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CANYON OF THE WEEK: Estat Canyon, France

 

Numerous rappels in the canyon
Many rappels in sequence are present in Estat Canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon (gus-schiavon.com)

This week’s feature canyon comes from the central part of the French Pyrenees, in the Ariege department!

Location: Vallee du Vicdessos, Ariege, Midi-Pyrenees, France

Rating: V4.A3.IV

Type of rock: schist

Best time of the year to visit: August to October

Description:

Located at the foothills of the famous Montcalm Peak of Ariege, (3077m) and providing spectacular views of other classics in the region, this lengthy descent is perfectly exposed to the sun, providing mainly vertical obstacles with some nice, clear pools where to slide until reaching the main 50m waterfall. This is the most interesting canyon in the Ariege, completely rebolted by ICOpro Instructors.

Walking towards Estat Canyon
A group of ICOpro Canyoneers approach the Estat Canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon (gus-schiavon.com)
Advanced rappel in Estat Canyon
Rappel in the flow while descending Estat Canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon (gus-schiavon.com)

It provides a total of 40 rappels, most of them back-to-back, the perfect place for those who like to practice their technical ropework and be more efficient on both vertical and horizontal progression.

Big rappel in Estat Canyon
30m rappel in Estat Canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon (gus-schiavon.com)
Happy customers at Estat canyon
SCA is the only company providing experiences in Estat canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon (gus-schiavon.com)

To reach the upper part you must hike to 2230m (approx. 3hrs of approach); alternatively you can start at 1700m for the lower part (+/- 3.5hrs descent).

The canyon topography can be downloaded FOR FREE by clicking here and registering.

Practical Information:

Canyon descent : +/- 5.30hrs

Gradient loss: 760m

Access : steep approach of 3hrs, return 40min

Speleo-Canyon-Ariege, an ICOpro Instructors Training Center, is the only center in the Ariege offering trips at Estat Canyon. You must be certified Canyoneer Initiation (CAI) to take part on this trip.

For more information:

Website : www.speleo-canyon-ariege.com

Email : contact@speleo-canyon-ariege.com

Phone : +33630312452

Office : Acca de Niaux, Route de la Vexane 09400 Niaux

Social media

Facebook : facebook.com/speleo.canyon.ariege

Trip advisor : Speleo-Canyon-Ariege

Instagram : @speleo_canyon_ariege


GET THE KNOWLEDGE

Become a complete canyoneer with
ICOpro’s CA1-2-3 Manuals


170 A4 pages full color

The Manual Canyoneer Level 3, includes methods and techniques of horizontal progression, set-up and rigging, and basic rescue techniques. This manual allowing you to progress autonomously through a moderate risk canyon.

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Waterfall Creek, Abel Tasman, NZ

 

(Video by: Bare Kiwi http://barekiwi.com)

This week’s canyon comes from the far side of the world and one of the most amazing canyoning destinations on Earth: New Zealand!

Abel Tasman Canyons leads us through the beautiful and fun Waterfall Creek!

Location: Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, New Zealand

Rating: V4.A3.III**

Type of rock: granite

Best time of the year to visit: October – April

A person rappels down a waterfall during a canyoning tour in Abel Tasman National Park
Rappeling in Waterfall Creek, NZ
Photo by: Adri Paris (@adri_paris_photographer)

Description:

Waterfall Creek is a steep granite canyon in the remote heart of the Abel Tasman National Park. This canyon features a lot of technical downclimbing over gorgeous golden granite slabs. There is a number of great slides, but the highlight of the trip is the 17m monster slide near the end of the canyon! Surely something to remember from an awesome day of canyoning in one of New Zealand‘s most beautiful national parks!

Someone is sliding a waterfall during a canyoning tour in Abel Tasman National Park
Monster slides in Waterfall Creek.
Photo by: Adri Paris (@adri_paris_photographer)
A person looks up to a waterfall while another person rappels down during a canyoning tour in Abel Tasman National Park
Beautiful rappels in Waterfall Creek
Photo by: Adri Paris (@adri_paris_photographer)

This is a reasonably long day out, requiring good fitness, navigation ability and excellent downclimbing skills.

Photo looking down on a person rappelling during a canyoning tour in Abel Tasman National Park
A good level of fitness is required to descend Waterfall Creek.
Photo by: Adri Paris (@adri_paris_photographer)

Quick fact: the canyon was first descended by Toine Houtenbos (owner/operator of Abel Tasman Canyons) together with Daniel Clearwater and Julien Stephens on 25 Feb 2012.

 More information:

Canyon descent : +/- 3 – 5 hrs

Access : 2h10min through untouched native forest on untracked terrain, Return 45 minutes.

