Canyoneering Big Bradley at high water

Prerequisite Knowledge

No prior knowledge is necessary for this course. This course is for beginners interested in learning more about canyoneering and the basic techniques involved.

What to bring

You will want to wear comfortable clothes that you typically wear to hike in and shoes to hike in that protect your feet and drain easily when wet. Basic running or nongortex hiking shoes are fine. We do not recommend any kind of boot. A shoe such as Keen sandals or water type running shoes work best. We will supply you with all the canyoneering gear you need.

Tombstone Blues Canyon

Topics covered

This program includes proper rappelling technique, basic knots and their application for canyoneering, ascending techniques, basic haul systems, canyoneering movement and an adventure canyoneering trip. Includes both Big Bradley and Cougar Canyon Canyoneering Trips. In addition the course will also provide you with knowledge of other regional canyons where you can go to practice your skills.

down climb in Grassy canyon

Instructor info

Instructor info

Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast, certified American Cayoneering Guide Association.

Big Rappel at Big Bradley

More in or reserve a spot by calling 772-579-0005 or email contact@pvadventures.com .

Pisgah Tavern located at the Hub bicycle shop and outdoor store

Pura Vida Adventures is excited to announce that we will be adding brewery tours to our 2013 offerings. The tours will consist of visits to the Pisgah Tavern, Oskar Blues Brewery, and Brevard Brewing Company.

Tours will start with participants being picked up from their Brevard accommodations and brought to Pisgah Tavern, where they can sample various regional beers.  Although not a brewery, Pisgah Tavern has a wide selection of various regional beers. In addition, Pisgah Tavern is located at The Hub bikes and outdoor shop. “Although not a brewery we decided to include Pisgah Tavern on the tour because of its wide variety of regional microbrews and its unique status as a bicycle shop, outdoor store, and bar,” says Joe Moerschbaecher, Pura Vida Adventures owner.

Inside Oskar Blues Brewery

The second stop will be at Oskar Blues Brewery, currently the largest brewery in the Carolinas.  At Oskar Blues, participants will have the opportunity to take a tour of the brewery and learn more about the history of the company.  After finishing the tour, participants will be able to sample a pint or flight of beers at the Oskar Blues Tasty Weasel taproom.

Then, the tour will head to Brevard Brewing Company, located in downtown Brevard.  Here participants will have an opportunity to see how Brevard Brewing Company brews beer.  After completing the tour, participants may once again choose to have a pint or flight of beers at Brevard Brewing Company’s tasting room next to the brewery.

The tour will end with participants being provided with a ride back to their local accommodations.

Trips include tours of the breweries, two tastings at each brewery, and transportation. Beers can be purchased separately while at the bar or tasting rooms.  Cost is $40 a person for groups of 3 or less and $35 a person for groups of 4 or more. Tours run daily starting at 5 p.m. and end between 8 and 8:30 p.m.  Advanced reservations are highly recommended.  Email contact@pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005 for more information or to book a tour.

The Adidas Hydro Pro is a boot with a neoprene ankle cuff made specifically for canyoneering. The canyoneering boot is made to fit specifically with a neoprene bootie.  Over the last couple months Pura Vida Adventures has tested it in the canyons of Utah, Arizona, and North Carolina. Below is our review of the Adidas Hydro Pro boot.

Reviews are based out of 5 stars:

Comfort 3.5 stars

The Hydro Pro Boot is by no means uncomfortable, in fact after breaking it in and getting use to it I found it more comfortable then the Five Ten Canyoneer, which has been the standard in Canyoneering boots over the past few years. The fit in the width is a more normal fit then the Canyoneer which seemed to have a fit to wide for the normal foot.  The lacing system which includes velcro, quick lace, and a zipper creates a secure fit which tucks everything very nicely into the shoe.  Like any boot with a neoprene ankle it is not as comfortable as a trail shoe but what it lacks in comfort it makes up for in warmth and ankle support.

Durability 4.5 stars

This category is what has been lacking in many canyoneering shoes of the past. Typically wear in the canyoneering boot can be seen within a half dozen uses, however after over two dozen canyon descents in the Adidas Hydro Pro I am still not seeing anywhere from use. It seems this boot is built to last.

Performance 4 stars

The biggest question about this shoe was its performance. Would the rubber stick well to wet surfaces?  The resounding answer is yes on both wet and dry sandstone and granite this boot performed. Five Ten rubber which is thought to be the pinnacle in sticky rubber out performs the Hydro Pro but only in a subtle way.

Overall 4 stars

The Hydro Pro lacing and buckle system is great providing warmth and stability.  The performance of the rubber was impressive and exceeded expectations. The best thing the Hydro Pro has to offer that other canyon boots have not offered in the past  is durability.

