Arethusa Canyon [Intermediate]

Oli and I (Sudarshan) will be running an intermediate trip through Arethusa Canyon. Come join us for one of the most historic canyons in the Bluies!

Arethusa Canyon is widely regarded as the birthplace of Australian Canyoning. Read a trip report from 1930 here about how a group of 4 ascended Arethusa Falls. In your booking comment, also mention why the author of the 1930 report was in the Grose Valley 25 years earlier.

This canyon involves a few tricky abseils (freehanging, and one through a hole!), jumps (optional), fun scrambles, and an awesome section of canyon. Even the exit is spicy as we will need to put our harnesses back on for an exposed traverse and some short pitches of rock climbing! Have a read of the notes here.

Since this is an intermediate canyon I would like all participants to have some canyoning experience or have some previous abseiling/climbing experience and a keen spirit. If you have any questions on your suitability for the trip please send me an email (webadmin@unswoc.org)

We will meet at 8am.

Please make you sure bring ALL required gear. Some gear is available to borrow from the club.

Gear available to borrow from the club:

• Harness
• Helmet
• 3x locking carabiners
• 1x Figure 8 / Descender
• 1x Safety sling (120cm sling)
• Drybag x2
• Wetsuit (5mm preferable)
• Canyon Pack or Backpack that can fit ALL your gear and that can get wet (30L+)

Other gear you MUST bring:

• Clothing:
  • Enclosed shoes with good grip
  • Wool or neoprene socks
  • Boardshorts to wear on top of wetsuit (compulsory to protect the club wetsuits)
  • Thermals and raincoat
  • Swimmers for under wetsuit
  • NO COTTON! (this includes socks, shirts, pants, undies, etc)
• Food:
  • 2L of water (minimum)
  • Lunch
  • Snacks to share (with me)
• Other:
  • Medication (asthma puffer, Epipen etc)
  • Headtorch
  • Emergency blanket – (can buy from Gear Cupboard for $5 or from chemists, shops, etc)

In your comment please put:

• Your fitness level
• Your swimming ability
• Your canyoning/outdoor experience
• Can you lead climb and lead belay?
• The answer to the secret question…