Access: For organized canyoning tours in Waterfall Creek, contact Abel Tasman Canyons, an ICOpro Affliliated Canyoneers Training Center.

Tours depart daily and include: transport,loads of lunch, snacks and drinks and photos and videos.

About Abel Tasman Canyons:

Abel Tasman Canyons operates guided canyoning trips at the very top of the South Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Our trips are unique in the sense that they are located close to the coast and immersed in unspoiled native forest. We access some of our canyons by water taxi stopping along the way to admire seals and dolphins in their natural habitat.

The New Zealand Canyoning School runs canyoning training courses in various locations in New Zealand. We are excited that we are now part of the ICOpro family as an affiliated Canyoneers Training Center. Being part of an reputable international organisation makes us proud and we’re looking forward to strengthen the network by doing more of what we love: canyoning.

Contact:

www.abeltasmancanyons.co.nz

www.nzcanyoningschool.com

Book :   info@abeltasmancanyons.co.nz

Phone : +64 3 528 9800

Freephone : 0800 86 34 72 (NZ only)

Social media:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AbelTasmanCanyons/

https://www.facebook.com/NZCanyoningSchool/

Trip advisor : https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g737062-d3474296-Reviews-Abel_Tasman_Canyons-Motueka_Nelson_Tasman_Region_South_Island.html

Instagram : http://instagram.com/abel_tasman_canyons

https://www.instagram.com/nz_canyoning_school/

GET THE KNOWLEDGE

Become a complete canyoneer with
ICOpro’s CA1-2-3 Manuals

170 A4 pages full color

The Manual Canyonner Level 3, includes methods and techniques of horizontal progression, set-up and rigging, and basic rescue techniques. This manual allowing you to progress autonomously through a moderate risk canyon.

CANYON OF THE WEEK : Medjurec, Montenegro

One of the most-beautiful canyons in Montenegro, Medjurec is a must-do canyon in the Balkan. Check it out!

Location : Montenegro

Rating : V3.A3.III

Type of rock : Limestone

Best time of the year to visit : From June to October

Duration : Full day trip – average 5h

Minimum Age : 12 yo

Mini / maxi participant : 4/8

Rappel : x9 – Up to 34m

Jump : x7 – Up to 8m

Slide : x3 – Up to 4m

Maxi swim/float: up to 20m

Description :

Located on the Rumijia mountain, close to the village of Medjurec. It offers amazing scenery, and a lot of actions with many jumps, slides and rappels!

The highest waterfall is the famous “Double” 34m.

This trip is perfect for beginners looking for action, and will allow you to discover the practice of canyoning in a beautiful environment.

Topo data of Medjurec Canyon

About Adriatrek Canyon:

Adriatrek Canyon is an  ICOpro Instructors Training Center; offering all levels of ICOpro training courses from CAI to Instructors Training Courses.

It is currently the only ICOpro center offering the Medjurec trip, so pay them a visit and you’ll get to experience the most exciting canyoning day!

Facebook : Adriatrek canyon Montenegro

Instagram : @adriatrek_canyon_montenegro
adriatrek.canyon@gmail.com
What’s App : +382 63 405 665

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Bear Creek, Colorado

This week’s feature canyon comes from the San Juan mountains in Colorado, USA. Introducing: Bear Creek!

Rappeling under the water in Bear Creek during a trip of Canyoning Colorado
Most rappels are under the flow. Photo by: Gus Schiavon

Location: Ouray, Southwest Colorado, USA

Rating: V3.A4.III

Type of rock: Precambrian Quartztite

Best time of the year to visit: August

Description:

The approach to this canyon is breathtaking. The access follows an old mining trail along steep sided cliffs with the canyon below. After a short scramble down to the creek, the walls quickly close in. Quartzite is a very old and hard rock, and its dark color contrasts well with the blue canyon water.

Big walls in Bear Creek canyon, Colorado.
In the heart of the canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon

Perhaps the most spectacular part of the canyon is the “Quartzite Corridor” where the walls tower above and let in very little light. You can really feel the space through here. The rappels are never big, but they are often in the flow, requiring careful rope management and a cool head. All in all, it’s a great day out and one of the best canyons Ouray has to offer.

