fbpx
• custom trips
• close & personal
• dedicated to couples!
• local guides
• private tours

site under construction

CANYONING tutorials

Canyoning tours comprise navigating your way down a canyon using rope to rappel or by simply sliding down the waterfalls and jumping into crystal clear pools of water.

canyoning

Pick a chapter

Philosophy

The Tour

The Gear

The Skills

The Attitude

The Reward

why
do
we
even
do
this
stuff?

why do we even do this stuff?

A canyoneer's philosophy

Bovec canyoning is a special breed of activity. Not because it is an extreme outdoor adventure sport or anything like that, but because it happens in Bovec. See, the Bovec canyoning region and Soča valley have a unique lure effect on a man's inner sense of beauty. A curse, almost! It grips you by the soul and will not let go! And if you are foolish enough to return the following year, you are done. You shall never leave Soča valley and its mesmerizing canyons. This happened to many foreigners from all over the world.

SHORT ANSWER
So in short we can say we do it because of passion; because we love the sport and its challenges and because we cannot resist the call to adventure that echoes from the mountain summits all around us.

A BIT LONGER ONE ...
The call to adventure is real! It has always been there. Always have people ventured into the unknown hoping to discover something that no man had seen before. By doing so, they often dealt with a hostile environment, but they also put chaos into order. And that is something!
Canyoning is just that - traversing the line between chaos and order. One of the last rare endeavours that revivifies our ancient instincts and makes us feel more alive each time we answer the call to adventure. It also extinguishes our thirst for discovery and satisfies the need to temper our spirit in the rite of passage. Especially for young men, lacking the chance to prove themselves on the field of battle, canyoning offers an alternative way of putting one’s spirit at ease. In addition it is easy to learn the basics! This way you can quickly become a weekend warrior and immediately start gathering some battle scars of your own.

HOW ABOUT IF I FEEL NO CALL TO ADVENTURE?
Aright, we get it - you live in a busy city and your feet hardly touch anything else that's not concrete. Furthermore this EXTREME stuff is not for you. Fair enough.

Well ... I'd say that adventure is necessary. Always. For everybody. It builds character, my father used to say. It tougens you up for the real life's challenges that lie ahead. Because "Forward" is the name of the game. So, are you tough enough?

You can find out more what goes on in our heads on "about us".

all
the
Adventure
gunz
you
will 
need

all the adventure gunz you will need

Canyoning Equipment

All Bovec canyoning tours are done in wet canyons, so our gear will be fit for that. But it is worth saying that not all canyons have waterfalls and different rules apply there. We can loosely define our gear by ‘stuff that protects you’, ‘stuff that keeps you warm’ and ‘group stuff’. Since Bovec canyoning region lies in the Julian Alps there will be some cold water there. This means we will all have to do with some neoprene on our skin. We wash our neoprenes after every trip but if your skin is sensitive we suggest to bring some lycra or merino shirts for under the neoprene suit. No cotton though.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PPE or personal protective equipment aka ‘stuff that protects you’ usually means a helmet, a canyoning harness, shoes and some other hardware such as carabiners, chain links and lanyards. It must be said that all PPE should follow international or other recognized standards. Furthermore we must check our PPE before and after any canyoning activity and only use the PPE for intended purpose.

You may bring some of your own gear if you like it so much, but we will need to check it before the activity and decide if it is smart to take it on the trip or not. We cannot accept any responsibility for your gear in case you lose it or if it sunks on the bottom of a pool.
SOCKS AND GLOVES
Neoprene socks are an essential part of equipment when canyoning in Bovec. Water is just too cold otherwise. You can have 3 or 5 mm thick socks. They also cusion the landing forces on your heels when jumping. Neoprene gloves however, are seldomly used since they hamper the sense of touch thus making it harder to control rope and operate carabiners. Freezing cold hands are no better so gloves come handy in the spring months.

