BM23
Participant joining information and update by Duncan Fowler
Hello canyoneers!
Congratulations on showing an interest in BM23. The year is going by very fast and soon we
will be chilling out in one the coolest places to be in the hot, hot summer. It looks like its
gonna be a summer all right, possibly early than usual.
It’s wonderful to see such a high registration response to this expedition (mostly 6 months
ago) and its looking highly likely we may easily have 3 canyon groups down there assuming
we only get another few registered participants in the next few months. It would make
things much more challenging to run if we need 4 groups but we do have some help.
We will have participants and leaders around between Friday the 8 th to Sunday the 17 th so
there may be some extra activities or expansion to the program possible. An abseil
refresher is possibly available for Friday afternoon as well.
I am aware of some participants arrival departure times but most it is unknown now with
the automatic registration process. So you will be assumed to be participating every day
from Saturday to Saturday. If this is not the case it would be good to advise for planning the
days you intend undertaking.
It is hoped this information will be a timely reminder how to get sorted for the week and
better prepare participants to get the most out of it. Obviously we still have plenty of time
to prepare.
Theres not much to it all really, just need to check off some admin formalities, your skills
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should be up to date soon and you will be checking up on your equipment while getting it
together. Then we need get a few groups formed down there, get a leader or two per group
and you are on your way to do a canyon a day. Between now and then you will need to do
all the usual holiday type organising stuff. But that’s up to you.
Well done if you are fairly ready to go. The group size is now expected to be 30 including
helpers so it’s maybe better to term it a canyon festival. Not sure if these numbers have
been matched to this level on many club roping adventures to date.
Once again several members of the Sydney University Bushwalking/ Canyoning club are
helping us out with some friendly local guiding knowledge so there is plenty of experience
turning up.
*On that note, many members from SUBW and NRBC will be leading groups during the
week. Please be aware that all attendees are all participating as capable canyoneers.
Leaders are all volunteers and are not paid to be participating in a professional guiding
capacity.
That means they are there to help but not really there to short rope or point out every
metre to participants. All participants should function as a single team from start to finish
and take equal responsibility for their own and others participation.
Leaders are not there to muster canyon crew around the hills for 8-9 days. They are subject
matter experts, love being on these adventures, sharing the magic of the mountains and
are guiding the group through the hills where needed. We may have the luxury of dual
leadership in some instances.
We will also have to respect any decision calls that leaders make depending on situations
that may arise on the running of the day. Things can change. That said, we may still have
options for a change in location or activity that day if changes need to be made or a
situation doesn’t feel right. It is adventure folks!
Please make the week a pleasurable experience for the folks helping us out.
Apologies in advance if this update covers some ultra basic information that folk’s may
already well know. Im pitching it more so for coordination of our large diverse group and
for folks who are newer to the activity. We may not have met some of our participants so
covering basic information is not assumed.
As the new booking system comes down to a click or a swipe to register for this expedition,
participants must self assess their abilities to do 7, 8, 9 days straight of canyon tours. Some
help with that is included in this brief. You will definitely need to train up for this week to
get the most out of it.
This update is divided into a few topics such as;
o general information and history
o what to expect
o Basic skills check and refresher training points to cover
o How days will run, some possible contingencies
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o Leader information particularly for abseil canyons
o Equipment suggestions
o Club admin- hopefully not too much
Historical Background and general information
The NRBC club has been involved with canyoning for 45 years. It is possible they were the
first group to descend the Coomera canyon and Falls in Lamington NP in the 1970’s.
Blue Mtns canyoning was an unofficial 90’s tradition in the Northern Rivers Bushwalking
club for several years on and off which is still often repeated in present times, each year or
so. That gives you an idea of the draw this activity has. We do have some short canyon like
areas in the Northern Region/ SE Qld but nothing like this for number, quality and ease of
access down the blueys.
It is a truly rewarding week. It is a very unique environment and activity.
Many videos and pictures will show you what is involved, pretty much everything thats
involved except the doing it bit. Maybe don’t watch too many or it could be a spoiler for the
adventure of it.