A man rappels down a waterfall in Bear Creek
Nice verticals in Bear Creek. Photo by: Gus Schiavon
Setting a handline in canyoning.
Rope work on Bear Creek. Photo by: Gus Schiavon

More information:

Canyon descent : +/- 5.5hrs

Access : steady climb of 1.5hrs, return 5min

About Canyoning Colorado:

Bringing international expertise to the American canyoning community, Canyoning Colorado is the local specialist for the vertical and aquatic canyons of Ouray; providing professional service with a personal touch, you will be welcomed by ICOpro Head Training Master Andrew Humphreys and his team for a great day in the outdoors.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Website: www.canyoningcolorado.com

Email: info@canyoningcolorado.com

Phone: +1 970 318 6492

Office: 408 Main Street, Ouray, Colorado, USA

Social media

Facebook: facebook.com/canyoningcolorado

Instagram: @canyoningcolorado

TripAdvisor: Canyoning Colorado


GET THE KNOWLEDGE

Become a complete canyoneer with
ICOpro’s CA1-2-3 Manuals

170 A4 pages full color

The Manual Canyoneer Level 3, includes methods and techniques of horizontal progression, set-up and rigging, and basic rescue techniques. This manual allowing you to progress autonomously through a moderate risk canyon.

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Tukad Api, Bali, Indonesia

 

Big waterfall in Bali
Every descent is like a new exploration in Tukad Api. Photo by: Gus Schiavon

One of the legendary descents of the mystical island of Bali, Tukad Api is an expedition-style experience!

Location: Ambangan – Wanagiri, Buleleleng Regency, North Bali

Rating: V4.A3.V

Type of rock: volcanic basalt

Best time of the year to visit: August to October

Description:

Called Tukad Api (Canyon of Fire in Bahasa Indonesia) is the longest canyon explored in Bali. There are 2 distinct sections: the first one, called Secret Garden, takes approximately 8hrs (from car to car) and the second, called The Corridor, another 5hrs depending on conditions.

Canyoning in the jungles of Indonesia
Dense jungle during the approach for Tukad Api canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon
Rappel under the waterfall while canyoning
First rappel down Tukad Api’s Secret Garden. Photo by: Gus Schiavon

The Canyon Of Fire is a very demanding descent, both physically and mentally. It is the ultimate canyoning experience in Bali and Indonesia. It is a unique journey for the adventurous and you must be in excellent physical condition to descend it. Adventure & Spirit is the only company that takes clients through this amazing canyon.

A demanding approach hike takes you through amazing jungle. In total, you will experience more than 35 rappels in the heart of Bali. You will not only participate but be an essential part of the team, helping with the in-canyon logistics and practicing new team work skills.

A drill is compulsory for every descent.

Tukad Api finishes at the junction with Aling Gorge and together they are the 2 legendary canyons in Bali.

Person rappels in Tukad Api canyon
Tukad Api is the longest canyoning experience in Indonesia. Photo by: Gus Schiavon
Canyon, waterfalls and jungle
The canyon is located in the heart of Bali. Photo by: Gus Schiavon
Nice gorge in Bali
End of the Tukad Api canyon. Photo by: Gus Schiavon

About Adventure & Spirit:

Adventure & Spirit is ICOpro’s Trainers Training Center (TTC) and Development Center (DC) in Indonesia. Offering daily CAI tours in the best Balinese waterfalls, the center is located in the vicinity of Ubud, Bali. You can contact Adventure & Spirit and request information about daily tours and professional ICOpro training courses.

For reservations: reservation@adventureandspirit.com

Hot Line: +62 853 33 88 55 98

website : www.adventureandspirit.com

facebook : https://www.facebook.com/adventureandspirit/

Instagram: @adventureandspirit


GET THE KNOWLEDGE

“Become a complete canyoneer with ICOpro’s CA1-2-3 Manuals.”

170 A4 pages full color

The Manual Canyonner Level 3, includes methods and techniques of horizontal progression, set-up and rigging, and basic rescue techniques. This manual allowing you to progress autonomously through a moderate risk canyon.

CANYON OF THE WEEK : Artigue Canyon, Midi-Pyrenees, France

 

Voted one of the top 10 most-beautiful canyons in France, the Artigue is a must-do canyon in the French Pyrenees. Speleo-Canyon-Ariege brings us through a high-flow trip in the start of the season! Check it out!

Artigue canyon waterfall

Location : Ariège, France

Rating : V3.A3.III (V3.A5.III until End of June)

Type of rock : Shale with granite bolders

Best time of the year to visit : From July to September

Description :

Situated at the end of the Auzat Valley, the Artigue canyon is one of the most beautiful canyons in the French Pyrenees. The best location for learning all the aspects of canyoning, it can be also really sporty when the water flow get higher during the spring like we can see on the pictures of this article.

Artigue canyon waterfall
Artigue canyon ok

There are many jumps, big slides and awesome abseils, it’s a great venue to have fun and enjoy in a wonderful landscape, in front of the highest summits of Pyrenees (Montcalm 3077).