NEOPRENE SUIT
Neoprene suits come in different shapes and sizes but most notable feature of a canyoning suit is the front zipper. Padded knees and elbows come second. Usually they also have hoods which is an indispensable component when you rappel over and through a cold waterfall. Some suits come in separate parts - upper and lower. This means you will have twice the thickness on your chest since they overlap. If this will keep you warmer is debatable because there is a thin layer of water between them. However you will definitely be better protected when sliding down a waterfall on your back. Some suits also have added protection on the butt and gaskets on the sleeves to prevent water from entering when jumping. You will not have that option. There is just too much wear and tear for commercial use. Hope you understand.
Canyoning hardware gear. We change it when it shows signs of fatigue. Don't worry, one scratch here and there means nothing.
SHOES
Bovec canyoning adventures have been done in simple neoprene boots for a long time, but now the standards have changed. Shoes should have good quality sole rubber so that it sticks to the wet rock and a thick hill to cusion any hard jumps. Good ankle support is also nice to have since we do a lot of approach hiking when canyoning in Bovec. One such kind is the Adidas Terrex canyoneer boot. We have those and we like them. For the most basic - Sušec canyon - a simple neoprene boot coupled with some thick socks will suffice.

HARNESS
A canyoning harness is almost the same thing as a climbing harness (belt). The difference is that a climbing harness has padding to cusion the fall and canyoning harness has protection for leg loops and the rear. Sliding down the waterfall tobogans is one of the main features of canyoning and it is very hard on the gear, especially the harness. Therefore it has a hard rubber sheet on the back side. Two lanyards of different lengths are also needed and each should end with a locking carabiner. Either with screw gates or something similar so that it cannot open accidentally.

You will see your guide in a much more fancy harness, but that is because he or she needs to hang in it for extended periods of time and blood circulation is a thing ...
HELMET
Canyoning helmets are nothing special. They can be the same as for climbing but with bigger holes to let water out upon landing after a high jump. Otherwise it might get damaged. As with any other canyoning gear it should also float so that we don’t lose it when we are adjusting our hoods. The only thing we should be mindful of is that the current doesn’t take it downstream.

DESCENDER AND CARABINERS
All canyoning carabiners need to be locking ones; screw gates or any other mechanism. If we attach a ‘human life’ onto it there simply is no other way. It must be secure. Regarding the size, bigger is usually better since our hands get quite cold sometimes. It is then harder to operate a smaller carabiner. A bigger one can also accept the static canyoning rope better.

Canyoning descenders are a totally different thing compared to the climbing belay devices. First off - the rope sliding through it is wet, there is a lot more rappelling than when climbing, we must be able to lock it off and adjust the friction on the way down the rope. This means that our descenders are bigger and thicker with more protruding spikes and whatnot enabling us to do all these things.
Canyoning ropes used to be just floating semi-static ropes. But our friends from Switzerland made a new canyoning dedicated rope!!! <3 ^^
GROUP GEAR
Along personal protective equipment we also need some gear for the group. Most notably, the rope and somewhere to store it - a canyoning backpack. Safety always comes first so there is a water tight cag for first aid stuff. The more, the better - someone will surely know how to use it. Some goggles if anyone loses his Rolex on the bottom of a pool. Luckily the water is clear and you can find all sorts of thing in the canyons. Alright, almost set! Can’t forget a cell phone, ofcourse. We also have water tight rubber packs if somebody would want to take their phone on the trip for making photos. But, again, we cannot accept any responsibility for your lost items.

CANYONING BACKPACKS
There is no perfect canyoning backpack. If there is one, then it is too heavy, so … point proven. It can be a simple “swine” bag, as they call them in the caving society, but then it won’t stand up on it’s own when you try to feed rope into it. Also, it won’t have different compartments to sort your extra gear. But it will float and it will be light, which is good enough for an easy Bovec canyoning adventure.
CANYONING ROPES
Canyoning rope can be any semi-static rope that has a safety factor of 10x after you tie a knot on it. It is also nice if it can withstand some friction against the rock. There is a lot of wear and tear while rappelling or lowering people that cannot rappel on their own. Some argue canyoning ropes must also float, some say they should sink. All we care is that they don’t stretch too much and hopefully last a season or two.

FIRST AID, GOGGLES AND A PHONE
It is more important that you know how to use your first aid kit then what you have in it. And since there are no major injuries, we usually carry just what we need. We take more stuff when venturing further into the wild, ofcourse.

There is no canyon in Bovec remote enough, that we would need a sat-phone, but a cell phone with a good signal is always at hand. Goggles are one of those things that you never use, but always need when you don’t have them, so considering this scientific fact, we always carry them.

all
the
adventure
skillz
you
will
need

all the adventure skillz you will need

Canyoning Challenges And Techniques

In general, it is recommended that individuals who are interested in going canyoning, should be in good physical condition and have a good level of cardiovascular fitness. This may include being able to hike uphill for some time, being able to lift and carry a certain amount of weight, and having good flexibility and coordination.

