The necessary equipment and techniques to be used, depend on the presence or absence of water. The progression takes place in descent, thanks to rope climbs and downward climbs, called disarracate. In presence of water we also proceed with dips and slides on the so-called toboggans (natural slides).

The techniques adopted initially, were of speleological or mountaineering type, while later on, they were switched to specific techniques always of speleo-mountaineering derivation, but modified by virtue of the risks related to the presence of water.

The equipment that will be used is therefore a mixture of that typical of other disciplines: helmet from speleology or mountaineering, complete suit in neoprene (in case of presence of water), neoprene shoes, harness, carabiners, descent, ropes, trekking shoes or boots (in both cases up to the ankle), backpack from canyoning, containers ponds.

Specifically, as regards caving equipment, it consists of static ropes with a diameter of 9 or 10.5 mm. These ropes are called static because they do not have elasticity ( sometimes they may have a very low grade) and in case of stress, usually due to the need to descend from a vertical stretch of rock wall, do not stretch or stretch very little. The need to use this type of rope arises from the need not to oscillate too much during the descent maneuvers, a possibility that could occur instead if using a dynamic rope (used instead in mountaineering and free climbing).

Other equipment coming from speleology and common to mountaineering are the fixed ventral blocker, the mobile blocker (or handle) and the bracket. These instruments make it possible to climb up a rope from which you have climbed or on which you are still hanging. Without these tools the ascent could often be impossible. This second set of instruments is used by experienced canyoners only in those gorges or canyons that require their use, even if often they can be part of the material that guides think it appropriate to bring during the outings.

Common to mountaineering there are also descendants, carabiners, cords and protective helmets, all instruments also present in free climbing.

The instrument coming from this last discipline and that is adopted in canyoning is the harness. Worn around the pelvis, it becomes essential together with the rope, the lowerer and the carabiner, to be able to descend into the vertical stretches of the canyons.

From the diver canyoning took the 0.5 mm neoprene wetsuit instead. Often used together with hood, shoes and gloves, it serves to protect itself from the cold, while in the case of gorge with particularly icy water it can be replaced by a watertight suit to which can be associated a caving suit (rarely it is necessary).

Now that you know what equipment you need, discover What is canyoning and how do you practice it? and Who can canyoning and when?


If you finally decided to try, here you will find the best places in Umbria and Italy
Where to practice canyoning in Italy
Where to practice canyoning in Umbria