Canyoning combinations

Canyoning is an outdoor activity that involves traversing a watercourse using a variety of techniques such as walking, swimming, jumping, abseiling, sliding and rope progression.
Canyoning wetsuits are essential for safe and comfortable canyoning.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of canyoning wetsuits, the different types available on the market, and the criteria to consider when choosing a wetsuit for canyoning.

The importance of canyoning wetsuits

Canyoning wetsuits are designed to provide thermal, physical and psychological protection for canyoneers. The water in canyons can be extremely cold, even in summer, as in the Furon canyon for example, and the canyoning wetsuit helps maintain body heat. What’s more, the suits offer physical protection against sharp rocks and potential falls, as well as psychological protection by providing a feeling of safety and comfort.

The different types of canyoning wetsuits

There are several types of canyoning wetsuits available on the market, each offering specific advantages depending on canyoning conditions. Here’s an overview of the most common combination types:

– 2-piece canyon wetsuit: as the name suggests, this wetsuit covers the whole body, including arms and legs. It offers high protection against cold water and physical obstacles, but can be less practical for walking and progressing.

– One-piece integral canyon suit: this one-piece suit offers greater freedom of movement for arms and legs. when it is of good quality, it is warmer than the two pieces. However, it is more complicated to put on. It’s ideal for canyons where jumps and abseiling are frequent, or for very regular use.

– Semi-waterproof integral suit: this suit is made of thick (7mm) neoprene, with elastomer sleeves at the wrists and neck to prevent water from entering the suit. Ideal in very cold water and when there is a lot of water movement, it is however more tiring in walking sections where the thickness of the neoprene limits movement.

– Integral waterproof suit: this suit, made from a variety of Goretex materials, is totally waterproof. Based on the same principle as the semi-waterproof, the sleeves keep out water and air, and the feet are enclosed in the suit – only the material changes. Underneath, we wear this suit with a thin down jacket and/or a caving undersuit. This is a high-cost combination to be reserved for long, very cold canyons.

Criteria to consider when choosing a canyoning wetsuit

When choosing a canyoning wetsuit, it is important to consider several criteria, including:

– Water temperature: the colder the water, the greater the thermal protection provided by the wetsuit. (Canyon de Lanchatra or du Diable in Oisans)

– The depth of the canyon: the deeper the canyon, the more likely you are to be exposed to colder temperatures and physical obstacles, so a full wetsuit is recommended.(Canyons des Ecouges upper section near Grenoble near Grenoble)

The level of technicality of the canyon: canyons with jumps and abseiling require a wetsuit that offers greater freedom of movement for arms and legs.
(Canyon du groin with its many jumps, just outside Chambéry)

– Your body size and shape: it’s important to choose a suit that fits you well, and is neither too tight nor too loose. An ill-fitting suit can restrict your movements and reduce your comfort.

– Wetsuit quality: it’s important to invest in a quality canyoning wetsuit, made from durable, hard-wearing materials. A quality suit will offer better thermal, physical and psychological protection, and will last longer than cheaper models.

We work with various brands, some specialized in canyoning, others from the world of diving and surfing. Some coveralls don’t have abrasion protection on the elbows and knees, so you have to make them yourself. It’s easy: use Sikaflex P11FC, available from DIY stores, and smooth the putty with your fingers dipped in soapy water.

Here are the brands Terranova uses:
2-piece wetsuit for our customers SELAND
One-piece wetsuit for our instructors SOORUZ
Semi-Dry Wetsuit AQUALUNG
Dry Wetsuit THYPHOON

In short, canyoning wetsuits are an essential piece of equipment for practising this activity in complete safety and comfort. There are several types of wetsuit available on the market, each offering specific advantages depending on canyoning conditions. When choosing a wetsuit, it’s important to take into account water temperature, canyon depth, technical level, body size and shape, and wetsuit quality. With the right canyoning suit, you can enjoy this exciting activity to the full, while remaining protected and comfortable in the water and on land.