As with all the experiences offered with Nae Limits, we make safety our number one priority, ensuring every activity is adequately and regularly risk assessed and provided by highly trained guides.
Canyoning as an activity includes a number of highly technical practises that if performed incorrectly could be potentially harmful for those attempting Canyoning without a trained professional. It is therefore imperative that if you are looking to go Canyoning you are accompanied by a qualified instructor and use the correct safety equipment that will minimise any risk of danger in the gorge.
In short, Canyoning can be dangerous if not performed correctly and with a trained professional. When booking an activity with Nae Limits you are guaranteed the best in safety equipment, risk assessed routes through the gorge, highly trained guides to show you the correct way to navigate each waterfall, and a First Aid Outdoors/White Water Rescue trained professional who will be able to provide the best of care if any accidents do occur.
Navigating the Gorge
The nature of traversing waterfalls can provide some difficult scenarios that it is important to be mindful of when Canyoning. Rock faces can be slippery under the water so ensure proper footwear is worn and you are grounded while walking and ensuring you are engaging your core to offer good balance. Your guide will make you aware of any particularly slippery or uneven areas of rock as you approach them, so be sure to proceed with caution and let your instructor know if you are having any difficulties.
Water currents within waterfalls can be strong, so ensure you are watching your footing for uneven surfaces in case a current may alter your balance. You will be head to toe in the best of safety gear, so injuries are unlikely, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the gorge.
Abseiling
Abseiling, or rappelling, is the practise of lowering yourself slowly down the gorge via ropes attached to you via harness and a point at the top of the waterfall. There are several vital safety elements involved in abseiling and it is important that you are confident in what you are doing before you decide to take part in a Canyoning expedition – although a full safety briefing will be delivered by our guides before your activity.
Nae Limits ensures their anchor points in the gorge are safe and can confidently bare weight before every expedition. We will also ensure your harness fits you properly, has been tightened correctly and that any loose material has been strapped out of the way to ensure you are never tangled or impaired by this.
You will be anchored at the front of your harness and from this point you will be advised to sit back into your harness with two hands firmly on the knot of the rope, located just above the carabiner attached to your harness. A carabiner is the metal hook that attaches you to the rope. You will now be able to walk your feet down the gorge wall if within reach or be lowered if not.
Water Safety
It is not a requirement on a Canyoning trip that you are able to swim, although it is advised. Nae Limits will provide buoyancy aids to those looking to take part in a Canyoning expedition that will assist with any time spent in the water. Your guides will also point out the safest areas to land in the water to ensure you are avoiding any particularly deep or shallow areas.
Please also keep in mind that we are located in the heart of Scotland and not Australia, so the water is going to be COLD! Ensure you follow proper cold-water protocol and if you find yourself feeling extremely cold in the water, please do let a guide know. Nae Limits will ensure water temperatures are safe before carrying out any activities in the water. When you have finished your activity, we recommend bringing warm, comfortable clothing to change into that will aid in heating you up after your time in the water.
In Summary
If you ensure you follow safety protocol and recommendations given to you by your instructors, you will have a safe and enjoyable time in the water. If you have any questions about our Canyoning trips, or our safety accreditations and qualifications, please give us a call on 01796 482600.
