By Juan Manuel Ruigomez Gomez
Let me introduce canyoning to those of
you who have still not had the opportunity to try this fantastic activity. I am
sure that canyoning will be for many of us one of the high points of our
adventure at the Pyrenees.
What is a Canyon?
A canyon
is a deep gorge with steep sides, cut through rock by a river. In Sierra de
Guara where we will do canyoning, some of the gorges are more than 1,500 meters
deep. It is probably the best place in Europe for canyoning.
What does canyoning involve?
Canyons require a great variety of
skills, the primary one being physical fitness (not a problem for the Lions of
the Pyrenees!) However, navigation, swimming, jumping, team work, wading… and
appreciation of the environment all help to ensure a good time.
What makes a good canyoning trip is a
combination of all the above, plus a group a good friends ready for challenges.
What do you take into a canyon?
All we need is a tee shirt, light quick
drying shorts, long socks (that stay up) and a pair of old tennis shoes. On top
of that we will put on wetsuits, since water will be cold and canyons are
mostly shadowy. Ropes, helmets and bolts will be provided by our guides.