Canyoning (or canyoneering in the United States, kloofing in South Africa) is an adventure sport that consists of descending the course of a river, normally in its upper or middle course, where the orography of the river causes the water to have a higher speed and to flow down different slopes, forming what we know as waterfalls or cascades.
This means that, in addition to swimming, walking and climbing small obstacles, we have to put into practice two techniques that are very characteristic of this sport: rappelling and jumping. Sometimes the waterfalls also form slides and can be “tobogganed”.
Canyons are usually located in stunning natural environments, and they have different difficult levels, making it a great activity for everyone: you’ll be able to enjoy it alone, with your couple, or as a group with friends, families (even with kids from 6 years old!), Corporate Events or Team Buildings, HEN and STAG parties…
Canyoning doesn’t have age or skill barriers!
A brief history of canyoning
Canyoning began in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, in the eagerness of adventurers to reach the most hidden places on earth. A desire to conquer not only the highest peaks, but also the less accessible places in the accessible world.
The riverbeds were also a very attractive destination, but due to the fact that most of the routes were difficult to reach, there were large gaps between the sections of river, cliffs, lack of techniques, lack of modern equipment such as neoprene, rappelling and many others made it almost impossible. After a period of low popularity, it wasn’t until the 50’s and 60’s that canyoning became a more serious sport and many specific techniques were developed.
Today we can find canyoning activities all over the world that are accessible to the majority of the population, being a very safe activity when done with the right equipment and technical knowledge.
What do we do when we go canyoning?
When we go canyoning, we basically go from one point to another through a “canyon”, walking on rocks and/or swimming, and using at least one of the following techniques: sliding down natural rock slides, jumping from rocks into the water and rappelling down dry walls or waterfalls.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these techniques!
Slides
Slides are ramped waterfalls that you can slide down.
With or without a rope, you must keep your body close together and avoid opening your arms or elbows to avoid hitting the rocks. You must also lie down on the slide to enter the water correctly and avoid risks, as you often reach high speeds.
Listen to your guide’s instructions to enjoy the slides and if you don’t feel like it, ask for another option, you can always go down and enjoy the rappelling or climb down if the terrain allows it.
Jumps
Jumping is the most fun and exciting manoeuvre we can do in canyoning, when the height, obstacles and depth of the river allow it, to save a waterfall or simply to enjoy the sensation of falling. It is an action that most people who go canyoning look forward to doing as part of the experience.
Jumps are not without risk, as the guides have no control over a person’s flight once they have taken off from the rock. Jumping has its own specific technique, both in preparation, in flight and in entering the water, and you should not neglect any of these phases, so while you are learning to perform them correctly, it is recommended that you do not exceed 6 metres, as the higher you are, the more you need to control your flight and your balance.
A professional guide will give you good feedback on each phase of the execution, so that you can enjoy this technique safely. We would like to remind you, however, that jumping is always optional and only compulsory for experienced people without back injuries and with previous knowledge of the activity.
Rappelling
Also known as abseiling, is the controlled descent of a steep slope, such as a rock face, by moving down a rope. Rappelling involves the person descending controlling their own movement down a static or fixed rope.
In canyoning, due to the presence of water and the simplicity of its use, we use continuous descenders for rappelling, so we need to be put down by a guide during our first descents, to give us security during our first steps. The guide will also show you how to position your body and hold the rope in order to descend in the best possible way.
Rappelling is the star manoeuvre of our sport, as it allows us to descend any type of canyon without being forced into unwanted jumps and slides. On other occasions, rappelling helps us to avoid or overcome obstacles or unwanted movements in whitewater.
Without a doubt, rappelling, either dry or under a waterfall, is a very stimulating activity!
Are there different levels of canyoning?
Although there is no scientific way to measure the difficulty of a canyon, based on the complexity of its orography, the versatility it offers to avoid certain obstacles, the technical level required and the physical effort it demands, we can classify canyons into 4 levels:
- For “All Levels”
These canyons are the most versatile and can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to experts. They usually include jumps from different heights (all optional) and not very high rappels. They usually take less than 4 hours to complete. For all these characteristics, these canyons can be adapted to almost all ages (from 6 to 65 years), physical conditions and levels of experience. - Moderate
These canyons are recommended for people with an acceptable level of fitness and some experience of adventure activities, as they can have more complex areas to cross, sometimes with rappels of medium height and/or going down waterfalls. They usually take around 4 hours to complete. - Advanced
These canyons are for those with a minimum of canyoning experience or for the more athletic. They require a good level of fitness and some experience or ability in canyoning techniques, as they can involve rappelling from 15 to 30 metres. They usually take around 6 hours to complete. - Expert
These canyons are only for the most experienced canyoners. They require advanced canyoning techniques and exceptional physical condition, as they usually have very complex obstacles to overcome and last more than 7 hours.
As you can see, it’s important to be aware of your physical condition and experience in order to choose the right canyoning level. If you’re in any doubt, it’s better to choose a lower level than a higher one for a better experience. Or you can always ask a professional local guide to help you choose the right canyon.
