How to add HFB to your Classic Totem Block
How to add HFB to your Classic Totem Block Hands Free Backup is a concept that has different names in different rope work disciplines, but basically, it is a way to ensure that if you accidentally let go of the rope, a backup system kicks in, and prevents a runaway rope running through the system, […]
TR+R: Transient Rigging & Releasable Systems
Transient Rigging + Releasable Rigging: TR+Rby Adolfo Isassi Transient rigging, colloquially know as ‘ghosting’ or “metodos de fortuna” in Spanish are great tools for exploring or emergency situations. In areas of the world where artificial anchors are not permitted, or badly installed, these methods fill an important gap in the practice of canyoneering/canyoning. To preserve […]
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?
July 3 2022 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 […]
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 […]