Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning is a fun and exciting activity in white waters: basically it’s about going along the flow of a river by foot, finding your way through the rocks, sliding down natural water slides and – only if you wish to, this is optional – jump in the river from higher cliffs. It does involve some swimming and sometimes (not always) abseiling.
And no, it isn’t either rafting or canoeing – no boats or supports are used: you just need your own body. A fantastic and exclusive experience for the senses – 100% immersed in nature, literally!
How does it work?
Previous to the activity, we meet with the guide and we try on the wetsuits and neoprene socks (so you know, that’s when the fun starts, this fitting session tends to epic and hilarious moments). According to the experience of the participants, the level of the waters and the weather forecast, we decide together with the guide which canyon we’ll do. In Huesca for instance, there are plenty of options!
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We get together with our canyoning gear packed and our lunch safely kept in watertight containers. We normally go on a short hike to get to the canyoning starting point. There, the guide gives us the safety instructions, and, when relevant, indications on how to rappel, which can either be done “en seco” (“dry” – on rocks, like regular climbing, no water involved) or down a waterfall. If you are a beginner, you should know that, at your level, jumps along the way are always optional: if you do no wish to jump, there is always an alternative way. Same thing for slides, the guide can help you go down with a rope.
The duration of the canyoning activity usually varies from 3 up to 6 hours. Either at the end of the canyon or half-way through it, is when we have lunch, surrounded by nature. When the activity is over, we head back to the cars and change into dry clothes.
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How does it work?
Previous to the activity, we meet with the guide and we try on the wetsuits and neoprene socks (so you know, that’s when the fun starts, this fitting session tends to epic and hilarious moments). According to the experience of the participants, the level of the waters and the weather forecast, we decide together with the guide which canyon we’ll do. In Huesca for instance, there are plenty of options!
​
We get together with our canyoning gear packed and our lunch safely kept in watertight containers. We normally go on a short hike to get to the canyoning starting point. There, the guide gives us the safety instructions, and, when relevant, indications on how to rappel, which can either be done “en seco” (“dry” – on rocks, like regular climbing, no water involved) or down a waterfall. If you are a beginner, you should know that, at your level, jumps along the way are always optional: if you do no wish to jump, there is always an alternative way. Same thing for slides, the guide can help you go down with a rope.
The duration of the canyoning activity usually varies from 3 up to 6 hours. Either at the end of the canyon or half-way through it, is when we have lunch, surrounded by nature. When the activity is over, we head back to the cars and change into dry clothes.
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Physical requirements & skills
The difficulty level of the canyons can go from easy to difficult: you should always go under the supervision of an official guide (with Yepalo, it is always the case) and try out the the different levels gradually. Though you do not need to be an athlete, we recommend you are in good physical shape in order to enjoy the activity. Contact us in case you have any doubt! And yes, white waters are usually cold, so bring an extra layer (lycra shirt) and/or gloves if you are afraid of being too sensitive. The scenery is so beautiful that it makes you forget about it immediately ;).
Equipment
For any canyon descent, it is absolutely mandatory to wear a helmet, a wetsuit and neoprene slippers (all of these will be provided to you by Yepalo). Underneath the wetsuit, you’ll be wearing a swimsuit and, if you wish to, a lycra T-shirt. You should also bring closed-up shoes to progress into the water, in order to protect your feet from the edgy rocks. Bear in mind that these shoes will be completely wet: ideally they should be old running or hiking shoes.
Good to know
Minimum age / size
10 years old / 1.40 m.
Difficulty levels
From easy to very difficult, check level specified for each activity.
Security
You will progress under a professional guide's supervision and should follow his indications at all times. You'll be provided with a helmet, a harness, good-quality wetsuit and neoprene socks.
