Canyoning, also called “canyonism” in French, is an outdoor sport or recreational activity that involves descending canyons by following the flow of water.
Participants follow the natural flow of the canyon, which can be more or less aquatic, with water levels and terrain difficulties that vary greatly. Some canyons may even be dry.
This discipline combines caving, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and of course white-water sports. To progress through the riverbed, whether walking or swimming, participants may need to navigate natural slides, perform jumps, or rappel down waterfalls.
Specific equipment is necessary to ensure safety while canyoning.
Canyoning allows participants to experience the stunning natural beauty of unique environments, sometimes called “open-air caving.” An approach hike is often required to reach canyons in preserved areas.
The practice of canyoning is regulated by the French Federation of Mountain and Climbing as well as the French Caving Federation.
We will explore how this activity originated, the conditions in which it can be practiced, how to practice it safely, where to enjoy it, and what a canyoning experience with Annecy Aventure entails.