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

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Knife

Use this for cutting rope or freeing companions should they get trapped under the flow of water. Folding knives are available that clip safely to a karabiner, such as that made by Petzl.

Cow’s tails (or lanyards)

These are useful for clipping into the anchors at the top of pitches or traverse lines. A 3m length of 9 or 10mm dynamic rope is sufficient to tie two long cow’s tails. A short cow’s tail is also useful – a quick-draw or similar is recommended.

Descending into Giumaglio’s more vertical second half (Route 19 in the Ticino region)

Whistle

A loud whistle may be useful for communicating over the din of a large waterfall, but it is very annoying for everybody else in the canyon. Use sparingly!

Group kit

Rope

The choice of rope for canyoning is a tricky one. All caving and climbing ropes are safe, but certain types are better suited to canyoning. There are numerous points to consider (see ‘ssss1’, below).

Security rope

This is an optional throw-rope, useful in high water conditions for assisting team mates out of white-water hazards. Have it ready to hand rather than stuffed at the bottom of a tackle-sac.