Artigue canyon jump waterfall

Topo data of Artigue Canyon (courtesy of Speleo-Canyon-Ariege)

Artigue canyon topo

About SCA:

Speleo-Canyon-Ariege is the most active ICOpro Trainers Training Center in Europe; offering all levels of ICOpro training courses from CAI to Training Master.

They are currently the only ICOpro center offering the Artigue trip, so visit them now and experience the most exciting canyoning day!

speleo canyon ariege

www.speleo-canyon-ariege.com
contact@speleo-canyon-ariege.com
Hotline : +33 6 30 31 24 52
speleo canyon ariege center

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Fisher Place Ghyll, Lake District, UK

Let’s look at this week’s featured canyon, coming from Lake District land !

Location: Helvellyn Range, Lake District, United Kingdom

Rating: V4.A3.III

Type of rock: volcanic

Best time of the year to visit: June to September

Description:

The Lake District has a vast array of beautiful scenery, but hidden away in its many mountain sides exist some jaw-dropping canyons. Fisherplace Ghyll casts a view over Thirlmere, whilst innocently cascading down the flanks of the Helvellyn Range. Carved within the Borrowdale Volcanic rock, are a succession of 10 + fantastic waterfalls: the tallest being 18m in height. There are also several water-slides and pools to jump and experience.

Prepare the rappel line

During your adventure experience, in which your adrenaline is sure to be flowing, you’ll be abseiling some 10+ waterfalls, over blind edges and into narrow slots. You will use a guided zip line to help you experience an underestimated waterfall into an open amphitheatre. The natural rock slopes, runnels and pools provide great opportunities for sliding and jumping..

Take shower with Mountain Rat

More information:

Total time required (approach, descent, return): +/- 4hrs

Gradient loss: 140m

Thinking of experiencing Fisherplace Ghyll Canyon?

Contact Lee Wilson at Mountain Rat Adventures and have a great time during your holidays in the Lake District.

Website : www.mountainratadventures.co.uk

Email : lee@mountainratadventures.co.uk

Phone : +44 757 6373 641

Office : Tigh Na Burn, CA10 3QB, Shap, UK

Social media

Facebook : mountainratadventures

Instagram : @mountainratadventures

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Bruar Canyon, Scotland

Let’s look at this week’s featured canyon, coming from the heart of Scotland!

Rappel in big waterfall

Location: Cairngorm National Park, Scotland

Rating: (V4.A4.III)

Type of rock: Schist

Best time of the year to visit: April to November

Description:

Bruar is a very special place for canyoning in Scotland: its first full descent was over 15 years ago, and it’s one of the first canyoning venues opened in the UK. The canyon is based just inside the Cairngorm National Park, which is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The canyon itself has beautifully formed rock features and is surrounded by exquisite pine forests. The canyon is now used as a commercial canyoning venue as it has everything to offer the canyoneer, from smooth rock slides, to big jumps, caves and dramatic waterfalls. Due to the large catchment area, Bruar canyon can hold a lot of water and on some days can become very sporty for the experienced canyoneer.

Into the canyon with the canyoning company
Abseil into the waterfall

Bruar canyon can be split into two sections: the Lower Bruar is a more relaxed trip, with lots of jumps, slides and white water swimming, it’s also very accessible and open. The Upper Bruar section is more advanced with a 25-meter waterfall, two tier slides and big jumps over 10 meters.

Happy customers in Bruar
Slide in bruar canyon

This is one of the top things to do in Scotland, if not the best! When you visit the country this should definitely be on your bucket list!

More information:

Canyon descent : +/- 3hrs

Access : 20 minutes by motorbike to parking lot, approach hiking to the start point 15-20 minutes, Return 30 minutes.

The Canyoning Company is an ICOpro Canyoneer Training Center and reference for canyoning in Scotland. They run daily trips at Bruar Canyon throughout the Scottish summer; you are guaranteed to have an amazing day with ICOpro Instructors George and Ben who are eager to provide a great experience to you and your friends!

Contact:

http://thecanyoningcompany.co.uk/

Book : reservation@canyoninglombok.com

Phone : 07725 813 729

Office : The Canyoning Company, Birnam,
Dunkeld, PH8 OB

Social media :

Facebook : The Canyoning Company

Trip advisor : The Canyoning Company

Instagram : @thecanyoningcompany

Youtube : The Canyoning Company

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Ombak Canyon, Lombok

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RroKxuJkgKs

CANYON OF THE WEEK: Ombak Canyon, Lombok, Indonesia!

Let’s look at this week’s featured canyon, coming from the Indonesian Archipelago!