Bovec canyoning tours are an enjoyable and rewarding outdoor activity, but it is important to be prepared and to consider your physical abilities and limitations before engaging in the sport.

If you are not in good physical condition or have any concerns, it is important to consult with us before participating in canyoning. We will help you to determine what is the best to do regarding your specific situation and fitness level.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: STAMINA
Physical endurance is an important factor to consider because of all the canyoning-specific movements that we will do. Typically we hike, swim or wade through pools of water, climb up and down, and ofcourse rappel.
Having good stamina can help you to complete the physical demands of canyoning more easily and with less fatigue, allowing you to enjoy the activity more fully and safely.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: STRENGTH
Some strength is also important, perticaularly the ability to grip and hold things, such as when passing a back pack or using a rope to help you go up or down a rock. When rappelling the grip is not so important, because we can adjust the amount of friction on your descender and so make it easier if needed.

We take the descenders away from "Rambos" of the group and make them go down the rope bare handed. Don't worry - it will not burn their hands - rope is wet, haha.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: AGILITY
Agility is needed to move quickly and easily over slippery terrain such as wet rocks covered with algae and moss. It also plays a role when you are trying to maintain a 90 degree angle towards the wall when rappelling. Remember: the darker the colour of the rock, the more slippery it can be.
Matej, our head guide doing his usual canyoning stuff. Looks rather awekward on this shot, but we figured to use it anyway, haha.
MENTAL CONDITION: OVERCOMING FEARS
Overcoming fears can be a challenging but rewarding process. Fear of heights is usually the first on the menu, especially in the context of canyoning where heights often are an inevitable part of the activity.

Gradually exposing yourself to your fear and practicing relaxation techniques such as: deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization techniques, can help you feel more calm and in control when facing your fear.

We know that overcoming fears can take time, therefore it is important to be patient and kind to yourself as you work through this process. We also recognize that it is okay to feel afraid, and we take steps to ensure your safety when tackling the canyon's heights. We are here to help and guide and we can guarantee that the feeling of freedom after overcoming yourself is priceless!
MENTAL CONDITION: RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the potential risks associated with the canyoning activity, and taking steps to minimize those risks.

Sometimes you will have to do this also on your own behalf, for instancey, when deciding whether to jump or not. But most of the time your guide does risk assessment. And local Bovec canyoning guides should know everything that could go wrong, since Bovec canyoning has been done for more then 30 years.

Calculated risk is a risk that has been carefully evaluated and deemed acceptable based on the potential rewards and the measures taken to minimize the potential negative outcomes.
And this might be you. Both hands on the rope - nice. Feet high up, knees bent, butt down and leaning back, looking over the shoulder. Perfect!
MENTAL CONDITION:
CAPACITY OF FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Bovec canyoning can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be dangerous if you do not follow your guide's instructions. All the guides of our team have the training and experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Some things to consider:

1. Pay attention
Before you begin your canyoning trip, your guide will give you a briefing on the route, the equipment you will be using, and the safety precautions you should take. Listen carefully to this briefing and ask any questions you may have.

2. Follow the route
Your guide will lead the way and indicate the best route to take. It is important to stay with the group and follow the route as directed by your guide.

3. Use the equipment correctly
We will provide you with the necessary equipment and show you how to use it correctly. Use the equipment as directed to ensure your safety.
MENTAL CONDITION:
CAPACITY OF FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Bovec canyoning can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be dangerous if you do not follow your guide's instructions. All the guides of our team have the training and experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Some things to consider:

4. Follow safety procedures
Your guide will also provide you with information on what to do in the event of an emergency. It is important to follow these procedures and follow your guide's instructions if an emergency does occur.
MENTAL CONDITION: CAPACITY OF TRUSTING
Trusting your canyoning guide is an important aspect of canyoning, as we are responsible for leading the group and ensuring everyone's safety. It is important to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced guide - such as one of us, ofcourse. =)
Safety first
Before you embark on your canyoning trip, make sure to communicate with your guide about your abilities and any concerns you may have. It is also a good idea to ask about the emergency response plan in case of an accident or injury.
While it is important to trust your guide, it is also important to trust your own judgment and instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with a particular activity or have concerns about your safety, you must be able to say: "Not today."

