rcwild
02-16-2005, 09:29 PM
http://www.canyoneering.net/images/kanyunering.gif
Canyons are incredibly diverse. Some were carved through sedimentary rock, such as sandstone and limestone. Others through multiple layers of igneous and metamorphic rock. Some are dry. Some are filled with rushing streams and waterfalls. Some humble us by their grandeur. Others, so narrow we can barely squeeze through, offer a more intimate experience. But all of them are spectacular, enticing us to return again and again.
Although canyoneers may disagree on what constitutes good canyoneering style, we are all united by our passion for canyons. Our reasons are personal and may be as varied as the canyons themselves. Some are drawn to the rugged beauty of the landscapes, content with a primarily visual experience. Others are drawn to the physical challenge, testing their climbing skills and stamina with each canyon adventure. Still others are drawn to the technical challenge, testing their problem-solving skills as they encounter each obstacle. Most of us are drawn to canyoneering because we appreciate the multi-faceted aspect of the sport. Canyoneering offers something for everyone, regardless of their motivations or their skill level.
Mention canyons to most Americans and they immediately envision the canyon country of Utah and Arizona. Indeed, there are literally hundreds of canyons in the desert southwest. But expand the definition of a canyon to include any narrow drainage and the potential for canyoneering terrain expands to include any mountainous region -- the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, Cascades. Intrepid canyoneers with the technical skills required to descend aquatic canyons are beginning to explore this new terrain throughout the western United States.
Canyoneering, using the simplest of definitions, involves traveling through canyons. Some use the term in such a broad sense to include hiking, boating, even biking, as long as it takes place in a canyon. However, when most people refer to the sport of canyoneering, they are referring to traveling on foot. It is fairly common for canyoneers to differentiate between technical and nontechnical canyoneering. Technical referring to canyons that require the use of ropes (for rappelling, belayed down climbing and hand lines); nontechnical referring to canyons that only require hiking, wading and/or swimming.
Canyoning
Elsewhere in the world, other terms are used to describe the exploration of canyons. In Europe and Australia the term canyoning is favored. Canyoning, as practiced in Australia, is very similar to canyoneering in the United States. Canyoning in Europe has a more specific connotation, referring almost exclusively to canyons with flowing water.
Kloofing, Ghyll Scrambling, Gorge Walking, River Tracing
Kloofing? South Africa. Ghyll Scrambling and Gorge Walking? Britain. River Tracing? The Far East. Whatever you call it, it is an incredibly addicting sport.
Be sure to check out the ACA Canyon Rating System (http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=23)
Canyons are incredibly diverse. Some were carved through sedimentary rock, such as sandstone and limestone. Others through multiple layers of igneous and metamorphic rock. Some are dry. Some are filled with rushing streams and waterfalls. Some humble us by their grandeur. Others, so narrow we can barely squeeze through, offer a more intimate experience. But all of them are spectacular, enticing us to return again and again.
Although canyoneers may disagree on what constitutes good canyoneering style, we are all united by our passion for canyons. Our reasons are personal and may be as varied as the canyons themselves. Some are drawn to the rugged beauty of the landscapes, content with a primarily visual experience. Others are drawn to the physical challenge, testing their climbing skills and stamina with each canyon adventure. Still others are drawn to the technical challenge, testing their problem-solving skills as they encounter each obstacle. Most of us are drawn to canyoneering because we appreciate the multi-faceted aspect of the sport. Canyoneering offers something for everyone, regardless of their motivations or their skill level.
Mention canyons to most Americans and they immediately envision the canyon country of Utah and Arizona. Indeed, there are literally hundreds of canyons in the desert southwest. But expand the definition of a canyon to include any narrow drainage and the potential for canyoneering terrain expands to include any mountainous region -- the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, Cascades. Intrepid canyoneers with the technical skills required to descend aquatic canyons are beginning to explore this new terrain throughout the western United States.
Canyoneering, using the simplest of definitions, involves traveling through canyons. Some use the term in such a broad sense to include hiking, boating, even biking, as long as it takes place in a canyon. However, when most people refer to the sport of canyoneering, they are referring to traveling on foot. It is fairly common for canyoneers to differentiate between technical and nontechnical canyoneering. Technical referring to canyons that require the use of ropes (for rappelling, belayed down climbing and hand lines); nontechnical referring to canyons that only require hiking, wading and/or swimming.
Canyoning
Elsewhere in the world, other terms are used to describe the exploration of canyons. In Europe and Australia the term canyoning is favored. Canyoning, as practiced in Australia, is very similar to canyoneering in the United States. Canyoning in Europe has a more specific connotation, referring almost exclusively to canyons with flowing water.
Kloofing, Ghyll Scrambling, Gorge Walking, River Tracing
Kloofing? South Africa. Ghyll Scrambling and Gorge Walking? Britain. River Tracing? The Far East. Whatever you call it, it is an incredibly addicting sport.
Be sure to check out the ACA Canyon Rating System (http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=23)