If you are newer to this experience maybe you should delve into what will be happening so
you are aware of how it is. There is plenty of stuff online. That includes canyon incidents of
course. I would hope everyone is onboard with preventing us from being involved in one.
Things can happen and will happen in all activities at some stage so at least you are aware.
There are club risk management documents you could also refresh on.
There is plenty in the week to get excited about.
The BM canyons are marvellous geological features; ancient, deep, dark, mystifying, cold
and neatly scoured out for millennia. They have looked the same since the Grand Canyon of
America was just a small stream. Some sections are truly dark. Some are narrow enough to
need you to turn sideways to get through.
Canyoning goes back to the 1960’s here. Known canyons in the 1980’s was about 100. After
the 80’s there has been an explosion of canyon discovery. Today its over 1000, making this
a worldwide mecca.
The discovery of the Wollemi pine is directly attributable to canyoning here and
subsequently also saving them, from possible extinction, in the 2020 fires only 26 years
later.
Many people may not be aware that The Blue mountains are the homeland of Australian
bushwalking, conservation and canyoning amongst other things. The greater Blue
Mountains is a world heritage area.
What to expect on this adventure- Can you can-yon?
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Probably Can!-Canyon grades vary from-easy lilo based ones with hoards of backpackers,
outdoors groups and families on lilos. This is also why we are operating mainly during the
week and out of school holidays to try and get the place to ourselves.
Then there are the lonely long remote multiple day style ones with no trace of visitation.
The bushwalking grade system the NRBC club uses would have the walk grade at about 3-4-
5 for most days.
Around half of the trips undertaken on the itinerary are defined virtually as ‘tourist
canyons’ and so are regularly done by completely first time tourists, families and friends
with zero experience.
These sites are a case of just keeping moving. So these are often called easy on a scale of
1-3. 3 being hard. Of course they would be very difficult places to be in if your ability to
move through was limited or impacted. If you cant do someone else’s easy then it wont be
easy for you.
Other canyon sites are more the same but gaining a more moderate rating (Jamieson
canyon guide to BM) with longer swims, longer sections, an abseil, a scramble out,
constrictions, darkness, more navigation and further walking in and out.
Many easy canyons have thrilling side canyons to explore optionally but should not be
missed. Some choose to warm up outside side canyons instead and wait for the group to
return. So a canyon in the program hopefully includes being in 2-3 different ones.
All moderate grade canyons will still have a well beaten path to them. That said once in
these places it is ravine style travel.
Several canyons will require jumping into water and pools with all equipment on. I would
say this is the best part of the week. Some are body slides down rock chutes. Having spent a
lot of time around swimming holes though, I learned that many people have never actually
jumped off a cliff into water several metres! It does take practice to land on your feet! So
there is another thing to practice between now and then. I would not expect anyone to
have to coach participants in this, nor should you. So practice taking a short run off into a
deep pool somewhere, not a swimming pool.
The activity is now so specialised that many people claim to be canyoners but not
bushwalkers and that the bushwalking part keeps them from being in the canyon. These
types are all for short walks in. That may still be several kilometres.
The goal of this week is to play in some of the easier to moderate ones, Ideally having a
rewarding active adventure experience and to understand some of what this activity is all
about..
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On a personal note I was initially motivated to organise this event as a celebratory occasion
to mark my 40 years of doing these roping based adventures and thought this would be a
fitting way to share it with friends both new and old as well as like minded adventurer folks.
It has been wonderful to share countless adventures with thousands of great folks along the
way.
Most canyoners will seek out high quality sustained, sculptured sections or ‘canyon proper’.
These sections can be several hundred meters long or kilometres long. Many canyons go in
and out of canyon proper. Overall the Blue Mountains sandstone (Box) canyons are
horizontal canyons with small abseils when necessary. Usually the smaller the stream the
narrower the canyons.
Big canyons?
Yeah nah- Higher multiple pitch canyons are located more in the Kanangra end of the
mountains, another 2 hours drive away. These canyons are more typical of the ones we
usually visit back in the north. It is very time consuming to spend 4 hours in a day driving to
and from these areas when we could have nearly finished one nearby in the central blue
mountains. It is still totally worth checking out these on another visit or even as a day out.
