Читать книгу Canyoning in the Alps. Graded routes in Northern Italy and Ticino, Austria, Slovenia and the Valais Alps онлайн

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In Switzerland it is usually possible to ring somebody to determine the risk of the dam opening (although the hydroelectric companies still decline all responsibility). In Italy this sort of service is by no means standard, and a certain degree of risk often has to be taken.

Jumps and toboggans

It would be fair to say that anyone who wasn’t prepared to jump or toboggan anything wouldn’t be getting the most out of this sport. As well as being great fun, these techniques speed progression and, in certain circumstances, may actually be safer than abseiling (for example, if an abseil deposits you in the worst of the current). That said, the Fédération Français de la Montagne et de l’Escalade (FFME) reports that half of all rescues arise due to misjudged jumps, with a smaller number attributed to toboggans. Injuries are more likely with jumps over 4m. Abseil to verify pool depth if there is any uncertainty. Note that canyons can change drastically over time – pools silt up or fill with detritus washed down by floods. To reduce the chance of injury, jump with legs together and slightly bent, flexing on entering the water. For toboggans, keep feet together and elbows away from the rock.