Safety
Is It Safe?
No expense is spared on our equipment. It is simply the best gear that meets and often exceeds industry standards for strength and durability. Ropes rated to 6,000lbs; Carabineers rated to 5,000lbs are maintained in top conditions. And by the way, we use the gear ourselves.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The thought of dangling off a waterfall may be intimidating. Just know that included in your first rappel experience is a thorough hands-on lesson and a guided practice descent on a dry wall.
How Does It Work?
Your dominant hand controls your descent. You let up allowing the rope to move through the rappel device as you walk down. And you clinch the rope in the device to stop yourself.
What if I am afraid?
Everyone’s biggest fear is falling. If you slip or fall you can catch yourself with your rope and braking skills. Also know that one guide watches you from the top while the other guide is standing below. In the event of a slip, the guide below has a hand on your rope and can apply a “fireman’s belay” by tightening the rope and applying the brake for you until you regain your footing
What if the weather is bad?
Sometimes we will rappel in less than ideal weather conditions. But never in unsafe conditions.
Will I survive?
Trust your guides. Trust yourself. You can do it!
Our Guru!
Learning from a master guide
Our crew has been trained by Dave Black. Dave Black has been teaching canyoneering, climbing, guiding and Wilderness First Aid courses in the U.S. mainland and overseas for almost 40 years. He was an active participant in pioneering certification programs in the American mountain and canyon guiding industry (certified ACA, APMGA and ACGA). A long-time professional firefighter/paramedic, he has worked as a trainer and consultant in more than a dozen countries in the field of Emergency Management and Outdoor Adventure.