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:
Participant list
Risk assessment (if divergent from the Canyoning Activity Risk Assessment)
Emergency contacts
Incident forms (if applicable)
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