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What is canyoning?
Have you ever heard of canyoning?
Although the term may be unfamiliar, canyoning is an outdoor sport that involves descending through a canyon to a desired point.
It is popular worldwide for stream rafting in canyons and mountain streams, and it is customary for professionals to use their skills to take on the challenge, even in cold weather and harsh canyons.
In Japan, it is mainly done in the summer and has been secretly creating a boom.
It is an outdoor sport that takes place regardless of the season or the severity of the environment, and is very popular all over the world.
It is especially prevalent in environments rich in nature.
In this issue, we will introduce you to this very popular canyoning activity.
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What is canyoning?
Canyoning is said to have originated in France.
It is not well known to the general public, but in the United States, it is called canyoneering and is a popular sport.
At the beginning of this article, I explained that canyoning is an outdoor sport that involves descending a canyon.
As it is called a sport, the content is designed to get the body moving.
The amount of exercise is so hard that it can be compared to any sport you can imagine in your daily life.
The reason for this is that canyoning is a process that requires completing multiple outdoor sport elements as you descend a mountain stream.
First, we must go upstream to descend the mountain stream.
This creates the element of trekking and mountain climbing.
In addition, the actual descent of the river will include climbing-based elements, such as rappelling, rappelling and other rope work, as well as river swimming and canoeing.
It's pretty hard to imagine.
By the way, did you know that "shower climbing" is an outdoor sport similar to canyoning?
While canyoning is "canyon and stream descent," shower climbing is "canyon ravine climbing," which is a more demanding sport.
If you are proud of your physical fitness, please experience it.
Both of these water sports take place in a cool and beautiful river, making them perfect for the hot summer months.
Effects of Canyoning
The appeal of canyoning lies in the ability to feel at one with nature while enjoying beautiful scenery.
The first step is trekking and climbing to the starting point.
Another attraction is the high activity factor, such as enjoying the waterfall as a waterslide when going down the canyon, or jumping into the waterfall basin.
Even though you will be descending a canyon, you will rarely use canoes or other equipment, allowing you to fully enjoy nature with only your body.
Therefore, physical strength is also required.
Thus, canyoning is expected to have both a high exercise effect and a healing effect, in which the power of nature relaxes both body and mind.
It is also effective in building endurance, muscle strength, and improving cardiopulmonary function.
Cautions for Canyoning
(1) Wear safety equipment
Canyoning does not follow paved paths, but rather naturally created paths and non-paved paths.
Therefore, compared to other sports, it must be said that it is a dangerous outdoor sport that inevitably causes more accidents.
To enjoy canyoning without causing an accident, be sure to wear safety gear.
The first piece of safety equipment that must be worn is a helmet.
Canyoning is done in a watery area, so there is a possibility of slipping and falling.
It is essential to protect the head in such cases.
Next, "shoes" to prevent slipping on the feet and "gloves" to protect the fingers must also be specially prepared.
Canyoning involves going underwater to reach your destination.
Therefore, it is recommended that "wet suits" and "life jackets" be prepared.
(Helmets, wetsuits, and life jackets can be rented from the tour company if you join the tour.)
Bring your swimsuit, towel, eyeglass band, spare contact lenses, and goggles.
Beginners can enjoy canyoning in a safe field with professionals on tours, so please feel free to try it.
It can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken, but it is a safe and enjoyable sport if the rules are followed.
Be sure to follow the instructor's instructions.
(2) Selecting the right field for your level
Beginners should always be accompanied by a professional or instructor to enjoy canyoning in a safe environment.
From the trek to the starting point to the way down the canyon, you will be guided to complete the outdoor sports elements.
Naturally, the degree of difficulty varies depending on the canyon, so it is important to choose the field that best suits your skills and experience.
Proceeding on your own increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
Be very careful not to cause accidents.
Furthermore, if you are a beginner, not only the location but also the season in which you experience canyoning is important.
Although there is a trekking component, it is best to go in summer because you will be descending through the canyon while entering the river and waterfall basin.
If you are planning to take on this challenge, please consider the season as well.