Pura Vida Adventures was the first company to run commercial canyoneering courses in the eastern US, in addition canyoneering courses and trips are run by Joe Moerschbaecher who is certified through the American Canyon Guide Assocition. Pura Vida Adventures is the oncly American Canyoneering Academy accredited guide service in the eastern US. www.pvadventures.com

Give the gift of adventure this holiday season with a Pura Vida Adventures gift certificate.

Adventure Gift certificates can provide an opportunity for a friend or loved one to experience rock climbing, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking or any of the various others adventures offered by Pura Vida.

Water fall rappelling on Upper Abner Creek

 Gift certificates can be used on any trip or product we offer.

If you want to provide someone with an adventure this holiday season call us at 772-579-0005 or email us at contact@pvadventures.com We will be happy to answer any questions you have as well as assist you in purchasing your gift certificate. Gift certificates expire one year from purchase date.

Full Mooon over Sedona

Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of Pura Vida Adventures recently had the opportunity to travel to Sedona, Arizona and experience some of the canyons in the Mogollon Plateau region. This was Joe’s second canyoneering trip to Arizona on a previous trip he visited the canyons of Central Arizona. The canyons of the Mogollon Plateau proved to be beautiful wet narrow slotted canyons with some interesting potholes and fun technical challenges.

Babe’s Hole Canyon 3A II

Babe’s Hole was the only dry canyon of the entire trip. The canyon was a beautiful extended slot  with some basic  relatively short rappels and basic down climbing. The canyon also offered many great places to practice rope skills, as well as stemming and other canyon movement techniques.

Babe’s Hole Canyon

Bear  Canyon 3B II

Bear Canyon was a wet canyon with a few pothole swims a gorgeous narrows and some fun rappels and down climbs.  The exit hike of Bear Canyon dropped us into the beautiful West Clear Creek Gorge.  The exit hike from the gorge was on a steep strenuous trail that climbed up about 1,000 vertical feet back to the car.

Bear Canyon, Pothole swim

Sundance Canyon 3B II

The final rappel: 185 ft. primarily free hanging rappel from a 3 foot wide slot canyon finishing in a wide open sandy area. There really is no way to describe that feeling. This was the greatest highlight of Sundance Canyon. However, Sundance also provided some fun down climbs and pothole swims in it short but beautiful narrows.  The exit was in West Clear Creek and followed the same trail up the gorge as Bear Canyon.

Dramatic final rappel of Sundance Canyon.

Shamrock 3B R II

Shamrock received an R rating for the giant potholes canyoneers must negotiate when completing the longest rappel of 150 feet.  The rappel went over two potholes the second of which can be negotiated around on canyon right using some basic rock movement skills while remaining on rappel.  That pothole is a monster and very impressive to see.  The canyon was beautiful with various other pothole and lots of  opportunities to challenge and practice canyon skills while trying to climb around these lesser potholes.  Shamrock dropped into West Clear Creek as well and with map and compass in hand you the n navigated your way down the creek  looking for a specific wash, which you then bush wacked up climbing over rocks and boulders before making your way to the top of the canyon rim.  Shamrock was the most technical canyon and included some fun map and compass work as you made your way to the wash that would allow you to exit the gorge.

Negotiating the potholes on the final rappel of Shamrock

The Mogollon plateau provided some incredible canyons with great narrows, beautiful potholes, and nice technical challenges.  In the future I hope to get back at a warmer time of year with more daylight and explore longer canyons in the area.

Pura Vida Adventures was the first company to run commercial canyoneering courses in the eastern US, in addition canyoneering courses and trips are run by Joe Moerschbaecher who is certified through the American Canyon Guide Assocition. Pura Vida Adventures is the oncly American Canyoneering Academy accredited guide service in the eastern US. www.pvadventures.com

The Forest Service has closed the areas of Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to over night camping.

If you are planning on hiking the Art Loeb this means there is no camping allowed north of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In addition thye Flat Laurel Creek and Sam’s knob trails are part of this closure

Forest Service Closes Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to Camping

Active as of 10/15/12

Pisgah Forest, N.C. — The U.S. Forest Service is closing the Shining Rock Wilderness and Graveyard Fields areas to overnight camping because of ongoing bear encounters with humans.

The areas will be closed to dispersed camping until further notice. The agency will monitor conditions to determine when it is safe to reopen the areas.

On Monday night, (10/16/12) a bear damaged a tent and food bag. Two people were in the tent at the time of the encounter, but no injuries were sustained. The encounter is the latest in a series of bear encounters in recent weeks.

Questions regarding the camping closure can be directed to the Pisgah Ranger District, 828-877-3265.

Rappel in Birch Hollow

Joe Moerschbaecher and Jeff Heveron of Pura Vida Adventures just completed a two week recreational canyoneering trip in Zion National Park.  The trip concluded with the 2012 American Canyoneering  Academy Zion Rendezvous.  During the trip we did a lot of canyons, made a lot of new friends, and reunited with old friends.

