Canyoning Course Level 1 in Spain
Sierra de Guara - Pyrenees
Over the last few years canyoning has become ever more popular as increasing numbers of people are drawn to this sport, either to experience the inhospitable yet beautiful terrain or in search of daring and adventure. Today canyoning is one of the most popular adventure tourism activities.
This course promises to provide participants with a unique experience encompassing all the sensations canyoning has to offer, as we explore this unfamiliar and sometimes hostile environment, making safety our constant priority.
LEVEL 1: Beginner - Intermediate
PROVISIONAL DATES: Ask for information
INTRODUCTION
The course has both theoretical and practical components. Participants will learn basic safety techniques and to identify different features of the canyons and will discover a great deal about the sport of canyoning whilst enjoying a wealth of sensations as they encounter: jumps, slides, abseils of varying heights, crystal clear pools, boulder chaos and river currents.
It is important to stress that on completion of the course participants will not have reached a sufficient level of autonomy to be able to descend all types of canyon. More specialized courses and most importantly a good deal of experience are necessary before taking on certain descents.
OBJECTIVES
- To recognize the risks involved in canyoning and develop a safe approach to the sport.
- Awareness of and respect for the environment.
- Familiarity with and correct use of canyoning equipment.
- Progression techniques in canyoning. Adapting progression techniques to the conditions in the canyon.
- Knowledge and practice of basic safety techniques.
- Identifying factors to consider when planning a canyon descent.
CONTENTS
- General introduction.
- Environmental concerns.
- Canyoning equipment.
- Progression techniques.
- Basic rope work.
- Basic safety techniques.
- Interpreting canyoning maps.
- Logistics of canyoning trips.
COURSE PROGRAMME
- DAY 1
The Basender Canyon
- Time: 12:00h (the morning is left free for travel to the course).
- Contents:
- Basic equipment.
- Abseiling with single and double ropes using a figure eight belaying device, classic style, quick style, abseiling with a Munter Hitch etc.
- Basic safety techniques.
- Basic rope management and installation.
- Rope management, practical considerations in specific cases.
- Progression techniques in dry canyons: walking, scrambling, abseiling.
- Basic personal safety techniques (using a lanyard).
- How to read canyoning maps.
- Basic knots including the Klemheist and Autoblock knots.
- DAY 3
- Time: 09:00h,
- Contents:
- Progression techniques in aquatic canyons including abseils. Abseiling waterfalls, constructing temporary handrails, jumping techniques, vertical water slide techniques etc.
- Other rope work techniques for aquatic canyons.
- Progression along safety cables.
- Natural anchors.
- Group dynamics in aquatic canyons with abseils.
- Revision and evaluation of the course.
Aquatic Canyon including abseil (to be decided)
COURSE REQUERIMENTS
- No previous experience is needed. A level of general fitness which will allow participants to spend a full day walking in the mountains will be sufficient.
- It is important to be able to swim or at least be unafraid of water.
- The course includes abseiling, therefore it is important not to suffer excessively from vertigo. You at least need to be comfortable near the edge of a 15m drop.
PRICES
Prices include:
- 2 days canyoning in the Sierra de Guara.
- 1 nights bed and breakfast in the trekking hostel. (choice of accommodation).
- 1 picnic lunches during the canyoning activities.
- Use of all the necessary equipment for the theoretical classes and the canyoning (not including neoprene gloves).
- Accident and health insurance.
OPTIONAL:
- Bed and breakfast (if you arrive the evening before the course starts): 21,5 euros.
- Evening meal: 13,5 euros
- Picnic for day 1: 6,5 euros.
PRICES
In the case of a group of 2:
2 day course + 1 nights bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
175,5 €
In the case of a group of 3:
2 day course + 1 nights bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
165,5 €
In the case of a group of 4:
155,5 €
2 day course + 1 nights bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
In the case of a group of 5 to 8:
2 day course + 1 nights bed and breakfast + 1 picnic lunches.
145,5 €
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
- Trainers or walking boots (closed, lace-up shoes with thick soles, not sandals, which will protect your feet while walking in water).
- A change of clothes and footwear (at least 2 pair of sports shoes).
- Swimming costume.
- Sun protection.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Small backpack.
- People who wear glasses should use a retaining cord or not use their glasses during the activity, if possible.
- People who wear contact lenses should either protect them with swimming goggles or not use them during the activity, if possible.
- Gloves for abseiling (leather or similar).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- All the programmes on offer are CLOSED packages. Any changes or modifications to the programme would cancel any discounts included in the package and the activities would therefore be charged for individually at the normal price.
- In all packages and programmes, the order in which the activities take place will depend on weather conditions and group numbers. Whilst we will do our best to accommodate the clients' preferences, the final order of activities will be at the discretion of Vertientes Aventura.
- Vertientes Aventura reserves the right to partially or totally change the programme due to adverse weather or river conditions.
- If any participants require a specific diet (e.g.. vegetarian), medication or have health problems which may affect the programme, Vertientes Aventura before the arrival of the group.
- In the case that the client, by choice or due to lack of condition, preparedness or fitness, cannot participate in the programmed activities there will be NO REFUND.
- In the case of adverse weather or river conditions affecting the programmed activities, Vertientes Aventura will provide alternative activities of similar value.
- Only as a last resort and in the case that activities cannot be substituted for, will a partial refund be made. Organizational costs and the guide's fee (approximately 35 %) will not be returned. All refunds will be administered by the agency responsible for the sale of the programme.
- Vertientes Aventura takes no responsibility for other activities undertaken by the participant during their stay, whether with another company or on their own initiative, including trekking routes suggested by Vertientes Aventura. As such, our insurance will not cover these other activities.
- It is important that participants collect a European Health Insurance Card before leaving their country of origin so that they can be treated by the Spanish Social Security Services in the case of accidents or illnesses that may occur outside the activities contracted with Vertientes Aventura.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
- All the prices shown for individual activities and programmes are for groups of 5 or more participants. (Except where indicated.)
- For groups of less than 5, the fees for some activities will be increased. Please consult prices on our web site or by calling our offices.
- All reservations require a booking deposit which should be paid by bank transfer:
- Individual activities: 20€ per person and activity.
- Weekend and three day programmes: 50€ per person.
- Four and Five day programmes: 75€ per person.
- Longer stays: consult prices.
- Individual activities: 20€ per person and activity.
- The outstanding balance should be paid on the group’s arrival, if possible in cash.
- Bookings will only be recognized as made once the deposit has been received
- Participants in all bookings involving adventure activities must complete our accident insurance form which can be found in the “Information and bookings” section of our web site.
CANCELLATIONS
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In the case of cancellation, the client will be liable for the following costs:
- Any cancellation made more than 5 days prior to the planned arrival date will incur a cancellation charge of 30% of the deposit.
- Deposits will be FORFEITED on cancellations made during the 5 days prior to the planned arrival date, whatever the motive for the cancellation.
