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| EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY |
| CANYON EQUIPMENT BACKPACK - for carrying food, equipment etc. Adry bag inside to keep everything dry, or several plastic bags one inside the other serves the same purpose. Backpacks also provide good flotation. CLOTHING - volley type sandshoes are by far the best type of shoe for canyoning although there not very comfortable for long walks. Woollen socks {or thermal), wetsuit and thermals. Beanie is a good idea also. ABSEILING EQUIPMENT - super static dry treated rope is by far the best to use in canyons, as it is light, does'nt stretch or absorb water, therefore it floats. 9mm or 10mm rope is preferred due to double ropes. Length depends on the longest abseil. Ropes are usually 60m with 50m being more popular. Harness - required for each person, with various breaking devices; figure eight, piton bar, whale tale, pit-stop or a rack being the most popular device. Light - head torch for those dark canyons and night canyoning. I use the Petzel Duo, a dual beam light with high and low, the high focus being adjustable. Helmets - these are a must, it only takes one hit on the head from some falling debri and thats it! Maps, Compass - are essential to know where you are and where you are going. Epirb - (emergency position indicating radio beacon) this is a great device to have in your kit if the unexpected happens. GPS - (global positioning system) if you can afford it get one, I use the Garmin etrex. Its a great little unit. CANYON SAFETY PUSSIK DEVICES - These include prussick slings, jumars, tiblocs, etc. Every person in the group should have some knowledge of how to prussik. The leader should be proficient in this area, you never know when you may have to retrieve a jammed rope or rescue someone. First Aid Kit - be sure to always carry a first aid kit, bandages, bandaids, puratabs, matches, panadol. |
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