The trip started with Keyhole Canyon a short class B canyon, which was a good way to literally get our feet and bodies wet for the weeks to come.  The following day we did Pine Creek a Zion Classic as well as Jolly Gulch a lesser known canyon in Zion which is 2 hours in length but has a phenomenal 160 ft. rappel to enter the canyon.

Legend has it that a local resident named Jolly got drunk one night went mad  and threw his entire family off the cliff before jumping off the cliff himself.  We passed by the house of Jolly on the approach to the canyon.  This would be a great canyon to do on Halloween night, if you dared.

Jolly Gulch Entrance

The next day we did Birch Hollow a popular canyon just outside the park with phenomenal slots similar to what you see in Zion itself.  Later during the trip we would do Mystery, Spry, Pine Creek a second time and Behunien.  Behunien was by far the highlight of the trip.  Behunien Canyon is a Zion classic.  The Canyon has a long approach with significant  elevation gain before dropping down into the canyon and walking an additional 45 minutes to the first rappel.  Behunien has multiple rappels of 150ft. or more in length.  It is quite unique from many of Zion’s other classic canyons.  The Canyon culminates above the Emerald pools with a two tiered rappel.  The second of these two rappels is approximately 170ft. in length.  Behunien was quite an exhilarating canyon.  Its long approach and long rappels, as well as it being personally our first descent down it was by far the most interesting canyon of the trip.

Although many of the canyons we did I had done before the thrill of those canyons did not disappoint.  It was also great to take some time to kick back and catch up with old friends and meet new friends at the Rendezvous.  Thanks to Zion Brewing Company for sponsoring the beer.  To all are canyoneering friends: Rich Carlson, John Wood, Phoenix Crew, Sedona Crew, Salt Lake City Crew, New York Crew, and the rest of the group we look forward to seeing you next year. Be safe, have fun, and I hope there are many canyons in your future between now and next year.

Appreciating the Beauty of Pine Creek

Pura Vida Adventures was the first company to run commercial canyoneering courses in the eastern US, in addition canyoneering courses and trips are run by Joe Moerschbaecher who is certified through the American Canyon Guide Assocition. Pura Vida Adventures is the oncly American Canyoneering Academy accredited guide service in the eastern US. www.pvadventures.com

Pura Vida Adventures next 2 Day Intro to Rock Climbing course with open enrollment (individuals welcome) is scheduled 6/16-6/17 2012.

This course is designed to provide you with competence and confidence basic rock climbing skills. It covers all skills beginning climbers should learn including proper gear and how it should be rigged, belaying and rappelling techniques, knots, prussic knots, and climbing techniques. The second day goes into natural and artificial anchor building for top rope set up. This program also allows for a sufficient amount of climbing time to gain additional climbing experience.

The course will start each morning at 8am and finish between 4-5 pm.  All equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have it.  This course is limited to 6 spots and only 4 spots remain so sign up today.

Instructor Bio

Mike Reardon head climbing guide at Pura Vida Adventures will be teaching the course. Mike is an AMGA certified single pitch instructor.  He also serves on the board of the Carolina Climbing Coalition and is the co-author of a soon to be released climbing guide book.

Reaching the Summit: Transylvania County offers climbing and roped adventure opportunities for beginners to advanced participants

From beginner to expert, from bouldering to multi-pitch lead climbing, Transylvania County and the surrounding area are known for their climbing opportunities that provide challenge and adventure for both expert climbers and beginners alike. Although this area of North Carolina is dominated by traditional rock climbing, there are opportunities for mixed and sport routes as well as canyoneering. “What makes this area so great for climbing is the various degrees of difficulty in the climbing,” says Jeff Heveron, guide at Pura Vida Adventures, an outdoor guide service that offers guided rock climbing trips. Novice and beginner climbers have options at Cedar Rock and the south face of Looking Glass. These areas offer opportunities for top rope climbing for beginners. In addition, they offer moderate lead routes with good protection for intermediate climbers. The “super classic” Nose route is a must do for any climber who is competent and comfortable on a traditional four pitch lead of class 5.8 climbing. All climbers, regardless of ability level, will become familiar with the eyebrow holds and slabby granite, which are trademarks of Looking Glass Rock.

For the most advanced climbers there are more difficult lead and aid climbing opportunities at the north face of Looking Glass Rock as well as Whitesides Mountain, and Laurel Knob.  “The Southern Appalachians and Transylvania County are THE place for climbers of all levels,” says Phil Hoffman, owner of Looking Glass Outfitters.  “Traditionally protected routes from 5.5 to 5.13 exist at all the major cliffs from Rumbling Bald in Chimney Rock State Park to Whitesides Mountain in Jackson County.  Bolt protected climbing can be found at these sites, as well as Cedar Rock and Big Green Mountain although calling it sport climbing would be a slight misnomer.  I would say it’s ‘bolt protected face climbing.’”  For more adventurous climbing, Phil recommends Looking Glass Rock, Laurel Knob and Whitesides Mountain, all less than an hour drive from Brevard.  “Looking Glass Rock, in particular offers the most moderate terrain with its South face hosting several multi-pitch routes under 5.9” says Phil.