The Kanangra scenery is some of the more impressive anywhere.
How it is in these canyons?
Some of the most exquisite canyon sections can be accessed by just walking and wading.
Some are more arduous to the average person. All canyon descriptions would assume you
are a fit competent bushwalker doing off track areas. Tracks will be common but also a
bonus.
It is a place of contradictions, sometimes a searing 40 degree, burning hot, bush track walk
into a gorge and bashing through the searing scrub down to a creek wishing desperately for
to cool off in the chilly waters. Not long later some canyons will seriously chill you right
down to the core and you will yearn for the warmth of that ridge soon or even a patch of
sunlight along the creek to stop and warm up in! It is good not to assume too much from
hot days will affect canyon temperatures. Its easier to cool down in cool water than to
warm up in cold water.
Some years we have started the day in the rain and cloud at 14 degrees C, putting on wet
wetsuits for a cloudy day in cold water with no sunlight likely. Please let that thought drive
your choice in wetsuit thickness.
Usually rain will raise canyon water temperatures slightly.
On really wet days we may have to change canyon sites, go walking, climbing or to seek out
waterfalls.
It is more likely that we will have to fit the schedule around possible bushfire season
interruptions. Another possibility is slightly earlier starts for thunderstorm prediction days
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or to change locations or if necessary cancel the day. That said there are always some
options down there.
Most of these are reasons not to stray too far from the regular canyoning haunts this time.
Group considerations
The grade and access of most days is Intended to reduce time driving and walking into the
canyon proper sections and also to be able to accommodate for a ‘larger’ group.
As there may be several groups participating (3 or 4) potentially, all 3 groups will need to be
distributed to other canyons, other sections, different approaches or staggered start times.
This is to keep groups smaller and manageable. We may not be the only ones in there.
There are times such as any pinch points or abseils especially where we will need to be safe
but need to be time efficient to get through as soon as possible. Think like airport runways
here. All set for take off, taxi out, get a clearance and go.
That analogy means a minute or two per person, not 10-20 minutes per person to go down
a 10m cliff. Where possible too we can set up dual abseil points to keep it moving.
There are many ways to be more efficient in this realm.
Other canyon sections away from those points can be a dawdle and a play to take it all in,
there should be no pressure thereon, just getting back for dinner.
National Parks requires most organisations to have group sizes limited to 10 people. That is
the maximum size of practicality.
With all our sub groups there would therefore be a need to be in several varying
trajectories, as mentioned, so as to not intentionally be in the same place at the same time.
This may also give participants an ability to choose or vary destinations for the day
depending on flexibility of the numbers in each group.
We have some helpers!
As mentioned we have had some valuable assistance guiding to BM canyons over recent
years by some great contacts in the Sydney University Bushwalking Club. Some of that
favour has been reciprocated in our area as well.
Paul Griffiths has put out the call for assistance recently and we have plenty of help
indicated for the weekends and less so for some weekdays coming up.
All going well we will have plenty of guides coming to ensure our several groups enter and
exit canyons in the right places.
Of course we have plenty of experience, in house, in Abseil and Bushwalk leading and it is
predicted these valuable personnel will be evenly spread amongst each of the canyon
groups. Many of our attendees registered have also been canyoning here as well. There
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should be plenty of guidance available in each group for newer or first time participants.
The one thing we cant do is move you quicker through terrain you may be new to.
The simplest way to organise the 3 sub groups by the day is to schedule a group according
to the weekday. Group 1 starts Sundays canyon day, Group 2 starts Mondays suggested
canyon (on Sunday that is), 3 Tuesday schedule etc. The first day may be an arrival day so
short options are proposed for the first and last day.
The days schedules will be formulated around closer to the time as of of what days what
leaders and groups are available.
As most folks will meet and stay at the Tourist Park this will be a relay point for what group
is going out and where.
Some places like Wollangambe are huge and a simple way to undertake it would be to go in
different entries, sections or to stagger starting times with all our three groups. On
Wollangambe there are three major sections we could all do for each group.
