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 fuss what canyoning really is, what requirements you need to meet, what equipment is provided and how to pick your first tour. Written by a team that has been training state-certified canyoning guides for over 25 years.
What is canyoning, actually?
Canyoning (also called canyoneering or gorge walking) means: you follow a stream down through a gorge – with everything nature puts in your way. You jump into deep plunge 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
- 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 (accompanied by an adult), 16 for more demanding tours
- No pronounced fear of heights – even beginner tours include small jumps or abseiling spots
- A taste for wet adventures – you will get soaked from head to toe
What equipment do you need yourself?
The good news: most of the equipment is provided. What you bring yourself:
- Swim trunks or a swimsuit
- A towel and sturdy dry clothes for after the tour
- Closed water shoes (old trainers work, neoprene shoes can be rented from us)
- Optional: functional underwear if you feel the cold easily
From us as the operator you get: wetsuit, helmet, climbing harness and all the safety gear. 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 choice that matches your level, it is very safe. Three things to look for in 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
- Advance checks of weather and water levels – tours are cancelled when water is high
At Badis Adventures all guides are state-certified, the equipment comes from brands like Petzl, Edelrid and Camaro, and the situation in the gorge is assessed before every tour.
Which tour should I choose for my first attempt?
If you have never done canyoning before: start with a dedicated beginner gorge. Our recommendation in the Salzburg area is the Canyoning Almbachklamm near Hallein – gentle jumps, clear water, the perfect atmosphere for your first day in a gorge. From age 10, which also makes it family-friendly.
If you're hungry for more afterwards, the next logical step is the Strubklamm with higher jumps and more action – but only after your first tour, not as your introduction.
Ready for your first canyoning day?
We're happy to help you find the right tour – send us a short email or call us directly:
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, Friaul.
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 bachelor party – Stag & hen party 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
- Directions & meeting points from Salzburg – How to find the gorge – parking, arrival, tips
- Canyoning safety: what matters – How we minimise risks – standards, equipment, conduct
- 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 kids – The family guide to your first tour
Frequently asked questions
What if I get cold feet before a jump?
Nobody has to jump if they don't want to. Every jump on our beginner tours has an alternative route via climbing or abseiling. Your guide discusses every jump beforehand – if you'd rather not, you take the detour.
How many people are in a group?
Our groups are small – typically 4–8 people per guide. That's the standard for safe tours and it also means you get time for questions and individual attention.
Can I wear my glasses or contact lenses?
Contact lenses: yes, ideally daily disposables. Glasses: only with a retainer strap. Sports goggles or swimming goggles are a good option.
How long does a beginner tour take in total?
Plan roughly half a day for your first tour: 30 minutes for the welcome and putting on your gear, 15 minutes approach, 2 hours in the gorge, 15 minutes descent, 30 minutes to change and say goodbye.
What if I'm not that fit?
Beginner tours like the Almbachklamm don't require any special fitness. If you can manage a 2-hour hike without trouble, you'll get through the gorge too. If in doubt: call us beforehand, we'll give you honest advice.