American Canyoneering Association (ACA) certified Rob Cob is a funny guy, and very, very good at solving riddles. Deductive reasoning is his forte. He is also a master at canyoneering- a sport that seems to slowly be growing throughout the United States, and that is already a popular activity in Europe.

Early Saturday morning, Rob, photog & fellow canyon explorer Whit Richardson, Tor Anderson and I headed out from Moab, Utah to the Robbers Roost, near Green River, UT, to explore two beautiful canyons in the area- Mindbender and the Not Mindbender. Each canyon would take a day to explore and climb. Rob was on his 146th and 147th canyon adventure, respectively. There is an art to this sport, and multiple systems, mechanisms and approaches to style and safety. Rob has incredible, extensive knowledge in this arena, acquired from time spent in canyons all over the world- wet and dry, as well as from courses taken to receive his ACA certification.

These canyons can take you to literally some of the most remote corners, and we did not see a single soul for the entire weekend. The campsites were beautiful and pristine, and the canyons relatively untouched by humans.

After very different types of experiences in each canyon on Saturday and Sunday, the following are just a few of the considerations if you are undertaking a more adventurous canyon:
Rappeling, and hanging rappels
Knots- Munter, Bolen, Overhand, and Eights
Webbing, Static Line, Harnesses, Belay Devices
GPS AND/or excellent map & compass skills
Some basic climbing/scrambling skills- up to perhaps 5’4 or 5’5 with some comfort with exposure
Be prepared for some super jerry rigging- off rocks, packs, and deadmans etc- and to be able to pull the systems clean
Clothes that can withstanding shredding, and some good sneakers, Wetsuit

Like the sport of rock climbing, there are differing opinions on bolting, anchors etc. Be prepared to take care of yourself if none of the aforementioned options are available..And for more details, links, and guidebook info on routes near your area-check out some of the sites below:

The video site
www.CanyoningVideos.com

Canyoning photos site

The Yahoo canyons group

For some beautiful canyon stock photography:
www.whitrichardson.com

And for excellent General Utah Info: You have to pay to be in the “circle of friends” for the beta, and for General US info