Not sure how to exactly formulate the 3 groups. There will probably be some natural
coalescence.
Another suggestion – (based on sleep patterns) is we could have the high cortisol early
risers, the mellow civilised time adventurers and the (later- still not here yet) café latte
canyoners, of which I am happy to represent! Coffee and canyons that is, in that order!
Sub-Groups then coordinate the doing of the day amongst themselves, get a leader, have a
brief and car pool to track heads. Travel maybe up to ~45minutes away, some only 5
minutes away.
*Just remember the Itinerary is only indicative and will change closer to date depending on
Canyons selected, participants, weather and prevailing conditions.
Review
So a lot of the week comes down to;
¿ The ability to travel down a rocky stream
¿ Some off track walking track sections
¿ Being good Around water; swimming, wading, confidently jumping into water off
rocks,
¿ abseiling waterfalls,
¿ balancing on creek rocks and logs and avoiding potential water strainer situations.
(Water levels are not expected to be high).
¿ walking into valleys and back up (~2-300m elevation loss/gain )
¿ Use of scrambling skills and using hand lines at times
¿ Abseiling
o Getting on abseil equipment, fit harness equipment effectively
o use a safety line effectively
o connecting to an abseil rope and set correct friction setting
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o perform safety checks
o Controlled abseil, stop, lock off
o Perform self and bottom of cliff belays
o Undertake typical abseiler calls/ whistle calls
o carrying some group gear
Abseil / Rappelling- a bit more detail here folks so we are on the same pages
¿ Abseiling days occur with the NRBC club very regularly during the year including
introductory training.
¿ Several dedicated training/ refresher days will be slotted just for this tour and aimed at
an introductory or refresh level to ensure new or existing canyoners with the minimum
skills to participate.
¿ At present these are planned for October/November. Check on events calender
¿ Catherine has offered her skills to fit in any other days if these dates do not match for
some participants.
¿ There is much opportunity to practice short abseil drops down in the mountains when
down there with an abundance of small cliffs nearby again to refresh, practice or play.
This may be an option for those from areas not close to the Northern Rivers region. It is
predicted some experienced crew will be in the area before the start day to additionally
get folks some extra practice. I can advise many play cliffs around the area.
¿ Paul and Duncan are available Friday 8 th afternoon the first week for those arriving early
¿ The intention with the refresh/ intro training is not to do practice for larger drops but to
refine basic techniques, becoming more efficient and refresh safety procedures. The
club does large drops most of the other times and this can be worked on most the year.
If you are regularly attending several club abseils or similar during the year you should
be good to go. Assistance from members on extra training days will be valuable.
¿ So the hope would be a participant fully gears up, comes up to a drop, connects to a
separate safety line, then connects to the main rope, goes down safely with some form
of backup system and gets off the line within about 2 minutes of getting onto the rope
at the top. Hopefully you can be at the bottom of the rope within 5 minutes of getting to
the top. What this is leading to is with a group of 10 we could have done a safe group
abseil within less than an hour of arriving at the drop. So heres the temperature warning
again if you are first down in the canyon you may be hanging around for an hour for
others to descend.
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¿ Climbing back up the rope using any typical method is also necessary as many know. All
that matters is you can do it at a reasonable pace on a single or double rope if needed
and not flaff around. If its been a while please practice as you will be relying on you!
¿ Abseilers being practice (rescue) lowered prior to the event is highly recommended as a
training exercise. This is a simple rescue method where we use another friction device
pre rigged with the main rope you are on.
o Typically these locked off devices which are also backed up by way of a prussik
type loop or similar. The device is located at the top of the abseil to lower the
abseiler down whom has encountered a problem, a jam for example. The amount
of rope able to potentially pay out would be the same length as the entire abseil
height and then some.
It is a valuable exercise to all in Being lowered by an experienced operator, down the
drop, say from half way or preferably closer to the ground, by safely lowering the main
line. I have done these pre-set in several commercial and private outings and they are
very time efficient and good for the abseiler to get on ground quickly.
