4 reasons to go on Water Park Canyoning with us:
- You will be guided by IFMGA-certified professionals on an extended version of the Rio Simon Canyon tour, which features over 15 distinctive rappelling locations.
- Nature is unspoiled, and you will rarely encounter anyone due to the limited number of visitors.
- Rio Simon will challenge you mentally and physically, also cold water exposure will provide stress relief and improve mental health.
- You will acquire new skills like rope handling, knot-tying, and navigation, resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience.
What does Water Park Canyoning canyoning look like?
Description of Rio Simon Canyoning in Italy
The Rio Simon Canyon is situated in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, near the village of Chiusaforte. This canyon is still part of the Julian Alps and is not far from the Slovenian border.
Driving to Rio Simon Canyon
We will start our trip at Lake Bled, where Altitude Activities is located, promptly at 7:00 AM. From there, we will head toward the Jesenice highway, followed by a turn in the direction of Kranjska Gora. Next, we will cross the Slovenian border at Valico di Fusine and continue our journey in Italy through Camporosso and Malborghetto. After passing Pontebba, we will arrive in Chiusaforte, where it will be just a few minutes more until we cross the bridge and reach the parking area for Rio Simon Canyon.
Parking and dressing in proper canyoneering equipment
Canyoning equipment, including neoprene materials, neoprene socks, specialized canyoning shoes, helmets, harnesses with lanyards, carabiners, and figure-eight devices, will be essential for your canyoning adventure, which you will get at the parking spot.
Safety first!
The canyon guide will give you a quick safety briefing and basic directions before you begin canyoning in Rio Simon.
Start of Water Park Canyoning
We begin in the higher region at approximately 750 meters, which is also the more extended version of this canyon. We initiate our adventure by jumping into a narrow section leading to a pool; however, you can choose to bypass the jump and walk around the pool instead. Next, we proceed with a 14-meter abseil, taking us to another abseil approximately 15 meters high. This particular abseil is unique, as we rappel directly into the pool
Middle part of Rio Simon
Throughout this adventure, you will enjoy ample leisurely swimming, which is why we named this canyon “Water Park Canyoning,” along with some walking within the Rio Simon Canyon. You will complete over 15 abseils throughout the journey using a figure-eight device. You’ll also have the opportunity to marvel at the towering canyon walls and take in the stunning beauty of the exposed areas.
During the central and final parts of your canyoning adventure
You’ll frequently experience 15 to 33-meter abseils and 3 to 5-meter jumps into crystal-clear pools, followed by a bit of swimming and walking. The breathtaking natural beauty of the Rio Simon area and Canyoning Water Park will make you feel as though you’ve entered another world. The 33-meter waterfall rappel at this canyoning destination is a memorable experience you won’t soon forget.
Due to the extensive length of the Canyoning Water Park, a lunch break will be provided, during which you can enjoy a power bar or a protein bar. We highly recommend bringing it with you so that you have sufficient energy to complete the entire canyoning experience.
Happy end of Rio Simon and canyoning experience
Upon completing the Canyoning Water Park, we will need to walk for approximately 15 minutes to return to the parking spot at Rio Simon. Afterward, we’ll change into our clothes and drive back to Lake Bled, where our canyoning adventure comes to an end.
What does the name of Water Park Canyoning mean?
The name “Water Park Canyoning” was chosen as it evokes the sensation of being in a natural water park, and it is the most aquatic canyon in our selection.
This is Rio Simon Canyon, except it is a longer version of a normal guided tour in Rio Simon because we are also entering the higher section of the canyon.
Fun Facts of Water Park Canyoning
– it is the longest guided canyon we offer
– It offers large rappels up to 34 meters with breathtaking vistas of the mountains in the Julian Alps.
– the most premium version of our canyoning selection
– The natural surroundings seem as if they belong to another world
– While immersed deep within the canyon, you can witness the impressive, towering cascades
– tour normally goes with two canyoneer guides
– you get the special shoes with improved grip and harnesses with extra padding for maximum comfort
How to prepare for Water Park canyoning?
– a bottle of water and snacks (PowerBar)
– swimming suit and towel
– flip flops or trainer shoes
What is included in the price
– transfer from Bled to Canyon and back
– canyoning guide
– ropes and carabiners
– lanyards with harnesses and helmets
– canyoneer shoes with neoprene socks
– wetsuit
What is NOT included in the price?
× Food and drinks on the way
× Travel and health insurance
× GoPro videos (extra cost 25€)
We recommend taking these things for a Canyoning Water Park tour:
CLOTHING
- t-shirt, short pants, swimming-costume/trunks, flip flops
ACCESSORIES
- sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, ID Card
FOOD&DRINK
- snacks, 1 l of water
History of Canyoning
Canyoning, also known as canyoneering in the United States and kloofing in South Africa, has multiple origins around the globe. In Europe, canyoning is said to have originated in France, with Lucien Briet considered one of the sport’s pioneers. In 1904, he began documenting cliffs in Sierra de Guara and throughout the Pyrenees, eventually publishing his findings in “Beauties of the High Aragón.” Edouard Alfred Martel, also known as the “father of modern speleology,” is a notable figure in the history of canyoning. In the late 19th century in France, he began investigating caves, which led to the development of canyoning as a recreational activity.
In 1869, a member of John Wesley Powell’s expedition down the Colorado River is believed to have coined the term “canyoneering” in the United States. In the 1940s and 1950s, trekkers, climbers, and paddlers explored canyons in the United States, leading to the growth of canyoning. In the late 1950s, with the first ascents of Half Dome and El Capitan, climbing pioneers in the United States began designing their own equipment.
Cave explorers in the 1930s are also credited with the invention of canyoning, while Australian bushwalkers began exploring local canyons in the 1950s. Since then, the sport has gained worldwide popularity, with variants presumably developing in many countries.
FAQ ABOUT WATER PARK CANYONING
Is Water Park Canyoning safe?
Yes, Water Park Canyoning is a safe activity when conducted with a professional tour company. The guides are trained and experienced in canyoning techniques and will provide safety equipment and instruction.
Who can guide Rio Simon canyon?
Only IFMGA-certified guides are allowed to guide Rio Simon Canyon. Make sure you check that guide has an IFMGA license.
Can I bring my own equipment for Water Park Canyoning?
It is not necessary to bring your own equipment for Water Park Canyoning, as the tour company will provide all the necessary gear. However, if you prefer to bring your own wetsuit or canyoning shoes, you may do so.
What is the maximum group size for Water Park Canyoning?
The maximum group size for Water Park Canyoning varies depending on the tour company, but is typically around 10-12 participants per guide.
What should I expect during the Water Park Canyoning tour?
During the Water Park Canyoning tour, you can expect to hike to the starting point of the canyon, receive a safety briefing and equipment instruction, and then descend the canyon via natural water slides, jumps, and rappels. The tour may also include swimming and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.