Welcome to Canyoning Fundamentals.
Mastering building these anchors quickly will enhance your ability to navigate a canyon efficiently. It also transitions you from being a passenger to a contributing team member. This module will teach you how to construct essential anchors. Spend ample time at home practicing these different anchors. By the end of the module, you will learn:
Equipment & Terminology: Learn the differences between types of webbing and the specific terms used in anchor building.
D.E.A.R.: Understand how to choose a location for building an anchor and explain each component of the acronym D.E.A.R. (Dry, Equalized, Accessible, Retrievable).
E.A.R.N.E.S.T.: Learn how to optimize the quality of an anchor and define each element of the abbreviation E.A.R.N.E.S.T. (Efficient, Angle, No Extension, Strong, Timely).
Inspection: Practice thorough inspection of anchors, ensuring the integrity of webbing, correct construction, properly tied water knots, locked rapids, potential rope retrieval issues, and adherence to D.E.A.R. and E.A.R.N.E.S.T. principles.
Bolted Anchors: Discover how to connect two bolts to create a safer anchor.
American Death Triangle: Identify the hazardous "American Death Triangle" anchor system and understand why it should be avoided.
Natural Anchors: Learn the techniques for safely building natural anchors.
Learning how to rig different types of releasable rappel systems is essential for descending canyons safely. In this chapter, we will break down the following:
Equipment & Terminology: Understand the equipment needed and the terminology used for these different rigging systems.
Learn Essential Rigging Techniques: Develop proficiency in constructing both releasable and static rigging systems using industry-recognized best practices. This knowledge is crucial for safe and effective canyoning.
Releasable Systems: Understand how to build rigging systems that can be easily adjusted or released under load. This is vital for: Emergencies, adapting to changing conditions, Facilitating rescue operations.
Analyze Static and Retrievable Rappel Systems: Examine the available options and weigh the pros and cons of each system.
Single-strand versus Double Strand Rigging: Learn the steps to rig releasable rappel systems.
In this chapter, students will learn and practice essential techniques for preventing and managing common issues arising while on rappel. By the end of this chapter, you will have learned:
Prevention, Self-Rescue, & Partner Rescues: Learn how to identify and troubleshoot issues while rappelling, including when to ask your partner to lower you instead of attempting self-rescue.
Two Self-Rescue Techniques for Managing a Jammed Rappel Device: Lifting the jammed device to release it with a Mechanical Rope Grab. Tying a Klemheist hitch with a double-length sling allows you to stand up and release the device.
By the end of the course, you will have gained the knowledge to rappel more safely and confidently manage issues that may arise.
Cognitive:
Explain the principles of safe and efficient rope ascents using various techniques (Prusiking, ascenders, etc.).
Identify and analyze potential hazards associated with ascending, including rope condition, equipment failure, and environmental factors.
Psychomotor:
Demonstrate proper body mechanics and rope control for various ascending techniques.
Securely attach ascenders and Prusiks to the rope and adjust them efficiently.
Affective:
Develop a sense of confidence and competence in ascending ropes safely and efficiently.
Foster a risk-aware mindset and prioritize safety during all rope work activities.
Define the role and responsibilities of an Assistant Anchor Mangager: FPAR, rope management, critical communication and commands, coaching and teaching, help with trip planning, navigation and weather monitoring, and basic first aid.
Learn how to recognize and treat the most common illnesses encountered in the outdoors.