This main abseil line is to be pre rigged on all drops down unless deemed for some
reason that it is impractical. It’s the same rig for commercial groups. Again this is the
most likely scenario we would face on an abseil out there. If everything is ready it should
result in about a 2 minute delay if a lower has to take place. If the system is not installed
it usually makes things more complicated converting the existing rig and completing the
lower would make time get away.
The most effective way to move through these scenarios and in the canyons abseils
would be to have a bottom belayer method as this is the simplest, most effective for
overhangs and more efficient time wise for waterfall type canyoning.
If participants were to spend a couple minutes installing a self belay, they could actually
be down and off and away already using the bottom belayer method. Again we seek to
minimise time at abseils as it can add up with a ten person crew and multiple other
groups. Abseil points again are akin to airport runways and those planes can back up a
long way!
So in the scenario practice the bottom belayer also needs to maintain downward braking
pressure on the abseil device and also pull in the rope as it is lowered. Slack should not
exist in the rope above or below the ‘victim’ till confirmed on ground. The bottom belay
may be best to make some minor positioning changes for the abseiler to land them in a
good spot. The bottom belay needs good footing (or assistance from others) so as not to
move or slide and to be safe from rockfall..
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¿ Self belay practice is also good in abseil refresher training. Make sure it engages and
disengages. If it activates in a overhung waterfall ask if that is going to be easily released
to continue down.
Abseil Rig- what to bring- the usual stuff
¿ Harnesses- can be loaned. Please consult Shane in advance.
¿ A lightweight canyon or climbing type harness is recommended if you have a
choice as it may only be needed for single pitch abseils. Some canyon entry routes
like Hat Hill creek from hat hill can have a few small multiple pitch abseils as an
option for some groups.
¿ Chest harness; is not essential but bear in mind you will be abseiling with a pack
on. Even a lightweight sling tape chest harness may prevent a flip from too much
upper body weight.
¿ Descender devices-(some can be loaned), preferably you can bring one with;
o In line rope routing such as hydrobot, racks, gold tail, some belay plates
o Is lightweight
o Something that can easily add or subtract friction combinations for single
and double ropes
o Something that locks off easily
o One that does not need to detach from your harness to connect or
disconnect rope so to avoid sinking into a deep pool and you searching for it
¿ Prussik loops- for ascending- one long and one short. An additional one super
short can be good for use in self belays if needed.
¿ Helmets-for abseil canyon yes, for non abseil ones, up to you. Some helmets are
available for loan
Leaders and experienced canyoners- additional things to cover in training and on
canyon abseils please
¿ Typically we have a more experienced abseiler go down the drop first and last
¿ Additional rescue ropes/ hand lines to be carried. Two experienced canyoners or leaders
per group should carry at least a smaller gauge rescue capable type rope. Throw bag
rescue ropes are a popular choice and at least two, or equivalent, should be taken per
group even on non abseil trips for handlines, pool crossings, scrambling or in case of
strainer incidents. This line can be made into a possible hauling line if really necessary.
¿ Rigging releasable main abseil rope line. As mentioned above. This is for practice In
training days and on tour. Experienced canyoners whom may be in a position to be
setting up abseils or last down must be able to rig up and put into effect the lowering
system which is very easy to install and operate. Your choice of method.
¿ A rope long enough for the drop can be halved and half the rope can be situated above a
backed up locked off belay device at the top of the abseil eg a figure 8 descender. This is
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a system typically used by canyon guides. There are countless variations. Single or
double rope options.
¿ Separate anchored safety line/s, where necessary, that can be reached in a safe place to
allow canyoner positioning to the abseil top. There are many methods. Preferably if
carabiners are used then auto locking gate carabiners are preferred. Best system is
participants using their own carabiner prussik combination
¿ Last abseiler to then install double rope abseil to descend down. Lowering of line in this
scenario is obviously not an option so usual self rescue applies.
Training refresher days for leaders- hopefully we can cover these points
¿ Edge safety. Very easy one, Participants should never be wandering up to a cliff edge
without a safety line. 2m from an edge on flat ground is closest one should venture
before being attached to a secure line or somehow be capable of horizontal flight.
