Canyoning in the Alps. Simon Flower

water levels in the canyon.

       Determine flood risk (check the weather forecast, assess for snow-melt and, if possible, phone any upstream dams).

       Check equipment for signs of wear and tear, especially harnesses and ropes.

      A phone call can save lives (photo: Simon Flower)

      Capturing moving targets in poor light is one of the major challenges of canyon photography (Route 33, Ticino)

Cameras and photography

      Canyoning presents unique challenges for the photographer, and no camera is ideally suited to the task. While waterproof compact cameras are perfectly adequate for sunny scenes (and are great for getting close to the action), they fall short in low light conditions. Digital SLRs (DSLRs) are capable of far superior photos and perform much better in low light, but are expensive and bulky (especially with the sturdy waterproof box required). The newer mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras are lighter than DSLRs, but lack some of their functionality. (The photographs in this book by Andrew Atkinson were taken with a Pentax K100D digital SLR with an SMC Pentax-DA 14mm f2.8 lens.)

      The problem with low light

      In low light, a camera set to auto may do one or more of the following.

       Increase the aperture This reduces the depth of field, which could result in unwanted blur or ‘bokeh’ (more likely with telephoto lenses).

       Decrease the shutter speed This could result in blurred subjects or scenes.

       Increase the ISO This makes the sensor more sensitive to light, but images tend to be grainier and less detailed. The large sensors in DSLRs cope far better with high ISOs than the tiny sensors of compact cameras. At ISO 800 (frequently required when canyoning), shots taken with a compact camera often look terrible.

       Fire the flash. In-built flashes are not usually powerful enough and often create a snowstorm scene as their light reflects off airborne water droplets. Better to turn the flash off.

      Tips to improve photos in low light

       Take control over aperture, ISO or shutter speed. This is usually easy with DSLRs, impossible with compacts and long-winded (via fiddly on-screen menus) with mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras.

       Buy a camera with good low-light/high-ISO performance, a good image stabiliser and a ‘fast’ lens (ie one with a low f number). Telephoto lenses are best for close-up action, but wide-angle lenses (ideally 28mm equivalent or less) are far more versatile, generally ‘faster’, and retain a good depth of field at wider apertures.

       Shoot in RAW (rarely possible with compact cameras). Difficult lighting means photos are rarely perfect straight out of the camera. RAW files can be adjusted later. If your camera lacks RAW, avoid combining a dark canyon interior and bright skies in the same shot.

       Deliberately underexposing by 0.5–1.5 stops helps to keep ISOs down and shutter speeds up. Bright areas are less likely to be blown out, while darker areas can usually be recovered later (if shot in RAW).

      Some welcome sunshine towards the end of Osogna Intermedio (Route 35, Ticino) (photo: Simon Flower)

      Carrying and protecting the camera

      Waterproof cameras can be attached (via the wrist-strap) to the chin-strap of a helmet, then tucked down the front of a wetsuit. As well as being secure and quick to hand, the neoprene will protect the seals from excessive water pressure (waterfalls and jumps can cause unprotected cameras to leak).

      DSLRs obviously need more sturdy protection. The most convenient is a Peli Case or similar. Plastic sandwich bags are a cheap and effective way of keeping the spray off the camera while in use, and travel towels are a good way to dry hands and lenses. Always use a clear filter to protect the lens (look out for ones with a waterproof coating – others deteriorate quickly).

Mountain rescue, local healthcare and insurance

      All the countries in this guide provide an excellent mountain rescue service, but in most of continental Europe mountain rescue is not free. If a rescue is called, you will be charged, usually a considerable sum. Therefore, it is important to be adequately insured. Suitable insurance can be obtained through (for example) the British Mountaineering Council or the UK branch of the Austrian Alpine Club. Other insurers may also cover canyoning, but it would be well worth a detailed check of the terms and conditions as the sport is not well known in the UK.

      Canyoning injuries are reasonably commonplace, and (with a lack of mobile phone reception in canyons) rescue is often a long way off. First-aid knowledge (and a first-aid kit) is therefore invaluable. There are many excellent courses available that have a specific slant on wilderness medicine. It is important for teams to be adequately equipped and resourceful, and to have sufficient skills to deal with lesser emergencies themselves. Mountain rescue should be considered only as a last resort for major emergencies.

      Emergencies

      If in doubt dial the International Rescue Number: 112

      Switzerland

      Police……………….117

      Fire…………………118

      Ambulance…………….144

      Air Rescue…….1414 (Swiss SIM cards)

      …….+41 333 333 333 (other SIM cards)

      Italy

      Carabinieri…………112

      (calls to this number can be directed to other emergency services, in line with other European countries)

      State police………….113

      Fire…………………115

      Ambulance and mountain rescue…………………118

      Austria

      Police……………….133

      Fire…………………122

      Ambulance…………….144

      Mountain rescue……….140

      Slovenia

      Police……………….113

      All other emergencies, including mountain rescue…………….112

      All areas described in this guide are well served by hospitals with emergency departments (detailed in their respective chapters). Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia offer excellent standards of healthcare.

      UK residents should apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the holder a reciprocal right to healthcare when visiting countries of the European Economic Area and Switzerland. However, this does not mean that health care abroad is free. The expected fees are detailed in the table below (travel insurance can help offset some of these costs). This information is subject to change, and updates can be found at www.travelinsuranceguide.org.uk.

      HELICOPTER RESCUE

      Before phoning, think whether helicopter rescue is feasible.

       Is it possible to land or will a winch be needed?

       Are there obstacles near the accident site (such as cables)?

      When a helicopter approaches:

       signal whether