From Vision to Global Movement

What began as a shared vision between two passionate canyoneers has evolved into one of the most significant gatherings in the international canyoning community. In 2003, my friend Koen Viaene and I launched the first International Canyoning Rendezvous in Spain, bringing together a modest but enthusiastic group of adventurers who shared our love for descending spectacular canyons in the Pyrenees.

The early years saw us moving the rendezvous between diverse canyon terrain — from Spain in 2003 and 2004, to Mexico in 2005, Greece in 2006, and to the United States in 2007. During these formative years, we consistently attracted 100-200 participants, creating an intimate yet international community of canyoneers eager to share techniques, explore new terrain, and forge lasting friendships.

The true measure of our initial vision's success became evident when the Federation Internationale de Canyonisme (FIC) recognized the rendezvous's growing importance and took over its organization, ensuring its continued growth and professional development. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the event's evolution, transforming it from a grassroots gathering into a globally recognized institution within the canyoning world. The remarkable growth trajectory reached a new milestone this year, with 736 participants converging in Italy — nearly four times the attendance of those early gatherings. This exponential growth reflects not only the increasing popularity of canyoning as a sport but also the enduring power of the community-building foundation that Koen and I established over two decades ago.