Canyoneering Ethics

Section 6

To ensure that we preserve the environment and maintain safety during outdoor-related activities, it's important to follow the "Leave No Trace" ethics. Here are some guidelines to consider:

Do!

To ensure that we preserve the environment and maintain safety during outdoor-related activities, it's important to follow the "Leave No Trace" ethics. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Take only pictures and leave only footprints to preserve the natural beauty of the environment.
Leave an "Emergency Note" in your vehicle before you leave the trailhead to inform others of your whereabouts and when you plan to return.
Help everyone out! Outdoor activities are team activities, so be willing to assist and encourage others.
Wear a helmet to protect yourself from potential accidents and injuries.
Bring enough food and water (plus some extra) to sustain yourself throughout the day.
Hike in the drainage of canyons where possible to avoid creating "social trails" or extra trails that can damage the ecosystem.
Avoid stepping on "crypto" (cryptobiotic soil), which takes years to grow back after being destroyed.
Always have a first-aid kit in your party to address injuries or emergencies that may occur.
On long canyoneering days (8+ hours), bring a bivy (bivouac) in case you need to spend the night unexpectedly.
Say "watch out below" or "I'm going to throw a rope down" instead of "rope!" when canyoneering meets the public to avoid alarming or confusing non-canyoneers.
When fellow canyoneers ask to pass your slower group, please let them do so to avoid causing a bottleneck.
Please take pictures of graffiti in canyons and report it to the rightful property owners to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Do Not!

Do not bring your furry animals on technical canyons. Instead, take them through non-technical canyons to avoid causing harm to them and to the environment.
Do not horseplay when on rappel or near edges to avoid endangering yourself and others.
Do not overestimate your ability to do a specific canyon or the sport in general. Many people overestimate their abilities and underestimate the risks involved.
Do not bounce on ropes as this can cause a significant increase in load (or force) on the anchors, potentially causing damage to the environment and endangering your safety.
Do not create rope grooves when installing new anchor points. Instead, look at how the rope pull will be retrieved and place anchors on the wall or at a higher point to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
Do not talk loudly or yell when canyoneering meets the public. Most people dislike rowdy groups and individuals who show off.
Do not yell "rope!" when dropping or throwing a rope-bag on a rappel in public areas, as the public may not understand the term. Instead, use clear and concise communication to avoid confusion.
If a group of canyoneers wants to pass you, please do not inhibit or block them to avoid causing a bottleneck.
Do not trespass on private property to gain access to canyons. Abusing the trust of landowners can cause the entire community to lose access to these areas forever.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.