ART of Canyoneering

Squeezing through a very tight section, your plus-size partner becomes stuck. What can you do to help free him?

Of course, it always depends on the specific situation, but here are a couple techniques that have worked:

1. Rig a 2:1 mini-haul above the subject. One rescuer serves as anchor by positioning himself in a secure chimney or stem position with the rope (or webbng) fixed to his harness. Rope runs through a carabiner on the subject’s harness. If the tie-in point is not accessible, rig a runner around his chest under his armpits and attach the carabiner there. Second rescuer hauls up on the rope/webbing.

2. Provide a foot loop for the subject to step up in. Dependent on subject’s ability to turn his feet. He may not be able to see his feet, in which case someone will need to provide directions and/or use a stick to position the loop.

NOTE: We sometimes set up this scenario during rescue classes. In one of those classes, students were able to get a foot loop (tied in the end of a rope) to the subject. They attempted to haul (with subject’s foot in loop, leg locked straight), but were not hauling straight up. The pull twisted the subject diagonally, making the situation worse. It could have worked if they pulled slower and communicated better with the subject to ensure their efforts were coordinated with his.

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The past couple weeks have been hectic. A road trip to Arizona, Moab and North Wash. Followed by a 4-day guides exam. And today catching up on gear orders now that a new batch of Canyonator rope arrived. Shipped several thousand feet of it today.

Getting back to work on this site tomorrow.

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A few members here seem to be experiencing some problems logging in with their original passwords. I am aware of the problem and looking into it.

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Returning to Arizona to guide Cibecue Canyon with my friend, Gregg Henry, always feels like going home. Cibecue is a very nice canyon. Maybe not the best one on earth, but it will always be special to me. From the mid ’90s until I moved to Utah in 2002, I had the privilege of guiding the canyon under an exclusive arrangement with the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The agreement included a provision for me to train my replacements through the Apache Tribal Guides program, funded by a grant from the EPA. Don’t ask. I have no idea why the EPA was involved.

Over the years I trained a number of guides, rangers and rescue team members. Gregg was a natural born guide with a solid aptitude for technical rope work. He ultimately became the first canyoneering guide certified by the ACA. We became close friends. He brought his son, Miles, on a number of canyoneering trips with us. Around 10 years old the first time I met him. He’s grown, married, has a 2-year-old daughter, and is showing the same aptitude for guiding that I saw in his dad.

I was back in Arizona a couple weeks ago, guiding a group of teenage girls and their adult leaders. Side-by-side with Gregg again.

Pleased to announce that Gregg and I have entered into a joint venture and together have an exclusive arrangement with the Tribe for guided canyoneering trips and courses on the rez. I will handle the business and marketing from here in Cedar City. Gregg will do most of the guiding. We will work together with larger groups and I will teach courses. Intent is to involve more Apaches and to include Apache culture in most of our trips — canyoneering during the day, followed by a BBQ and Apache Crown Dancers.

Keep your eye on the calendar for upcoming programs or contact me about arranging a private program for you and your friends.

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Avoid confusion, frustration and potentially dangerous situations when communicating in the canyons. I created a handy Canyoneering Signals sheet – whistle signals on one side; hand signals on the other. Available free to all ART of Canyoneering members. Ready to laminate and carry with you for use as a quick reference. –Rich
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