Canyon Tech

Canyon Tech

Two experienced Southern Utah canyoneers discuss the equipment and techniques needed to safely enjoy a rapidly growing backcountry sport. Canyoneering combines hiking, route-finding, and technical rope work to allow canyoneers to navigate stunning canyons inaccessible to most people.

Please Release Me

When a rappeler is stuck or injured they may have to be lowered. Rigging releasable provides quick and easy rescue options to the team. Also, the world's first canyoneering rap song! (Lyrics below.)---------------------------------------------The canyon’s callin’; Rodcle’s haulin’; Don’t forget the rope; Or you'll be free-fallin’Bike helmet’s packed; the Hoka’s strapped; Cuz da’ noob is greener than a Benjamin stack.Vocal Ninjas, flossin’ topo; Grindin’ peaks, like a hippo; Shoulda rode a horseback; Thai-ger, give my biner backPackin’ the ATC; Friction free; Falling faster than Death Valley scree.The anchor’s bomber; Don't call for mama; Smoother on the line than Barack ObamaVocal Ninjas, with the swagbags; Moonwalkin, on a rock crag; Squeezin, in a slot crack; Thai-ger, give my biner back!Da’ Feet are ready; Brake hand is steady; I'm about to rap; Get the confetti ready.The VT’s wrapped; Crowd’s ready to clap; Gotta get moving; Cuz I need my nap.Vocal Ninjas, with the jet lag; Dropping bombs, like a rope bag; I'm a pro rapper, give me some slack; Thai-ger, give my biner back!Yeah, no time for delay; Callin’ for a belay; Movin’ slow on the line; Like seniors at a buffetTime to call SAR; It’s (0.4) point four to the car; But my water’s warm; And da’ phone’s got one barVocal Ninjas, biner airtags; Making fun of, climber dirtbags; Quick, on the comeback; Thai-ger give my biner back!Yeah; Give my biner back.  Uh, Yeah; My iPhone says it's at your house dogg.Dang; Calling SAR again.Just want my biner back...

04-04
26:05

All the Canyon's a Stage

Canyoneering is a team sport where everyone performs one or more roles in the canyon to help the team succeed. Discussed in this episode are the defined roles like Team Leader and the lesser roles and tasks that anyone and everyone on the team should perform along the way to better ensure a safe and enjoyable canyon experience.

12-05
31:46

The Force is Strong with this One

Understanding force in canyoneering is key to creating safe systems that minimize forces on the anchors, your equipment, and ultimately...your body in the event of a fall.

10-02
28:22

Self Rescue, Passing the Knot, and Ascending

We discuss three advanced techniques when on rope. Self Rescue; Passing the Knot; and Ascending. Each has their own techniques and safety considerations.

07-06
21:34

Improvisation Embarkation

Things don't always go as planned. You forget gear. You drop gear. No problem...hear about other options for descending or ascending a rope when you have limited gear. Also learn how to get your rope back when you're out of pull cord and how to backup rappels safely.

06-07
31:52

SAR-ry Not Sorry

Hear the reasons and methods to develop your skills to lead a rescue or at least be a contributing member of the rescue team! https://wildskyguides.com/peak-rescue-csar-course-2024/ https://elevatedsafety.com/events/swiftwater-canyoning-rescue-operations-8-12-2024-washington/ https://wildskyguides.com/pnw-canyoneering-courses/swiftwater-rescue-course/

04-22
56:38

Stewart's Folly

When you don't rig for problems and don't have good communications, problems multiply! Hear a first-hand account of getting stuck on rappel in a cold water flow at Stewart Falls in Utah. Hypothermia, heroics, and a Search and Rescue call ensues. Lessons learned all around!

03-05
29:21

Death Valley Sounds Lovely

Desert canyons tend to have substantial differences than wet, flowing canyons. Discussed are the natural anchors most used in the desert along with techniques needed to safely navigate the (usually) dry canyons of the Southwest.

12-07
30:28

Definitely NOT Medical Advice

Injuries are complicated in the backcountry because emergency services will take substantial time to arrive. Hear about common injuries while canyoneering, how to address them, and when to call for Search and Rescue.

11-18
57:04

Water Water Everywhere

Flowing wet canyons pose different challenges than typical dry or pothole desert canyons. Hear the differences in rigging, communication, and other techniques for navigating the flowing water-filled canyons of the Pacific Northwest.

09-05
31:46

What we know now that we didn't know then.

Sometimes you don't know what you don't know. Discussed are the things we do now - that we're more experienced - that we didn't do when new to canyoneering.

07-28
24:54

And now a word from our Sponsor

By popular demand...all our commercials in one place. Plus we ruin the jokes by explaining them.

06-29
28:20

It's a long way to the top if you wanna canyoneer.

Stuck rope? Injuries? Backing out of a canyon? There are times instead of going down, canyoneers need to go up! Hear about different methods for ascending and other safety and efficiency considerations to help out your teammates.

05-14
18:03

What's in Your Bag?

Canyoneers need to be self-sufficient in the backcountry. Learn about the equipment you and your group need to carry to be ready to safely navigate the canyon as well as respond to adverse events and rescue needs.

05-02
17:41

What's on your Harness?

For convenience and safety there is various equipment a canyoneer will want readily available on their harness. Hear recommendations about what listeners should purchase and keep on their harness versus have in their bag or leave at home.

03-26
19:54

Canyoneering Ethics

There are varied opinions about how to balance safety and convenience in a canyon with Leave No Trace principles.  Listen to a discussion about ethical considerations and related techniques to allow everyone to enjoy the canyons as close to their natural state as feasible.

02-16
26:07

Kids in the Canyon

Taking kids into a canyon can be dangerous, but careful practice and planning can maximize safety. Hear recommendations for how to practice prior to any canyon trip.  Also, hear about techniques used to keep kids safe once you're in the canyon.

01-11
26:37

Advanced Rescue Ideas

When things go horribly wrong and basic rescue techniques aren't going to solve the problem, it's time to shine using advanced techniques.  In this episode learn about techniques and considerations for a full raise, double-rope rappel issues, pickoff rescues, and rescuing from above or below using the victims rope.

12-31
33:55

Rescue Me

When things go wrong in a canyon, ideally you can help your fellow canyoneers besides just calling Search and Rescue.  Learn about what risks to watch for in the canyon and what to do when someone on your team gets stuck or hurt.  

12-17
45:18

Let's do a Canyon. (Finally!)

Now that you have all the right equipment and a wonderful team of people, it's time to make your way through a canyon.  Learn about the considerations as you evaluate anchors, get on rappel, manage ropes, and efficiently and safely move through a canyon.

12-07
58:14
can't wait for the next episode. thanks!

Natalie Green Metler

can't wait for the next episode. thanks!

11-05 Reply

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