| 1 (Technical Rating) | A canyon that is non-technical and easy. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| 2-Ring Retrievable Rigging | Retrievable rigging made up of a basket hitched sling with a rappel ring on each end. The rappel line is rigged DRT through both rings. After pulling the rappel line, the sling is pulled down using a separate pull cord. See How to Rig a 2-Ring Retrievable Anchor for detailed information. |
| 2 (Technical Rating) | Non-technical with lots of down climbing. Hand lines come in handy but no rappelling required. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| 3 (Technical Rating) | Technical. Rappelling almost always required. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| 3rd Class Scrambling | Scrambling with increased exposure. Handholds are necessary. A rope should be available for learning climbers, or if you just choose to use one that day, but is usually not required. Falls could easily be fatal. Definition from the Yosemite Decimal System. Same as Class 3 Scrambling. |
| 4 (Technical Rating) | Advanced. It is generally associated with rappels longer than 200′, canyons with potholes, or canyons that require creative anchor strategies such as marginal anchors or retrievable rigging. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| 4th Class Scrambling | Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal. Definition from the Yosemite Decimal System. Same as Class 4 Scrambling. |
| A (Water Rating) | Water levels are anything from completely dry to waist deep water. No swimming is required. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| ABC | Advanced Base Camp - climbing gear brand manufactured by Liberty Mountain. |
| Abseil | Descend a cliff face by using a rappel device and rope to control the speed. Same as Rap and Rappel. |
| ACA | Certifies canyon leaders and guides. Based out of Escalante, Utah. Same as American Canyoneering Association. See Canyoneering.net for detailed information. |
| ACA Canyon Rating System | The most well-known canyon rating system in the United States. It is a concise way to represent some of the important information about any given canyon. Created by the ACA. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Accessory Cord | 6 to 7 mm diameter cord that is used in various canyoneering applications such as tying a Purcell Prusik or for use as a pull cord. Same as Cordelette and Utility Cord. |
| ACE | Certifies canyon leaders and guides. Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Same as Association for Canyoneering Education. See Association for Canyoneering Education for detailed information. |
| Aguanchor | The original water anchor. |
| Aider | Set of webbing loops for use as a light-weight portable ladder. Most commonly used in a system for pothole escapes. Stirrup in French. Same as Etrier. |
| American Canyoneering Association | Certifies canyon leaders and guides. Based out of Escalante, Utah. Used to be the American Canyoneering Academy. Before that it was the American Canyoneering Association. See Canyoneering.net for detailed information. |
| American Death Triangle | Webbing rigged on two anchors that forms a triangle. It is not redundant, significantly increases load on each anchor point, and changes the direction of pull for each anchor point. See American Death Triangle on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| Anchor | System at the top of every rappel made up of 1) something that stays put while loaded and 2) the rigging that holds the rappel rope so canyoneers can safely rappel down. DEAR anchors are ideal. Examples of anchors are bolts, natural anchors, and transient anchors. See Anchors for detailed information. |
| Angle | One of the qualities of EARNEST rigging. The angle between the widest pieces of webbing on an anchor should be 90° or less. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| Ape Index | The distance from one hand to the other when they are outstretched. Used when setting rope length. For example, given a forty foot rappel, a canyoneer with an ape index of five feet will need eight arm lengths of rope to reach the bottom of the rappel. |
| Approach | The part between the beginning of the hiking and the start of the technical section. The exact definition varies between beta providers and canyons. |
| Arch | A natural arch is a rock exposure that has a hole completely through it formed by the natural, selective removal of rock, leaving a relatively intact frame (definition from The Natural Arch and Bridge Society). See rock formation. |
| Armor | Any or all of knee pads, elbow pads, butt protector, gloves, helmet, shin and forearm pads. Protects the canyoneer on difficult down climbs or extended stemming sections. |
| ART | Anchors, Rigging, Techniques - canyoneering course offered by Canyons and Crags. |
| Ascend | Travel up a rope using ascenders. Same as Jug. |
| Ascender | A mechanical rope grab or friction hitch used to ascend. |
| Assisted Rappel | Two rappellers descent together on one or two rappel devices that are controlled by only one of the rappellers. Great way to get children or first-time rappellers comfortable on rappel. Same as Tandem Rappel. |
| Association for Canyoneering Education | Certifies canyon leaders and guides. Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Same as ACE. See Association for Canyoneering Education for detailed information. |
| ATC | Tube-style belay and rappel device. Most canyoneers opt for canyoneering specific rappel devices. Stands for Air Traffic Controller. |
| ATS | Sterling brand figure 8 style canyoneering specific rappel device. I think it stands for Alpine Training Systems. See Alpine Training Systems for detailed information. |
| Atwood Gear | Canyoneering Gear Manufacturer responsible for tools such as the Chester, Sand Trap Anchor, and Waterpocket. See Atwood Gear website for detailed information. |
| Autoblock | A friction hitch that is commonly used below the rappel device for a self belay. |
| B (Water Rating) | Deep wading to swimming. Water has no current. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Backpack | Canyoneering backpacks should be sturdy and hold up through the rigors of canyoneering. They should also shed water quickly, be comfortable, and the bottom should be angled for easy down climbing. |
| Bad Beta | Beta that is incorrect and canyoneers have a negative experience because of it. |
| Bag Down Rigging System | A method of rigging the rope to the anchor near the tail and dropping the bag down to the bottom of the rappel. This is the fastest way to ensure that the rope reaches the bottom of the rappel but there are many disadvantages to rigging this way compared to bag up rigging. Same as Tail Up Rigging System. |
| Bag End | The side of the rope that is tied to the bag. The working end is the other side. These terms are used to distinguish between ends in SRT. |
| Bag Up Rigging System | A method of rigging the rope to the anchor by measuring out the rope length and dropping the tail down to the bottom of the rappel while keeping the bag at the top. In most situations this provides more rescue options than tail up rigging. Same as Tail Down Rigging System. |
| Basket | The versatile end of a carabiner that holds the devices that do things - devices such as ascenders, rappel devices, friction hitches, safety tethers, etc. The opposite side of the skinny end. Same as Wide End and Working End (Carabiner). See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Basket Hitch | Hitch made from a loop that is simply wrapped around an object. It is typically used for rigging on a single solid natural anchor. |
| Batman Up | Climb something in the same way as Adam West's Batman. |
| Beached Whale | Method of exiting a pothole by laying against the down canyon wall to apply friction using the entire body. |
| Belay | Watch for and prevent a rappeller from falling when they lose control on rappel. There are three main types of belays, top-rope belay, bottom belay, and self belay. |
| Belay Device | A device used for belaying that clips to a rappel rope and the anchor and allows the belayer to halt the descent of the rappeller. |
| Belay Loop | Loop in the harness where life-supporting gear, such as a rappel device or safety tether, are attached. Climbing harnesses have vertical belay loops and rappelling harnesses have horizontal belay loops. |
| Belay Station | Rigging that is located mid-rappel where a rappeller can safely hang. |
| Belayer | A canyoneer who prevents an rappeller from falling if they lose control while on rappel. |
| Bell | The area in a canyon where down below is wider than up above so it makes a bell or hourglass shape. Same as Mae West Slot. |
| Bench | Long, narrow, and flat section of land where one direction is more steeply sloped up and the opposite direction is more steeply sloped down. |
| Bend | A knot that joins two ropes. |
| Best Man At Risk | Refers to situations such as marginal anchors where the most capable canyoneer will experience a greater amount of risk. Compare with Last Person At Risk. A more accurate term is Best Person At Risk. Same as Best Person At Risk and BPAR. |
| Best Person At Risk | Refers to situations such as marginal anchors where the most capable canyoneer will experience a greater amount of risk. Compare with Last Person At Risk. Same as Best Man At Risk and BPAR. |
| Beta | Ever-changing instructions on how to descend a canyon. If many professional fields when something is in beta, it is not complete and will probably change before public consumption. |
| Beta Provider | A person, book, website, or other source of information that distributes beta on a canyon. |
| BFR | Used as a bomber natural anchor. Stands for Big Friendly Rock. Yes the F stands for friendly. Same as Big Friendly Rock. |
| BG | Canyoneering website that provides beta, instruction, and a store. Designer of the SQWUREL and Smooth Operator. Stands for BluuGnome. Same as BluuGnome. |
| BHK | An overhand knot tied above the rapide that can be used as an alternate rigging point. Stands for Big Honkin' Knot. Same as Focal Point, Master Point, Shelf, Technical Ledge. |
| Big Friendly Rock | Used as a bomber natural anchor. Same as BFR. |
| Bight | A bend in a rope when tying a knot. |
| Biner | A metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to connect safety-critical components. Short for Karabinerhaken which means "spring hook" in German. Definition from Carabiner article on Wikipedia. Same as Carabiner. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Biner Block | A static block that uses a carabiner as the block. The rope is tied with a block hitch such as clove hitch, triple clove hitch, or constrictor hitch. |
| Biological Soil | Crust of microorganisms on top of the soil that helps prevent erosion and is very susceptible to crushing. Don't step on it. Same as Cryptobiotic Soil. |
| Bivouac | A temporary camp without tents. Probably Swiss German from "Biwacht" which means additional guard at night (from Google). Same as Bivy. |
| Bivy | A temporary camp without tents. Probably Swiss German from "Biwacht" which means additional guard at night (from Google). Same as Bivouac. |
| Bivy Sack | A portable, lightweight, and hopefully waterproof sack for bivvying. |
| BLM | Manages land where many canyons are located. Part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Same as Bureau of Land Management. See Bureau of Land Management website for detailed information. |
| Block | Rigging system for rappelling that uses something secured to a rope and is too large to pass through the rapide. See static block and releasable rigging system. |
| Block Hitch | A hitch used for biner blocks. Examples are clove, triple clove, and constrictor hitches. |
| Blowout | When some part of the rigging breaks off part of the rest of the anchor and fails. Examples are when hooking out of a pothole and the drilled holes blow out, or when a chockstone pulls through the sandstone crack. |
| Bluff | Cliff with a good view. |
| BluuGnome | Canyoneering website that provides beta, instruction, and a store. Designer of the SQWUREL and Smooth Operator. Same as BG. |
| Bogley | Online forum with canyoneering subsection. See Bogley Canyoneering Forum for detailed information. |
| Bolt | A human-made anchor that is created by drilling a hole into the rock and placing a bolt and hanger. Bolts used in canyoneering are either expansion bolts or glue-ins. |
| Bolt Kit | Kit to place bolts. Includes bolts, hangers, wrench, and bit. |
| Bolt Wars | The ongoing argument of whether or not to place bolts in some canyons. |
| Bomb Bay | A belled out section where the canyoneer is at skinny top and it is impossible to down climb. One must either fall or swing down to reach the bottom. |
| Bomber | An anchor that can have an enormous amount of force applied to it and it will not fail. Opposite of a marginal anchor. Examples of bomber anchors are a pair of well-placed bolts, A tree that is six inches in diameter, alive, and well-rooted, and a really big rock. See Single Solid Natural Anchors for detailed information. |
| Booty | Valuable gear found in a canyon that was left behind by a previous canyoneering group. |
