"Knowing and willing participant" - Canyons

It's important that clients are informed about the day, so they can make an informed decision to participate. Canyoning is a unique sport that clients may find difficult to understand, making comprehensive front loading all the more important. To do this, cover the following points:

• Communicate canyon environment - "A canyon is a deep cleft between escarpments or cliffs resulting from weathering and the erosive activity of a river over geologic timescales.  Not caving (or rafting)" 

• Communicate what canyoning entails -The Guide articulates the skills and actions required for Canyoning, these include;

  1. Bushwalking in difficult terrain

  2. Being in a remote area and exposed to hot and/or cold climates

  3. Rock scrambling and short rock climbs

  4. Abseiling on difficult formations, on wet/slippery rocks and/or in fast flowing waterfalls

  5. Swimming in cold and/or dark water

  6. Negotiating narrow or confined spaces

• Challenge by Choice - Make sure clients understand that during the day they have the choice to participate in the activity and, if they are not coping, the option to back out of the canyon. NOTE: It must be stressed that once they're in the canyon exiting will be extremely difficult. The "choice" is made after the client is informed, to the best of the guides abilities, of all the aspects of the day. Check individual canyon pages to see last points of bail. 

• Front loading - Are there any other aspects of the day that need to be described? An exposed traverse? A difficult exit track? Make sure the client is aware the difficulties they will encounter during the activity.