Chamjesk Adventure

The Chamjesk Adventure, a 3-day advanced canyoning course

A “Chamjesk Adventure”? Ok, but what does “Chamjesk” mean?

10 years ago, the Himalayan Canyon Team led by Rod Sturm, opened the way by descending for the first time "the biggest canyon in the world" at the foot of the Annapurnas (Nepal). The opening of this legendary canyon, named Chamje Khola (V7.A7.Ex), required the 11 participants more than 2 years of preparation, and the development of specific vertical progression techniques in "explo" mode, then 2 days of approach for 3 days of descent (2300m of vertical drop) to achieve this feat.

Today, the team of Speleo Canyon Ariege, led by Rod since 2004, after more than a year of reflection, prospecting and development of equipment is finally ready to welcome its trainees to give them a similar experience, adapted to their level.

Why such a professional approach? Why make the leap from an “associative and voluntary” adventure to the design of a commercial “product”?

Nowadays, the time for environmental waste is over, we all know that. And making an audience dream of adventure when they will have less and less chance of experiencing their own seems illusory and unfair. For the leader of Himalayan Canyon Team, only "Grey & light" expeditions and projects are still viable...

Rod with the team of Speleo Canyon Ariege decided to limit long trips and distant expeditions to refocus on the natural potential near their canyoning training center in Niaux, Ariège.

Thus, a mini-expedition in “Chamjesk” mode for an audience close to the Pyrenees seems much more coherent in order to allow initiated canyoners to live their dream of adventure, to share an experience with one of the pillars of the development and opening of international canyoning.

How can we share these extraordinary adventures with mountain activity lovers without going to the ends of the earth?

Rod and his team have imagined and developed a 3-day "combo" in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees based on the model of the opening of Chamje Khola, aimed at amateur canyoners of all levels, in order to introduce them to the confidential world of canyon exploration through a unique program in the world. A great sporting challenge, respecting the environment, including two bivouacs, and reinforced by a specific educational program. This canyon improvement course will allow participants to train, perfect their canyoning autonomy techniques, strengthen their safety in practice, and finally, learn more and more... And it is certain that Arthur's photos will be circulating on the web for a long time to make more than one dream!

So what is the goal of this “Chamjesk Adventure”?

Linking three of the most beautiful and largest canyons in Ariège (Subra + Estat intégrale + Artigue), totaling more than 1000 meters of descent, and requiring two bivouacs, trained and supervised by Rod himself assisted by his essential photographer, Arthur Serres..

In order to descend safely, Rod, who alone will be able to supervise this advanced canyoning course, will teach trainees new exclusive techniques for descending large canyons and numerous tips to help them improve their autonomy in the activity.

The internship program will therefore include the preparation of this mini-expedition and training in the basics of information collection allowing the smooth running of such a challenge. A private screening of the 52mn HD film by Chamje Khola for a better understanding of the issues and to sharpen everyone's motivation.

Thus, prepared and trained, the small team of 6 trainees maximum will be ready for theaventure et l’exploration.

The activity will begin on the first day with the descent of the Canyon de Subra (V3.A2.III), including training in autonomous and team progression techniques and training in de-equipment techniques. Participants will be introduced to the specificities of the expedition (safety, reading, communication, efficiency, speed, equipment, etc.). Then in the evening, a comfortable bivouac at the foot of the canyon will allow you to recharge your batteries.

The next day, after a long approach walk of almost 3 hours, the highlight of the show will take place. The descent of the Canyon d’Estat intégrale (V4.A3.IV) which has never been descended with “clients” because it is a long descent of more than 700m of elevation gain, requiring technique and endurance. Improvement in the techniques of progression in autonomy and in a team will therefore be essential in order to progress quickly and safely. All this is completed by training in the techniques of de-equipment and optimization of the “expedition mode” (safety and mutual assistance of pairs, efficiency and speed, “light technique” and equipment, etc.). In the evening, at the exit of the canyon, the 5-star Chamjesk bivouac will take place: unforgettable!!!

Then on the third day, after a short transition walk, the descent of the Canyon de l’Artigue (V3.A3.III), much more aquatic than the two previous canyons, will allow a complete wash of the whole team. The Artigue is a classic in Ariège, and in order to bring something new to the participants already familiar with this superb canyon, the objective will be to progress independently and as a team with the assistance of Rod. Training in aquatic progression techniques (reading and analyzing obstacles, helping pairs and making decisions, anticipation, jumps, fun and safety, etc.) will allow team members to descend this canyon almost alone – And for those who want more, the (optional) link-up with the little Marc canyon (V3.A3.II) will be the icing on the cake!