| Bottom Belay | A belay that is performed by tensioning the rappel rope below the rappeller. Same as Fireman Belay. |
| Boulder Hop | Down climb on boulders. |
| Box Canyon | A canyon that has cliffs on both sides but is not skinny like a slot canyon. |
| BPAR | Refers to situations such as marginal anchors where the most capable canyoneer will experience a greater amount of risk. Compare with Last Person At Risk. Same as Best Man At Risk and Best Person At Risk. |
| Brake Hand | The hand a rappeller uses to slow down while rappelling. Usually the dominant hand. Opposite of guide hand. |
| Bridging | Traversing a skinny section of canyon with both hands on one wall and both feet on the other. See stemming. |
| Buddy Check | Check each canyoneer goes through at each rappel to ensure they are wearing necessary gear correctly and rigged correctly. One example is CHECK. Same as Safety Check. See CHECK Before Rappelling for detailed information. |
| Bunny Strap | A short piece of cord that is attached to a belay loop and clipped into rigging on an exposed anchor. It is used for many other things as well. A bunny strap specifically refers to hanging one's pack while stemming. Same as Cow's Tail, PAS, Safety Tether. |
| Bureau of Land Management | Manages land where many canyons are located. Part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Same as BLM. See Bureau of Land Management website for detailed information. |
| Bushwhack | To force one's way through a forested or overgrown area where no path exists. Definition from Wordnik. |
| Butt Protector | A strong piece of material, usually PVC, that is attached to a canyoneer's harness to protect the harness and clothing. Versions I know of are the Scuttlebutt, Shuffle Butt, Canyon Skid Plate, and one by CanyonWerks that is no longer in production. |
| Butt Slide | A dynamic down climbing technique where you slide on your butt. Destroys clothing and harnesses without a butt protector. |
| Butte | Hill with flat top and cliffs all around it. Means "small hill" in French. |
| C (Water Rating) | Flowing water. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| CAC | Nonprofit dedicated to promoting and preserving access to canyons. Free to sign up and add another voice to preserve access to canyons. Stands for Coalition of American Canyoneers. Same as Coalition of American Canyoneers. See Coalition of American Canyoneers for detailed information. |
| Cairn | A human created stack of rocks. A cairn either marks the current way to go, or simply evidence that someone has been there before and may or may not be lost. From the Scottish Gaelic word càrn. |
| Cairn Anchor | A cairn that is used as an anchor for rappelling. |
| Cam | Either a Spring-loaded camming device or the part of an ascender that pinches the rope. |
| Candition | Website that provides recent canyon conditions from fellow canyoneers. Portmanteau of canyon and condition. See Candition website for detailed information. |
| Canyon | A deep cleft between escarpments or cliffs resulting from weathering and the erosive activity of a river over geologic timescales. Definition from Wikipedia. |
| Canyon Collective | Canyoneering website with a very active forum. See Canyon Collective for detailed information. |
| Canyon Left | On the left side when looking down canyon. Same as LDC and Left Down Canyon. |
| Canyon Mode | A manner of rigging figure 8 style rappel devices where the rope goes through the carabiner instead of around the rappel device. Dangerous for some rappel devices and required for others. |
| Canyon Quickdraw | A quickdraw that uses oval and/or HMS carabiners instead of non-locking carabiners. Typically used for a safety backup on contingency 8 rigging. |
| Canyon Resume | A list of canyon descents a canyoneer has made, including meta-information about those descents. |
| Canyon Right | On the right side when looking down canyon. Same as RDC and Right Down Canyon. |
| Canyon Skid Plate | On Rope Canyoneering brand name for a butt protector. See Canyon Skid Plate website for detailed information. |
| Canyoneer | One who descends technical canyons. Same as Canyoner. |
| Canyoneering | The art of descending a canyon. Same as Canyoning. |
| Canyoneering Circle | Group of friends that canyoneer together. |
| Canyoneering USA | Canyoneering website that provides beta, instruction, trip reports, and store. Designer of the SandTrap, FiddleStick, PotShot, and ScuttleButt. Same as CUSA and Imlay Canyon Gear. See Canyoneering USA/Imlay Canyon Gear website for detailed information. |
| Canyoner | One who descends technical canyons. Same as Canyoneer. |
| Canyoning | The art of descending a canyon. Same as Canyoneering. |
| Canyonman | The greatest canyoneer ever. |
| CanyonWerks | Defunct canyoneering gear manufacturer that invented the CRITR and many other innovative creations. Alas, nothing lasts in canyoneering. |
| Capsize | When a non-bend knot, such as a European Death Knot, is used to join two ropes, and the knot is pulled hard enough that the knot rolls. If it capsizes enough times and the tails are not long, it will roll off the rope. |
| Carabiner | A metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to connect safety-critical components. Short for Karabinerhaken which means "spring hook" in German. Definition from Carabiner article on Wikipedia. Same as Biner. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| CARE | CApitol REef National Park - canyoneering region. |
| Catch Basin | Any area of land where precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet. Same as Drainage and Watershed. See Drainage basin on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| CCC | Program during the great depression who are responsible for the conservation and development of many of the canyoneering areas. Same as Civilian Conservation Corps. See Civilian Conservation Corps for detailed information. |
| CE Marking | Marking on some canyoneering gear that means it meets a specific standard of safety. It also means it can be legally sold in Europe. Stands for Conformité Européenne which is French for "European Conformity". See CE marking on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| CEM | Cañonismo En Mexico (Spanish for Canyoneering in Mexico). A retrievable rigging system that requires only a rope. I think this is the most widely used rope-only retrievable rigging system. |
| CFS | Cubic Feet per Second. A measurement of water flow in class C canyons. |
| Cheater Stick | Tent pole with a hook attached to one end. Used primarily as a pothole escape technique. |
| CHECK | Clothing Harness / Helmet Environment Connections Knots. Safety check for a rappeller before they start the rappel. See CHECK Before Rappelling for detailed information. |
| Chest Pouch | Small pouch that attaches to a canyoneer's chest by straps that criss cross at the back. The versions I'm aware of are Atwood Gear's Chester and Imlay Canyon Gear's PicPocket. |
| Chester | Atwood Gear brand name of the chest pouch. See Chester website for detailed information. |
| Chimney | A drop in a canyon where the opposite walls are near enough that one can chimney down instead of having to rappel. Same as Elevator. |
| Chimneying | Traversing a skinny section of canyon with one's back on one wall and feet on the other wall. See stemming. |
| Chockstone | An anchor that is created by rigging a rock that is wedged into a crack. |
| Chokestone | An anchor that is created by rigging a rock that is wedged into a crack. It's probably worth mentioning that this is an incorrect pronunciation. Same as Chockstone. |
| Choss | Climbing term for rock that is loose and crumbly. Sucks when climbing, annoying when rappelling, dangerous to be in the fall zone. |
| Chute | A sloping channel on the canyon floor that canyoneers like to dynamically down climb. Same as Slide. |
| Cinch Wrap | Any webbing knot that cinches tight around the anchor to prevent it from sliding down. Examples are girth hitch, choke hitch, and wrap 3 pull 2. |
| Civilian Conservation Corps | Program during the great depression who are responsible for the conservation and development of many of the canyoneering areas. Same as CCC. See Civilian Conservation Corps for detailed information. |
| Class 3 Scrambling | Scrambling with increased exposure. Handholds are necessary. A rope should be available for learning climbers, or if you just choose to use one that day, but is usually not required. Falls could easily be fatal. Definition from the Yosemite Decimal System. Same as 3rd Class Scrambling. |
| Class 4 Scrambling | Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal. Definition from the Yosemite Decimal System. Same as 4th Class Scrambling. |
| Climb-Utah | Beta provider website. |
| Climbing Harness | Harness designed for climbing that has a vertical belay loop and particularly flimsy gear loops. |
| Clove Hitch | A hitch that is most commonly used in canyoneering as a block hitch for biner blocks. |
| Coalition of American Canyoneers | Nonprofit dedicated to promoting and preserving access to canyons. Free to sign up and add another voice to preserve access to canyons. See Coalition of American Canyoneers for detailed information. |
| Colorado Plateau | Canyon country. Many major canyoneering locations are within the Colorado Plateau. It stretches from Dinosaur National Monument in the northeast to the Grand Canyon in the southwest. See Colorado Plateau on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| Compact Secure | Variation of the contingency 8 that adds more friction to prevent accidental release. See Compact secure on Ropewiki for detailed information. |
| Constrictor Hitch | A hitch that is most commonly used in canyoneering as a block hitch for biner blocks. |
| Contingency 8 | A releasable rigging system that uses a figure 8 to block the rope while still allowing it to be releasable. Also called a figure 8 block. See Figure 8 block on Ropewiki for detailed information. |
| Contingency Block | Releasable rigging system that uses a block as the tie-off on the bag end of the rapide. Examples are Euro 8, contingency 8 and contingency totem. |
| Contingency Redirect | Releasable rigging system that is redirected through separate rigging rather than a contingency block. Examples are jester, joker, and MMO. |
| Contingency Rigging | A rigging system that can release the weighted rope to lower a stuck rappeller. Consists of three parts: 1) friction mechanism to allow controlled lowering, 2) tie-off that is releasable under tension, and 3) a safety to prevent the tie-off from releasing unintentionally. There are two types: contingency block and contingency redirect. Same as Contingency System and Releasable Rigging System. |
| Contingency System | A rigging system that can release the weighted rope to lower a stuck rappeller. Consists of three parts: 1) friction mechanism to allow controlled lowering, 2) tie-off that is releasable under tension, and 3) a safety to prevent the tie-off from releasing unintentionally. There are two types: contingency block and contingency redirect. Same as Contingency Rigging and Releasable Rigging System. |
| Contingency Totem | A releasable rigging system that is similar to a contingency 8 but uses a totem instead of a figure 8. |
| Contour Line | A line on a topographic map that connects adjacent points that have the same elevation. |
| Cordelette | 6 to 7 mm diameter cord that is used in various canyoneering applications such as tying a Purcell Prusik or for use as a pull cord. Same as Accessory Cord and Utility Cord. |
| Cordura | Abrasion resistant Nylon-based fabric used in canyoneering for things like backpacks and armor. |
| Core | The inner part of a kernmantle rope. It provides the tensile strength and is protected by the sheath. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Core Shot | A section of rope that is damaged and may not be able to support the weight of a canyoneer. The core is often exposed. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Counter Weight Rappel | A rappel set up where the rope is human-anchored at the bottom of the rappel, goes up through a fixed anchor at the top of the rappel, and then back down to the bottom. |
| Courtesy Anchor | Rigging that allows for all but the last rappeller to start the rappel from near the anchor and thus have an easier rappel start. For the last rappeller, the rigging is extended past the cliff edge for an easy pull. Technically a misnomer since it refers to the rigging and not the entire anchor. Same as Courtesy Rigging. |
| Courtesy Loop | A loop of webbing that is large enough to be used as a hand hold and is clipped to the rapide loop to form courtesy rigging. Rather than tied near the anchor, this loop is located just above the lip of the rappel and can be used as a hand hold. See Bluugnome - Smokestack Canyon - Courtesy Loop for Easier Start for detailed information. |
| Courtesy Rigging | Rigging that allows for all but the last rappeller to start the rappel from near the anchor and thus have an easier rappel start. For the last rappeller, the rigging is extended past the cliff edge for an easy pull. Same as Courtesy Anchor. |
| Courtesy Start | A 2 to 1 mechanical advantage system used to lower a rappeller over a lip in place of static courtesy rigging. Same as Drop Loop and Dynamic Courtesy Rigging. |
