IN THIS MODULE
29 Sequencing (or Moving) in a Canyon
Why have a section on simply “moving” in a canyon? Because you rarely just walk from one end to the other. Depending on the canyon, you may downclimb, upclimb, stem, chimney, bridge, use a handline, jump, or work through an obstacle with a partner assist.
That variety is part of what I love about canyoneering. The obstacle changes, the movement changes, and your group has to decide what makes sense. That collection of movement choices is what I mean by sequencing.
• Downclimbing
• Upclimbing
• Stemming
• Chimneying
• Bridging
• Handline
• Jumping
• Partner Assist
THE POINT: Do not assume every drop needs a rappel. The skill is learning to recognize the movement options available to your group and choosing what is appropriate for that obstacle.
DOWNCLIMBING
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
UPCLIMBING
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
STEMMING
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
CHIMNEYING
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
BRIDGING
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
HANDLINE
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
JUMPING
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
PARTNER ASSIST
SEQUENCING MINDSET: The movement itself is only part of the problem. The group still has to decide whether this is the right technique for the people, conditions, exposure, and obstacle in front of them.
*CASE STUDY: A JUMP, A LONG EXIT — THE SUBWAY, 2016
On July 25, 2016, Zion received a report of an 18-year-old who had jumped from a rock just below the last rappel on The Subway route and injured his ankle. He could not bear weight on it. His group carried and assisted him down canyon until a Search and Rescue team reached them later that evening.
The group had no headlamps or flashlights. With SAR assistance they reached the trailhead around 10:00 p.m. NPS summarized the lesson plainly: do not jump, avoid unnecessary risks in remote locations, and carry multiple light sources for unexpected delays.
Lesson Learned: A movement shortcut that saves seconds can create hours of evacuation. When you cannot see the landing or verify the depth and surface, use controlled movement, a handline, partner assistance, or a rappel instead of jumping.
*CASE STUDY: AN UNEXPECTED LANDING — LITTLE SANTA ANITA, 2019
On February 10, 2019, an experienced canyoneer in California chose to slide over a roughly six-foot drop into a pool reported to be about two and a half feet deep. Rough granite unexpectedly slowed and tipped him, changing his entry position. His left foot lodged between rocks on the bottom. Cold had reduced sensation, and he continued through the canyon. At the car, two toes were visibly bruised and displaced. He needed walking aids afterward and was still limping two weeks later; a fracture was suspected.
Lesson learned: A slide does not guarantee a controlled landing. Friction, body position, submerged rocks, and water depth can change the outcome in a moment. For beginners, favor a suitable controlled descent and decline a jump or slide you cannot confidently assess. The fact that someone else enjoys the move is subjective beta. Reduced pain in cold water is not proof that an injured foot is sound.
Think it through: How would you describe this obstacle to someone who wants to avoid both jumping and sliding?
ADDITIONAL READING
Source: ICAD — Little Santa Anita 2019-02-10; reported conversation
Source: National Park Service — “July 25th Jumping in the Subway” (Zion National Park, July 25, 2016).