Canyoneering Ropes

In terms of standard requirements, there is no difference between a so-called canyon rope and other static ropes according to the EN 1891 standard. That means all dedicated canyon ropes are also static ropes.

However, practical experience of canyon guides or mountain guides with special expertise in canyoning reveals the following important requirements that a canyon rope should ideally meet:

• High resistance to wear
• Low sheath slippage
• Low elongation
• Low rope shrinkage
• Eye-catching, bright color of the rope
• Floatability

Frequent rappelling, wet conditions, and occasionally sharp edges mean real stress for canyoning ropes. Especially the rope sheath is heavily stressed and should have high resistance to abrasion and wear. A good indicator of the rope's robustness is a high percentage of sheath. On the other hand, the sheath slippage should be as low as possible.

Low elongation is an important safety aspect because canyoning often involves rappelling over natural basins formed below waterfalls, known as plunge pools. Low elongation allows estimating the necessary length for rappelling to the correct height from above and quickly freeing oneself from the rope upon reaching the plunge pool.

Due to contact with water, the rope shrinks. Most manufacturers already take this into account by delivering the canyon ropes with additional length, which compensates for the subsequent shrinkage. Nevertheless, it is best to soak and dry your new canyon rope at home before the first use. This way, the inevitable shrinkage can occur in a controlled and uniform manner. Also, you will know the actual rope length after shrinkage.

It is crucial that the usable rope length matches the highest rappelling point of the respective canyon. This is often between 30 and 50 meters but can occasionally exceed 100 meters. It is essential to gather information about the topography of the canyon in advance and adjust your equipment accordingly. For emergencies, a second rope of the appropriate length should always be carried within the canyoning group.

The noticeable color increases the visibility of the canyon rope, even in whitewater. Good visibility of the rope in any situation enables quick access to the rope and is thus also a safety factor. Likewise, a floating rope that remains on the water's surface is easier to reach than a non-floating one.

For all canyoning ropes, you will find the necessary information about sheath percentage, sheath slippage, elongation, shrinkage, and floatability in our shop so that you can choose the optimal canyon rope according to your preferences.

Unfortunately, there is no one ideal material for canyon ropes. The following are options:

• Polyester, which can be used as a sheath material due to its exceptionally high abrasion resistance
• Polypropylene, which provides buoyancy/floating capability to the rope due to its low density
• Polyamide, which is particularly elastic and has good energy absorption, thereby cushioning the impact in case of a fall

For all canyon ropes, we provide information about the fibers primarily used, so you can choose either a highly abrasion-resistant rope with a polyester sheath, a buoyant rope with polypropylene content, or a "classic" rope made entirely of polyamide.

In addition to neoprene clothing and appropriate footwear or specialized canyoning shoes, the following items constitute a good basic equipment for canyoning:

• Protective helmet, preferably with ventilation openings
• Canyoning harness
• Descender device: rappel-eight, especially Petzl Piranha
• Emergency knife or shears
• Signal whistle
• Slings for self-belay and a so-called cap sling
• Canyoning backpack

Depending on the tour, it may be necessary to carry additional equipment. If you book a guided canyoning tour, the necessary equipment is usually provided by the organizer.

Canyon ropes, like static ropes, have low elongation and are not designed to absorb high fall energy. Canyon ropes are typically used for descending and ascending on the rope and should not be used like dynamic climbing ropes. If no dynamic rope is available for traverses or emergency exits, using (semi-)static canyon ropes increases the safety risk.

The diameter of a canyon rope should be approximately 10 mm or larger. Ropes with small diameters are intended for experienced users who value compact size and light weight.