4. Follow safety procedures
Your guide will also provide you with information on what to do in the event of an emergency. It is important to follow these procedures and follow your guide's instructions if an emergency does occur.

MENTAL CONDITION:
CAPACITY OF TRUSTING

Trusting your canyoning guide is an important aspect of canyoning, as we are responsible for leading the group and ensuring everyone's safety. It is important to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced guide - such as one of us, ofcourse. =)

Safety first
Before you embark on your canyoning trip, make sure to communicate with your guide about your abilities and any concerns you may have. It is also a good idea to ask about the emergency response plan in case of an accident or injury.

While it is important to trust your guide, it is also important to trust your own judgment and instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with a particular activity or have concerns about your safety, you must be able to say: "Not today."

THE
DOs
aND
DON'Ts
OF
BOVEC
CANYONING

THE DOs AND DON'Ts OF BOVEC CANYONING

Applicable Attitude when canyoning in Bovec

If you want to go canyoning in Bovec, here is your FIRST RULE : if we see you smoking and throwing the cigarrette bud on the ground ...

YOU. WILL. NOT. GO. CANYONING. THAT. DAY
Alright, now that that is out of the way we can go on. As an experienced canyoning guide in Bovec region I have led countless successful and enjoyable tours in and around the Julian Alps. Safety is always our top priority, and we have a few dos and don'ts that we follow to ensure a great experience for our guests.

DO #1
First and foremost, it's essential to follow the instructions of our local and experienced guides. They are trained professionals who know the canyons like the back of their hand and are there to lead you safely through the experience. Trust in their expertise and follow their guidance to have the best time possible.

DO #2
Another important do is to be aware of your surroundings. The canyons are filled with stunning, but potentially dangerous, elements like wet rocks, water pools, and fauna and flora. Pay attention to where you are stepping and you might just see the elusive red salamander.

DO #3
Canyoning is a team activity, so it's important to help out your fellow canyoneers. If someone is struggling, offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Supporting and encouraging each other is key to a successful trip.

Respect the canyon and you might survive.
DO #4
Take care of your gear. In Bovec canyoning region we use specific gear that you might have not seen before. Take a minute to understand how it works and ask questions if you need to. Your gear is an essential part of your canyoning adventure and it's important to take care of it to ensure it lasts and looks good for at least one season.

DO #5
Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay energized since canyoning can be physically very demanding and if your sugar levels drop your movements become less deliberate. Thus it is more likey that you will slip on a wet rock or make a similar mistake.
Alright, let us go to the don'ts now.
DON'T#1
Do not to take any unnecessary risks. While it's natural to want to push your limits, safety should always come first. If you're not comfortable with a particular activity, let us know and we will help you find an alternative way of overcoming the obstacle.

DON'T#2
Ignoring your own physical limits can also be dangerous. Canyoning can be physically demanding, so it's important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you're feeling exhausted or in pain, let your guide know and take a break.
Don't do stupid shit. Just do the crazy.
DON'T#3
Bovec canyoning region is mostly set in the Triglav National Park and so it is essential to respect and preserve the environment. Fauna nd flora in the canyons has evolved to live a calm life - try not to disrupt shallow pools of standing water too much. Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the canyon.

DON'T#4
Do not jump or dive into pools of water unless you are allowed by your guide to do so. Every canyon and it's features change over the course of a year. Heavy rains, ice and earthquakes can alter the depth of the pools. This is why we must check every pool, even if we have been in the canyon before.
DON'T#5
Do not overtake your guide and go exploring the canyon by yourself. Always wait for the group to keep the trip safe and organized. It also makes your guide's life a lot easier.

SUM UP
By following these dos and don'ts, my team and I have led countless successful and enjoyable Bovec canyoning tours in the Triglav National Park as well as in Italy. Our tours are suitable for beginners and offer a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscape and experience the thrill of going down waterfalls. Everything can be done in a safe and controlled manner as long as we keep our hear cool and follow the guidelines.

canyoning
=
adventure
=
reward
in
itself

canyoning = adventure = reward in itself

Why is Canyoning in Bovec A Privilege?

