Minimal Equipment
Learn how to make the most of a minimal canyoning kit and identify the true capabilities of the equipment already carried on the harness.
ITRA Technical Rescue Congress 2026
Canyoning Rescue Effective rescue solutions with the equipment you already carry.
A practical canyoning rescue workshop exploring how to build effective rescue solutions with the limited equipment normally carried on a canyoning harness.
Workshop Organizer
International Canyoning Academy
Delivered by the ICA – International Canyoning Academy.
The workshop will be led by Jorge Ferreira, ICA Instructor, with support from Jorge Trasgu.
The session is designed around the operational reality of canyoning, where rescuers often need to solve complex situations using the limited equipment already available on their harness.
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About the Workshop
Rescue with what you already have.
Participants will learn how to recognise and exploit the possibilities of the equipment already available on a canyoning harness. The workshop aims to develop problem-solving, improvisation and decision-making skills, demonstrating that effective rescue systems do not necessarily require extensive specialised equipment.
Improvised Rescue Systems
Build raising, lowering and tensioning systems using limited canyoning equipment.
Casualty Rescue
Practice casualty pick-off and transfer techniques using minimal equipment and the natural canyon environment.
Problem Solving
Work through scenario-based rescue problems and explore multiple possible solutions to the same technical challenge.
Practical Content
Improvisation, efficiency and decision-making.
The workshop focuses on developing practical solutions using the canyon environment, existing anchors and the equipment normally available to canyoning practitioners.
Participants will be encouraged to understand not only what the equipment can do, but also its limitations and the associated risks.
Equipment Management
Minimal canyoning kit
Systems
Raising, lowering & tensioning
Environment
Existing anchors & canyon features
Team Skills
Communication & decision-making
Workshop Format
A hands-on workshop in a real canyon environment.
Participants will work through practical rescue situations using minimal equipment and the natural features of the canyon.
The objective is not to teach a single predefined system, but to encourage participants to evaluate each situation, identify available resources and develop appropriate rescue solutions.
Duration
2.5 hours
Group Size
Maximum 15 participants
Level
Intermediate
Workshop Lead
Jorge Ferreira
Participant Information
What you need before attending.
Mandatory PPE
Participants must bring a suitable helmet.
Equipment Provided
Canyoning harnesses, ropes, carabiners, pulley carabiners, slings, canyoning stretcher and casualty simulation equipment will be provided by the organizer.
Technical Level
The workshop is designed for participants with an intermediate level of technical experience.
Natural Environment
Activities take place in a real canyon and involve work at height, water and natural terrain.
Safety
Controlled scenarios in a real canyon environment.
The main identified hazard is falling from height.
Participants must follow instructor directions and remain within designated safety systems at all times.
All rescue systems will be checked before loading, and participants will not independently load, modify or operate a system without instructor approval.
The scenarios will be controlled and will not intentionally expose participants to unnecessary water hazards or uncontrolled falls.
Main Hazard
Falling from heights
Activities
Work at height
Environment
Water & natural canyon
Risk Assessment
To be coordinated with Congress organization
Workshop Location
Poço Negro – Rio Mau
A real canyon environment selected for practical rescue exercises.
The workshop will take place at Poço Negro, Rio Mau, providing participants with the opportunity to work directly in the type of environment for which canyoning rescue systems are designed.
View on Map
Poço Negro
Rio Mau, Portugal
41.06694, -8.36777
Workshop Availability
Available during three rotation periods.
This workshop can only operate during daylight.
Workshop Team
International Canyoning Academy.
The workshop will be led by experienced ICA instructors.
Lead Instructor
Jorge Ferreira
Role
ICA Instructor
Additional Instructor
Jorge Trasgu
Organization
International Canyoning Academy
ITRA Technical Rescue Congress 2026
Take your rescue skills into the canyon.
Workshop allocation is subject to participant preferences, scheduling and available capacity.