Canyoneering Ethics
Section 6
Do!

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Follow "Leave No Trace" ethics in all outdoor-related activities.
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Take....only pictures.
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Leave...only footprints.
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Leave an "Emergency Note" in your vehicle before you leave the trailhead.
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Help everyone out! This is a team activity.
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Wear a helmet!
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Bring enough food/water (plus some extra).
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Hike in the drainage of canyons where possible to avoid creating "social trails" or extra trails.
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Avoid stepping on "crypto" (cryptobiotic soil). It takes seconds to destroy but years (even decades) to grow back.
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Always have a first-aid kit in your party.
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On long canyoneering days (8+ hr hours) bring a bivy (bivouac) in case you need to spend the night.
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Say "watch out below" or "I'm going to throw a rope down" vs "rope!" when canyoneering meets the public.
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When fellow canyoneers ask you to "play through" or pass your slower group, please LET them.
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Please take pictures of graffiti in canyons and report it to the rightful property owners.
Do Not!

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Do NOT bring your furry animals, please! Take them through non-technical canyons instead.
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Do NOT horseplay when on rappel or near edges!
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Do NOT over-estimate your ability to do that specific canyon or the sport. (In fact, people overestimate their abilities and underestimate the canyon).
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Do NOT bounce on ropes as this causes a significant increased load (or force) on the anchors.
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Do NOT create rope grooves. If you are installing a new anchor point, look at HOW the rope pull is going to be retrieved. Anchors that go over rocks, will typically create a groove. Look at placing them on the wall or at a higher point on the wall. For advanced canyoneers, look at doing a retrievable anchor or place a "toggle" (both of these are not taught on Canyoneering101.com).
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Do NOT talk loud and holler when canyoneering meets the public. Most people despise rowdy groups and individuals that show-off.
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Do NOT yell the word "rope!" when dropping or throwing a rope-bag on a rappel in public areas. The public doesn't understand what the term "rope!" means when yelled from above.
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If a group of canyoneers is wanting to pass you, please don't inhibit or block them.
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Do NOT trespass. This is not how the community gains access to canyons by abusing trust with land-owners. Your disregard can make the entire community lose access forever.