Sawanobori – Stream Climbing And Finding The True Source

From a distance I could see that the flowing water in the creek just disappeared. As a teenager living at La Campagne, our wooded Christian ministry in Spencer, Indiana, I loved (and still do) to explore. Walking further downstream through the water I could hear a waterfall. But what was up? In just a few more steps I could see that the creek bed was fully dry. What was up – was totally down – in a cave beneath the creek. Here, in this creek, I would do, for the first time, one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever experienced – Sawanobori (and I didn’t even know that’s what it’s called). I went home eager to share my discovery.

Sawanobori (沢登り), or stream climbing (sawa = stream; nobori = climb), is a type of mountaineering in Japan that involves going up mountain streams to their source.

A few days later I returned with my dad, my brother, a flashlight and a rope. Forget about trying to keep even slightly dry. Just to get into the hole required sitting directly in the water as I tried to decide the best way to “climb in”. Rope around me, I lowered myself down. Cold water flowed over my waist, back, shoulders, neck and hold on…oh oh over my head and face. Holding on to slick rocks with hands and feet, I was trying to see – TRYING TO BREATH! A 10-foot climb took me to a rock pile on the floor of a small room. I took the rope off, “OK, pull it up!” My brother was next. Together we explored the cave deeper until the water flowed beyond where we could crawl.

Stream climbing isn’t just about hiking and swimming in water. I don’t think it’s even about the thrill of climbing the waterfall or finding the beginning or end of the stream. For me it’s about experiencing the source of real adventure – God’s Spirit.

Take a closer look at this outdoor activity and some of the important considerations you need to keep in mind. Then start doing your research and make plans on how you are going to start doing Sawanobori. It can be very challenging requiring training and skill – if you are going to do significant rock climbing with water flowing on or around you. BUT – read further because you’re about to discover that many people every year do beginner-level Sawanobori with no training and little to no special gear. This can be incredible fun, really compelling exploration and most significantly it can help pivot your mind and heart more closely toward God.

A CLOSER LOOK

What’s the last “river movie” you watched? As you journey through cinematic waters you’ll likely be intrigued and awed as you imagine what it would be like if you were there – on that waterway. To plan for and then make your Sawanobori experience all it should be take a closer look at these aspects:

• IT’S GOING TO BE WET: That’s part of the allure of it, right? The adventure is better when yon both anticipate getting wet and plan for it. That means you may want to go to your local pool and practice. Practice walking in water, dunking in water, working together in water and more. Turn on the hose in your yard at home and spray away. The colder the better. Think about the gear too. Plan what you’ll wear, how you’ll get dry afterwards, and think about how to both prevent but be prepared for the scratch, cut or twist or whatever. Life vest, head protection, flashlight, food… hmmm be thinking.
• GO WITH THE FLOW: Sometimes that is easy enough and other times you may need to get the advice of those who have gone before you. Be mindful of weather conditions. Get a map if you’re going a distance. Water moves. So, just like you’d be prepared for rip tides in the ocean, plan ahead for how you’re going to respond to and work with the force and current. Be sure you have all the gear and training you need before you go.
• LISTEN, MEDITATE AND MORE: That moving water it makes noise. Listen more closely to it. Look for wildlife around it and take time to appreciate how that wildlife interacts with the water. Feel, smell and perhaps (if you can do it safely) taste the water. All of these things and more will contribute to the spiritual experience you have. Take time to stop. It’s not just about going and doing. It is also about being present – with God! Use the times you stop to pray, meditate, reflect on some Bible passages, rest in God’s goodness and more. Just being still and quiet can be a powerful way to connect for God’s Spirit to connect with you. Keep in mind that you can also pray, worship and be tuned into God as you hike, swim, climb and move through your adventure.
• BE OTHERS MINDED: Hopefully you do Sawanobori with others: family, friends, colleagues, classmates, a club and even someone who you mentor, provide care or that other person who just so happens to be there too. Whoever it is. They aren’t just there by chance. God has a purpose for you to experience WITH others. Look for the chance to listen well and then help, encourage, challenge, understand and love – somehow, someway.

FROM EASY TO DIFFICULT, YOU’VE GOT OPTIONS – HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO SAWANOBORI?

If you’ve read this far you’re clearly interested in the idea of getting in the flow of hiking upstream and down. Maybe you’re a pro. Perhaps you’ve never done it before or somewhere in between those skill levels. The really great news is you can dial this in many different ways: take children with little more than a water bottle, a more strenuous hike (longer and more difficult), repelling or with full gear and permits up doing what few do.

In this section there are 4 videos, organized somewhat in order from easy to difficult. Some are iconic locations that you can plan to someday climb yourself. In the mean time, open a memo on your phone and label it “SAWANOBORI”. Then start doing further research. Make notes that include links (including this article), gear, questions, ideas, who you’d like to do this with and how you want to make Christ central to your experience. Identify locations that are near you. Set a date, at least within the next 12 months, to do it. Be sure, once you return, to CONTACT US so you can share your experience with others through Shout! OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. Remember Sawanobori can be more for you than just a new or challenging adventure – THIS is worship!

FUN EXPLORATION THAT’LL PIVOT YOUR HEART CLOSER TO GOD

Have you ever heard the expression, “Up a creak without a paddle”? It means being in a difficult situation with no good way of getting out of it. Obviously, for good reasons, you don’t want your outdoor activities to ever be a desperate situation – certainly not a life threatening predicament. Nonetheless, outdoor activities often position us to get outside of our routine. There are factors beyond our usual control. There is power that we don’t encounter every day.

When you do Sawanobori, you’re going to experience fun exploration. There’s a good likelihood you’ll encounter the unfamiliar. You’ll be challenged beyond your comfort zone. You’ll have to use some critical thinking skills combined with knowledge, wisdom and some faith to depend on God. Count yourself blessed when you can have perseverance that is greater than endurance. Challenges make you stronger in Christ. So, don’t be shy. Let Sawanobori give you the opportunity to let you desires, your thinking, your responses – your heart pivot closer to God.

Beyond the challenges, you’re going to find that your climb in the creek is truly a good time. Here’s the real challenge: commit to making the good times more than just a good time moving toward the source of the water. Really embrace this as an intentional time to seek God, be in the presence of God and be the life of Christ to others. It can be every bit as tangible as the water in which you’re immersed. Go a little further – a lot deeper and find the true source of all that is good – God. This is the powerful force of His nature roaring and inviting you be still and know that He is God. THIS is worship!