< Policies & procedures

Standard Operating Procedure

Running a Canyoning Activity

Purpose

To provide a clear, practical, and safe framework for planning and conducting recreational canyoning activities within Australia, in alignment with the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Canyoning Good Practice Guide (GPG).

1. Activity Planning and Approval

1.1 Activity Leader Requirements

Canyoning activities must be led by a competent and experienced canyon leader who is endorsed by Canyoning Australia. Leaders are responsible for the safety of participants and the ethical and sustainable conduct of the canyoning activity.

Activity Leaders must:

  • Possess the appropriate level of knowledge, skill and experience for the nominated canyon when factoring in it’s grade, technical challenges and hazards.

  • Be competent in group leadership, navigation, anchor rigging, abseil rescue, emergency management, and environmental stewardship.

  • Be Familiar with:

    • Canyoning Australia’s policies and procedures regarding running a canyoning activity

    • The Canyoning Good Practice Guide (GPG)

    • Current environmental policies and land access requirements

Refer to Technical Skills for more information on skills and knowledge required to undertake canyoning activities.

1.2 Submitting and Approving Activities

Activities must be proposed in advance with a full activity plan that includes:

  • Name and contact details of leader and co-leader(s)

  • Proposed canyon route and grading

  • Date and estimated activity duration

  • Expected number of participants (max of 8 recommended)

  • Required equipment and skills

  • Emergency contacts and response plan

  • Entry, route, and exit details (including alternatives)

  • Contingency canyon or escape routes

This plan must be submitted to the Canyoning Australia activity officer prior to advertising or conducting the activity.

2. Pre-Activity Preparation

2.1 Participant Screening and Communication

The Activity Leader is responsible for ensuring that all participants:

  • Are financial members of Canyoning Australia

  • Have completed the annual Canyoning Waiver and Risk Acknowledgment

  • Possess the necessary skills, experience, and physical fitness for the activity

  • Are briefed on expected challenges and required equipment

Leaders must use discretion in accepting participants and maintain an appropriate balance of experienced to novice canyoners. 

Group dynamics and skill distribution should allow for safe and efficient progression through the canyon.

2.2 Risk Assessment and Environmental Conditions

A risk assessment must be conducted before each canyoning activity. Factors to assess include:

  • Current and forecasted weather conditions, especially rainfall and storm activity

  • Catchment characteristics, such as size, surface type, and saturation levels

  • Water hazards: flow rate, temperature, depth, and visibility

  • Canyon features: height of drops, exposure, commitment level, escape options

  • Availability and condition of anchors and rigging points

  • Terrain

  • Environmental risks: flash flooding, bushfires, rockfall

  • Remoteness, communication black spots, and emergency access

Refer to sources like windy.com, Bureau of Meteorology, ropewiki.com, ozultimate.com, and National Parks for closure alerts and conditions.

Refer to the Risk Guidance and Canyoning Activity Risk Assessment documents for more information on risks associated with canyoning activities.

2.3 Equipment Requirements

Each participant must carry the appropriate personal equipment applicable to the canyons they are descending. This may include:

  • Climbing/canyoning-certified helmet

  • Canyoning harness

  • Personal anchor system (PAS) or double-arm safety lanyard

  • Canyoning descender (figure-8 style with friction hooks/horns)

  • 4x locking carabiners (HMS preferred)

  • Mechanical ascender & descender

  • Whistle (loud, pea-less)

  • Waterproof head torch + spare batteries or backup light

  • Canyoning knife

  • Full-length wetsuit (or thermals and rain jacket for dry canyons)

  • Sturdy grippy canyoning or approach shoes with drainage

  • Gloves (leather, sailing, or synthetic canyoning gloves)

  • Waterproof dry bag or canyon keg (double-bagged)

  • Sufficient food, water, and emergency rations

  • Personal first aid kit including emergency blanket or bivy bag

  • Personal PLB or satellite communicator 

Refer to the Gear guidance for detailed information on personal equipment required for canyoning.