| Cow's Tail | A short piece of cord that is attached to a belay loop and clipped into rigging on an exposed anchor. It is used for many other things as well. Same as Bunny Strap, PAS, Safety Tether. |
| Creep | Very slowly lower the rappel line while someone is on rappel to change the point where the rope is being weighted most. This is done to distribute the wear and prevent core shots from occurring. |
| CRITR | CanyonWerks figure 8 style canyoneering rappel device. Stands for Canyon Rappel Invented by Todd Rentchler. |
| Cross Joint | Section of canyon where perpendicular joints intersect. |
| Cross Load | When a carabiner is weighted on its minor axis - on the gate and spine of the carabiner. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Crux | The hardest part of a canyon. |
| Cryptobiotic Soil | Crust of microorganisms on top of the soil that helps prevent erosion and is very susceptible to crushing. Don't step on it. Same as Biological Soil. |
| CST | Stands for Canyon Specific Technology. Rope manufactured by On Rope Canyoneering. |
| CUSA | Canyoneering website that provides beta, instruction, trip reports, and store. Designer of the SandTrap, FiddleStick, PotShot, and ScuttleButt. Same as Canyoneering USA and Imlay Canyon Gear. See Canyoneering USA/Imlay Canyon Gear website for detailed information. |
| Cut and Lower | Procedure to convert a double rope rappel to lower that involves securing a rescue rope to the rappel ropes and then cutting the rappel rope from the rapide so the rappeller can be safely lowered. This is done when the rappeller is stuck on rappel and is unable to self-rescue. |
| Daisy Chain | Safety tether that has a bunch of loops. Also series of slip knots tied on webbing that allow it to store securely and can quickly be untied while keeping the webbing untangled. |
| Deadman Anchor | A rock that is rigged with webbing and buried to be a rappel anchor. The only way to know if it is safe is to dig it up, inspect it, and rebury it. |
| DEAR | Dry Efficient Accessible Rope Retrieval. Qualities of an ideal anchor location. Also written DEARR. See DEAR for detailed information. |
| Descender | A device used for rappelling that clips to a canyoneer and the rappel rope, and allows the rappeller to control the speed of their descent. Many canyoneering specific rappel devices have horns that allow the rappeller to add friction mid-rappel. Same as Rappel Device. |
| Descent Ring | Metal ring that is like a rapide without the screw opening. Same as Rappel Ring. |
| Desert Varnish | Black coating found on sandstone walls that is primarily made of manganese and iron. |
| Deviation | An anchor mid-rappel used to change the rope's direction of pull. The rope can freely slide up and down the anchor like unlike a rebelay. Same as Rappel Deviation and Rappel Redirect. |
| Dipstick | The tallest person in the group. Their responsibility is to safely perform water depth check. See Core Skills Checklist for detailed information. |
| Dogbone | Short piece of semi-rigid material that holds a carabiner on each end. Part of a quickdraw and canyon quickdraw. |
| Double Rope Technique | Rappelling on two ropes as opposed to SRT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. Same as Double Strand and DRT. |
| Double Strand | Rappelling on two ropes as opposed to SRT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. Same as Double Rope Technique and DRT. |
| Down Canyon | The downstream direction in a canyon. |
| Down Climb | Climbing down sections of canyon that could be rappelled. Aside from the view, this is perhaps my favorite part of canyoneering. A major aspect of many canyon areas on the Colorado Plateau. Often spelled "downclimb". Same as Worm. |
| Drainage | Any area of land where precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet. Same as Catch Basin and Watershed. See Drainage basin on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| Draw | Drainage which makes up the area between two spurs. Same as Side Drainage. |
| Dress | Make a knot look pretty. Also makes it easier to inspect and for some knots they become stronger. |
| Drop Loop | A 2 to 1 mechanical advantage system used to lower a rappeller over a lip in place of static courtesy rigging. Same as Dynamic Courtesy Rigging. |
| DRT | Rappelling on two ropes as opposed to SRT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. Same as Double Rope Technique and Double Strand. |
| Dry Bag | Bag made of flexible, sturdy, waterproof material to keep things dry. The opening is typically sealed by coiling it several times and securing it so it won't accidentally open. Same as Dry Sack. |
| Dry Sack | Bag made of flexible, sturdy, waterproof material to keep things dry. The opening is typically sealed by coiling it several times and securing it so it won't accidentally open. Same as Dry Bag. |
| Dryfall | A drop in a canyon that would have a waterfall when water is flowing in the canyon. |
| DS | Dual Sheath - BlueWater ropes that use technora/polyester for their sheath. |
| Dynamic Courtesy Rigging | A 2 to 1 mechanical advantage system used to lower a rappeller over a lip in place of static courtesy rigging. Same as Drop Loop. |
| Dynamic Rope | Kernmantle rope that is designed to stretch when loaded. Bad for rappelling. The only time a dynamic rope is applicable in canyoneering is for a safety tether to help with fall factor. Canyoneers use Static Rope. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Dyneema | Rope and sling material that is very strong, very static, and slippery so knots might fail. Same as Spectra. |
| EARNEST | Equalized Angle Redundant No Extension Solid Timely. Qualities of ideal anchor rigging. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| Edge Protection | Something that is placed between the rappel rope and the ledge that protects the rope from abrasion or cutting and protects the rock from forming grooves. |
| EDK | A type of flat bend that uses a single overhand knot with long tails. Has the propensity to capsize when weighted. Adding a second overhand as a back up makes a stacked overhand bend. Same as European Death Knot and Flat Overhand Bend. |
| Egress | The action of going out or leaving the canyon. |
| Elevator | A drop in a canyon where the opposite walls are near enough that one can chimney down instead of having to rappel. Same as Chimney. |
| Elevatoring | Move up or down in a canyon without moving forward or backward. See stemming and chimney. |
| Elongation | The amount a rope stretches when loaded with a specified amount of force. Static rope minimizes elongation. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Emergency Medical Services | Agency of the U.S. Government that provides emergency medical care. Same as EMS. See Emergency Medical Services for detailed information. |
| EMS | Agency of the U.S. Government that provides emergency medical care. Same as Emergency Medical Services. See Emergency Medical Services for detailed information. |
| Entrada Sandstone | Red, cross-bedded, arch-forming sandstone. Examples are Goblin Valley and Arches National Park. |
| Epic | Canyon descent or trip that is unexpectedly long or difficult, often resulting in an unplanned bivy and/or self rescue. |
| Equalette | EARNEST rigging that allows for greater equalization than a single master point by allowing the rapide to slide so as to change the direction of pull. |
| Equalized | One of the qualities of EARNEST rigging. The weight is equally distributed on each anchor. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| Etrier | Set of webbing loops for use as a light-weight portable ladder. Most commonly used in a system for pothole escapes. Stirrup in French. Same as Aider. |
| Euro 8 | A variation of the contingency 8 that tries to minimize the possibility of the rope getting stuck when converting from a block to a lower. Same as Figure 8 Braid. |
| European Death Knot | A type of flat bend that uses a single overhand knot with long tails. Has the propensity to capsize when weighted. Adding a second overhand as a back up makes a stacked overhand bend. Same as EDK and Flat Overhand Bend. |
| Exit | The part between the technical section of the canyon and the end of hiking. The exact definition usually varies between beta providers and canyons. |
| Expansion Bolt | A type of bolt that is anchored to the rock by an expanding sleeve. |
| Exposure | A fall could result in serious injury or death. |
| Fall Factor | The ratio of the height a canyoneer falls before their safety tether begins to stretch and the tether length available to absorb the energy of the fall (Wikipedia article). The only time a canyoneer is above the anchor is when they are rigging the anchor. |
| Fall Zone | The location below a rappeller where rocks that are dislodged by the canyoneer will fall. |
| Farmer John | Wetsuit that covers the body and legs, but not the arms or shoulders. Looks like overalls. Designed to be worn with a jacket. |
| Fast Rope | Misnomer for skinny rope. Fast implies that with the same friction setting on a rappel device, there will be less friction overall. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Fat Rope | A rope that has a large diameter - I'd say at least 9.5mm. See Rope for detailed information. |
| FiddleStick | Imlay Canyon Gear brand name of a toggle. See FiddleStick website for detailed information. |
| Figure 8 Braid | A variation of the contingency 8 that tries to minimize the possibility of the rope getting stuck when converting from a block to a lower. Same as Euro 8. |
| Figure 8 Knot | Knot tied like an overhand with an additional twist. It is the basis of canyoneering knots such as the figure 8 on a bight and flemish bend. Same as Figure of 8 Knot. |
| Figure 8 on a Bight | Make a bight in the rope and tie a figure 8 knot. |
| Figure 8 (Rappel Device) | A rappel device that has the shape of the number 8. Most canyoneering rappel devices are derived from a figure 8. |
| Figure of 8 Knot | Knot tied like an overhand with an additional twist. It is the basis of canyoneering knots such as the figure 8 on a bight and flemish bend. Same as Figure 8 Knot. |
| Fireman Belay | A belay that is performed by tensioning the rappel rope below the rappeller. Same as Bottom Belay. |
| Flake | Prepare a rope to be deployed so that it doesn't tangle when thrown over the cliff. Done by uncoiling an entire rope on the ground and throwing the top end. Unnecessary if using a rope bag. |
| Flash | When a canyon is experiencing a flash flood. |
| Flash Flood | When a canyon has a significant amount of water traveling through it and it is no longer safe to be in that canyon. |
| Flat Bend | Bend used to join two ropes in such a way as to prevent the knot from catching on a sharp ledge when retrieving rope. Must have long tails due to the propensity to capsize. Common types of flat bends are flat overhand bend, flat double overhand bend, and stacked overhand bend. |
| Flat Double Overhand Bend | A type of flat bend made up of a double (using two ropes) overhand knot with long tails. |
| Flat Overhand Bend | A type of flat bend that uses a single overhand knot with long tails. Has the propensity to capsize when weighted. Adding a second overhand as a back up makes a stacked overhand bend. Same as EDK and European Death Knot. |
| Flemish Bend | Figure 8 knot that is rethreaded, as a bend, with a second tail. Same as Rethreaded Figure 8 Bend. |
| Floating Disconnect | Disconnecting one's rappel device from the rappel rope while floating in water. |
| Flute | An aesthetically pleasing sculpted sandstone dryfall. |
| Focal Point | An overhand knot tied above the rapide that can be used as an alternate rigging point. Same as BHK, Master Point, Shelf, Technical Ledge. |
| Focused Rigging | Rigging that is equalized in a specific direction so that the weight distribution favors one anchor over another. This is done if one anchor is stronger than another. |
| Foot Entrapment | Swift water hazard where a canyoneer's foot or other body part can get caught under the water. |
| Foot Loop | A loop of cord that is attached to the foot and the rope via a rope grab and used as part of an ascending system. |
| Free Hang | Section of a rappel where the rappeller in not in contact with the cliff. |
| Free Rappel | Rappel on a free hang. |
| Friction Hitch | A hitch where a cord is tied around a larger diameter rope so that the cord can support the weight of a canyoneer but can be easily adjusted. Uses I know of are as an autoblock, ascending, a backup when lowering someone, and part of a system when passing a knot. Same as Soft Rope Grab. |
| Frost Knot | Rethreaded overhand bend that joins one strand of webbing with a loop of webbing. Its primary use is for courtesy rigging. |
| Full Wetsuit | Wetsuit that covers the entire body except for hands, feet, and head. |
| G-Pick | Hammer used to create a small hook hole in the rock. Considered evil since it deliberately damages the rock. Same as Geologist's Pick. |
| Galumph | Quickly traverse a skinny section of canyon in a stemming position by leaning out, catching and holding yourself up with your arms and then swinging your legs forward. |
