Canyoneering Ethics

Do!

Follow "Leave No Trace" ethics in all outdoor-related activities.
Take....only pictures.
Leave...only footprints.
Leave an "Emergency Note" in your vehicle before you leave the trailhead.
Help everyone out! This is a team activity.
Wear a helmet!
Bring enough food/water (plus some extra).
Hike in the drainage of canyons where possible to avoid creating "social trails" or extra trails.
Avoid stepping on "crypto" (cryptobiotic soil). It takes seconds to destroy but years (even decades) to grow back.
Always have a first-aid kit in your party.
On long canyoneering days (8+ hr hours) bring a bivy (bivouac) in case you need to spend the night.
Say "watch out below" or "I'm going to throw a rope down" vs "rope!" when canyoneering meets the public.
When fellow canyoneers ask you to "play through" or pass your slower group, please LET them.
Please take pictures of graffiti in canyons and report it to the rightful property owners.

Do NOT bring your furry animals, please! Take them through non-technical canyons instead.
Do NOT horseplay when on rappel or near edges!
Do NOT over-estimate your ability to do that specific canyon or the sport. (In fact, people overestimate their abilities and underestimate the canyon).
Do NOT bounce on ropes as this causes a significant increased load (or force) on the anchors.
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).
Do NOT talk loud and holler when canyoneering meets the public. Most people despise rowdy groups and individuals that show-off.
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.
If a group of canyoneers is wanting to pass you, please don't inhibit or block them.
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.