Group equipment must include:

  • Adequate number and length of ropes

  • Anchoring materials (slings, maillons/quicklinks, bolts etc)

  • First aid kit and group communication device (PLB or satellite messenger)

  • Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)

All equipment is manufactured by a commercial manufacturer and compliant with industry standards (e.g. EN, UIAA, CE, IRATA, AN/NZS)

Ensure all equipment is inspected prior to use, is serviceable, and meets applicable safety standards (e.g. EN, UIAA).

3. On the Day of the Activity

3.1 Group Briefing

Before entering the canyon, the leader must brief the group on:

  • The canyon plan, including estimated duration, exit time, and key features/challenges

  • Roles (activity leader, co-leader, anchor manager, sweep, etc.)

  • Confirm all gear is present and in working order

  • Communication protocols: hand signals, whistle signals and verbal calls

  • Safety checks and buddy systems

  • Emergency procedures and contingency plan including decision points and emergency exits

  • Emphasise environmental responsibility and hygiene

3.2 Group Management and Safety

  • Leaders and co-leaders maintain situational awareness of terrain, hazards, and group dynamics

  • Conduct ABCDE safety checks before each abseil

    • A – Anchor inspection and rigging

    • B – Buckles secured

    • C – Carabiners locked and aligned

    • D – Descender correctly threaded

    • E – Everything else: helmet, lanyard, belay system

  • Confirm anchors are in good condition and construct backups if in doubt

  • Use releasable rigging or belays in flowing waterfalls

  • Use bottom or top belays where appropriate

  • Keep pitch heads orderly and clear of unnecessary traffic

  • Avoid congregating at pitch heads or beneath abseil lines

  • Check pools for depth and hazards before jumping or abseiling into them

  • Maintain tight group cohesion, especially in challenging or flooded sections

  • Monitor group health and morale continuously. Watch for signs of fatigue, hypothermia, or hesitation, and adapt plans accordingly.

  • Never leave a person alone – maintain a buddy system

4. Emergency Management

4.1 Emergency Contacts and Planning

  • A non-participating emergency contact person must be informed of the activity plan and expected return time

  • Submit participant list and expected return time to the emergency contact

  • If applicable, trip/activity intentions should be logged with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or a similar authority (e.g. Police, National Parks)

  • Emergency procedures should include:

    • Missing or overdue group

    • Injury or medical emergency

    • Gear failure or entrapment

    • Flood or environmental hazard

  • Trigger a response when:

    • A participant is injured, lost, or unresponsive

    • The group cannot complete the activity before nightfall

    • Weather or water conditions worsen significantly

  • Communicate with emergency services or your contact as soon as practicable

  • Activate PLB only when help is urgently required and no other options are viable

Leaders should be capable of initiating self-rescue or external response, including activating a PLB if necessary.

5. Post-Activity Responsibilities

5.1 Activity Completion

  • Confirm all participants exit safely and return to vehicles

  • Perform a gear check to ensure no equipment is lost or damaged

  • Notify the designated emergency contact that the activity is complete

5.2 Debrief and Incident Reporting

  • Hold a debrief session with the group to reflect on:

    • Group performance and cohesion

    • Effectiveness of planning and communication

    • Lessons learned or opportunities for improvement

  • Report any incidents, near misses, or equipment failures using official Canyoning Australia Incident Report Form

5.3 Environmental Follow-up

  • Pack out all rubbish, including food scraps

  • Submit observations on canyon conditions to platforms such as ropewiki.com to inform the community

6. Documentation and Review

  • Activity records must be retained, including:

  • Activity records must be stored in the Canyoning Australia digital repository (e.g. Google Drive)

  • Review activities regularly to improve practices

  • Activity Leaders are encouraged toeEngage in continuous training, especially around rescue skills, communication tools, and environmental stewardship