| Gate | The opening part of the carabiner from the nose to the hinge. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| GCNRA | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - canyoneering region in Utah. |
| Gear Loop | Loops, typically attached to the waist belt of the harness, that hold commonly used gear. |
| Geologist's Pick | Hammer used to create a small hook hole in the rock. Considered evil since it deliberately damages the rock. Same as G-Pick. |
| Ghost | Descend a canyon without leaving any evidence of passage. This involves use of a retrievable rigging system, avoiding rope grooves, scuff marks on the rock, littering, etc. After a rainstorm washes away footprints and other evidences of human descent, the canyon will look like it has never been descended. |
| Girth Hitch | A hitch that is used as a cinch wrap around natural anchors and also for attaching a safety tether to a harness. |
| Glazing | Shiny and/or stiff parts of a rope that are melted from heat. This is usually occurs from contact with a rappel device that has heated up while on rappel. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Global Positioning System | Tells the group where they are if the canyon is wide open and the batteries are good. Same as GPS. |
| Gloves | Primarily used as protection from rope burns while on rappel. Also used for traction and protection when down climbing or for warmth in canyons with lots of cold water. |
| Glue-In | A type of bolt that is anchored to the wall using glue as opposed to an expansion bolt. Glue-ins, when placed correctly, are among the strongest and longest lasting bolts. |
| Gorging | Another name for canyoneering. |
| GORP | Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Same as trail mix. |
| GPS | Tells the group where they are if the canyon is wide open and the batteries are good. Same as Global Positioning System. |
| Grappling Hook | Black Diamond brand larger-size aid climbing hook. |
| GSENM | Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - canyoneering region. |
| Guide Hand | The free hand of a rappeller. Usually the non-dominant hand. Opposite of brake hand. |
| Guide Line | A tensioned rope that holds the rappeller away from the wall when hauling or lowering. Used in guided rappels. Same as Tag Line and Track Line. |
| Guided Rappel | Rappel with a guide line that directs therappeller over some hazard. |
| Guitar Hero | Grabbing the carabiner attached to one's rappel device and the rappel line with their guide hand as a way of adding friction while on rappel. Kind of looks like someone strumming a guitar only by moving their fingers and with the wrong hand. |
| Hallway | A fracture or split in the landscape. This type of landform creates long, straight sections of canyons. Same as Joint. |
| Hand Line | Fixed rope or webbing that is used as a secure hand hold when down climbing. Hand lines can be fixed to an anchor and left in the canyon or quickly set up with a human anchor when needed. |
| Hands-Free Backup | A friction hitch to stop a rappeller from descending when he/she releases it. This is a self belay if it is the rappeller who is operating the hands-free backup. |
| Hanger | Part of a bolt anchor that connects the bolt to a chain, quick link, or some other rigging. |
| Happy Hooker | Imlay Canyon Gear brand of a cheater stick. No longer in production because of its limited usefulness. |
| Hard Lock-off | Secure way of stopping oneself and have both hands free while on rappel. |
| Hard Start | Used in reference to and the antithesis of soft start. Start a rappel by leaning into the anchor which increases load on the anchor. |
| Harness | Nylon webbing that wraps around the waist and legs and secures the canyoneer to the rope or anchor. |
| Harness Interruptus | Distracting someone or being distracted while putting on a harness - adding to the possibility that a life-critical step is missed or done incorrectly. Term possibly taken from this possibly NSFW term. |
| Haul System | A self-rescue technique that uses the rappel rigging to haul a load up to the top of a rappel with a progress capture device and traveling rope grab. Typically this would be done when the fastest way to exit a canyon is by going up canyon rather than down canyon. |
| HCV | High Clearance Vehicle. Necessary to access some remote canyons. Opposite of LCV. |
| Helmet | Protects the skull from injury caused by falling debris, impact forces during a fall, and from bumping one's head on the canyon walls. |
| Helmet Police | Derogatory term for individuals who are publicly outspoken about wearing helmets in all canyoneering pictures. If someone posts a picture where someone isn't wearing a helmet when they should, expect a snarky remark from the helmet police. The best way to avoid the helmet police is to always wear your helmet any time you should be wearing your helmet. |
| Helmet Stand | Stack a bunch of helmets below a canyoneer stuck in a skinny section of canyon. The canyoneer stands on the helmets to help get themselves unstuck. |
| High Stemming | Chimneying, stemming, or bridging high off the deck because it the most practical way to move through a section of canyon since lower it is too skinny to fit. |
| Hitch | A knot that attaches the rope to some object. Types of hitches are block hitches, friction hitches, and load releasing hitches. |
| HITRR | Hole-in-the-Rock Road - canyoneering region in Escalante, Utah. |
| HMS Carabiner | Pear-shaped carabiner that works well with the Munter hitch. HMS is short for Halbmastwurfsicherung which means "Munter hitch belay" (literally "half mast backup") in German. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| HOODOO | On Rope Canyoneering figure 8 style canyoneering specific rappel device. See HOODOO website for detailed information. |
| Hoodoo (Rock Formation) | An aesthetically pleasing, column-shaped rock formation. |
| Hook | Used as rigging for ghosting. The placements can blow out pretty easily in sandstone so hooks aren't that popular. Also used when hooking out of a pothole. |
| Hooking | Pothole escape technique where a canyoneer places a hook in a drilled hole to climb out of the pothole. |
| Hueco | Little pockets in the sandstone walls. Makes the walls look like Swiss cheese. Sometimes there are arches within the holes you can rig for an anchor. Means "hole" in Spanish. Same as Solution Pocket and Tafoni. |
| Human Anchor | A canyoneer or canyoneers that secure themselves at the top of a rappel to be used as a transient anchor for rappelling. Same as Meat Anchor. |
| Human Pyramid | One canyoneer standing on one or more canyoneer's shoulders who are in turn standing on the shoulders of others. Can be used as a pothole escape technique though it is more complicated than other techniques. More often it is used to partner capture or to escape a canyon in the event of a flash flood. |
| I-Beam Carabiner | Carabiner where the cross-section resembles the capital letter I (with crossbars) as opposed to a standard carabiner which resembles an O. The I-beam carabiner is lighter but wears out faster and less consistently where the rope passes over it. |
| I (Time Rating) | It should take a few hours to complete the canyon. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Ibis Hook | Large hook manufactured by Pika Mountaineering. |
| ICOpro | International Canyoning Organization for Professionals. See ICOpro for detailed information. |
| II (Time Rating) | It should take about half a day to complete the canyon. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| III (Time Rating) | It should take most of a day to complete the canyon. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Imlay Canyon Gear | Canyoneering website that provides beta, instruction, trip reports, and store. Designer of the SandTrap, FiddleStick, PotShot, and ScuttleButt. Same as Canyoneering USA and CUSA. See Canyoneering USA/Imlay Canyon Gear website for detailed information. |
| inReach | Personal locator beacon manufactured by Garmin. |
| Italian Hitch | A friction hitch that can be used to rappel or lower. Has a tendency to twist rope. Named after Swiss mountain guide Werner Munter. Same as Munter Hitch. |
| IV (Time Rating) | It should be a very long day to complete the canyon. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Jester | A releasable twin rope system. Uses the totem as a linear rigging plate. Name derived from the Joker. |
| Joint | A fracture or split in the landscape. This type of landform creates long, straight sections of canyons. Same as Hallway. |
| Joker | A releasable twin rope system. |
| Jug | Travel up a rope using ascenders. Same as Ascend. |
| Jumar | An Ascender or to ascend. |
| Kayenta Sandstone | Red/brown colored, ledge-forming sandstone. |
| Keeper Pothole | A hole in the canyon floor that is difficult to get out of. Many pothole escape techniques have been developed to overcome these difficult obstacles. |
| Keg | Hard waterproof container with screw-on lid used to keep things dry while canyoneering. Similar purpose to a dry bag. |
| Kelsey Exit | One of many exits popularized my Michael Kelsey that entails strenuous, steep scrambling to escape. |
| Kernmantle Rope | A rope that has both a core and a sheath. All canyoneering ropes are kernmantle ropes. Kern means core and mantle means sheath in German. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Kilonewton | Unit of measurement often seen on canyoneering gear. 1 kN = 224.809 lbf and 22.2 kN = 5000 lbf. Same as kN. |
| kN | Unit of measurement often seen on canyoneering gear. 1 kN = 224.809 lbf and 22.2 kN = 5000 lbf. Same as Kilonewton. |
| Knot | A fastening made by tying a piece of rope or webbing (definition from Google). Knot is a superset of bends and hitches. |
| Knot Block | A static block that uses a knot as the block. Not commonly used on the Colorado Plateau because the knot can either get sucked into the rapide and make the pull impossible or get sucked through the rapide and cause the rappeller to fall. |
| Knot Chock | An anchor that is created by tying a knot in webbing and wedging it into a crack. Not commonly used on the Colorado Plateau because sandstone is soft and a knot can pull through a crack easily. |
| LAMAR | Refers to the fact that LAPAR or the LAst Person At Risk faces unusually difficult obstacles with additional risks and challenges. This is a politically incorrect term and is no longer commonly used. Same as LAPAR, Last Person At Risk, LMAR, LMR, LPAR. |
| LAPAR | Refers to the fact that LAPAR or the LAst Person At Risk faces unusually difficult obstacles with additional risks and challenges. Same as LAMAR, Last Person At Risk, LMAR, LMR, LPAR. |
| Last Person At Risk | Refers to the fact that LAPAR or the LAst Person At Risk faces unusually difficult obstacles with additional risks and challenges. Same as LAMAR, LAPAR, LMAR, LMR, LPAR. |
| LCV | Low Clearance Vehicle. Necessary to access some remote canyons. Opposite of HCV. |
| LDC | On the left side when looking down canyon. Same as Canyon Left and Left Down Canyon. |
| Leave No Trace | Philosophy and organization that promote responsibility in the outdoors. |
| Left Down Canyon | On the left side when looking down canyon. Same as Canyon Left and LDC. |
| Left Up Canyon | On the left side when looking up canyon. Same as LUC. |
| Leg Loop | Part of the harness that wraps around and supports the legs. Leg loops are rated to hold rappellers. |
| Leg Wrap | Soft lock-off achieved by wrapping the rappel rope around one's leg. |
| LEO | Law Enforcement Officer. Same as ranger in the context of canyoneering. |
| Lift and Shift | The act of lifting a load off of one rope and shifting its weight to another rope. One of the steps of the algorithm to determine how to safely lower someone stuck on rappel. |
| LMAR | Refers to the fact that LAPAR or the LAst Person At Risk faces unusually difficult obstacles with additional risks and challenges. This is a politically incorrect term and is no longer commonly used. Same as LAMAR, LAPAR, Last Person At Risk, LMR, LPAR. |
| LMR | Refers to the fact that LAPAR or the LAst Person At Risk faces unusually difficult obstacles with additional risks and challenges. This is a politically incorrect term and is no longer commonly used. Same as LAMAR, LAPAR, Last Person At Risk, LMAR, LPAR. |
| LNT | Leave No Trace - organization focused on sustainable outdoor practices. See Leave No Trace for detailed information. |
| Load Releasing Hitch | A family of hitches which can be released while weighted. One purpose of a load releasing hitch is to efficiently shift weight from one rope to another. Examples are the MMO, Mariner's Hitch, and Purcell Prusik. |
| Loaded For Bear | Carry lots of weighty stuff so as to be prepared for anything in the canyon. |
| Log Soup | A mass of logs in standing water that make passage more difficult. Same as Trash Compactor. |
| Logjam | A mass of logs that are pressed up against and wedged into a skinny section of canyon. |
| Long Rappel | Rappel that is more than half the length of the rope being used. |
| Loop | A length of rope that is doubled and crosses itself. |
| Lower | Lower a canyoneer down a cliff that would normally be rappelled. This is done when a canyoneer is unable to rappel on their own. |
