Hi everybody!
Once again, let me introduce canyoning to those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to try this fantastic and many faceted activity. I am convinced that canyoning will be for many of us one of the high points of our coming adventure in the Pyrenees.
What is a Canyon?
A conyon is a deep gorge with steep sides, carved out of rock by a river. In Sierra de Guara where we will do our canyoning, some of the gorges are more than 1.500 m deep. It is almost certainly the best place in Europe for caynyoning.
What does canyoning involve?
Well canyons require a great variety of skills, the primary one being excellent physical condition (not a problem for the Lions of the Pyrenees!). However, navigation, swimming, jumping, team work, wading… and appreciation of the environment will all help to ensure a good time. The ideal canyoning trip includes a combination of all the above, plus a group a good friends ready for challenges.
What do you take into a canyon?
All one needs is a tee shirt, light quick drying shorts, long socks (that stay up i.e. self-supporting) and a pair of old tennis shoes. On top of these, we will wear a wetsuit, since the water will be cold and canyons are mostly shaded. Ropes, helmets and bolts will be provided by our guides.
Hope to see you all soon.
By Juan Manuel Ruigómez, Canyoning correspondant