What is Canyoning and What Makes It Such an Exciting Adventure?
Canyoning is an adrenaline-filled adventure sport that combines the thrilling elements of climbing, rappelling, and swimming. It has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that it began to gain popularity as an extreme sport. Canyoning involves exploring and descending canyons or gorges by wading, swimming, jumping, rappelling down waterfalls and sliding down natural rock formations. It is a unique experience that requires physical strength, endurance and courage. It's not always done above ground, and the attributes of canyoning translate well into caving, or the exploration of caves underground.
Canyoning originated in France in the 1970s when a group of mountaineers decided to explore a gorge using ropes and ladders to get down into the canyon. This marked the beginning of modern canyoning as we know it today. Since then, canyoning has grown in popularity due to its accessibility and relatively low cost compared to other extreme sports such as skydiving or bungee jumping. Canyoning is now practiced all over the world by thrill seekers looking for an adventure.
Canyoneering has become an increasingly popular outdoor activity in the modern era, as it is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore nature. It can be done in many different places around the world, from deserts to mountains to jungles. As more people become aware of this exciting sport and its potential for adventure and exploration, the popularity of canyoneering is growing exponentially. With its combination of physical and mental challenges, it has something to offer everyone who is looking for an adrenaline-filled experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced canyoneer, there are plenty of opportunities available for you to experience the thrill of this unique sport.
Luca Chiarabini and the Luca Memorial Photo Contest
Luca Chiarabini (1970 – 2017) was a cannoneer, and a good friend to so many people of the sport. Charismatic, nature enthusiast, always ready to help. His business card read: "Active, Adventurous, Italian" ...and he was indeed!
Born in Italy and raised in Spain, he moved with his wife and daughter to San Diego (USA) in 2003, where he discovered his greatest passions - Caving & Canyoning. Luca’s favorite motto became “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing”, and he went on countless expeditions around the world. Becoming the largest contributor to Ropewiki and member of the San Bernardino Cave Rescue Team.
Luca passed aways in 2017 in an unfortunate accident, a dedicated webpage is set up to honor his life and memory, as well as his beloved photographic archive of over 100k photos:
View them here; https://LucaChiarabiniLivingMemorial.com
A close friend of Luca, Marco Leonini, had the idea and initiative to hold the first Luca Memorial Photo Contest during the Rassemblement Internationale de Canyon RIC 2018 Ticino. The Luca Memorial 🏆 Contest was born.
A photo contest with the aim of promoting and stimulate that same active spirit, adventurous life and photographic sharing that were Luca's passions during his life. In June 2020 the Luca Memorial Photo Contest adopted a worldwide format, which has significantly extended its reach in the mission to encourage and promote Luca's greatest passions: Caving & Canyoning. Participation is free & open to everybody worldwide with a nice photo of a Canyon or a Cave, wishing to share it with the world.
Exploring Canyon's Natural Beauty in Photos
Canyons are an awe-inspiring sight to behold, with their steep walls, deep gorges, and often winding paths. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, there is a wide variety of canyons around the world that offer unique geological features and stunning views.
The Outex Community in Canyoning & Caving Around the World
The Outex underwater housing system has long been a favorite of canyoneers and cavers for its optical performance, camera and lens compatibility, ruggedness in various terrain, and transportability (lightweight & compact design). Several of our Ambassadors are leaders in the sport and sometimes has transcended into pioneers in the natural sciences associated with discovery & study of some underground and unexplored environments - having discovered brand new species of animals that only inhabit these underground environments.
You can explore more about these pioneers, and the photos they brought back in the Community pages/menus of the Outex website.
Outex has been a proud sponsor of the photo contest, and helps award winners each year. The quality of the photos continues to get better, making our jobs harder each year. But everyone wins by being able to admire the full collection of photos submitted. Take a look for yourself.
https://lucamemorial.org/finale-2022/#GALLERY
Tips for an enjoyable canyoning experience
Canyoning is a great way to explore the outdoors and challenge yourself. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, it’s important to be prepared for your canyoning trip. Here are some essential tips for planning and preparing for a successful canyoning experience.
First, make sure you have the appropriate gear including clothing, such as wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, ropes and carabiners. It’s also important to research the terrain so you know what type of environment you will be in and plan accordingly. Additionally, it’s important to be in good cardio or strength conditioning to traverse the territory to be crossed.
Make sure you have an experienced guide with you who knows the area well and can provide preparation advice and safety tips during your expedition.