¿ On practice days pitches it is hoped Multiple lines can be set up so more than 1 activity
can be underway. For example a prussik line, a self belay abseil and a bottom belay
abseil. Depends on site. Up to you.
¿ A recommended theme to simplify content on training sessions is to use the 3 method
philosophy for a small range of technical tasks. Experienced abseilers should also take
stock and ask themselves do I know 2 other methods for what I am doing know. So for
instructors and participants you should definitely know 3 ways or methods for any tasks
you need to perform then that is all you need to know and not getting bogged down all
the myriad of other possibilities. As long as methods are commonly accepted then it is
not worth becoming focussed on only 1 or 2 ways to do something.
Ideally these are not the same family of technical options such as releasable hitches
around a tree. For example a round turn and two half hitches; that is one method,
another is a load release strap a third is a locked off figure 8 descender. Boom! we have
3 different ways to do the same thing and we pick the best for the situation. 3 belays-
self, top and bottom. 3 descenders; A rack, a hyrdobot and a pirahna.
We can continue on For example; 3 anchoring types, 3 edge padding, three lock off
methods and so on.
A checklist of skills were previously listed. Have a good explore of this. It is not onerous.
Participants must practice or refresh this ahead of time if its been a while. Learning on the
job down there is not an option as there is ample time ahead. We need to be efficient with
any abseil drops down there as it can be cold and time delays as mentioned are a risk
factor.
Some drops are a bit confined so you will need to be independent when out there. Im sure
most participants will find it a breeze.
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In Canyons stuff
¿ Prefer use of floating, canyon type rope for canyons with swimming. Static ropes for dry
areas and practice slopes.
¿ Prefer double rope abseils for smaller rope diameters for better friction control and
reduced wear
¿ Line can be trailed across large pools instead of carrying a bundle which can be hard to
swim with. Some float ropes do sink eventually and we don’t want to lose a jammed one
on a log down there.
¿ Sometimes separate lines are held or connected for crossing longer pools such as throw
rope or canyon abseil rope. This can be good for weaker swimmers to get across quicker.
¿ Ideally group is to be in sight of each other once in canyon and to be led through with
regular catch up points. Everyone should actively manage this as part of a team, it is not
up to leaders to muster participants for a week.
Additional activities
Not just canyons, its an adventure wonderland and in the area there may be a further
option at other parts of the day when time allows to do more activities if you have the
energy.
This is possible following shorter canyon days usually. With the maximum daylight hours of
that time year there may be plenty of opportunity later in the day for another short canyon,
taking in scenic points, short or sunset walks, local abseils and easier grade rock climbs. In
some of these weeks we have actually done up to 20 activities!
Participants can select from the full suggested schedule, of course, or have rest days to
explore more the scenic grandeur of the Mountains that has attracted millions of visitors
every year.
Participants should not feel compelled to undertake all activities as it can be a big week.
A updated Canyon list, in no particular order looking like;
1. Empress
2. Grand- various ways
3. Hat hill
4. Wollongambe 1-2-3 options
5. Serendipity
6. Rocky creek and twister and sheep dip
7. North Bowens
8. Lower north Bowens
9. TBA
For first day meet up for participants who are around meet at BMTP at Blackheath 830 Near
the camp kitchen.
Lets make it a great week. See you in the hills folks. Duncs
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BM23 Canyoning Week Admin Check and More gear specifics
There is a suggested checklist of things to ensure you make preparations for the week.
Administration, sorry folks of course there Is admin stuff
.
¿ all participants will need to become financial members (~$30/a) of the Northern
Rivers Bushwalking Club NRBC if you haven’t already, which can be done anytime on
line at; https://nrbc.memberjungle.com/
¿ There are some other things you should know for new members contained in the
club information. There is a bushwalking (walking) and Abseiling essential
information documents that participants need to read, understand and be mindful
of. This is generic bushwalking and abseiling safety material you will need to confirm
that you have read this document so we are all on the same page. Please note some
basic standard equipment requirements.