Take it easy and enjoy canyoning at a level of difficulty that suits you.
Canyoning in Iriomote Island
All of the islands in the Okinawa region are rich in nature, and canyoning is a popular activity.
Among them, Iriomote Island is so rich in nature that it is called the Galapagos of the East, and canyon activities such as canyoning and shower climbing have been gaining popularity in recent years.
Almost all of Iriomote Island is designated as Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
The magnificent mangrove forests are inhabited by various creatures unique to Iriomote Island, and you can have as much contact as you like with the characteristic nature of the subtropical zone and the creatures that you can only encounter in Iriomote Island.
Its unique environment allows visitors to enjoy jungle cruises and other activities.
It will be very atmospheric and a scene straight out of a movie.
How to enjoy canyoning
Once you have donned the helmet, shoes, gloves, and lifesaving equipment introduced in the previous section on wearing safety gear, you are ready to go canyoning.
First, we will push through the jungle and climb to the top of the canyon.
Subtropical forests are humid and surrounded by negative ions.
While trekking in comfort, you can observe flora and fauna that you would not normally see, and this will arouse your curiosity.
Once you arrive at your starting point, take a dip to acclimate your body to the water temperature before actually starting down the stream.
One of the highlights of canyoning is the experience of a natural waterslide.
It is a little scary at first, but once you experience it, the thrilling sensation and exhilaration will become addictive.
You can also experience diving from high rocks and waterfalls.
Many of you may have jumped into the river as a child playing in the river.
In canyoning, there is no need to worry, as the dive sites are properly secured.
You can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest.
Recommended Tours
Here are some popular canyoning tours in Iriomote Island.
The valleys of Iriomote Island, which are said to be unexplored, are impressive, so please experience them firsthand through canyoning.
(1) Natural Athletic Tour
Visitors can experience a natural waterslide and dive into a waterfall basin on a canyon rafting trip.
There are low diving points for those who are not comfortable with heights and places where you can climb down without having to jump in, so feel free to ask your instructor for advice.
This easy half-day tour is safe and enjoyable for those who are not confident in their physical strength, as well as for children.
You will be satisfied with this short but hearty tour.
There are many excellent instructors working locally, so you can participate with confidence!
(2) Tour of unexplored Geeta Falls
The unexplored Geeta Falls is mainly reached by trekking.
The deep, bright green color of the plants makes you feel as if you have jumped into a movie.
It has a powerful life as if it were further back in time.
Iriomote Island has a number of waterfalls, and you can feel plenty of negative ions.
Among them, the unexplored Geeta Falls is so beautiful that you can experience the full energy of nature.
Some of those who have experienced the program have said that it has given them a chance to look at themselves in a new light.
Iriomotejima Island Perfect River Activity Plan
Lastly, we would like to introduce a plan that allows you to enjoy the rivers of Iriomote Island for a full day.
It is quite active, with two rivers to play on.
Mangrove cruising will take you through the mangrove forests created by the great nature of Iriomote Island, following the Koura River to Koura Falls.
The name Koola of Koola Falls means "to bring good luck," and locals also visit this waterfall to pay their respects.
Here, you can observe rare plants that can be found only in Iriomote Island.
It is also a famous photo spot and popular among women.
In canyoning, you can play in the water, slide down natural sliders, jump into waterfalls, and feel the great nature of Iriomote Island's canyons with your whole body.
Among them, the excitement will be at its peak when you dive into the waterfall basin.
Enjoy the great outdoors in a field of beautiful nature that is also a candidate for World Natural Heritage.
in the end
In this issue, we introduced canyoning.
How was it?
Activities in the beautiful wilderness of Iriomote Island will be a great opportunity to refresh your body and mind.
Canyoning is a water sport with a high element of activity, such as playing in the water, experiencing a natural waterslide, and diving into a waterfall basin.
Anyone can enjoy this sport by experiencing it at a level of difficulty that suits them and by wearing safety gear properly, and the best part is feeling a pleasant sense of fatigue.
Enjoy the sport as much as you can, which can only be experienced in the great outdoors!
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
