beginners should only practice this sport under expert guidance. The techniques used give way to z. Sometimes they differ significantly from those in the high alpine area or when climbing. Transferring these techniques to canyoning can involve considerable dangers.
On difficult canyoning tours you should consult a local and certified canyon guide. There are now some organizations for this outdoor area that train professional canyoning guides. Mountain guides qualify as canyoning guides through additional training.
Prior information about the weather situation is essential, since with a large water catchment area the water level in a narrow gorge can rise in a very dangerous manner in a matter of minutes during heavy rain. But there is not only the danger of a spring tide, but also of falling rocks, so a helmet should be worn. Also about special risks, such as B. the possible water drainage of a reservoir or snowmelt, which in some areas increase the risk until late spring, should be explored beforehand. The observation of the weather must begin days before a tour and cover the entire length of the tour. Therefore, basic meteorological knowledge and the interpretation of weather phenomena (e.g. appearance, development stages and dangers of clouds) are of decisive importance. At the end of July 1999, 20 holidaymakers died during canyoning on the Saxetbach near Interlaken offered by the Adventure World agency , although local mountain guides had warned of the thunderstorm that caused it. A few other canyoning accidents show that the greatest possible safety is required for this sport. The rule is not to go alone. Three to four people are considered the optimal group size.
requirements
If you want to practice this sport independently, you should be sure- footed and not be afraid of heights . In addition, you are in good physical condition and able to swim. You should also have sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge in the following subject areas:
- Rope technology (general handling, abseiling, construction of a stand, rescue techniques)
- Whitewater technology (analysis of current forms, controlled whitewater swimming)
- Meteorology (being able to record and evaluate weather data)
- Communication (specific sign and spoken language)
- First aid (rescue chain in the special canyon situation)
- orientation
- Risk management
- equipment
- natural reserve
equipment
The following equipment is recommended for canyoning, depending on the tour:
- Neoprene pants (Long John), at least 4 mm
- Neoprene jacket, at least 4 mm
- Neoprene socks, at least 3–4 mm
- Appropriate footwear
- Helmet suitable for alpine use
- Canyoning harness (no climbing harness)
- some HMS carabiners
- Descender with a sling
- Devices for climbing the rope (e.g. shunt or TiBlock)
- Trimming knife (blunt with serrated edge ) or anvil scissors
- Waterproof bin with first aid material
- Signal whistle, signal rocket, mobile phone
- Working ropes, adapted to the tour (highest abseiling point)
- Emergency rope (longest point)
- Hand drill set, anchoring and sling material
- Backpack suitable for canyoning
To get to know this sport, there are a number of commercial providers who also provide equipment for guided tours. For independent touring, it is advisable to join an appropriate club or to take appropriate training courses.
See also
- Rafting (sailing on a white water with an inflatable boat)
Web links
- German Canyoning Association eV
- Canyoningforum Austria - tour descriptions, topos, discussions, maps, forum
- Commission Internationale de Canyon (CIC)
- Alpine security - current status reports of the gorges in Tyrol
- Austrian Mountain Guide Association
Individual evidence
- ↑ Andreas Schmauch, on behalf of the DAV: Critical questioning of the sport "Canyoning" from an ecological point of view in the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps . February 28, 2001 ( PDF [accessed April 7, 2013]). PDF ( Memento of the original from October 19, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Training and safety in the area of canyoning ( memento of the original from October 20, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . Website outdoor blog guiders. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ↑ Canyoning Dangers - What you should watch out for in this sport. In: The Canyoneerer. Retrieved on July 16, 2020 (German).
- ↑ Information on canyoning dangers ( memento of the original dated August 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Ernst Kern : Seeing - Thinking - Acting of a surgeon in the 20th century. ecomed, Landsberg am Lech 2000, ISBN 3-609-20149-5 , p. 215 f.
- ↑ Jozef Jonny Lovrinovic (Canyoning Team Allgäu): Necessary equipment for canyoning athletes. Wiggensbach 2017 (PDF file)
