KNOT GUIDE
Canyoneering Knots
Knots are one of the easiest parts of canyoneering to practice at home – and one of the worst things to “sort of remember” when you are standing at a rappel.
I intentionally keep this list focused. There are hundreds of knots in the world, but knowing 40 of them does not help much if you cannot confidently tie the 10-13 you actually depend on. The goal of this section is repetition: recognize the knot, understand why you are using it, tie it, dress it, and check it.
THE PROGRESSION
• Webbing → Overhand → Water Knot
• Figure-8 family
• Clove / Munter / Girth hitches
• Stone Hitch
• Rope-joining bends
USE THIS SECTION
• Read the purpose first
• Study the finished-knot photo
• Follow the step images in order
• Practice with your own rope/webbing
• Have someone experienced check you
TIE IT. DRESS IT. CHECK IT.
These pages are designed to work as a physical reference. Every knot starts on a new page, and the step photographs are kept large enough to flip back and forth while you practice.
QUICK KNOT REFERENCE
The order is intentional: the simpler shapes become building blocks for the knots that follow.
Webbing (What Is It?) | 07 Munter Hitch |
|---|---|
01 Overhand Knot | 08 Girth Hitch |
02 Water Knot | 09 Stone Hitch |
03 Figure-8 Knot | 10 European Death Knot (EDK) / Stacked Offset Overhand Bend |
04 Figure-8: On a Bight | 11 Double / Triple-Fisherman Bend |
05 Figure-8: Follow-Through | 12 Figure-8 Bend |
06 Clove / Triple Clove Hitch | — |
PRACTICE STANDARD: If you cannot tie a knot cleanly on the ground, with good light, while relaxed, you are not ready to depend on it when you are tired, cold, rushed, or hanging at an anchor. | |