Canyoning Equipment Guide
What to Bring & What We Provide
Essential Canyoning Equipment
When you book a canyoning tour in Madeira with us, all necessary equipment is included and professionally maintained. Understanding the gear helps you appreciate the safety measures we take and prepares you for your adventure.
🦺 Wetsuit
Purpose: Keeps you warm in mountain water (typically 10-15°C)
- ✓ 5mm neoprene thickness
- ✓ Full body coverage
- ✓ Reinforced at knees and elbows
- ✓ Available in all sizes
⛑️ Helmet
Purpose: Protects your head from rocks and impacts
- ✓ CE certified safety standards
- ✓ Water drainage holes
- ✓ Adjustable chin strap
- ✓ Lightweight and comfortable
🪢 Harness
Purpose: Safety equipment for rappelling down waterfalls
- ✓ Full-body or sit harness
- ✓ Multiple attachment points
- ✓ Padding for comfort
- ✓ Regularly inspected
👟 Footwear
Purpose: Grip and protection on wet, slippery rocks
- ✓ Closed-toe shoes required
- ✓ Good tread for grip
- ✓ Old sneakers work well
- ✓ Must be securely tied
🔒 Safety Equipment Included
All our canyoning equipment is professionally maintained and regularly inspected for safety: Read our complete safety guide →
- •Ropes: Static ropes designed for canyoning, inspected before each tour
- •Carabiners: Locking carabiners for secure connections
- •Descenders: Figure-8 or ATC devices for controlled rappelling
- •First Aid Kit: Comprehensive medical supplies carried by guides
- •Waterproof Bags: For storing valuables during the tour
What to Bring to Your Canyoning Tour
New to canyoning? Check our beginner's guide for complete preparation tips.
✅ Essential Items
- • Swimwear (wear under wetsuit)
- • Towel and dry clothes
- • Old sneakers or water shoes
- • Bottle of water
- • Sunscreen and sunglasses
📸 Optional Items
- • GoPro or waterproof camera
- • Waterproof phone case
- • Contact lenses (better than glasses)
- • Energy snacks
- • Personal medication if needed
⚠️ What NOT to Bring
- ✗Jewelry: Can get caught or lost
- ✗Cotton clothing: Doesn't dry and gets heavy when wet
- ✗Valuable electronics: Unless waterproof
- ✗Flip-flops or sandals: Not safe for canyoning
Equipment Maintenance & Safety Standards
At Madeira Canyoning Center, we take equipment safety seriously:
- ✓All equipment meets European safety standards (EN standards)
- ✓Ropes and harnesses replaced according to manufacturer guidelines
- ✓Daily visual inspections before each tour
- ✓Wetsuits cleaned and sanitized after every use
- ✓Complete equipment inventory management system
Ready for Your Canyoning Adventure?
All equipment is provided - just bring yourself and a sense of adventure!
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Equipment FAQ - Common Questions
Everything you need to know about canyoning gear
No, all technical canyoning equipment is provided when you book a tour with Madeira Canyoning Center. This includes wetsuit, helmet, harness, ropes, descenders, and all safety gear. You only need to bring swimwear, a towel, and appropriate footwear (old sneakers or water shoes). We provide everything required to keep you safe and comfortable during your canyon adventure.
We stock wetsuits in all sizes from children to extra-large adults. When you book, we'll ask for your height, weight, and shoe size to ensure proper fit. Our 5mm neoprene wetsuits are specifically designed for canyoning with reinforced knees and elbows. If you have concerns about sizing, contact us in advance and we'll ensure we have the right size ready for you.
You need closed-toe shoes with good grip that you don't mind getting wet and potentially damaged. Old sneakers or hiking shoes work well. Water shoes or neoprene booties are ideal. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or shoes with poor ankle support. The shoes will get wet, scratched on rocks, and may not survive the tour. Many participants bring old shoes they're ready to retire. We can also rent specialized canyoning shoes if needed.
Safety is our top priority. All technical equipment (ropes, harnesses, carabiners, descenders) is inspected before every tour. Ropes and harnesses are replaced according to manufacturer guidelines and after any signs of wear. We maintain detailed equipment logs tracking usage and inspection dates. All gear meets or exceeds European safety standards (CE certification). Any equipment showing wear or damage is immediately retired from service.
While we provide all necessary equipment, experienced canyoners are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer. However, it must meet current safety standards and be approved by your guide before use. Personal gear includes items like your own wetsuit, harness, or descender. For safety reasons, ropes and anchor systems must be provided by the tour operator as we're responsible for rigging and safety systems.
Proper equipment fit is essential for safety and comfort. Your guide will check all equipment before the tour begins. If anything doesn't fit correctly - wetsuit too tight/loose, helmet uncomfortable, harness not sitting properly - we have multiple sizes available and will adjust or replace items until everything fits perfectly. Never start a canyon descent with ill-fitting equipment. Always speak up if something feels wrong.
Yes, our 5mm neoprene wetsuits provide excellent thermal protection in Madeira's mountain water, which typically ranges from 10-15°C year-round. The full-body coverage and reinforced construction keep you warm even during long water sections. For particularly cold days or longer tours, we can provide additional thermal layers. The combination of wetsuit, activity, and Madeira's mild climate means hypothermia is rarely a concern when properly equipped.