Canyoning, Introduction

VARIOUS TERMS DURING CANYONING FROM A TO C

A

Anchor: any load bearing attachment to which any part of a belay system is attached. Anchor system: a group of individual anchors to which any part of a belay system is attached.

Abseiling: descending vertical or near vertical natural surfaces or artificial surfaces using ropes and descending friction devices to manage the decent. It is also known as rappelling. Activity leader(s): collective noun for canyoning assistant guide(s), guide(s) and/or instructor(s).

B

Belay System: the means by which the climber or abseiler is protected from an uncontrolled fall or descent.

Belayer: a person that operates the belay system.

Bottom belay: belaying a climber or abseiler from the bottom of a pitch.

Bottom braking: the controlling of the descent of an abseiler, by a belayer located below the abseiler applying tension to the abseil rope. Used as a method of belaying the abseiler if they lose control of the descent.

Bouldering: a form of climbing activity, limited in height and for which fall safety can be achieved by the provision of an impact absorbing system, by a spotter providing control of a fall or by a combination of these measures. (Also see deep-water belay and spotter.)

Buoyancy aid: a device that provides additional buoyancy in water. (For example, inflatable mattress, waterproofed backpack, kickboard, noodle, etc.) Also see Lifejacket.

Bushwalking: walking in natural areas.

C

Camping: the use of a temporary site for overnight camping.

Canyons: geological formations that involve flowing or dry watercourse(s). (Also known as gorges.)

Canyoning: the descent, traversing and/or ascent of a canyon using a range of techniques.

Carabiner: (refer connector).

Caving: entering and/or moving though underground passages and/or caverns.

Climbing: ascending, traversing or descending vertical or near vertical natural surfaces or artificial surfaces. (Also see rock climbing).

Competence: ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve expected results. Competencies: the plural of competence. Having competence in more than one ability. Competent: leader/participant/person/assessor: someone who has the competence to perform specific functions.

Connector(s): a metal device used to link components together. A connector (carabiner) may be:

• Non-locking: a connector (carabiner) that cannot be locked to prevent it opening.

• Locking: a connector (carabiner) that can be manually locked and unlocked to reduce the possibility of it opening

• Auto-locking: a connector (carabiner) that will automatically lock to prevent it from opening and requires two or more deliberate actions to unlock.

Contact rescue: a rescue requiring an activity leader to manoeuvre to the persons actual location to physically assist them.

Terms to be found here:
https://australianaas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Canyoning-GPG-v1.0.pdf

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