You want to try canyoning for the first time – but you’re not sure what to expect? This beginner’s guide explains clearly and without frills what canyoning really is, what requirements you need to meet, which equipment is provided and how to choose your first tour. Written by a team that has been training state-certified canyoning guides for over 25 years.
What actually is canyoning?
Canyoning (also known as canyoneering or gorge walking) means: you follow a stream downhill through a gorge – with every obstacle nature puts in your way. You jump into deep pools, slide over smoothly polished rocks, swim through basins and abseil down waterfalls. Sounds wild? In the beginner version it absolutely isn’t. We choose gorges that match your level exactly.
Requirements for your first tour
- Being able to swim – not Olympic level, but able to keep yourself afloat unaided
- Average fitness – if you can manage a 2-hour hike without problems, you can manage a beginner tour
- Minimum age: 10 years for the Almbachklamm (with an adult), 16 for more demanding tours
- No severe fear of heights – even beginner tours include small jumps or abseils
- An appetite for wet adventures – you’ll get soaked from head to toe
What equipment do you need to bring yourself?
The good news: most of the equipment is provided. What you bring yourself:
- Swimming trunks or swimsuit
- Towel and sturdy change of clothes for after the tour
- We provide canyoning shoes with non-slip soles and neoprene socks – you don’t need your own shoes
- Optional: thermal underwear if you feel the cold easily
From the organiser (us) you get: a wetsuit, helmet, climbing harness and all the safety equipment. Plus the state-certified canyoning guide.
How safe is canyoning?
Canyoning is an outdoor sport and therefore not risk-free. But with a trained guide, modern safety equipment and a tour chosen to suit you, it is very safe. Three things to look out for when choosing a provider:
- State-certified canyoning guides – mandatory in Austria, and not something to take for granted
- Up-to-date safety equipment – helmets, harnesses and ropes have an expiry date
- Checking the weather and water levels in advance – tours are cancelled when water levels are high
At Badis Adventures all guides are state-certified, the equipment comes from brands such as Petzl, Edelrid and Camaro, and the conditions in the gorge are assessed before every tour.
Which tour should I choose for my first attempt?
If you’ve never been canyoning before: start with a dedicated beginner gorge. Our recommendation in the Salzburg area is canyoning in the Almbachklamm near Hallein – gentle jumps, clear water, the perfect atmosphere for your first day in a gorge. Suitable from age 10 and therefore also family-friendly.
If you want more afterwards, the next logical step is the Strubklamm with higher jumps and more action – but only after your first tour, not as an introduction.
Ready for your first canyoning day?
We’re happy to help you find the right tour – send us a short email or give us a call:
Phone: +43 650 796 21 20
Email: [email protected]
You’ll find more detail on the individual tours in our Salzburg guide or directly on the tour pages: Almbachklamm, Strubklamm, Gimbach Kaskaden, Friuli.
More canyoning guides
- Canyoning Salzburg: the most beautiful gorges – Which tour suits whom?
- How much does canyoning cost? – Prices, what’s included and what to look out for
- Canyoning stag/hen party – Stag and hen parties in Salzburg – action instead of a booze-up
- Almbachklamm or Strubklamm? – The direct tour comparison
- Best time for canyoning in Salzburg – Month by month: water, weather, conditions
- Getting there & meeting points from Salzburg – How to find the gorge – parking, travel, tips
- Canyoning safety: what really matters – How we minimise risks – standards, equipment, behaviour
- Give a canyoning voucher – The outdoor gift for birthdays, weddings & more
- What to wear for canyoning? Clothing & equipment – The honest checklist – what we provide, what you bring
- Canyoning with children – The family guide to your first tour
Frequently asked questions
What if I get cold feet before a jump?
With us, nobody has to jump if they don't want to. Every jump on our beginner tours has an alternative route by climbing or abseiling. Your guide talks through each jump beforehand – if you don't fancy it, you take the detour.
How many people are in a group?
Our groups are small – typically 4–8 people per guide. That's standard for safe tours and also means you get time for questions and individual attention.
Can I wear my glasses or contact lenses?
Contact lenses: yes, ideally daily lenses. Glasses: only with a glasses strap. Sports glasses or swimming goggles are a good option.
How long does a beginner tour take in total?
For your first tour, allow around half a day: 30 minutes for the welcome and getting into your gear, 15 minutes walk-in, 2 hours in the gorge, 15 minutes walk-out, 30 minutes getting changed and saying goodbye.
What if I'm not very fit?
Beginner tours like the Almbachklamm don't require any particular fitness. If you can manage a 2-hour hike without problems, you'll get through the gorge. If you're unsure, call us beforehand – we'll give you honest advice.