Well, last night was the Premiere of the Documentary by John Smith “Canyoneering the Colorado Plateau”. For those who missed it I will try to give a good review. For those who did see it, I will try to do the same.
There were a lot of “Who’s Who” in the canyoneering community highlighted from Rich Carlson, Charley Oliver, Dave Black, Tom Jones, Steve Ramras, Matt Moore, Phillip Rhoades, Steve Allen, Michael Kelsey, Ray O’Niel of Zion NP, Kevin Kilean SAR for Zion NP, Edd Franzz of Grand Stair Case NM, etc. There were interviews with history professors, I imagine from SUU, about the history of canyoneering from the anasazi entering the canyons, to the discovery of the Grand Canyon and the Mormon pioneers trekking through the area to Butch Cassidy hiding out in some of the canyons. There were interviews with particiants of guided trips, and newbies and their takes on what they were getting into. Clip sections describing the ACA and thier mission and the training offered. Interviews with guides from the most widely publicised slot canyon, Antelope Canyon. Of course great shots of canyoneering.
My view of the documentary: It was well done. Put together very well and done in an un-biased and objective position. It handled both sides of the Kelsey Debate and touched a bit on ethics in the canyons. The documentary is not an awe inspiring video for those of us in the sport, but it does a great job in protraying the sport on the Colorado Plateau for the lay person. This will however keep your interest while watching.