Canyoning in the Pacific Northwest - a Technical Resource
Canyoning in the Pacific Northwest - a Technical Resource
Canyoning (or canyoneering) is the sport of exploring canyons using a variety of techniques such as scrambling, climbing, wading, swimming, and rappelling. The term is most often used to describe the descent of technical canyons requiring ropes, harnesses, and other specialized gear. Like mountain peaks, canyons are extremely diverse and vary widely in level of difficulty. Dry canyons are generally easier in terms of rigging and preparation compared to those with flowing water. The more water that's present, the more difficult the canyon. This manual is a technical reference for intermediate-level recreational canyoning; one that's tailored to the Pacific Northwest. Topics include: planning, best practices, proper gear, anchors, rigging systems, pitch management, and on-rope skills. The focus is on local aquatic canyons (i.e., those rated Class C under the ACA canyon rating system) with an emphasis on rigging for rescue. This reference material is intended to complement instruction and training.
Tom Says:
FINALLY! A comprehensive canyoning technical manual in English.
This is an impressive piece of work. Kevin has done an excellent job of making sense of the huge disparate mess of Canyoning techniques used in both wet and dry canyons in the USA and getting it down on paper in a very readable and understandable form. It is MASSIVE - 340 pages!!! Lots of photos to illustrate all sorts of things.
The writing style is fabulous. Very non-preachy - aka very non-Tom like. He shows many alternatives and discusses which makes sense when. Many sidebars to explain terms and concepts, and then also to qualify the techniques shown on the previous page. I think this is very important. He does a great job.
It is a big book. “Letter size” format, 8-1/2” x 11”. 340 pages. PACKED with information.
Not really for beginners… but excellent for people who are comfortable on ropes to learn stuff. Heck, I’m gonna learn a bunch of stuff when I find a month to work through it and read the whole thing! Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced - there is something for everyone!