Bovec canyoning adventures are a privilege BECAUSE THIS SHIT IS PRICELESS! I think this answer will satisfy the simple minded people such as myself. But here is my try for the more sophisticated bunch:

Bovec canyoning fits among the extreme outdoor sports where a guide is needed almost all of the time. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is for the curious ones, eager for exploration.

This exciting activity requires a good level of physical fitness and a sense of adventure, as well as the willingness to push your limits. The rewards for those who overcome the fear and take on the challenge are truly unparalleled.
As you navigate through the breathtaking canyons and gorges of Bovec basin, you'll have the chance to explore some of the most stunning and hard-to-access natural wonders in Slovenia.

The emerald-green pools, the turquoise-blue waters of the Soča river valley and the lush green forests that surround the high Julian Alps, are a sight to behold. To be amid all of this and to experience the power of nature up close truly is a privilege of it's own kind.

One of the highlights of canyoning in Bovec is the #Fratarica canyon, home to the 50 meters high Parabola waterfall over which only the mighty are willing to descend.
These two have just come down a huge waterfall by themselves. The adrenaline in their blood talls them they are super heroes and they believe it.
Another popular canyon is #Kozjak, known for its narrow corridors and deep pools that are perfect for jumping into. Although not everyone is allowed to jump there, since it requires some skill to do it safely. In case something goes wrong there it takes a lot of time to get out, so we are extra careful and take no unnecessary risks.

For those looking for a longer and more challenging adventure, there is the #Predelica canyon, which takes approximately 7 hours to complete. There are no shortcuts or any way of escaping. Just you, your guide and pristine nature - all day long.
There are also other canyons in the region that require a bit more experience and there are even more canyons just over Kanin mountain, in Italy. You will never run our of excuses to go on an adventure when in Bovec canyoning region.

SUM UP
Bovec canyoning is an activity that allows you to discover something new and gives you the feeling of real exploration. It's an exhilarating and exciting way to experience the great outdoors, and it's an adventure that you'll never forget. So if you're up for the challenge, don't miss out on the opportunity to try canyoning in Bovec. It's an experience that you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Canyoning is the sort of shit you never knew, you could do. And once you do it, it acts like an upheaval of your life's course.

BEST outdoor activities

Outdoor adventure activities are a privilege of pure nature! Alas, canyoning tours are a bit less known as extreme adventure sports. It uses a combination of techniques from climbing, caving, and also alpinism when done in the wintertime. Activities that are involved are scrambling, jumping, sliding, swimming, and rappelling.

IS this adventure DIFFICULT?

'Is canyoning difficult for an extreme sport' is the right question here. And the answer? No, not really. Actually it depends. It could be done by 6 year old children or it could even be too hard for alpine mountain climbers. However, canyoning is a very fun adventure sport to begin with.

how DANGEROUs is canyoNing?

How dangerous canyoning is depends on your previous experience and psychophysical condition as well as on your guide and the equipment you are using. Canyoning involves taking calculated risks that can be mitigated by various techniques or, most importantly, by choosing the right time and place to go canyoning.

who can go canyoning?

Everybody can go canyoning! It is just smarter not to go if you have back and knees problems or if you are pregnant or dead drunk. If you are a nonswimmer, if you wear glasses or if you are just a bit afraid - these kind of conditions can easily be dealt with by customizing the tour.

WHAT IS CANYONING?

What is canyoning if not a privilege of nature?! Otherwise it is a less known extreme adventure-sport which combines some of the techniques from climbing, caving and also alpinism when done in the wintertime. Activities that are involved are: scrambling, jumping, sliding, swimming and rappelling.

IS CANYONING DIFFICULT?

'Is canyoning difficult for an extreme sport' is the right question here. And the answer? No, not really. Actually it depends. It could be done by 6 year old children or it could even be too hard for alpine mountain climbers. A lot of beginners start canyoning in Bovec, Slovenia.

how DANGEROUs is canyoning?

How dangerous is canyoning depends on your previous experience and psychophysical condition as well as on your guide and the equipement you are using. Canyoning involves taking calculated risks which can be mitigated by various techniques or, most importantly, by choosing the right time and place to go canyoning.

who can go canyoning?

Everybody can go canyoning! It is just smarter not go if you have back and knees problems or if you are pregnant or dead drunk. Another thing is if you are a nonswimmer, if you wear glasses or if you are just a bit afraid - these kind of conditions can easily be dealt with by customizing your tour.

this shit is worth it