1 Day Canyoneering Course

Intended for those wishing to build a foundation of skills needed to descend canyons independently or to decide if this is the sport they would further like to pursue.

Perfect for beginners with little or no rope experience, rappellers with limited background, or gym climbers who have some rope experience but no canyon-specific training.

The day consists of ground school and skills work in canyons(s) around Moab. Topics covered include: equipment review, simple rope-set ups used in canyoneering, how to rappel with proper friction, specific canyon movement (stemming, bridging, downclimbing, etc), and managing safety for yourself.

Trip Overview

• Duration:  ~7 hours
• Drive from Moab:  Up to 20 minutes
• Season:  Spring, Summer & Fall
• Max. guide to student ratio:  1:5
• Technical Challenges:  Rappels up to 120’, hiking and scrambling up to 5.5

• Key Concepts
• Canyon Rating System
• Rules, Ethics, Style, Communication and Courtesy
• Specific Gear Choices, Requirements, Use and Care
• Knots, Bends and Hitches
• Reading/interpreting weather forecast and evaluating environmental hazards
• Belaying, Lowering and Hand lines
• Natural, Artificial, Transient & Human Anchors
• Static and Contingency Riggings
• Rope Deployment, Coiling, Bagging and Etiquette
• Rappelling Techniques & On-Rope Skills (Adding Friction Pre-rappel, Mid-rappel, Locking Off, etc)
• Specialized Rappelling Techniques (Hard Starts, Soft Starts, Free-Hanging, Over-Hanging, etc)
• Basic Climbing & Down Climbing Skills (Bridging, Stemming, Partner Assists, Partner Captures, etc)
• Safety-Checking and Basic Self-Rescue
• Intro to Rope Ascension (Mechanical & Improvised)

Skill & Fitness Level

• Beginner athletic skill level
• Previous climbing & rappelling experience recommended but not required
• Must be able to hike up to 3 miles over easy to moderate natural terrain
• Minimum age:  12 years

We provide

• Sandwich
• Snacks (granola bars, peanuts, etc)
• All of the technical gear you will need for canyoneering (see below)
• Transportation from our office to the route and back to our office

What you should wear

• Shoes with a soft, flexible sole, such as running shoes or lightweight hiking shoes that you are comfortable possibly getting wet or dirty
• No open-toed sandals, please
• Clothes that are light-weight and loose fitting to allow you flexibility and freedom of movement
• Clothes that are suitable for the season

What to Bring

• Any personal canyoneering gear you have/use (to be reviewed by your instructor)
• 4 liters of water per person
• Sun screen
• Lip balm
• Brimmed hat
• Light long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection or as insulation if temps dictate)
• Sun glasses
• Light rain gear
• Camera
• Extra snacks if you get really hungry, are a growing teenager, or have dietary restrictions or allergies

Pricing

The total price for 1, 2, or 3 people is $850, plus tax. For groups of 4 or more, please give us a call to discuss pricing!

Departure Times

All trips depart from our office at 253 North Main, Moab UT.  See location on Google map

• 8:00 am

Please be at our office by 7:45 am to complete any payment or paperwork

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