Beginner’s Canyon – Twister & Rocky Creek

Hey guys and gals,

I’m planning to run a beginner canyon this sunday, Twister & Rocky Creek in the Blue Mountains near Newnes. It’s a super fun one with water jumps and slides and there are no abseils.

We’ll be leaving SATURDAY evening! And staying at Tilly’s dads place in Lithgow, to make for a nice early start Sunday. To avoid other groups. Should take about 5-6 hours depending on the size of our group (Limiting to around 10)

WHAT TO BRING

The golden rule of canyoning:
COLD COTTON CANNOT COME CANYONING. Cotton will rob you of body heat, wear synthetics or wool instead.

YOU WILL REQUIRE:

1. A WETSUIT AND SWIMMERS – Unless you are very resistant to cold the water is too cold to swim without a wetsuit. You can buy cheap wetsuits second hand from Vinnies and other second hand stores, or cheap ones from anaconda. It is also recommended for extra warmth that you wear thermals under your wetsuit.

2. SHOES AND SOCKS you can get wet and dirty such as sandshoes or volleys – No flip flops, no sandals, or crocs. You can buy volleys from Big W or Target for cheap. Wear warm woolen, synthetic, or neoprene socks too.

3. BACKPACK AND DRY BAG – that can fit a wetsuit, helmet, lunch/snacks, at least 1L of water, sunscreen, and a warm jacket or jumper. This bag will get wet as you are swimming most of the time. You will also need a dry bag inside your backpack to keep your lunch and other items dry. If you do not have a dry bag, you can tie your stuff up in multiple plastic bags, at least 3 or 4.

4. HELMET – Climbing or bike helmet. You will not be able to come unless you have a helmet, whether it is a climbing helmet or a bike helmet due to the danger of rock fall.

5. TORCH – preferably a head torch. We should be out well before dark – but you never know and we should be prepared in case the trip takes longer than expected.

Check our canyoning page for more details on what else to bring
http://unswoc.org/wordpress/sports/canyoning/

We will need 2 or 3 people who can drive and another couple of experienced canyoners to help out would be great.

Cheers,

Brendan.