| LPAR | Refers to the fact that LAPAR or the LAst Person At Risk faces unusually difficult obstacles with additional risks and challenges. Same as LAMAR, LAPAR, Last Person At Risk, LMAR, LMR. |
| LUC | On the left side when looking down canyon. Same as Canyon Left, LDC, Left Down Canyon. |
| MA | Use simple tools to make hauling someone up a cliff easier. Measured as a ratio of how much rope is pulled up by the hauler versus how much the person is moved up the cliff (assuming 0% rope elongation). A simple example would be having one side of the the rope tied to an anchor and the other side going down to the person, through a pulley, and back up the person hauling. In this example for every 2 feet the rope is hauled, the person goes up one foot so it is "2 to 1" mechanical advantage. Same as Mechanical Advantage. |
| Macrame | A retrievable rigging system that requires only a rope. Rarely used because the knot at the top is easily overtightened and the rope cannot be retrieved. The name probably comes from the textile. |
| Mae West Slot | The area in a canyon where down below is wider than up above so it makes a bell or hourglass shape. Named after the actress. Same as Bell. |
| Magic X | When rigging a multi-point anchor and not tying a master point, a magic X puts the rapide within the webbing loop so that the rigging is redundant. Same as Sliding X. |
| Major Axis | The direction a carabiner is designed to be weighted. The perpendicular direction is minor axis. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Marginal Anchor | An anchor where the amount of force a canyoneer applies to it is close to the amount of force that will cause it to fail. |
| Mariner's Hitch | A load releasing hitch that can also be used to lift and shift a load. |
| Master Point | An overhand knot tied above the rapide that can be used as an alternate rigging point. Same as BHK, Focal Point, Shelf, Technical Ledge. |
| MaxxiPad | Name of the original sand trap. Invented by the brilliant Steve Woodford. |
| MBS | The minimum amount of force required that could cause a safety-critical component to fail. Same as Minimum Breaking Strength. |
| Meat Anchor | A canyoneer or canyoneers that secure themselves at the top of a rappel to be used as a transient anchor for rappelling. Same as Human Anchor. |
| Mechanical Advantage | Use simple tools to make hauling someone up a cliff easier. Measured as a ratio of how much rope is pulled up by the hauler versus how much the person is moved up the cliff (assuming 0% rope elongation). A simple example would be having one side of the the rope tied to an anchor and the other side going down to the person, through a pulley, and back up the person hauling. In this example for every 2 feet the rope is hauled, the person goes up one foot so it is "2 to 1" mechanical advantage. Same as MA. |
| MIA Exit | The most difficult canyon exit in Zion National Park. MIA stands for Mutual Improvement Association and is an organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that caters to young people. One of their camps is located at the top of the ascent. See Boundary Canyon for detailed information. |
| Micro Traxion | Petzl brand pulley, toothed ascender, and PCD. |
| Minimum Breaking Strength | The minimum amount of force required that could cause a safety-critical component to fail. Same as MBS. |
| Minor Axis | The direction of pull that cross-loads a carabiner. The perpendicular direction is the major axis. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| MMO | A load releasing hitch and releasable rigging system that consists of a Munter hitch to provide friction, a mule hitch that stops the rope and can be released under tension, and an overhand on a bight backup for the mule hitch. Same as Munter Mule Overhand. |
| Moki | Means "the dead" in the Hopi language. Same as Moqui. |
| Monsoon Season | Mid July to mid September on the Colorado Plateau. This is when flash floods are most common though flash floods can happen any time of the year. |
| Monsoonal Rain | Heavy burst of rain common during the monsoon season. |
| Moqui | Means "the dead" in the Hopi language. Same as Moki. |
| Moqui Marble | Ball of hematite cemented sandstone. See moqui. |
| Moqui Steps | Ancient hand and foot holds carved into the canyon walls. See moqui. |
| Mountain | Upside down canyon. |
| Mule Hitch | Used to lock off a Munter hitch in an MMO. |
| Multi-Directional Load | Weighting a carabiner in three or more directions - most carabiners aren't rated for such a load. Loading in exactly three direction is triaxial loading. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Multi-Pitch Rappel | Multiple rappels separated by short walks or swims that are chained together into a single rappel. Same as Multi-Stage Rappel. |
| Multi-Point Anchor | Multiple anchors connected by one set of rigging. |
| Multi-Stage Rappel | Multiple rappels separated by short walks or swims that are chained together into a single rappel. Same as Multi-Pitch Rappel. |
| Munter Hitch | A friction hitch that can be used to rappel or lower. Has a tendency to twist rope. Named after Swiss mountain guide Werner Munter. Same as Italian Hitch. |
| Munter Mule Overhand | A load releasing hitch and releasable rigging system that consists of a Munter hitch to provide friction, a mule hitch that stops the rope and can be released under tension, and an overhand on a bight backup for the mule hitch. Same as MMO. |
| Narrows | A canyon where the walls are very tall and very close together. Same as Slot Canyon. |
| National Park Service | Agency that manages land where many of the canyons are located. Same as NPS. See National Park Service for detailed information. |
| Natural Anchor | An anchor made primarily from materials found in nature. Examples are rocks, trees, solution pockets, cairn, deadman, chockstone, sand, and water. See Single Solid Natural Anchors for detailed information. |
| Natural Bridge | An arch that also has one or more of the following attributes: formed by a water current or has water flowing through it, used as a bridge my humans, or looks like a man made bridge. From The Natural Arch and Bridge Society. |
| Navajo Sandstone | Sandstone layer that is white to tan colored and makes spectacular white domes. Examples are the San Rafael Reef and Zion National Park. |
| Neo | Flexible, synthetic rubber used in wetsuits. Same as Neoprene. |
| Neoprene | Flexible, synthetic rubber used in wetsuits. Same as Neo. |
| No Extension | One of the qualities of EARNEST rigging. If one anchor were to fail, the rigging would not extend and shock load the other anchor. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| Nose (Carabiner) | The tip of the carabiner that touches the gate when closed. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Nose (Landform) | Lateral ridge descending from a larger ridge. Same as Spur. |
| NPS | Agency that manages land where many of the canyons are located. Same as National Park Service. See National Park Service for detailed information. |
| Nuisance Rappel | Rappel that provides no unique or redeeming qualities when compared to other rappels in that canyon. |
| Nylon | Rope and sling material that is inexpensive, stretchy, and holds water when wet. |
| Off Width | Crack that is too wide to fit a hand and too narrow to fit one's body. Same as OW. |
| On Rope Canyoneering | Canyoneering gear manufacturer responsible for the HOODOO and W'anchor. See On Rope Canyoneering website for detailed information. |
| Open-end Prusik | Prusik that has an eye hole on each end of the cord as opposed to a sewn Prusik loop. |
| ORV | Off road vehicle. |
| Overhand Knot | Perhaps the simplest knot. It is tied by making a loop and feeding one of the tails through it. |
| Overhand on a Bight | Make a bight in the rope and tie an overhand knot. |
| Overhang | A part of a drop with a greater-than-vertical slope. |
| OW | Crack that is too wide to fit a hand and too narrow to fit one's body. Same as Off Width. |
| Pack Drag | Transient anchor that uses a pack as additional friction or counterweight to slow one's descent down a cliff. Typically used in conjunction with a partner capture. |
| Pack Rope | Short (approx. 30') rope or cord that is tied to a backpack to simplify its hauling and lowering. |
| Pack Toss | A pothole escape technique where a canyoneer ties a rope to their pack, throws the pack over a pothole, and uses the pack as counterweight to escape the pothole. |
| Packraft | Compact, lightweight, durable raft designed to help canyoneers exit on rivers where other forms of traversal are impractical or impossible. |
| Partner Assist | A pothole escape technique where one canyoneer climbs out of the pothole with aid from other canyoneers. This can be done by climbing on the partners, being lifted up by partners, or even forming a human pyramid. |
| Partner Capture | An efficient way to get down short drops as an alternative to rappelling. One or two canyoneers help to lower another canyoneer by pressing him/her against the cliff to provide friction and slowly lower the canyoneer to the ground. See Partner Capture for detailed information. |
| PAS | A short piece of cord that is attached to a belay loop and clipped into rigging on an exposed anchor. It is used for many other things as well. Stands for Personal Anchor System. Manufactured by Metolius. Same as Bunny Strap, Cow's Tail, Safety Tether. |
| Pass a knot | An advanced technique that allows a rappeller to safely descend past a knot in a rope. The knot is usually there to isolate a core shot or join two ropes. |
| PCD | An ascender and pulley used in a haul system. Same as Progress Capture Device and Ratchet. |
| Peak | Top of a mountain. |
| Personal Locator Beacon | A device that sends your GPS location and status to the outside world via satellite. Brands I know of are SPOT and Garmin inReach. Same as PLB. |
| Petroglyph | Prehistoric carving on the canyon walls. Different than a pictograph. |
| Pick-off | A technique to aid a rappeller down to the bottom of a rappel. It typically involves a rescuer on a second rappel rope that descends to the stuck rappeller, transfers the rappeller's weight onto the rescuer's rappel device, and then finishes the rappel tandem. |
| Picket | An anchor that consists of a line of sticks pushed into the ground. Seldom used. Or simply a stick used like a chockstone. |
| PicPocket | Imlay Canyon Gear brand name of the chest pouch. |
| Pictograph | Prehistoric painting on the canyon walls. Different than a petroglyph. |
| Pig Rig | Haul system that is secured to the rappel line via a rope grab rather than using the rappel line directly. Same as Piggyback. |
| Piggyback | Haul system that is secured to the rappel line via a rope grab rather than using the rappel line directly. Same as Pig Rig. |
| Piton | A metal peg or spike hammered into the rock for use as an anchor. |
| Plaquette | A way to use an ATC-XP, Kong GiGi, Totem, or similar rigging plate as a progress capture device. Pulling out the slack in the rope will cause the rope to pinch against itself. |
| PLB | A device that sends your GPS location and status to the outside world via satellite. Brands I know of are SPOT and Garmin inReach. Same as Personal Locator Beacon. |
| PMP | Pulley that allows a Prusik to be self-minding in a haul system. Stands for Prusik Minding Pulley. Same as Prusik Minding Pulley. |
| PNW | Pacific Northwest - a canyoneering region. |
| Poach | Descend a canyon without authorization from the managing agency. |
| Polyester | Rope material with a low melting point and must be weaved tight to be strong which translate to stiff rope. Doesn't hold much water so good for wet canyons. |
| Polypropylene | Rope material that doesn't hold water and has a low melting point. |
| Pot Sticker | CanyonWerks brand name for the sand bag. |
| Potable | Drinkable in regards to water. |
| Pothole | A hole in the canyon floor. See keeper pothole. |
| Pothole Escape Technique | The act of getting out of a keeper pothole in a safe and efficient manner. Some techniques are partner assist, sand bag toss, pack toss, and hooking. |
| PotShot | Imlay Canyon Gear brand name for the sand bag. |
| Progress Capture Device | An ascender and pulley used in a haul system. Same as PCD and Ratchet. |
| Prusik | The most common friction hitch. Tied with a closed loop of cord that is girth hitched three times around a rope. Best used on a rope where the hitch needs to grab in either direction. Named after Austrian mountaineer Karl Prusik. |
| Prusik Minding Pulley | Pulley that allows a Prusik to be self-minding in a haul system. Same as PMP. |
| Pull | The art of pulling down and retrieving your rope after a rappel without it getting stuck. See The Pull for detailed information. |
| Pull Cord | General term for rope, cordelette, or Dyneema cord used to retrieve the rappel line. |
| Pull Side | The side of a rope that will be pulled as opposed to the rappel side. |
| Pulley | A wheel on an axle that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable. Definition from Wikipedia. Used for hauling and ascending to reduce energy loss from friction. |
| Purcell Prusik | An adjustable loop secured by a Prusik that can be used in many applications. Examples are safety tether, foot loop, load releasing hitch, friction hitch, lift and shift, haul system, and probably many other things. |
