The science behind teaching & learning: Tying Knots
During the few years that I have spent as a canyoneering instructor, I have been able to gather some observations regarding teaching how to tie knots: These observations lead me to suspect that “spatial awareness” (our ability to place shapes and objects in a three dimensional space) may be the key to better understand how to teach knots and […]
MadRock Safeguard: Useful for Pro Guiding?
Oher rope related activities like caving, climbing, rope access, have been using self-locking & assisted-braking devices for a while. Devices like the Petzl line up ID, Evac, Rig, Stop, GriGr. Recently, a relatively new device, the Safeguard offered by MadRock has been attracting the attention of canyonners as a compact possibility to carry a self-locking […]
Newest Level 2 Pro Canyon Guide: Timothy Reynolds
Timothy is a canyoneering guide based in Tucson, AZ USA. From Tim’s CGI profile: “Tim Reynolds started his fascination with the vertical world and canyoneering over 10 years ago. He was initially completely self taught, although thru the years has advanced his knowledge well beyond that and now holds his certification as a professional canyon […]
Reflections on releasable systems: Self-locking-backups?
Recently the FFME (Fédération française de la montagne et de l’escalade) posted a video as an invitation to work on an effort to explore options to add security during Release & Lower operations During Pro Guide assessments, and Pro practice you will come across scenarios where you need to release a system to lower a […]
Newest Level 3 Pro Canyon Guide: Tyler Miller
Tyler is a canyoneering guide based in Springdale, Utah USA. From Tyler’s CGI profile: “Passionate and professional guide serving the greater Zion area. Currently living and working in Springdale, Utah for Red Desert Adventures and Zion Guru.14+ years of technical climbing experience and 7 years of canyoneering experience.Zion Search and Rescue Team Member.” Tyler did […]
How to ascend a tensioned line
This question comes via JD Buchanan.You may need to ascend a tensioned line, like a guided rappel to fix something at the top anchor, or to assist a stuck teammate in the middle of the guided rappel. The two photos should give you a good idea on how to rig your ascenders. Key aspects of […]
Book Review : Canyoning in the Pacific Northwest
The title of this book is a little bit misleading. Yes, it certainly covers plenty of swift-water related techniques pertinent to the Pacific North West region of USA, but it also offers plenty of techniques, tips, and insights for class A & B canyons. If you are a CGI instructor offering a course, the chapters […]
Rigging Choices and Ropes
Canyoneering practices get shaped by the type of canyons we do, and the gear we use.If we frequent routes with nice bolt placements, we grow fond of adjustable safety tethers and SAS systems. If we frequent routes with bushes and cairns as anchors we get to love courtesy-rigging and retrievable-riggings.As time passes by, we tend […]
Professional Handbook Canyoning: Review
Book review
Canyoneering Etiquette
Canyoneering Etiquette (for recreational canyoneering) As canyoneering guides, sometimes we travel to to other regions or countries to canyoneer, or we go out with new friends. For those occasions, lets take a look at etiquette. When you engage in any social endeavor, you are bound to find unwritten rules often referred as: Etiquette Canyoneering is […]
Learning new tools
As professional guides, we have invested resources and time learning an array of skills to perform our chosen role and craft in canyons. One of these skills is working with ropes and rigging systems to mitigate the risks involved while traveling through canyoning routes with clients.As time passes by, and especially if we guide the […]
Is it time to get a Double Ended Rope Bag?
“Gear Perspective” Double-Ended bag