And on that point, You will not be doing yourself or your group any favours walking
around with an empty pack when difficulty is encountered. Please take some time to
prepare for the full day with everything you need.
*If it needs to be said you should prepare for a full day, prepare to be delayed and
prepare to assist in an evacuation that takes as long as it takes! Of course all types of
incidents have happened before in the easiest of canyons.
¿ Risk management guidelines (Abseiling and Bushwalking Information) also should be
examined and have some basic information to reduce predictable risks so will also
need to be read and understood. Note the specific references to being 15 minutes
away from the vehicles which are based on another site and will be much longer and
up to several hours away on the proposed outings.
¿ Register on the club MEMBER JUNGLE for the activity. (You have probably already
done that)
¿ Book Accommodation in the area. Most are staying in the upper mountains at
Blackheath with the Blue Mtns Tourist parks. BMTP we are staying at is at Blackheath
there is another in katoomba. Most of the BM23 crew are already booked into here
at Blackheath glen. https://www.bmtp.com.au/blackheath-glen.html. They have
accomodation from tent sites to 6 person cabins. You can secure your booking with
ONE night payment until arrival. There may be some coordination possible of people
looking to share cabins. Otherwise there are literally hundreds of other options in the
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area. Blackheath is an ideal location with close park access points.The
Blackheath’CBD’ is walking distance with cafes, deli, take aways, Pub and more.
¿ Get some gear together
¿ Wetsuit is of major importance, if you are relatively comfortable temperature
wise you will enjoy the canyon experience much more. If you are cold you will
want to keep moving all the time. This can be an issue if the group is slowed
down or in difficulty. If you have a choice take the thick warm one, that will be
best. Long length wetsuit padding is good for protecting from bumps and
grazes.
¿ Some people may be able to raise up the temperature rating of a thinner
wetsuits by wearing thermals underneath.
¿ You can also incorporate a wetsuit vest over the top of another wetsuit
and this will warm the core more.
¿ Wetsuit hoods and booties or socks also raise body temperature well
¿ Wetsuits are also good flotation.
¿ A 4-5mm wetsuit is recommended for the temperature and for doing
multiple days in end. It is noted that much wetsuits have evolved
construction technology and some thinner thickness ones are warmer
than thicker older ones
¿ Many folks wear a pair of board shorts over the wetsuit to protect
against wear on rocks on older less padded models
¿ Dry suits are of course an alternative to wetsuits. These are rarely seen
¿ Lightweight footwear; there are many options in this space of course;
¿ volleys, canyoning shoes or dive booties etc etc. Everyone seems to have
a preference. There are many water shoes out there now. Thick socks
with sneakers are a classy and will keep in some heat when in cold water
¿ The scuba dive booties are some extra weight and have been found very
warm, good grip, good for swimming and don’t fill up with copious
gravel from wading in coarse sandy gravel pools. This gravel action into
shoes can wear out a pair of socks in a day and is a drag to empty shoes
of rocks after each pool. It is amazing how keeping your feet warm will
keep the rest of your body warm.
¿ Heavy type hiking boots are not recommended and seldom seen
¿ Keen and rafting type sandals have their devotees but will potentially
gravel up
¿ Dry bags- for dry storage AND flotation
¿ Many options out there again but a dry bag in a backpack (packs that do
up with a significant waist belt) are needed to keep gear dry.
¿ Phones have dry bags now with a lanyard. Pools are deep and cold folks!
¿ Usually valuable items are sealed in even another bag, things such as a
good lunch are enjoyed more dry!. Dry bags are cheap now, grab thick
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durable ones. Thinner ones are good as second bag in main one. Test
thinner ones!
¿ Dry bags deteriorate! Test it out in a pool and go from there
¿ Dry bags are also floatation which keeps you buoyant and means less
deep jumps into water less likely to hit or snag the bottom.
¿ Floatation devices-some options for something that floats
¿ Lilos or similar are required for the longer canyons such as wollangambe
that have loooong pools and stretches of water that make it unviable to
swim. Swimming is not an option on some canyons. Presently used
options are now;
¿ The traditional rubberised/ vulcanised rubber cotton air mattress is an
old standard. These are the single mattress type with a pillow chamber.