| Quad | EARNEST rigging similar to an equalette but with greater redundancy. |
| Quick Link | A metal ring that connects the rope to the webbing. It has a screw-lock like a carabiner but does not have a gate. I'd trust my life to a 5/16" galvanized steel, CE marked rapide. Also called rapid link or quick link, though I hear rapide most often. Maillon rapide is French for "quick link". Same as Rapid Link and Rapide. |
| Quickdraw | Climbing gear that consists of two carabiners - one with a crooked or wire gate - secured to each other with a dogbone. Not commonly used in canyoneering. See canyon quickdraw. |
| Quicksand | Solid-looking sand surface with a sand/water mixture beneath the surface. Same as Sinking Sand. |
| R (Risk Rating) | A canyon with exposure where failure will likely result in serious injury. See definition for R section. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| R Section | A section within the canyon where failure will likely result in serious injury. Canyoneers cannot rely on the skills of their partners to get them through these sections of canyon. Examples of these risks are high stemming, difficult down climbs, very skinny sections, and required off width climbing. |
| Ralston Rock | A chockstone that rolls or moves when weighted. Named after Aron Ralston. Same as Ralstone. |
| Ralstone | A chockstone that rolls or moves when weighted. Named after Aron Ralston. Portmanteau of Ralston and stone. Same as Ralston Rock. |
| Rap | Descend a cliff face by using a rappel device and rope to control the speed. Same as Abseil and Rappel. |
| Rapid Link | A metal ring that connects the rope to the webbing. It has a screw-lock like a carabiner but does not have a gate. I'd trust my life to a 5/16" galvanized steel, CE marked rapide. Also called rapid link or quick link, though I hear rapide most often. Maillon rapide is French for "quick link". Same as Quick Link and Rapide. |
| Rapide | A metal ring that connects the rope to the webbing. It has a screw-lock like a carabiner but does not have a gate. I'd trust my life to a 5/16" galvanized steel, CE marked rapide. Also called rapid link or quick link, though I hear rapide most often. Maillon rapide is French for "quick link". Same as Quick Link and Rapid Link. |
| Rappel | Descend a cliff face by using a rappel device and rope to control the speed. Same as Abseil and Rap. |
| Rappel Deviation | An anchor mid-rappel used to change the rope's direction of pull. The rope can freely slide up and down the anchor like unlike a rebelay. Same as Deviation and Rappel Redirect. |
| Rappel Device | A device used for rappelling that clips to a canyoneer and the rappel rope, and allows the rappeller to control the speed of their descent. Many canyoneering specific rappel devices have horns that allow the rappeller to add friction mid-rappel. |
| Rappel End | The side of the rope that is in active use. The bag end is the other side. Same as Rappel Side and Working End (Rope). |
| Rappel Line | The rope from which a rappeller rappels. |
| Rappel Redirect | An anchor mid-rappel used to change the rope's direction of pull. The rope can freely slide up and down the anchor like unlike a rebelay. Same as Deviation and Rappel Deviation. |
| Rappel Ring | Metal ring that is like a rapide without the screw opening. Same as Descent Ring. |
| Rappel Side | The side of the rope that is in active use. The bag end is the other side. Same as Rappel End and Working End (Rope). |
| Rappeller | One who descends a cliff face by using a rappel device and rope to control their speed. |
| Rappelling Harness | Harness designed for rappelling and has a horizontal belay loop. |
| Ratchet | An ascender and pulley used in a haul system. Same as PCD and Progress Capture Device. |
| RDC | On the right side when looking down canyon. Same as Canyon Right and Right Down Canyon. |
| Rebelay | An anchor mid-rappel used to change the rope's direction of pull. The rope is fixed to the anchor unlike a deviation. |
| Recirculating Current | Swift water hazard downstream of an obstacle where the water current spirals. |
| Redirect | In mechanical advantage, a redirect puts the haul line through a last pulley so the haulers pull downward on the anchor instead of lifting towards the anchor. A redirect provides no mechanical advantage and adds friction to the system but can be a good choice under some circumstances. |
| Redundant | One of the qualities of EARNEST rigging. If any anchor or part of the rigging fails, the load will still be secured by another anchor/rigging. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| Redundant Wrap | Natural anchor rigging that uses a basket hitch with an overhand knot tied as the master point. |
| Releasable Rigging System | A rigging system that can release the weighted rope to lower a stuck rappeller. Consists of three parts: 1) friction mechanism to allow controlled lowering, 2) tie-off that is releasable under tension, and 3) a safety to prevent the tie-off from releasing unintentionally. There are two types: contingency block and contingency redirect. The term "releasable rigging system" is also commonly confused with retrievable rigging system. Same as Contingency Rigging and Contingency System. |
| Releasable Twin Rope System | A releasable rigging system that is also a twin rope system. Example is the Jester. |
| Release Cord | Rope, cordelette, or Dyneema cord used to release and retrieve the rappel line and retrievable rigging. Similar to pull cord. |
| Rendezvous | Organized meeting of a group of canyoneers at a specific place and time. Great opportunity to meet canyoneers and do easy to moderately difficult canyons. |
| Rescue Rope | A rope that is kept at the top of a rappel as a contingency in case the rappel rope is no longer available. |
| Restop | Brand name of a wag bag. |
| Rethreaded Figure 8 Bend | Figure 8 knot that is rethreaded, as a bend, with a second tail. Same as Flemish Bend. |
| Retrievable Rigging System | Rigging that can be retrieved after everyone is down a rappel. Used in ghosting. Examples are the the 2-ring retrievable rigging, rope-only systems such as the Macrame and CEM, a toggle, sand trap, and water anchor. |
| Ridge | Line of high-points connecting two peaks. |
| Rigging | A broad term for the gear that connects the anchor to the rope. In trade canyons it is commonly webbing and a rapide that is left with the rest of the anchor as well as any block that is attached to the rope. |
| Right Down Canyon | On the right side when looking down canyon. Same as Canyon Right and RDC. |
| Right Up Canyon | On the right side when looking up canyon. Same as RUC. |
| Ring Bend | Rethreaded overhand bend that joins two pieces of webbing. |
| Risk Rating | The consequence of making a mistake in the canyon. This rating loosely follows the MPAA ratings where G is easy and X can be deadly. Beta providers rarely use anything but R and X. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Road Trip Ryan | Beta provider website. |
| Rock Formation | Aesthetically pleasing rocks. Common on the Colorado Plateau. Types I can think of offhand are hoodoos, solution pockets, and arches. |
| Roll | When a non-bend knot, such as a European Death Knot, is used to join two ropes, and the knot is pulled hard enough that the knot rolls. If it capsizes enough times and the tails are not long, it will roll off the rope. Same as Capsize. |
| Rope | A group of yarns, plies, fibers or strands that are twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. (Definition from Wikipedia). All canyoneering ropes are kernmantle rope. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Rope Bag | A bag designed to hold your rope. Lots of advantages over coiling the rope. |
| Rope Entanglement | Water hazard where a canyoneer gets tangled in excess rope in the water and is unable to free themselves. |
| Rope Grab | Something that grabs on to the rope in one direction and slides along the rope in the other direction. This includes ascenders and friction hitches. |
| Rope Groove | A groove in the soft sandstone cliff below an anchor. It is formed when canyoneers pull their rope down after a rappel. The weight of the rappel rope going up and through the rapide and the force applied to weighted pull rope grinds into the rock. |
| Rope Management | Keep ropes tidy and organized to increase efficiency. |
| Rope Spool | The longest length of rope a manufacturer cuts and sells. Usually around 600'-650'. |
| Ropewiki | Canyoneering wiki and comprehensive beta database. See Ropewiki website for detailed information. |
| RUC | On the right side when looking up canyon. Same as Right Up Canyon. |
| Runner | A weight-bearing closed loop usually made of Nylon or Dyneema. Standard lengths are 12, 24, and 48 inches. Used for a variety of canyoneering applications. Same as Sling. |
| Runner End | The end of a carabiner that attaches to a single point such as the anchor or a rappeller. The opposite side is the working end. Same as Skinny End. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Saddle | Low point on a ridge connecting two peaks. Usually the easiest spot to traverse from one drainage to another. |
| Safety Check | Check each canyoneer goes through at each rappel to ensure they are wearing necessary gear correctly and rigged correctly. One example is CHECK. Same as Buddy Check. See CHECK Before Rappelling for detailed information. |
| Safety Line | Rope or webbing anchored at both ends to protect a horizontal traverse. Same as Traverse Line. |
| Safety (Rigging) | Something that connects the block to the rigging and prevents the rope from moving if the block fails or the rappeller rappels off the bag end of the rope. |
| Safety Tether | A short piece of cord that is attached to a belay loop and clipped into rigging on an exposed anchor. It is used for many other things as well. Same as Bunny Strap, Cow's Tail, PAS. |
| Sand Bag | A sewn bag designed to hold sand. Its primary function is to be a counterweight when getting out of potholes. Sand bags were also the first sand trap. Brands names are PotShot and Pot Sticker. Atwood Gear makes one as well but I don't know its name. |
| Sand Trap | A retrievable rigging system that uses sand as the transient anchor material. Fill it with sand and rappel off of it. Pull a cord that displaces the sand allowing you to retrieve the rigging. I know of the SandTrap, MaxxiPad, Sand Trap Anchor, and sand bags. |
| Sand Trap Anchor | Atwood Gear brand name for the sand trap. See Sand Trap Anchor website for detailed information. |
| Sandstone | Sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized particles that make up the vast majority of Colorado Plateau canyons. Same as Slickrock. |
| SandTrap | Imlay Canyon Gear brand name for the sand trap. |
| SAR | Trained volunteers who's job it is to find missing or injured canyoneers, provide first aid, and bring them to safety. They risk their lives to do this. Same as Search and Rescue. |
| Scrambling | Move up steep terrain using one's hands and feet. |
| Scree | Loose rocks that make up steep slopes at the base of cliffs. Means "landslide" in Old Norse. Same as Talus. |
| Scuttlebutt | Imlay Canyon Gear brand name for a butt protector. |
| Search and Rescue | Trained volunteers who's job it is to find missing or injured canyoneers, provide first aid, and bring them to safety. They risk their lives to do this. Same as SAR. |
| Secret Canyon | A canyon that has no public beta. Same as Unbetaed Canyon. |
| Self Belay | A rappeler using a friction hitch to stop him/herself from descending when he/she releases it. The Autoblock is the most common friction hitch used below the rappel device and the Valdotain Tresse is the most common friction hitch used above the rappel device. Lots of things can go wrong when using a self belay. Don't assume that it will just work and no more thought is required. Get training and practice until you are proficient before using it in a canyon. |
| Self-Minding | A progress capture device that does not require a person to manually set the rope grab for it to engage. Examples are a Prusik and PMP or an ascender like a Micro Traxion. |
| Self Rescue | Safely escape from a canyon when something has gone wrong and without any outside help like SAR. |
| Semi-Keeper Pothole | A pothole that some canyoneers can get out of without using pothole escape techniques. These are much less notorious than keeper potholes. |
| Sequence Rappels | Efficiently move a large group through a canyon by rigging multiple rappels before finishing previous rappels. This allows several canyoneers to rappel at once. It also requires more familiarity with the canyon and sufficient rope. |
| Sequencing | Overcome an obstacle using a specific ordering that maximizes efficiency or minimizes risk. |
| SERENE | Variant of EARNEST. It stands for Solid Equalized Redundant Efficient No Extension and the SA is Small Angle. Same as SRENE. |
| Set Rope Length | Make the end of the rope reach the bottom of the rappel with no extra rope on the ground. There are many benefits to doing this. |
| Sewn Prusik Loop | A cord that is professionally sewn into a loop. Designed to easily tie a three wrap Prusik. |
