How to go canyoning safely

Canyoning is a sport for adventurers, adrenaline lovers, lovers of heights, nature, and climbing.

Although there are various levels of difficulty, this sport carries significant risk even at the simplest levels, so it's important to know how to use the proper techniques to practice canyoning safely.

Before embarking on an adventure, we must plan it and take into account some key points to avoid unforeseen events as much as possible.

First, we must find a ravine that suits the experience of the group participating in the activity. Have the guide explore the area beforehand and learn its most difficult aspects. Knowing the entire route in advance will greatly help in establishing schedules based on its length.

You should also check the weather forecast in case unfavorable conditions require you to cancel your activity. Avoid days with strong winds, heavy rain, and hail. Bad weather can be a major challenge for carrying out your activity correctly and could even endanger your life in extreme cases.

Training, even basic, is key to safe canyoning, so before beginning the adventure, the guide should provide all participants with a series of guidelines to follow to minimize risk.

It's essential to start the hike with plenty of time, considering that various circumstances could delay the group, and the activity must be completed before the light fades too much. We must also thoroughly check all the necessary equipment we must bring: helmets, wetsuits, ropes, carabiners, etc.

It's essential that the group stay together and not leave any companions alone, and it's also vital that participants listen to the professional guide accompanying them. Jumping into a pool not indicated by the guide, for example, or failing to follow instructions when jumping, can lead to accidents of varying severity.

It's important to stay calm in the event of an accident. It's always best to act calmly and with a cool head so we don't panic. The first thing to do in the event of an accident is to care for the injured person. Protect them and, above all, avoid endangering ourselves or others.

Dehydration and hypothermia are very common in canyoning if caution is not exercised, so it's essential to eat a good breakfast and drink water throughout the activity, even if you're not thirsty, especially if you're canyoning with children.

Having the necessary equipment in good condition is very important when canyoning. You can't practice this sport without the appropriate footwear and clothing, preferably wetsuits and booties. You should also bring some accessories to protect you from any unexpected events, such as a helmet (always approved), harness, ropes, anchor lines, descender, etc. The guide will be able to advise you on each case.

We can't forget the survival kit: water, food, a first-aid kit, a cell phone with a charged battery (submersible or in a watertight compartment), a waterproof flashlight, a whistle, a knife, and everything we might need in an emergency. Obviously, not everyone needs to bring everything; the activity guide and one other participant will be sufficient, depending on the size of the group.

If we take all these points into account, canyoning will be much safer, and the fun will always be there!

After the activity, there's nothing like returning to the Hotel Les Brases, taking a shower, having a wonderful dinner at the Les Brases restaurant, and finally enjoying a well-deserved rest in the comfortable beds in your room.