Dave Black helps visitors walk down waterfalls — backward, no less!

The avid outdoorsman has nearly 50 years of climbing and rappelling experience and has literally written the book on them — actually, five books, including the authoritative 200-page "Canyoneering: A Guide to Techniques for Wet and Dry Canyons."

Since he started rock and ice climbing as a teenager in Ogden, Utah, Black has gone canyoneering (exploring canyons by rappelling, climbing, swimming and spelunking) all over the world, including Greece, Mexico, Costa Rica, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

What draws him to the sport is "the incredible beauty of the backcountry you’re in, overcoming whatever challenges nature throws your way and the sense of accomplishment at the end of a trip. It can be addictive and life-changing."

Black is operations manager of Rappel Maui, which is the brainchild of Ken Schmitt and his wife, MJ Harden. During the 30 years that the couple ran Hike Maui, an acclaimed tour company, they trekked through most of the island’s major valleys, seeking the best trails for their offerings.

An idea popped into their heads: Why not offer rappelling as a visitor activity? But how could they do it? Although canyoneering was popular in Europe and the mainland, it was virtually unknown in Hawaii. Schmitt and Harden realized they needed the help of an expert to do it right.

As they combed the Internet for sources, one name kept popping up: Dave Black. They contacted him, and, intrigued by the possibilities, he agreed to join their team and set up the whole program, from training the guides to selecting the equipment to plotting out the course.

Rappel Maui launched its tours in July on five secluded, privately owned acres in Puo­ho­ka­moa Valley, near Kea­nae along Hana Highway. "It’s where a helicopter flies into a jungle canyon with a big waterfall in the opening scene of ‘Jurassic Park,’" Black said. "It’s gorgeous, and we have it all to ourselves. The only way to see it is on our tour."

Participants hike for 10 minutes through a rain forest to reach the first of three rappelling sites: a 60-foot dry drop off a jungle cliff. Next they rappel down 50-foot and 30-foot waterfalls, both of which cascade into pools that are perfect for swimming.

"We descend 300 feet into the valley, and when we’re done we hike back up," Black said. "It’s great exercise along a zigzag trail that’s bordered by thick vegetation, including guava, mango, ginger, koa, kukui, hala, heli­co­nia and uluhe ferns."

No prior experience is necessary to rappel, and it’s an activity just about everyone can do. That said, participants occasionally have second thoughts. Some are afraid of heights; others have qualms about spending three hours in a remote jungle where cellphone reception is spotty; still others don’t fancy walking in a flowing stream and rappelling into two 10- to 15-foot-deep natural pools.

"Our guides are their cheerleaders; they tell them exactly what to do for the first few steps," Black said. "Most people quickly get the hang of it, and they’re exhilarated when they’re walking down a wall of water on their own. One guest was terrified of heights and barely convinced herself to do the first rappel. A month ago she climbed the North Face of the Eiger Mountain in Switzerland!"

Rising to physical challenges, clearing psychological obstacles and getting in touch with oneself are among the rewards of rappelling.

"Our adventure both tests and builds your courage and confidence," Black said. "When you’re walking down the waterfalls, you’ll want to scream with joy. I don’t know why; being close to nature just does that to you."

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.