| Sheath | The outer part of a kernmantle rope. It protects the core. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Sheath Slippage | When the outer sheath slips away from the core of the rope. This is common in ropes where the core and sheath materials do not bind well. |
| Shelf | An overhand knot tied above the rapide that can be used as an alternate rigging point. Same as BHK, Focal Point, Master Point, Technical Ledge. |
| Short Rappel | Rappel that is less than or equal to half the length of the rope being used. |
| Short Rope | A rope that, when purchased, is at the end of a spool and is therefore a non-standard length. This rope is usually less expensive per foot than a standard length. |
| Shorty Wetsuit | Wetsuit that covers the body down to the thighs and short sleeved. |
| Shuffle Butt | Imlay Canyon Gear butt protector. Lighter but less durable version of the ScuttleButt. |
| Side Drainage | Drainage which makes up the area between two spurs. Same as Draw. |
| Silo | A wide obstacle that is difficult to traverse in high stemming canyons. |
| Simul Rap | Two rappellers going off opposite ends of the same rope using each other as counterweight. Same as Simultaneous Rappel. |
| Simultaneous Rappel | Two rappellers going off opposite ends of the same rope using each other as counterweight. Same as Simul Rap. |
| Single Rope Technique | Rappelling on one rope as opposed to DRT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. Same as Single Strand and SRT. |
| Single Strand | Rappelling on one rope as opposed to DRT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. Same as Single Rope Technique and SRT. |
| Sinking Sand | Solid-looking sand surface with a sand/water mixture beneath the surface. Same as Quicksand. |
| Siphon | Swift water hazard where there is empty space between two rocks that creates unpredictable and dangerous flow. |
| Sit Start | Start a rappel while sitting. This is done when the anchor is low to the ground and it isn't practical or safe to start the rappel standing. |
| SITLA | School and Institutional Trust Land Administration - Utah government agency that owns property where many canyons are located. If you look at property ownership maps SITLA owns a bunch of random squares throughout Utah. See School and Institutional Trust Land Administration for detailed information. |
| Skinny End | The end of a carabiner that attaches to a single point such as the anchor or a rappeller. The opposite side is the working end. Same as Runner End. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Skinny Rope | Refers to rope that has a small diameter. Most of the time it refers to rope with a diameter of 8mm but I've also heard it used on any rope that's less than 9mm. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Slickrock | Sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized particles that make up the vast majority of Colorado Plateau canyons. Same as Sandstone. |
| Slide | A sloping channel on the canyon floor that canyoneers like to dynamically down climb. Same as Chute. |
| Sliding X | When rigging a multi-point anchor and not tying a master point, a magic X puts the rapide within the webbing loop so that the rigging is redundant. Same as Magic X. |
| Sling | A weight-bearing closed loop usually made of Nylon or Dyneema. Standard lengths are 12, 24, and 48 inches. Used for a variety of canyoneering applications. Same as Runner. |
| Slog | Long obnoxious hike through difficult terrain such as sand or mud. |
| Slot Canyon | A canyon where the walls are very tall and very close together. |
| Slot Designation | The canyon gets skinny enough that some people may not be able to fit through. Beta providers don’t commonly use this. The letter S is appended to the canyon rating. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Slow Rope | Misnomer for a fat rope. Slow implies that with the same friction setting on a rappel device, there will be more friction overall. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Smear | Maximize contact with the rock while on rappel or being partner captured to minimize force on the rappel anchor or capturers. |
| Smooth Operator | BluuGnome brand name of a toggle. See Smooth Operator website for detailed information. |
| Social Trail | Informal, non-designated trail between two locations. Social trails often result in trampling stresses to sensitive vegetation types. Definition from Yosemite National Park Glossary Terms. |
| Soft Lock-off | Quick, temporary way of stopping oneself and have both hands free while on rappel. |
| Soft Rope Grab | A hitch where a cord is tied around a larger diameter rope so that the cord can support the weight of a canyoneer but can be easily adjusted. Uses I know of are as an autoblock, ascending, a backup when lowering someone, and part of a system when passing a knot. Same as Friction Hitch. |
| Soft Start | Technique for starting a rappel where the rappeller applies friction on the rock to minimize loading the anchor. Antithesis of hard start. |
| Solid | One of the qualities of EARNEST rigging. The anchor(s) can easily sustain forces from rappelling without possibility of failure. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| Solo | Descend a canyon without any partners. |
| Solution Pocket | Little pockets in the sandstone walls. Makes the walls look like Swiss cheese. Sometimes there are arches within the holes you can rig for an anchor. Same as Hueco and Tafoni. |
| Spectra | Rope and sling material that is very strong, very static, and slippery so knots might fail. Same as Dyneema. |
| Spelegyca | Petzl brand safety tether. |
| Spine | This is the weight-bearing part of the carabiner opposite of the gate. It is also where one ties a block hitch or bights on a Jester or plaquette. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Spot | Stand below someone who is down climbing and if they fall try to redirect them so their head or back don't hit the ground. |
| SPOT (PLB) | Company that manufactures personal locator beacons. |
| Spring-Loaded Camming Device | Rock climbing protection that pinches into a crack and holds a falling climber. Rarely used for rappelling in canyoneering since they would be difficult to retrieve. Occasionally used in X canyons to climb OW sections. |
| Spur | Lateral ridge descending from a larger ridge. Same as Nose (Landform). |
| SQWUREL | Bluugnome brand figure 8 style canyoneering specific rappel device. It is named for one of his prototypes that looked like a squirrel and the name stuck. See SQWUREL Rappel/Belay Device website for detailed information. |
| SRENE | Variant of EARNEST. It stands for Solid Equalized Redundant Efficient No Extension and the SA is Small Angle. This variation doesn't include the word Efficient. Same as SERENE. |
| SRT | Rappelling on one rope as opposed to DRT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. Same as Single Rope Technique and Single Strand. |
| Stacked Overhand Bend | A flat overhand bend with a second overhand knot tied into the tail as a backup to prevent capsizing. |
| Star Bridging | General term for traversing a skinny section of canyon without touching the bottom by applying pressure on both canyon walls. It also specifically refers to traversing with one hand and foot on one wall and the other hand and foot on the other wall. See chimneying and bridging. Same as Stemming. |
| Static Block | A block that is unable to release under load. The two I can think of off-hand are biner blocks and knot blocks. |
| Static Block to Lower | The process of lifting and shifting the load off of the static block and onto a friction hitch or rappel device to safely lower the load. This is done when the rappeller is stuck on rappel and is unable to self-rescue. |
| Static Courtesy Rigging | Rigging that allows for all but the last rappeller to start the rappel from near the anchor and thus have an easier rappel start. For the last rappeller, the rigging is extended past the cliff edge for an easy pull. Compare to dynamic courtesy rigging. Same as Courtesy Anchor and Courtesy Rigging. |
| Static Rope | Kernmantle rope that does not stretch a lot when loaded. Great for rappelling. All canyoneering ropes are static. The other kind of kernmantle rope is dynamic rope. See Rope for detailed information. |
| Stein Knot | A hitch tied below the rigging that is used most often with a toggle or a twin rope system. Originally from Steinknoten, which is German for stone knot. Same as Stone Knot. |
| Stemming | General term for traversing a skinny section of canyon without touching the bottom by applying pressure on both canyon walls. It also specifically refers to traversing with one hand and foot on one wall and the other hand and foot on the other wall. See chimneying and bridging. Same as Star Bridging. |
| STEP | Safety Tug Equipment Pull. Checklist of thing the last person on rappel should do before rappelling. |
| Stone 8 | A static twin rope system that uses a figure 8-style rappel device to isolate the strands of rope. Named after the stone knot. Same as Stone Totem. |
| Stone Knot | A hitch tied below the rigging that is used most often with a toggle or a twin rope system. Originally from Steinknoten, which is German for stone knot. Same as Stein Knot. |
| Stone Totem | A static twin rope system that uses a figure 8-style rappel device to isolate the strands of rope. Named after the stone knot. Same as Stone 8. |
| Strainer | Swift water hazard where water can pass through but canyoneers or other objects cannot. An example of a strainer is a logjam. |
| Subterranean Deadman | A rock that is rigged with webbing and buried to be a rappel anchor. The only way to know if it is safe is to dig it up, inspect it, and rebury it. Same as Deadman Anchor. |
| Subway | Section of canyon with rounded walls that resemble a subway tube. |
| Super Amazing Canyoneering Map | Comprehensive map of canyon names and locations created by Bob Allan. See Super Amazing Canyoneering Map website for detailed information. |
| Surface Deadman | A cairn that is used as an anchor for rappelling. Same as Cairn Anchor. |
| SUWA | Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance - canyon country advocacy group. See Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance for detailed information. |
| Swift Water | Water with a current sufficiently strong enough to create additional hazards in canyoneering. |
| Taco | A sand trap configuration that is used with favorable geometry like when going over a lip. Less sand is needed than with the tostada. |
| Tafoni | Little pockets in the sandstone walls. Makes the walls look like Swiss cheese. Sometimes there are arches within the holes you can rig for an anchor. Singular form is tafone. Probably from taffoni which means "windows" in Corsican. Same as Hueco and Solution Pocket. |
| Tag Line | A tensioned rope that holds the rappeller away from the wall when hauling or lowering. Used in guided rappels. Same as Guide Line and Track Line. |
| Tail | The end of a rope. |
| Tail Down Rigging System | A method of rigging the rope to the anchor by measuring out the rope length and dropping the tail down to the bottom of the rappel while keeping the bag at the top. In most situations this provides more rescue options than tail up rigging. Same as Bag Up Rigging System. |
| Tail Up Retrievable Rigging System | Tail up rigging system and Retrievable rigging system where the rappel line does not have to pass through the rigging in order to be retrieved. Examples are rope-only systems such as the Macrame and CEM, a toggle, sand trap, and water anchor. |
| Tail Up Rigging System | A method of rigging the rope to the anchor near the tail and dropping the bag down to the bottom of the rappel. This is the fastest way to ensure that the rope reaches the bottom of the rappel but there are many disadvantages to rigging this way compared to bag up rigging. Same as Bag Down Rigging System. |
| Talon | Black Diamond brand 3-in-1 aid climbing hook. |
| Talus | Loose rocks that make up steep slopes at the base of cliffs. Means "slope" in Old French. Same as Scree. |
| Tandem Rappel | Two rappellers descent together on one or two rappel devices that are controlled by only one of the rappellers. Great way to get children or first-time rappellers comfortable on rappel. Same as Assisted Rappel. |
| Tape | Flat woven fabric primarily used in rigging. The best canyoneering webbing is tubular and 1" across. Because webbing is left behind in a canyon, many canyoneering locations require webbing to be specific colors. No location prohibits black webbing so it is always a safe choice. Same as Webbing. |
| Technical Ledge | An overhand knot tied above the rapide that can be used as an alternate rigging point. Same as BHK, Focal Point, Master Point, Shelf. |
| Technical Rating | A vague estimation of the difficulty of a canyon. This includes things like whether or not rappelling is required, if the canyon has advanced down climbing, and if there are any difficult or advanced features in the canyon. The ratings are 1, 2, 3, and 4. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Technical Section | The part between the approach and exit where the rappelling, down climbing, and other obstacles are located. The exact definition varies between beta providers and canyons. |
