Beginner Canyon – Wollangambe

Myself and Blair will be running a trip through Wollangambe 2 (AKA Wollangambe Canyon Lower Tourist Section). This is a very beautiful, nice, and relaxed trip with no abseiling and no canyoning experience required, however, most of this canyon consists of very long sections of deep flat water with sheer sides so you need to be a competent swimmer, particularly as the water will be very cold. The walk in starts from the campsite so no cars are required. The walk in descends 350 metres vertically, equally the walk out ascends 350 metres vertically. Along the way we will be able to explore several other canyons that feed into the Wollangambe and at some points you can climb up the sides to jump off.

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. You will not necessarily need a wetsuit if you have an inflatable (see below).

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.

6. Optional: FLOTATION – To make this trip as pleasant and relaxed as possible you can bring some flotation to potter along the water. Floaties, life jacket, inflatable mattress, donut, whatever. As long as you are willing to carry it in and out of the canyon then go nuts. Having an inflatable means that you could stay reasonably dry the whole trip negating the need for a wetsuit.

Please note that we are taking 150 people to the mountains. The club does not have enough gear to supply everyone so if you want to guarantee that you will be warm then bring your own wetsuit. If you want to guarantee that you can come then bring your own helmet.

If you have any questions about anything at all just send me a facebook message.
Niels Bardoel

Canyon Notes: http://ozultimate.com/canyoning/track_notes/wollangambe_2.htm
Photo: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/image/1211196-3×2-340×227.jpg