What is Canyoneering?
An Adventure in Nature's Wonders

Waterfall rappelling in Hawaiʻi—often called canyoneering or canyoning—is a relatively recent adventure activity layered onto a much deeper relationship between people, water, and steep landscapes. Its history is not a single linear story, but a blend of global climbing techniques, local geography, tourism development, and evolving attitudes toward land access and safety. Rappelling techniques from a 1920s guidebook- credit bigwallgear.com Origins: From European Climbing to G

Canyoneering is inherently dangerous. That shouldn’t surprise anyone—it’s written on every waiver, guidebook, and disclaimer out there, all in the name of avoiding the monster known as “liability.” The phrase has become almost cliché. But when you combine rappelling (already one of the more dangerous aspects of climbing) with marginal anchors, remote terrain, and moving water, things get serious fast. Once water starts moving, the margin for error shrinks dramatically. This a

An Introduction To Hawaii's Breathtaking Waterfalls Flooded Rainbow Falls, Hilo   Nestled amidst the lush tropical landscapes of the Pacific, Hawaii boasts an array of awe- waterfalls that captivate the senses and leave visitors spellbound. These natural wonders are not only a testament to the island's stunning beauty but also serve as a source of tranquility and rejuvenation. From towering cascades plunging into crystal-clear pools to hidden gems tucked away in verdant vall

looking down a 450+ft rappel Canyoneering, also known as canyoning or barranquismo, is an exhilarating outdoor adventure that combines hiking, climbing, and rappelling through narrow canyons and gorges. It offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking and remote natural landscapes on Earth. As you navigate these geological wonders, you will encounter cascading waterfalls, swirling pools, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. ​ Canyoneering requires a combi

Written by Eric Bergdoll - December 2024 Great Spitzkoppe and surrounding formations From the moment I first tied in in August 2014, climbing quickly transcended from a hobby to an obsession, completely to the detriment of all career and scholarly aspirations. After dropping out of school for the second time to be a full-time dirtbag climber, I ditched my comfy Pittsburgh apartment for the back of a Subaru in the middle of winter and headed west, driving straight to Moab. Eve

After a long day in the wilderness, it feels amazing to hunker down for a good night’s sleep. Camping Expert Eric Bergdoll outlines how to achieve restful slumber in a tent. BY ERIC BERGDOLL Photos by the author TABLE OF CONTENTS Picking the Proper Tent Size Choosing the Right Location Bedding Sleeping Bags Sleeping Pads Camp Pillow Other Tips and Tricks Eric Bergdoll CAMPING & HIKING EXPERT PUBLISHED ON 09/15/2022 Anyone with more than a few nights of camping experience can

by Eric Bergdoll For most people, mentions of Hawaii bring up visions of expansive sandy beaches, expensive accommodations, and big waves. For others it brings up connections to complicated politics, an illegal military occupation, and a residual frustration among some Native Hawaiians. Frustration that comes for good reason. Hawaii, before US occupation, was a highly functional, educated, and independent monarchy. In the 1800s, the literacy rate among Native Hawaiians was 98