That pillow has saved a few canyoners from a long swim.
These mats are incredibly now up around the $100 mark and are not in
every camping store as once were. These usually will survive a week or
two and can be patched. If you have an old one test it, it’s probably
gone!
¿ Surf mats are a smaller option in all shades of manufacture but are
susceptible for easy puncture as they also don’t tend to have other
chambers to inflate. Surf mats mean heads down paddling usually but
slightly more durable material is necessary
¿ Boogie boards, some use these, a good indestructible option, slightly
harder to transport. Semi submerged travel but very reliable.
¿ Inflatable Boogey Board- best of both worlds. Yep there’s inflatable
boogey boards, get as long as possible.
¿ Inflatable kids Standup Paddle board. Another durable option that is a
tad more expensive than a lilo but has multiple uses and are super
durable materials. Don’t bring a 10’, get as short as possible.
¿ Tyre inner tubes are possible, best if pumped up and down, two joined
together also a method for double comfort. Test these out first
¿ Flamingo or unicorn swimming pool ring- nah just kidding!
¿ Backpack, rope bag or dry pack-
¿ medium sized backpacks with good waistbelt are good for water jumps.
If you have a pack with a dry bag. Recommend at 30-40litre pack with
internal frame. Larger hiking packs are annoying for swimming and
liloing, anything
¿ Of course there are canyon packs, caving packs. Good holes for drainage
in base of pack is a bonus
¿ Pack contents
¿ Plenty of high energy snacks, quick grab foods and things that don’t
mind being crushed
¿ Usually best not taking items in solid containers for ease of packing, eg
take snacks out of packets.
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¿ Plenty of water. Water in canyons will need to be treated and is usually
not suitable for drinking despite appearances. Some walks out of
canyons are 2 hours of uphill walking so you will need to have enough..
¿ Change of clothes is often what you wear in. Usually changing into a
wetsuit and store clothes dry for walk out
¿ Warming options. There are some options such as thermal blankets,
balaclavas, spare thermals and portable stoves. These have been used
¿ A small headtorch- for the day time on some trips, also in case
Things to check off at commencement of each day
¿ Make sure you have all equipment for the day. To forget a wetsuit may be a day
breaker. Also good to Travel to site with your pack in the car you are in!
¿ Participants will need adequate food, water, suitable footwear, first aid, lighting,
abseil gear, medication etc. most of this is conveyed in essentials documents
¿ Have available medical documentation form available in pack in case of any
emergency. Many people have this information on their phone emergency apps now
¿ Meet at a designated meeting place or BMTP is probably best
¿ Each day there is a sign on sheet and acknowledgment of risks form. This information
is delivered to a NRBC club walk contact not on the trip that day. This person will be
the coordinator for an emergency activation at an agreed time. The contact person
will be the go between club members families and the emergency services if required
to ensure one line of communication. Participants’ concerned persons, should also be
advised of the contact for that day. Some past trips have finished in dark after late
starts and also helping other groups with an emergency.
With that in mind the activation of a search wont start until at probably least 9pm on
some trips and may not effectively start until the next day. With that in mind the
canyoners should prepare for how they would like to cope on a 24 hour epic.
¿ Group members will need to participate as a group and operate within sight of each
other. Groups often split to explore side creeks and need to rejoin entire group
before continuing.. Participants should ensure they don’t wander ahead or off
without confirming with leaders. Some canyon sections will lead to another day trip
starting once an exit is missed! If a group agreeably splits for practical reasons on a
trip they must understand they will both have to function as independent groups.
After the activity
o When undertaking a roping based abseil day contributions of $15 are required for the
club abseiling equipment use and replacement fund if used. Occasionally when a
member uses their rope as the main line the donation will go towards them. There is
a club debit account you can find on the websites or member jungle.
o Leader has to make sure group members are accounted for and Participants should
do their best to facilitate that a d not assume everyone knows where they are.
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o Group equipment is returned before leaving site often At the vehicles where
equipment is returned, people sign out and there is often some logistics going on. If