However, if you go canyoning with a professional guides, as we do at TUUR, they will not only show you the right way, but also the best practices, techniques and safety measures to enjoy the activity. For example, you don’t need to know how to rappel (even in the most advanced canyons), as it’s the guide’s responsibility to attach the rappel and lead you down.
Whichever level you choose, we promise you will have a great time!
Which canyons should we start with?
Once you have decided which level of canyoning is right for you, you can choose a canyon that is closer to you or that you find more interesting. Of course, you can always ask professional local guides for advice.
As a rule of thumb, we always recommend that you start with the lower level canyons and work your way up.
But hey, don’t let the “level” fool you: even our lowest level canyons are amazing and have impressed the most adventurous and athletic people.
That said, here is a list of the best canyons in Andalusia, Spain, from the “easiest” to the most challenging:
Level: 1 – All Levels | Duration: 3 h | Location: Near Marbella (Benahavís)
If you are in the Málaga / Marbella area, as a first canyon and to get to know a hidden gem, we recommend the Guadalmina Canyon (called Las Angosturas).
Located in Benahavís (very close to Marbella), it is a beautiful and fun descent that includes several jumps of up to 6 metres – all optional – simple slides, large swimming areas and a small rappel.
With a duration of around 3 hours, this activity is not too demanding and can be adapted to the ability of each group of participants, making it suitable for children from the age of 6, as well as for more “sporty” adventurers.
In addition, the Guadalmina River has water even in the dry season, and its temperature remains almost constant throughout the year.
In short, this is the perfect activity to enjoy with friends or family, whatever your level and whatever the season.
Level: 2 – Moderate | Duration: 4 h | Location: Yunquera, Málaga
As a second canyon and to increase the level, we can do longer activities such as Zarzalones, where a series of beautiful waterfalls will allow us to enjoy the speed of its clean water in an incomparable environment located in the Sierra de Las Nieves National Park.
In this canyon you will find longer and more complex rappels, up to 21 metres. There are not many jumps, but the beauty of this canyon lies in the greater complexity of the rappels and the wilder surroundings.
Level: 2 – Moderate / 3 – Advanced | Duration: 4 h / 6 h | Location: Otívar, Granada
However, if you prefer to jump and jump and jump, we recommend one of the two versions of Rio Verde Canyon, located in the Almijara Nature Reserve (Granada), a very sporty activity where there are many jumps and where you can enjoy a privileged environment where crystal clear waters and large pools alternate with numerous waterfalls where you can jump, abseil and slide.
This canyon has two versions: the normal one, with a moderate level and 4 hs long; and the X-Pro version, with an advanced level and 6 hs long.
Level: 3 – Advanced | Duration: 6 h | Location: El Colmenar, Málaga
For the more adventurous and physically fit, we recommend the Buitreras Canyon (Los Alcornocales Natural Park), also known as the “Cathedral of the Guadiaro”, a full-day activity in which we will cross its deep and narrow gorge, declared a Natural Monument, and enjoy rappelling and jumping from heights of up to 9 metres, all the while admiring this geological wonder.
Level: 2 – Moderate | Duration: 4 h | Location: Ronda, Málaga
If your body still wants more and you are looking for challenging activities, you can descend the Tajo de Ronda, a short activity (4 hours) but very intense, where you will descend waterfalls of up to 35 metres while at the same time rappelling under a waterfall, covered by a large curtain of water.
This activity can be combined with the Via Ferrata Tajo de Ronda and a tour of the most beautiful village in Andalusia.
Level: 2 – Moderate | Duration: 4 h | Location: Marbella, Málaga
For the less aquatic, there are also dry canyons, which are nothing more than mountain streams that only carry water on very rainy days and have no water the rest of the year, and are very popular with people who like great verticals, lots of rappelling and very mountainous activity, not marked by the rhythm of the water.
They are also an excellent option for those wishing to learn or improve their rappelling technique, making it not only a great activity but also a learning experience.
They are also a great option in the winter if you don’t want to go in the water.
We recommend the canyon of Monchalban (Istán-Marbella) and the dry canyon of Puerto Ramos (Antequera).
Conclusion
Canyoning is a different and fun activity as long as we do it in the hands of professionals, or if we are prepared and have the knowledge to do so.
Good training, knowledge of the environment, planning the activity and knowing our abilities and limits will ensure that you get the most out of canyoning and make it a fun and safe adventure that we will always remember.
Given the amount of specific equipment required for this sport (ropes, karabiners, descenders, blockers, pulleys, neoprene suits, harnesses, helmets, specific shoes…) and the technical knowledge we need in this medium, the best way to start is in the hands of professionals.
TUUR has over 20 years of experience in these activities, and we have a professional team that not only has the specific certifications for this sport, but also a great attitude and a lot of fun.
Count on us for your next adventure in Andalusia!
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