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Everything you need to know for running an abseil in a canyon and common obstacles you will encounter whilst running a canyon.
Abseiling Technique
Abseiling Technique
The Guide explains and demonstrates how to connect to the top belay and abseiling rope
The Guide explains and demonstrates how to reduce the risk of falling objects (including equipment and rocks); equipment is attached to the harness at all times (expect during rigging)
The Guide explains and demonstrates an appropriate abseiling technique including;
Weight on heels
Soft knees
Shoulders back
Maintain an L shape body position
Brake hand stays behind while the other hand holds the harness attachment loop
The Guide demonstrates an appropriate technique for braking and controlling descent speed.
The Guide explains and demonstrates how to land and exit the abseiling rope and top belay.
Important to ensure client abseils all the way to ground
Calls for Abseiling
Calls for Abseiling
The Guide explains the communication signals for abseiling;
Attach top belay to harness attachment loop // Attach descender to abseiling rope and connect to abseiler
"<client name> abseiling"
“On belay’ – Guide is ready and abseiler is connected to the top belay line
client doesn't commence abseiling until hear "On belay"
“Off Rope” – Abseiler has landed and has disconnected from the rope
“BELOW !!!” – dangerous falling object – move towards cliff face immediately
During Canyon Briefing Points
During Canyon Briefing Points
The following briefing points must be applied to canyons when needed. Jump-ins, water crossing and general movement briefings should be given as they become relevant. For example, give the terrain briefing at the start of the canyon and a jump in briefing at the first jump.
Moving in a Canyon Environment
Moving in a Canyon Environment
Moving safely on uneven terrain: The guide articulates that clients should try to stay in the lowest part of the canyon at all times and avoid rock hopping and anything else that increases the risk of falling and injury.
Moving on slippery/wet rocks. Pick out your path through a canyon with care. For rocks colour can help;
Yellow is Mellow - Yellow/Orange rocks indicate a moss free rock that is frequently used - best grip
Green is mean - Green rocks show moss/algae present. these can be slippery - average grip
Black, On Your Back - Slick Black rocks offer little to no traction and should be avoided whenever possible - Worst Grip
Participants are advised to avoid vegetated areas when walking along creeks/ muddy banks where possible
Cold Management
Cold Management
Looking out for the "Umbles"
Advise clients to look out for signs and symptoms of cold. Clients are instructed to look for these for both themselves and other members of the group. If they are worried they can ask the individual if they are okay and refer them to a guide.
Mumbles - Difficulty speaking clearly
Fumbles- Loss of motor skills such as struggling with buckles
Stumbles- Loss of balance when walking. People staggering or tripping over.
As part of group management the guide is expected to be on alert for cold clients, in particular when moving in water and when the group is stationary.
Jump-Ins
Jump-Ins
Some canyons have the option to jump into a small body of water. This is stated explicitly on the individual canyon pages as to where it is appropriate. DO NOT jump in an unknown environment.
Demonstrate a "soft" jump. Articulate bent legs, arms out wide and the goal of landing as shallow as possible. Depending on the jump location, this technique may vary.
Diving head first, pin drops, flips, or bombs should not be used at any time.
If a client is a known asthmatic or has a history of respiratory issues they should ease into the first cold jump, to prevent triggering an asthma attack. You can also ask clients if cold is an asthma trigger.
Canyon Swimming
Canyon Swimming
Swimming in cold canyon water can be tough, even for experienced swimmers. The cold, fatigue and canyon attire increase the difficulty for sustained swims.
Identify weak swimmers in the group. It's best to ask the question at the beginning of the day, do not wait until you are at the swim.
Clients can "inflate" their dry bags to be used for floatation if needed.
Demonstrate safe swim technique. With canyon packs its best to float on your back and swim with long, steady strokes. Keep the torso high to minimise drag. Minimise thrashing and wasting energy.
If there are weak/ concerned swimmers in the group a throw line can be used to tow across shorter swims.
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