When I started traveling, I knew I already signed up for activities that will challenge my physical and emotional strength. I also knew that I would face my fears anytime of the day. So when we booked a flight to Cebu, I am already aware of what's in store for us. Twelve letters - Canyoneering. The hype is real as this extreme adventure started roaming around social media and spreading like wildfire. Every adventure seeker would want to try it out eager to feel the adrenaline rush this activity offers. It is an extreme trekking activity but what will await every struggle is very much worth it. The hidden gem in the forest, the beautiful Kawasan Falls.
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| We'll be trekking down at this point |
But I know I had to prepare for it. I watched some of them do it. It will not be easy. I'm clumsy. And I'm not a good swimmer. Heck I don't even know if I could jump several feet above the water. A few months before our trip, I tried cliff jumping in Pangasinan just to see if I could do it since that's what I've been seeing in all the videos that I watched regarding Canyoneering. I did it. I thought that was what it would all be about. I just need to jump then I would enjoy the water afterwards. That would be it. But man, was I so wrooooong!
So I made this post for every guy and girl who wanted to try Canyoneering but was not sure what will welcome them. Here's how I survived Canyoneering:
Go for a Local Guide
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| You will have to sign up first here before starting the adventure :D |
Prepare for long walks
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| Off to the starting point! |
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| Thank God for umbrellas |
Wear comfortable but appropriate shoes(and also your safety gears!)
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| I wore the neon green one xD |
Our package includes rental for safety gears and shoes. But if you can bring your own, that's better. I wore one of those shoes and though it was comfy at first, I had blisters after hours of trekking. Don't wear slippers. It will not only be taken away by the current, but it would also risk yourself of accidents.
Clumsy is not an option
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| The Great Outdoors |
This is not a very safe place. You can slip on rocks anytime. You can outbalance yourself. You can go with the flow of strong current and bump yourself on rocks along the way. So try not to unleash your inner clumsiness. Take very serious precaution. In every step, make sure that what you're stepping on is a safe spot. Follow the saying, "It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you don't stop." Something like that. ;)
Accept all the help you can get
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| Keeeeep Holding Ooooon, 'Cause you know we'll make it through |
Your guides are there not only to show you the way, but to also assist you in every way possible. Don't reject their offer. If you always want to be safe, listen to them and have a tight grip on their hand when crossing strong current or climbing up and down.
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| Just staaaay strooooong. 'Cause you know I'm here for you |
Also do hold on railings or any thing with strong foundation when you're getting outbalanced.
Empty your mind before you jump
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| Trying to empty my mind because I almost panicked! That's a 20-feet jump! |
This is always what I do when it's time to jump. Always try to empty your mind of possibilities that could happen when you jump. Overthinking can make you lose your balance and you could fall at the wrong spot. Concentrate and believe in what your guide says. Note that there are mandatory and optional jumps. Don't do the run and jump thing if you're very hesitant.
The current is not friendly at times
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| Just starting and it already gets interesting |
Going with the flow does not apply here at times. Especially at strong currents. Always assure that you're prepared when you have to face it. Hold on to anyone that can try to balance you.
Enjoy every success
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| Choo! Chooo! Water train coming! |
The feeling is very different when you've overcome one obstacle. It lifts the spirit and it makes you more confident to face the next one. So just take it one step at a time and enjoy every minute of it.
Food will always be on the way
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| Thank God for hotdogs <3 |
I mean literally on the way. You'll find food stalls along the way. So when you got hungry and it's just halfway through, you can always stop and take a break. I really enjoyed that spot. Luckily our guide has money and we're able to borrow from him.
Never give up
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| I almost gave up trying not to be carried away by the current here |
When you're having second thoughts in doing this, make sure to decide early on. And not when you're already far from the starting point. Once you start to do it, there's no turning back. So you're only option is to push forward and take it one obstacle at a time. When you feel like the current is already pushing you too hard and your grip is becoming weak, never give up. Words of encouragement really helps at this point.
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| Peace out ya'll! |
And that's it! Most of the things that I did to stay alive while we're at it. I suggest you guys really try this one out but always take precautionary measures. Have you tried this one too? Share me your experiences in the comment box below! ;)