| Technora | Rope material that can withstand heat and is very durable. |
| Tensile Strength | How much force can be applied to a rope without it breaking or being damaged. |
| Tensionless Rigging | Rigging that is typically wrapped around a large tree several times before being secured with a knot. The rigging can hold much more weight, will be easy to untie, and will help to preserve the tree. I've never seen this rigging on an anchor in canyon. |
| T&G | The simplest form of DRT. Feed the rope through the rapide until both strands reach the bottom of the rappel. Then rappel on both strands. Same as Throw 'N Go, TNG, Toss 'N Go. |
| Throw 'N Go | The simplest form of DRT. Feed the rope through the rapide until both strands reach the bottom of the rappel. Then rappel on both strands. Same as T&G, TNG, Toss 'N Go. |
| Tibloc | Lightweight Petzl brand toothed ascender and rope grab. |
| Time Rating | How long it should take to descend a canyon including the approach and exit. It ranges from a couple of hours to multiple days. Time rating is a Roman Numeral I, II, III, IV, V, and VI. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Timely | One of the qualities of EARNEST rigging. The anchor is rigged in a timely manner. See EARNEST for detailed information. |
| TNG | The simplest form of DRT. Feed the rope through the rapide until both strands reach the bottom of the rappel. Then rappel on both strands. Same as T&G, Throw 'N Go, Toss 'N Go. |
| Toggle | Stick used as a component in retrievable rigging. Rig a stone knot with the toggle instead of a carabiner. The toggle is tied to the pull cord. Everyone rappels. Pull the pull cord. Out comes the toggle and the knot falls apart. Pull down the rope and pull cord. Definitely an advanced tool. Brands I'm aware of are the FiddleStick, Smooth Operator, and Whiptail. |
| Toothed Ascender | An ascender that uses teeth to bite the rope rather than a cam that pinches it. |
| Top-Rope Belay | A belay that is done by attaching a separate rope tied to the rappeller and belayed with a separate device. The belayer can be at the top or bottom of the rappel. |
| Topo | A type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines. Definition from Wikipedia. Same as Topographic Map. See USGS Topographic Maps website for detailed information. |
| Topographic Map | A type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines. Definition from Wikipedia. Same as Topo. See USGS Topographic Maps website for detailed information. |
| Toss 'N Go | The simplest form of DRT. Feed the rope through the rapide until both strands reach the bottom of the rappel. Then rappel on both strands. Same as T&G, Throw 'N Go, TNG. |
| Tostada | A sand trap configuration that is used with unfavorable geometry such as flat ground. More sand is needed than with the taco. |
| Totem | Rigging plate and rappel device invented by Rich Carlson and manufactured by Rock Exotica. Looks like a figure 8 plus a Kong Gi-Gi. Buy a Totem. |
| Track Line | A tensioned rope that holds the rappeller away from the wall when hauling or lowering. Used in guided rappels. Same as Guide Line and Tag Line. |
| Trade Canyon | A canyon that is easily accessible, has lots of beta, is beginner friendly, and frequently descended. |
| Transient Anchor | A temporary anchor that is created and used for the rappel and then removed afterwards. Examples are sand trap, water anchor, human anchor, sand bag, pack drag, and hook. |
| Trash Compactor | A mass of logs in standing water that make passage more difficult. Same as Log Soup. |
| Traveling Rope Grab | A specific rope grab in a mechanical advantage hauling system. Same as Truck. |
| Traverse | Travel horizontally. Similar to stemming. |
| Traverse Line | Rope or webbing anchored at both ends to protect a horizontal traverse. Same as Safety Line. |
| Triaxial Load | Weighting a carabiner in three directions - most carabiners aren't rated for such a load. The generic term for this is multi-directional load. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Triple Clove Hitch | A hitch that is most commonly used in canyoneering as a block hitch for biner blocks. |
| Truck | A specific rope grab in a mechanical advantage hauling system. Same as Traveling Rope Grab. |
| Tubular Webbing | Webbing that is sewn as a tube and flattened. It is stronger and more durable than traditional flat webbing of the same size. |
| Twin Rope System | A system where both strands of rope are isolated so that one canyoneer can rappel on one while another canyoneer rigs on the other. This is an efficient way to get a large group down a rappel. Examples are the Stone Knot and Jester. |
| Tyrolean Traverse | A traverse over an obstacle like a keeper pothole that is performed by being clipped into a horizontal rope that is anchored on both sides. |
| UIAA | Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme in French, or International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation in English, has a safety commission that develops and maintains safety standards for climbing equipment. See Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme website for detailed information. |
| Unbetaed Canyon | A canyon that has no public beta. Same as Secret Canyon. |
| Undercut | Swift water hazard where the water current flows underneath an overhanging rock. |
| Up Canyon | The upstream direction in a canyon. |
| USGS | United States Geological Survey - U.S. government agency that provides topographic maps. See United States Geological Survey for detailed information. |
| USGS Topographic Maps | 7.5 minute quadrangles commonly used for canyoneering and produced by the United States Geological Survey. Get any of them for free. See Topographic Map. |
| Utility Cord | 6 to 7 mm diameter cord that is used in various canyoneering applications such as tying a Purcell Prusik or for use as a pull cord. Same as Accessory Cord and Cordelette. |
| V (Time Rating) | It should take about two days to complete the canyon. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| V7 Academy | Website that provides online canyoneering instruction. If Canyon Companion is medium quality then V7 is high quality. V7 is a reference to the highest vertical rating of the French Canyon Rating System. See V7 Academy for detailed information. |
| Valdotain Tresse | A friction hitch that, unlike other friction hitches, is easy to slowly release and control the amount of friction it provides. Same as VT. |
| Vertaco | Way to add additional friction to a figure 8 style rappel device by putting the brake side of the rappel rope through the carabiner. I haven't found any origin of the term but my guess would be: ver- → true in Latin-based languages. taco → stopper in Spanish. |
| VI (Time Rating) | It should take three or more days to complete the canyon. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Via Ferrata | Steel cable fixed to a climbing route to be used as protection or climbing aid. Means "iron path" in Italian. |
| VRG | Virgin River Gorge - canyoneering region in Utah and Arizona. |
| VT | A friction hitch that, unlike other friction hitches, is easy to slowly release and control the amount of friction it provides. Same as Valdotain Tresse. |
| VT Prusik | The brand name of a specialized open-end Prusik. The distinguishing factor is that it works particularly well for the Valdotain Tresse. It has many other functions. |
| Wade | Walk through water. |
| Wag Bag | Waste Alleviation & Gelling bag. Double-walled human waste container and has some gel to neutralize the dangerous pathogens in human waste. See Coming to terms with the poop problem in Utah's outdoors for detailed information. |
| Waist Belt | Part of the harness that goes around and supports the waist. Waist belts are rated to carry rappellers. |
| W'anchor | A water anchor created by Steve Woodford. Portmanteau of water and anchor. Manufactured by On Rope Canyoneering. See W'anchor website for detailed information. |
| Water Anchor | A retrievable rigging system that uses water as the transient anchor material. Fill it with water and rappel off of it. Pull a cord that empties the water bladder allowing you to retrieve the rigging. |
| Water Hazard | Hazards that exist in swift water scenarios. Hazards are foot entrapment, strainer, siphon, undercut, recirculating current, and rope entanglement. |
| Water Knot | Rethreaded overhand knot used to create a loop in webbing. |
| Water Pocket | A hole in the canyon floor. See keeper pothole. Same as Pothole. |
| Water Rating | The normal amount of water that a canyon holds. It ranges from dry to high flow and hazardous. The rating is a single letter A, B, or C. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Waterpocket | Atwood Gear brand name for the water anchor. See Waterpocket website for detailed information. |
| Watershed | Any area of land where precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet. Same as Catch Basin and Drainage. See Drainage basin on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| WCCM | West Coast Canyoneering Method - trains and certifies canyon guides. |
| Webbing | Flat woven fabric primarily used in rigging. The best canyoneering webbing is tubular and 1" across. Because webbing is left behind in a canyon, many canyoneering locations require webbing to be specific colors. No location prohibits black webbing so it is always a safe choice. Same as Tape. |
| Wetsuit | Close fitting neoprene suit designed to preserve heat while in water. |
| Whiptail | In We Go Canyoneering brand name of a toggle. |
| Wide End | The versatile end of a carabiner that holds the devices that do things - devices such as ascenders, rappel devices, friction hitches, safety tethers, etc. The opposite side of the skinny end. Same as Basket and Working End (Carabiner). See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Wingate Sandstone | Sandstone that makes towering red cliffs and spires. The great walls of Capitol Reef National Park are Wingate sandstone. |
| Working End (Carabiner) | The versatile end of a carabiner that holds the devices that do things - devices such as ascenders, rappel devices, friction hitches, safety tethers, etc. The opposite side of the skinny end. Same as Basket and Wide End. See Carabiners for detailed information. |
| Working End (Rope) | The side of the rope that is in active use. The bag end is the other side. Same as Rappel End and Rappel Side. |
| Worm | Climbing down sections of canyon that could be rappelled. Aside from the view, this is perhaps my favorite part of canyoneering. A major aspect of many canyon areas on the Colorado Plateau. Same as Down Climb. |
| Wrap 3 Pull 2 | Cinch wrap where a tree or rock is wrapped 3 times. On one wrap the bend is placed toward the cliff where it will receive the least amount of force. The other two wraps are pulled out and connected to the rapide. Very strong rigging. |
| X Canyon | A canyon with an X rating. |
| X (Risk Rating) | Failure will likely result in death. Refers to everything in R but with greater exposure. Canyoneers who regularly do X canyons split the rating into X and XX where X is deadly and XX is also deadly. But more deadly. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| X Section | Same as R section but with the increased risk of an X risk rating. |
| XX (Risk Rating) | Especially difficult, exposed moves where failure will likely result in death. There are currently 6 publicly known XX canyons: Bad Neighbor,Bishop, SOS, PINTAC, Long Branch, and BFS. See Canyon Rating System for detailed information. |
| Yahoo Canyons Group | Defunct email list and predecessor to forums and Facebook groups we have today. An archive is housed on Canyon Collective. See Yahoo Canyons Group Archive website for detailed information. |
| YDS | A system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. Same as Yosemite Decimal System. See Yosemite Decimal System on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| Yosemite Decimal System | A system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. Same as YDS. See Yosemite Decimal System on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| Z Rig | A way to add more friction while on rappel where the rappeller puts the rappel line through a carabiner in the leg loop and then through another carabiner on the rope above the rappel device, creating a Z shape in rappel line. This can be done while on rappel and is a common way to add friction on non-canyoneering specific rappel devices. |
| ZAC | Zion Adventure Company - outfitter and guide service in Springdale, Utah. See Zion Adventure Company for detailed information. |
| Zion Trifecta | Imlay, Heaps, and Kolob canyons. If you're crazy you descend them all in one day. |
| Zions | Zions Bancorporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Zions is on the list of largest banks in the United States. See Zions on Wikipedia for detailed information. |
| Zip | Send gear down a cliff or over an obstacle on a tensioned line. For sending people, use a guided rappel. |
| ZNP | Zion National Park - canyoneering region in Utah. See Zion National Park for detailed information. |
669 terms and 532 definitions.
Feel free to message me if you have feedback.