Canyon Tech - podcast cover

Canyon Tech

Two experienced Southern Utah canyoneers discuss the equipment and techniques needed to safely enjoy a rapidly growing backcountry sport. Canyoneering combines hiking, route-finding, and technical rope work to allow canyoneers to navigate stunning canyons inaccessible to most people.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Not so Smart Things

We've done and seen plenty of "not so smart" things in canyons. Learn from our mistakes so you don't make the same ones! Even better, take a class or two from Kristin at Altura Adventures: https://www.altura-adventures.com/

Jun 08, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Please Release Me

When a rappeler is stuck or injured they may have to be lowered. Rigging releasable provides quick and easy rescue options to the team. Also, the world's first canyoneering rap song! (Lyrics below.) --------------------------------------------- The canyon’s callin’; Rodcle’s haulin’; Don’t forget the rope; Or you'll be free-fallin’ Bike helmet’s packed; the Hoka’s strapped; Cuz da’ noob is greener than a Benjamin stack. Vocal Ninjas, flossin’ topo; Grindin’ peaks, like a hippo; Shoulda rode a ho...

Apr 04, 202526 min

All the Canyon's a Stage

Canyoneering is a team sport where everyone performs one or more roles in the canyon to help the team succeed. Discussed in this episode are the defined roles like Team Leader and the lesser roles and tasks that anyone and everyone on the team should perform along the way to better ensure a safe and enjoyable canyon experience.

Dec 05, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 25

The Force is Strong with this One

Understanding force in canyoneering is key to creating safe systems that minimize forces on the anchors, your equipment, and ultimately...your body in the event of a fall.

Oct 02, 202428 min

Improvisation Embarkation

Things don't always go as planned. You forget gear. You drop gear. No problem...hear about other options for descending or ascending a rope when you have limited gear. Also learn how to get your rope back when you're out of pull cord and how to backup rappels safely.

Jun 07, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 23

SAR-ry Not Sorry

Hear the reasons and methods to develop your skills to lead a rescue or at least be a contributing member of the rescue team! https://wildskyguides.com/peak-rescue-csar-course-2024/ https://elevatedsafety.com/events/swiftwater-canyoning-rescue-operations-8-12-2024-washington/ https://wildskyguides.com/pnw-canyoneering-courses/swiftwater-rescue-course/...

Apr 22, 202457 min

Stewart's Folly

When you don't rig for problems and don't have good communications, problems multiply! Hear a first-hand account of getting stuck on rappel in a cold water flow at Stewart Falls in Utah. Hypothermia, heroics, and a Search and Rescue call ensues. Lessons learned all around!

Mar 05, 202429 min

Death Valley Sounds Lovely

Desert canyons tend to have substantial differences than wet, flowing canyons. Discussed are the natural anchors most used in the desert along with techniques needed to safely navigate the (usually) dry canyons of the Southwest.

Dec 07, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Definitely NOT Medical Advice

Injuries are complicated in the backcountry because emergency services will take substantial time to arrive. Hear about common injuries while canyoneering, how to address them, and when to call for Search and Rescue.

Nov 18, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Water Water Everywhere

Flowing wet canyons pose different challenges than typical dry or pothole desert canyons. Hear the differences in rigging, communication, and other techniques for navigating the flowing water-filled canyons of the Pacific Northwest.

Sep 05, 202332 min

What we know now that we didn't know then.

Sometimes you don't know what you don't know. Discussed are the things we do now - that we're more experienced - that we didn't do when new to canyoneering.

Jul 28, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 16

And now a word from our Sponsor

By popular demand...all our commercials in one place. Plus we ruin the jokes by explaining them.

Jun 29, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 15

It's a long way to the top if you wanna canyoneer.

Stuck rope? Injuries? Backing out of a canyon? There are times instead of going down, canyoneers need to go up! Hear about different methods for ascending and other safety and efficiency considerations to help out your teammates.

May 14, 202318 minSeason 1Ep. 14

What's in Your Bag?

Canyoneers need to be self-sufficient in the backcountry. Learn about the equipment you and your group need to carry to be ready to safely navigate the canyon as well as respond to adverse events and rescue needs.

May 02, 202318 minSeason 1Ep. 13

What's on your Harness?

For convenience and safety there is various equipment a canyoneer will want readily available on their harness. Hear recommendations about what listeners should purchase and keep on their harness versus have in their bag or leave at home.

Mar 26, 202320 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Canyoneering Ethics

There are varied opinions about how to balance safety and convenience in a canyon with Leave No Trace principles. Listen to a discussion about ethical considerations and related techniques to allow everyone to enjoy the canyons as close to their natural state as feasible.

Feb 16, 202326 min

Kids in the Canyon

Taking kids into a canyon can be dangerous, but careful practice and planning can maximize safety. Hear recommendations for how to practice prior to any canyon trip. Also, hear about techniques used to keep kids safe once you're in the canyon.

Jan 11, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Advanced Rescue Ideas

When things go horribly wrong and basic rescue techniques aren't going to solve the problem, it's time to shine using advanced techniques. In this episode learn about techniques and considerations for a full raise, double-rope rappel issues, pickoff rescues, and rescuing from above or below using the victims rope.

Dec 31, 202234 min

Rescue Me

When things go wrong in a canyon, ideally you can help your fellow canyoneers besides just calling Search and Rescue. Learn about what risks to watch for in the canyon and what to do when someone on your team gets stuck or hurt.

Dec 17, 202245 min

Let's do a Canyon. (Finally!)

Now that you have all the right equipment and a wonderful team of people, it's time to make your way through a canyon. Learn about the considerations as you evaluate anchors, get on rappel, manage ropes, and efficiently and safely move through a canyon.

Dec 07, 202258 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Planning a Canyon

Whether you're leading a canyon or want to be an informed member of the team, it's important to understand what goes into planning a successful (and safe) trip. Team size and composition, approach and exit, the number of rappels, anchor types, canyon characteristics, and the weather will all determine how long the canyon will take and what to bring.

Dec 01, 202246 min

Anchors Away!

Safety in a canyon starts with trustworthy anchors. Learn about solid, equalized, redundant, efficient, no-extension anchor building and inspection techniques! Also gain an understanding of the types of anchors commonly found in canyons, how to inspect them, and what to watch out for.

Nov 23, 202239 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Knots and not Knots

Knots, bends, and hitches are critical for canyoneering setup, safety, and rescue. Hear about the must-learn knots, bends, and hitches that allow you setup a rappel and/or confirm your canyoneering colleagues have tied things correctly and safely!

Nov 17, 202235 min

Ropes and Bags and Gloves...Oh My!

Become a real canyoneer by getting your first rope, a rope bag, and a rugged canyoneering pack to hold it all!

Nov 04, 202235 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Essential Canyoneering Equipment

Learn about essential canyoneering equipment you need to tackle your first canyon. Hear about different equipment options and tradeoffs for using what you already own, or buying new.

Nov 04, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 1
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast