Canyoning/Gorge walking
Discussion
deckster said:
ewenm said:
Essentially you're climbing up a stream/river , usually with waterfalls. It'll be wet and slippery and fun 
I thought you normally abseiled down? A bit easier than climbing up!
Still sounds fun though

ewenm said:
Essentially you're climbing up a stream/river , usually with waterfalls. It'll be wet and slippery and fun 
I did it on an adventure weekend in the Pyrenees once and had a whale of a time sliding down a stream with some quite big jumps too. Hard hats and life jackets essential!! Came out the bottom and into the rafts on the more open river 

Yup I did canyoning not so long ago - fantastic fun. Be prepared to get very bashed about on hard rocks, but it was a great experience.
They will provide everything you need - wet suit, helmets, shoes etc, just take swimming shorts to go under the wet suit and a towel. And if it's in North Wales this weekend - a flask of tea!!
They will provide everything you need - wet suit, helmets, shoes etc, just take swimming shorts to go under the wet suit and a towel. And if it's in North Wales this weekend - a flask of tea!!
Moose. said:
I'm off this weekend with a bunch of mates on a stag do, doing this along with spot of white water rafting in North Wales. Can't remember who suggested it but it sounds a laugh 
Anyone done it? What's it all about? And what should I wear?
I regularly take out groups in Scotland as a scout leader and would comment as follows
Anyone done it? What's it all about? And what should I wear?
Canyonning is usually with the direction of water and might be accessed by rope dependent on location. Water is usually slightly deeper and you will find yourself sliding down rapid's & jumping off waterfalls etc.(White water rafting without the raft)
Gorge walks are usually up the way in the water, Depth will vary and swimming against a current rare (less water around you than canyonning). You may get to climb small waterfalls etc.
You will likely be provided with kit, although possibly not footwear (The person who booked it should know what you need to take)
Under a wetsuit I'd suggest Socks (to prevent rubbing in your boots also Lots of small stones get into footwear), Swimming Shorts and a T'shirt or something if desired (Try & avoid cotton though as it takes heat away from you). If you need footwear old trainers or boots (ankle support is desired as they take a lot of strain in fast currents)
(The Scout Leader in me) If you are Asthmatic remember your inhaler and advise your group leader who can make sure it is kept dry, remember you are likely to be in unfamiliar circumstances which combined with the cold & physical strain could trigger an attack. Likewise if you need any other medication make them aware as you are likely to be some distance away from it if you leave it in you car!
Have fun, It's Great and highly addictive!
Andy
I went canyoning near Neath a couple of years ago, had a cracking time.
You basically get taken to the top of the river, get in, and go down.
You swim a bit, jump off waterfalls, go down rock "chutes" (that are generally covered ins lime and algae so that you can actually slide) swim a bit more, jump of much higher things than you'd expect (highest of ours was about 30ft - easy, until you get to the top and look down!)
Had a truly awesome time, it's a hell of a laugh.
You basically get taken to the top of the river, get in, and go down.
You swim a bit, jump off waterfalls, go down rock "chutes" (that are generally covered ins lime and algae so that you can actually slide) swim a bit more, jump of much higher things than you'd expect (highest of ours was about 30ft - easy, until you get to the top and look down!)
Had a truly awesome time, it's a hell of a laugh.
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