Canyoning Course Level 2
Sierra de Guara - Pyrenees
Increasing numbers of people are taking up canyoning. Most people who have some experience canyoning have abseiled, jumped from a variety of heights and negotiated water slides and siphons mostly under controlled conditions.
It is important to be constantly aware that conditions within canyons are unpredictable and quick to change. It is essential to have more than a basic knowledge of canyoning techniques to keep safe. This course is intended to equip you with skills which will help you anticipate and avoid possible dangers.
LEVEL 2: Intermediate - Advanced
PROVISIONAL DATES: Ask for information
INTRODUCTION
This course is designed to impart a basic level of knowledge of safety techniques, rope management, progression and self-rescue, to allow participants to enjoy canyoning safely and autonomously. Completion of the course in no way prepares participants for the responsibilities of guiding a group.
During the course, participants will be challenged to find solutions to different problem scenarios, which could conceivably occur while canyoning. These problems should be adequately overcome in order to be able to complete the course.
OBJETIVES
- Improve the range of the resources available to the canyoneer to maximize their autonomy while canyoning.
- Practice of complex rope techniques.
- Knowledge and practice of progression techniques in canyoning.
- Familiarity with and ability to recognize different water movements.
- Progression in semi equipped canyons.
- Knowledge and practice of basic self rescue techniques for use in an emergency.
CONTENTS
- Safe and autonomous progression in canyons.
- More complex rope techniques.
- Progression techniques in white water.
- Installation of natural anchors.
- Equipment necessary for autonomy in the canyon.
- Basic self rescue techniques.
COURSE PROGRAMME
- DAY 1
Rope work practice in Peña Castibián: rescue and self
rescue techniques - Time: 12:00h (the morning is free to allow for travel).
- Contents
- Blocking the abseiling device when abseiling with single and double ropes.
- Abseil with auto blocking devices, shunt, cordelette etc.
- Unblocking a girth hitch over your abseiling device while descending.
- Unblocking a girth hitch over a companion’s abseiling device in the middle of an abseil.
- Cutting the rope at the top of the abseil in an emergency.
- Abseil with a Munter Hitch at the belay.
- Techniques with a foot sling, blocking knots and devices.
- Lowering a companion with a Munter Hitch.
- Belaying a companion from the top of the abseil.
- Hauling a companion a small distance from the top of the abseil with an auxiliary rope. Ascending ropes with a friction knot and a Garda Hitch. Visualization of techniques for ascending ropes with a variety of equipment available.
- DAY 2
- Time: 09:00h
- Contents:
- River systems: characteristics, management and other factors affecting canyoning practice.
- Water movements in the river: pillows, eddies, siphons, holes, types of current etc.
- Using water movements to our advantage. Progression in currents.
- Technical abseils (Pendulums, exposed belays, abseiling where you cannot see to the base etc.)
- Guided abseil as a technique to avoid water features.
- Problem solving: finding and practising solutions to problem scenarios in the canyon, practice of all the techniques covered.
Canyoning: L’Aigüeta de Eriste or a similar itinerary
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience of at least 5-6 canyons.
- Knowledge of basic rope management.
- Have completed Vertientes Aventura’s Level 1 Canyoning course (not compulsory).
- A good level of general fitness which will allow you to withstand three days of intense canyoning and rope work practice.
PRICES
Prices include:
- 2 days canyoning in the Sierra de Guara.
- 1 nights bed and breakfast in the trekking hostel. (choice of accommodation).
- 1 picnic lunches during the canyoning activities.
- Use of all the necessary equipment for the theoretical classes and the canyoning (not including neoprene gloves).
- Accident and health insurance.
OPTIONAL:
- Bed and breakfast (if you arrive the evening before the course starts): 21,5 euros.
- Evening meal: 13,5 euros
- Picnic for day 1: 6,5 euros.
PRICES
In the case of a group of 2:
2 day course + 1 night bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
195,50 €
In the case of a group of 3:
2 day course + 1 night bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
185,50 €
In the case of a group of 4:
2 day course + 1 night bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
175,5 €
In the case of a group of 5 to 8:
2 day course + 1 night bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
165,5 €
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
- Trainers or walking boots (closed, lace-up shoes with thick soles, not sandals, which will protect your feet while walking in water).
- A change of clothes and footwear (at least 2 pair of sports shoes).
- Swimming costume.
- Sun protection.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Small backpack.
- People who wear glasses should use a retaining cord or not use their glasses during the activity, if possible.
- People who wear contact lenses should either protect them with swimming goggles or not use them during the activity, if possible.
- Gloves for abseiling (leather or similar).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- All the programmes on offer are CLOSED packages. Any changes or modifications to the programme would cancel any discounts included in the package and the activities would therefore be charged for individually at the normal price.
- In all packages and programmes, the order in which the activities take place will depend on weather conditions and group numbers. Whilst we will do our best to accommodate the clients' preferences, the final order of activities will be at the discretion of Vertientes Aventura.
- Vertientes Aventura reserves the right to partially or totally change the programme due to adverse weather or river conditions.
- If any participants require a specific diet (e.g.. vegetarian), medication or have health problems which may affect the programme, Vertientes Aventura before the arrival of the group.
- In the case that the client, by choice or due to lack of condition, preparedness or fitness, cannot participate in the programmed activities there will be NO REFUND.
- In the case of adverse weather or river conditions affecting the programmed activities, Vertientes Aventura will provide alternative activities of similar value.
- Only as a last resort and in the case that activities cannot be substituted for, will a partial refund be made. Organizational costs and the guide's fee (approximately 35 %) will not be returned. All refunds will be administered by the agency responsible for the sale of the programme.
- Vertientes Aventura takes no responsibility for other activities undertaken by the participant during their stay, whether with another company or on their own initiative, including trekking routes suggested by Vertientes Aventura. As such, our insurance will not cover these other activities.
- It is important that participants collect a European Health Insurance Card before leaving their country of origin so that they can be treated by the Spanish Social Security Services in the case of accidents or illnesses that may occur outside the activities contracted with Vertientes Aventura.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
- All the prices shown for individual activities and programmes are for groups of 5 or more participants. (Except where indicated.)
- For groups of less than 5, the fees for some activities will be increased. Please consult prices on our web site or by calling our offices.
- All reservations require a booking deposit which should be paid by bank transfer:
- Individual activities: 20€ per person and activity.
- Weekend and three day programmes: 50€ per person.
- Four and Five day programmes: 75€ per person.
- Longer stays: consult prices.
- Individual activities: 20€ per person and activity.
- The outstanding balance should be paid on the group’s arrival, if possible in cash.
- Bookings will only be recognized as made once the deposit has been received
- Participants in all bookings involving adventure activities must complete our accident insurance form which can be found in the “Information and bookings” section of our web site.
CANCELLATIONS
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In the case of cancellation, the client will be liable for the following costs:
- Any cancellation made more than 5 days prior to the planned arrival date will incur a cancellation charge of 30% of the deposit.
- Deposits will be FORFEITED on cancellations made during the 5 days prior to the planned arrival date, whatever the motive for the cancellation.
