What gear do I need for canyoning in New Zealand
Click here for the pictured version – Buying the right Gear you need for canyoning in New Zealand 15:1:20
Because New Zealand has a varied temperate climate be prepared for anything
Rope:
Certified/rated Semi-static, made for canyoning. 8.5mm – 10mm. Start canyoning with a robust 10mm rope like Kordas Dana 10. https://accessgear.net/products-page/canyoning-rope/ It handles well, is tough because of a sheath core conection and has great knotability. Used throughout Europe and New Zealand for good reason.
Canyoning ropes are generally semi static, and come with a certification EN1891.
Certification means consistency of materials, with ongoing quality control. The US has its own certifications, or none at all for rope.
So, why use semi static for NZ canyons? As an example, imagine getting smashed in powerful white water, with a little bit of slack, on a truly static rope. The shock load on you and the anchor would be much higher than that of a semi static rope. With around 3 – 4% stretch, a semi static rope is a little forgiving. The shock load is absorbed through the rope, not your body or the anchor (my personal experience has proved this to be true). Absorbing this shock load through your pelvis, could be extremely painful and perhaps very damaging to you. Never the less, it is horses for courses, nothing is 100%. Having an array of good options is the way to go, all depending on what you are doing of course……..
Harnesses:
Certified/rated and even dated. Made for canyoning, like AV Mazerin for instance. https://accessgear.net/products-page/canyoning-harnesses/av-mazerin-harness/ These work with the addition of a central D karabiner. Some harnesses come with a loop at the front for attaching directly. Look for genuine certified harnesses – ‘meets the standard’ etc means little. Read between the lines. Because there has been solid testing of equipment through years of work by many knowledgable people, this is constantly evolving. Be well aware of what you are buying, ask questions.
Descenders:
Basic figure eights work very well, or buy a more fancy descender with horns (the bits that stick out). But be aware that most EN1891 ropes work well in conjunction with standard figure eights, but you need to fully understand their uses on thiner ropes. 8.5 – 9mm for instance, can be surprisingly fast when new.
Quality canyoning gear available through Access gear www.accessgear.net your Canyoning and Caving store.
Cows tails/Lanyards:
Because Dynamic Certified Rope tied with knots have been well tested for such purposes, it would be naive to use static or sewn cows tails these days. Dynamic properties of the rope work in your favour. Replace all rope cows tails when worn, it costs so little. Personally, I much prefer screw gate carabiners on cow’s tails, because it gives me a choice. 9.8mm (Kordas Kloe) is a great choice or 9.6mm Kordas Monik https://accessgear.net/products-page/canyoning-rope/kordas-monik-9-6mm-dynamic-rope/
Carabiners:HMS, D or Oval.
Actually HMS will do everything you need it to – within reason of course! HMS carabiners can be used for belaying, Canyon quickdraws work very well with HMS or even pulleys. D shape for rigging/cowstails etc. Oval shaped do work best for pulleys, but not strictly necessary these days.
Canyoning Packs:
For over 15 years, Access Gear has supplied NZ canyoners with high quality packs for their watery pursuits. We are at the cutting edge of production – high quality, niche products, designed and made in New Zealand. Real world use is of the utmost importance to us. The Extreme 2 Canyon Pack is a leap forward, but also builds upon what we brought to the market. Produced through two weeks of hard work over winter, the new pack light in weight and very hard core, with massive drainage.
Access Gear www.accessgear.net has a unique approach to design, and gives specific attention to detail. 22 years of canyoning experience helps in the design new products, as does feedback from our customers. We want our products to endure.
Webbing:
Certified UIAA – rated and quality controlled by an independent testing authority ie.the UIAA.
Non rated brands, with no history in New Zealand’s harsh UV rays, make little sense – it’s your life! Leaving poor budget non rated anchors for others is not appropriate. Maintain any old (looking) webbing by taking some NEW webbing with you.
Staying in touch with the community via the groups you use, will
ensure up to date local information:- https://www.facebook.com/ groups/449524435108913/ Use Stainless Steel rings in conjunction with
webbing. https://accessgear.net/products-page/bolts-and-hangers/round-stainless- steel-ring-o10mm/
Quality canyoning gear available through www.accessgear.net your Canyoning/Caving store.
Shoes:
Adidas Hydropro – just buy them they are very good!
Wetsuits:
I like to be able to move around in a wetsuit, if it is too thick it can become very restrictive.
Wetsuits here https://accessgear.net/products-page/canyoning-wetsuits/
Helmets:
https://accessgear.net/products-page/helmets/
Other gear
includes a whistle, a knife, ascenders (which can double for a haul system), a VT prussik, https://accessgear.net/products-page/ascenders-and-decenders/vt-prusik-8mm/ pulley’s, emergency equipment, PLB, extra clothing, maps, GPS etc – and don’t forget your camera and lunch 😉
Quality canyoning gear available through www.accessgear.net your Canyoning/Caving store