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Canyoning
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Richard Wyatt from Aberdyfi is an experienced mountain leader. He guides us through the highs and lows of canyoning.
How did you get started?
I've been canyoning or gorge walking for the past seven or eight years. I discovered it whilst working for various outdoor activity establishments where I gained qualifications and experience in the field.
Where did you go from there?
Two years ago, I set up my own business running adventurous activities for adult client groups, like stag and hen parties. We mainly go canyoning and gorge walking, which is a form of canyoning.
There are very hard and fast rules and regulations for activities such as rock climbing, mountain leading and canoeing, but there's no governing body for canyoning. It comes under the umbrella of the British Mountaineering Council.
There's also a qualification you can get in swift water rescue, which is designed for the emergency services to help rescue people trapped in moving water.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
If you were to go canyoning yourself, you must always do it with a group. You'll need a wetsuit, waterproof top, helmet, buoyancy aid and first aid kit.
If you go on an organised canyoning trip, they should provide this equipment, though you should also bring spare footwear, swimwear and some warm clothes to put on over the wetsuit.
Have you got a favourite place?
The canyons in Aberdyfi are great because they are set in some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales. They are also very interesting and can appeal to most people, whether groups of adults or families looking for something different to have a go at.
Any other points?
Canyoning and gorge walking is basically walking, sliding, jumping and making your way down a mountainous river or ravine. You try to get down it the best and safest way possible.
I think basically most people can do it, as long as you've got a head for a bit of excitement. It does involve a lot of height and water, but if you've got a reasonable head on you and you're quite fit, you'll be ok. Also, you don't need to be able to swim, though it does help. But flotation devices should be provided.
Where can I have a go?
Adrenalin Antics in Aberdyfi, Dragon Mountain Skills in Dinorwig, Caernarfon and Artro Adventure in Harlech, for example.
Useful websites:
www.adrenalinantics.com
www.thebmc.co.uk
www.dragonmountainskills.com
www.artroadventure.co.uk
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Chris bailey
That picture looks familiar, is it Traws gorge? I've been there! It was amazing, some very big jumps. Definitely recommend to people pushing their own limits.
Mon Nov 5 10:12:20 2007
jo collins
Wow, what a laugh. Did a canyon with adrenalin antics in the uk. It was amazing. Would love to do it again soon.
Fri Jun 29 09:24:00 2007
Dave Barns
Adrenalin Antics in Snowdonia organised our canyoning trip. It was amazing with loads of jumps, slides and an aerial zip line. Probably one of the best canyons in the UK.
Fri Feb 23 11:13:06 2007
David and Val from Derby
Have just done our first Canyoning (for my 52nd Birthday) Down Monte Baldo in Garda (Italy), a descent of about 1,850mt taking about 4 hours with stunning scenery, awsome abseils, slides and jumps, fantastic experience. Can't wait to do it again nearer home so will be heading towards Wales and one of the organised groups soon.
Mon Sep 26 15:59:40 2005
Ruth Jessop, S.E France
If you fancy trying canyoning somewhere with 300 sunny days a year the Alpes Maritimes in the S.E of France is definitely worth a look and one of the best areas for canyoning in France, one and a half hours drive inland from Nice.
Tue Jun 14 21:32:12 2005
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