Abseil in Ombak Canyon
Last rappel of Ombak Canyon

Location: Kayangan regency, North Lombok, Indonesia

Rating: (V4.A4.III)

Type of rock: Volcanic basalt

Best time of the year to visit: March to October

Description:

Ombak is the first canyon opened in Lombok, Indonesia. The canyon was explored in June 2016 by Canyoning Lombok business partners Supii Liem (ICOpro Trainer) and Abraham Firmansyah (ICOpro IN1), together with ICOpro Photographer Gus Schiavon. It is located in the heart of the island, at the foothills of Rinjani volcano, Indonesia’s second highest. The steep-sided canyon boasts beautiful scenery with green vegetation from the lush tropical forest during the approach and through the descent. It has numerous sequential drops (up to 30m) and some of them will end in pools with beautiful clean water. There are also opportunities for slides and some jumps up to 6m. The canyon is fully equipped according to the ICOpro standards.

Rappelling while canyoning in Lombok
Big waterfall in the Ombak Canyon
Canyoning in Lombok, Indonesia
The gorge

To add to the experience, a traditional Sasak village sits nearby the canyon, where you can meet the friendly locals and see typical homes. You must also take an ojek (moto-taxi) to reach the canyon access point, which is an adventure in itself!

Big jump in Ombak Canyon, Canyoning Lombiok
Jumling in Ombak Canyon
Fun while canyoning in Lombok
Happy customers with Canyoning Lombok

To descend this canyon you just need to be in good physical condition.

More information:

Canyon descent : +/- 3hrs

Access : 20 minutes by motorbike to parking lot, approach hiking to the start point 15-20 minutes, Return 30 minutes.

For organized tours in Ombak Canyon, contact Canyoning Lombok, an ICOpro Affliliated Center.

Tours depart daily and include: Pick-up and hotel transfer anywhere in Lombok, light breakfast, technical gear, scooter taxi (ojek), porter, ICOpro Canyoneer Initiation course, ICOpro Instructor and Assistant Instructor, snack and water, lunch, photos, Insurance.

Contact:

www.canyoninglombok.com

Book: reservation@canyoninglombok.com

Phone: (62) 370 7508 698

Hotline: (62) 813 3957 8001 (Whatsapp available)

Office: Jl. Otomotif raya no 01A, Desa Meninting, Batu layar,

Lombok barat, 83355 West Nusa Tenggara

Social media:

Facebook: Canyoning Lombok

Trip Advisor: Canyoning Lombok

Instagram: @canyoneeringlombok

Twitter: @canyoninglombok

UK ICOpro Meeting in Scotland

Two years ago, I headed to the Pyrenees with some friends to The Canyoning Company’s first international trip, for a week of canyoning, under the guidance of Rodolphe Sturm.  This was my first experience with ICOpro and since then, I’ve continued to watch the growth of ICOpro here in the UK, to the point that now, on the 31st May, I turned on my out of office sign and headed to central Scotland, for the first International ICOpro Meeting in the UK.

Arriving at the Tay Bunkhouse in Logierait which, thanks to The Canyoning Company (TCC) was to be my home for the next few days, I met up with a large number of ICOpro UK members including CAI’s, CA3’s, AIN’s and IN2’s, along with the addition of France’s Adrien Paris, an ICOpro Trainer and Canyoning Photographer.

The atmosphere within the group was charged, and the decision was made to head to Bruar canyon (V3.A3.II). The sun was out and everyone was excited to run the canyon. The trip was great fun, with everyone playing with different techniques and rigging, and Adrien got into some interesting positions for the best shots and video.

After the canyon, everyone headed back to Logierait where, while enjoying a BBQ laid on by TCC, we sat discussing some of the projects being looked at, like the reblotting of canyons not yet at an ICOpro standard.  The evening carried on with everyone excitedly sat around the fire pit, talking about the future of ICOpro in the UK;  TCC already have further CA123 courses planned for later this year, and a second AIN course for early next year.  Though on top of these, one subject grabbed most people’s interest, which was to have the first UK CAPH (Canyoneer Photographer) course arranged.

The following morning saw the group head for The Birks, a V3.A2.II canyon and unlike Bruar, a seldomly ran unbolted canyon. Yet again, the sun was out for another fantastic trip, testing the group’s skills in navigating its way through a canyon without a blotted infrastructure.

All in all, I would have to say that the first UK International ICOpro meeting was an amazing few days, with a wonderful and diverse group of people, from outdoors professionals to farriers and business consultants. All very different people sharing the same passion and love for the sport. Being involved with ICOpro is so much more than just being part of another organisation; but rather being part of a family.

Canyoning is what we do!

Phil Garden

CA3, Scotland, UK

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