Looking Glass Outfitters will provide climbers coming to the area with any additional information they need, as well as a place to pick up any climbing gear needed during their time climbing here.  They also sell guide books of the area which are an invaluable tool for any climber who is planning a trip to the area but is unfamiliar with the various routes.

Although climbing in the area has been popular for years among experienced climbers,  rock climbing is now also becoming a popular activity for first-time climbers vacationing in the area.  Contact Pura Vida Adventures for a guided rock climbing trip here in the North Carolina Mountains.

Pura Vida Adventures has expanded its services to offer a rappelling course as well as hiking, climbing, rappelling combination one day programs, and combination rappelling and climbing courses.  “The thing we are most excited about is bringing the sport of canyoneering to the eastern United States,” says Joe Moerschbaecher owner of Pura Vida Adventures.  Canyoneering is a multidiscipline sport that includes climbing, waterfall rappelling, and swimming holes  as you descend down and back up a watershed. Pura Vida Adventures is the first company to run commercial canyoneering trips east of the Mississippi, and their canyoneering trips have been highlighted in such magazines as National Geographic Adventure Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Competitor Magazine.  In addition they are accredited by the American Canyoneering Academy and owner and head guide Joe Moerschbaecher is certified through the American Canyon Guide Association.  They have expanded their canyoneering offerings in 2010 to include instructional courses with the American Canyoneering Academy, canyoneering programs in Costa Rica and Argentina, and additional canyoneering trips here in the Transylvania area.

Photo Coutesy of Jason Beverly

Brevard and Transylvania County have become well known among climbers over the years and this Land of Waterfalls is also becoming well known for its canyoneering offerings in the southeast.

Of Further Note 

Rock cliffs are fragile ecosystems with rare plant life, and climbers are asked to stay on main trails and keep out of closed areas. Inexperienced climbers are encouraged to seek a guide service for instruction. Regardless of your ability level, be safe, use good judgment on the rock, and know your limitations.

For more information about rock climbing in the forest, stop by the Pisgah District Ranger Station and Visitors Center, which is located a mile from the forest entrance on U.S. 276, or call (828) 877-3265 or visit or call Looking Glass Outfitters 1-866-351-2176 located at the Forest Entrance at 90 New Hendersonville Hwy .

Guided rock climbing opportunities are available through Pura Vida Adventures (772-579-0005, or go to www.pvadventures.com)  who l hold special use permits for rock climbing through Pisgah National Forest.

• Pura Vida Adventures at 772-579-0005, or go to www.pvadventures.com;

Hunger Games Tour Options

Pura Vida Adventures is excited to be offering Hunger Games Tours this year due to the high demand and request from our past clients.

“The reason we are getting such a high demand for Hunger Games Tours is two fold explains,” Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of Pura Vida Adventures. “We have been running similar tours to the Hunger Games Tours for over 6 years and our survival courses which have been very popular even before the Hunger Games existed are becoming more popular because fans are realizing many of the skills we teach in these courses are the same as those important for survival in the movie.”

Pura Vida adventures has designed two seperate tours specifically for Hunger Games fans. The first visits the areas of Dupont State Forest where Hunger Games was filmed this tour will also provide you with details on what went on in the forest last summer when Hunger Games was being filmed.

The half day Dupont Hunger Games tour is $75 a person and lasts 3-4 hours

The full day Dupont Hunger Games tour is $100 a person and last 6 hours.

Pura Vida Adventures is also offering Hunger Games Survival Schools. ($150 a person 7-8 hours in length).

 

Learn from your experienced survival guide, Joe Moerschbaecher as he teaches you the survival skills necessary to survive the Hunger Games.  This tour focuses primarily on the nonviolent survival skills including fire and shelter building, knot tying, snares, off trail travel, and navigation.  After the skills are taught tributes will be paired in groups of two and practice the skills on their own and be evaluated for their power rankings in these survival areas.

Pura Vida Adventures approach is a sustainable one we will limit all tours and survival classes to 12 ppl in order to minimize our impact on the environment as well as provide ample attention to our tributes during survival skills classes and Dupont Hunger Games Tours.  In addition tributes will be required to hike easy to moderate trails to access the areas where the Hunger Games were filmed and the best areas where survival skills can be taught.

Tours available any day of the week, reservations are strongly recommended call 772-579-0005 or email contact@pvadventures.com for more details or book a trip.