I have a deep love for Nepal. Prior to the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to make one or two visits every year to conduct training for Nepali canyon guides, immersing myself in the incredible culture and unmatched hospitality of the country. Come December 2024, I am thrilled to announce my return with a team…
In this conversation, Rich and Adolfo discuss the concept of gatekeeping in canyoneering. They explore the subjective and objective aspects of gatekeeping, as well as the consequences and benefits of sharing or keeping canyons secret. They also touch on the importance of skill development, the role of guidebooks, and the impact of social media on…
2-Step Process
This episode of the Canyoneering Karma podcast is a storytelling episode about how a canyon in Arizona got its name. Rich shares his experience of filming an episode of a PBS television show called ‘Anyplace Wild’ in a tributary of West Clear Creek. The name ‘Sundance’ was given to the canyon during filming. The episode…
In this episode Rich compares canyoneering to rock climbing, highlighting the differences in risks, challenges and skill requirements. Canyoneering involves additional risks such as hypothermia, hyperthermia, and flash floods, making it a sport that needs to be taken seriously. The challenges and skill sets required in canyoneering are different from rock climbing, with a greater…
In this monologue episode, Rich discusses the American Canyon Rating System and its development. He explains that rating systems for canyons face challenges due to the diverse environments and varying conditions. The American system includes two major components: one for technicality of terrain or rope work (numbered 1-4) and one for water (A, B, C)….
In this episode Rich and Adolfo discuss the topic of preparing for an assessment, whether it be for professional canyon guide or recreational canyon leader. The conversation covers the reasons why someone would pursue certification, the differences between professional guides and recreational canyon leaders, and the various certification programs available worldwide. They also delve into…
In this episode Rich and Adolfo discuss what makes an anchor bombproof in canyoneering. We explore the differences between rock climbing anchors and canyoneering anchors, emphasizing the need for canyoneering anchors to be more secure due to the use of static ropes. We discuss factors that affect anchor strength, such as fall factor, mechanical advantage,…
In this episode, Rich talks with his guest, long-time friend, Shannon Long. Shannon is a captain with the Henderson Nevada Fire Department, a paramedic and a pro guide with Canyon Guides International. Shannon goes far beyond what is commonly referred to as a “buddy check”, preferring the term “systematic safety check” to emphasize the need…