Canyoneering can take you to places where others only dream. Embark on a journey of learning and exploration with your host, Rich Carlson. In every episode Rich will discuss the training and tools you need to become safe, proficient and self-reliant for a lifetime of canyoneering, rappelling and climbing adventures. So grab your gear and a rope and follow along.
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Rich and Adolfo discuss the topic of bolts in canyoneering. They explore the historical perspective of bolt placement, the current trends and controversies surrounding bolts, and the impact of bolts on the environment. They also discuss the importance of proper bolt placement and the need for education and open dialogue within the canyoneering community. The conversation explores the topic of bolts in canyoneering and the varying opinions within the can...
23 Jul 2024
Gate Keeping
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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 the canyoneering community.
16 Jul 2024
Sundance Canyon
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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 also delves into the concept of gatekeeping in canyoneering and the environmental impacts of sharing canyon locations.
2 Jul 2024
NOT Rock Climbing
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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 emphasis on going down and less emphasis on individual physical abilities. There are also equipment differences, such as the use of static ropes and releasable rigging in canyoneering. The episode also discusses the debate around bolts as anchors in canyoneering and the constant innovation in the sport.
25 Jun 2024
Canyon Ratings
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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). Rich also mentions a French rating system that was introduced a few years after the American system. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the rating system, assessing one's skills and abilities, and asking the right questions when planning a canyon descent.
18 Jun 2024
Preparing for an Assessment
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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. The hosts also delve into the challenges and common reasons for failure in assessments, such as lack of organization, over-reliance on gear, and the importance of improvization and problem-solving skills. The episode emphasizes the value of experience and apprenticeship in becoming a skilled guide.
Rich introduces the four levels of professional certification in Canyon Guides International (CGI) and explains the purpose of the Level 2 certification for guides working in specific canyons. They conclude with tips for those preparing for assessments, including taking it slow, having a plan, and playing the scenario in their head before executing.
11 Jun 2024
Making Anchors Bomber
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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, and vector forces. We also address the concept of marginal anchors and how to make them bomber, including using soft starts, sequencing, and employing mechanical advantage. We touch on the importance of knowing the characteristics of different trees and rocks for anchor placement. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the use of bolts in canyons and the importance of proper bolting techniques.
4 Jun 2024
Systematic Safety Checks
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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 to check the entire SYSTEM and that checks should be SYSTEMATIC. Ideally a systems check should start at one end of the "life chain" (Shannon prefers starting at the anchor end) and work toward the human end.
Every link in the life chain must be checked because we all know that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
28 May 2024
Canyon Photography
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Joining Rich in this episode is Adolfo Isassi, canyon photographer extraordinaire. Adolfo shares some of his favorite tips and tricks to help you dramatically improve the quality of the photos and video you take during your canyoneering adventures.
21 May 2024
Rescue from Mordor Canyon, Costa Rica
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In this episode, Rich talks with his guest and 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.
During a recent trip to Costa Rica there was an accident involving a broken leg in a canyon called Mordor. Shannon happened to be in the group and played a role in the evacuation of the injured person. The group learned that it can be challenging enough to move a patient down vertical problems on rope and floating through pools, but the real physical challenge comes when it becomes necessary to carry the patient through shallow water and overcoming obstacles such as boulders.
There was no helicopter available for extraction so the team relied on two strong young mules - Tyler Witherell and Tim Rotherham - and ultimately a horse. Sorry, don't know the horse's name.
14 May 2024
Pepe Barranco - RIC Mexico 2024
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In this episode, Rich talks with his guest and long-time amigo, Pepe "Barranco" Benavides. The conversation includes how Pepe has become the "official" graphic artist of the international canyoneering community, lending his creativity and talent to countless projects over the past 22 years.
Pepe also shares information about the international canyon rendezvous taking place in Mexico in November 2024 and his role in the planning and organization of the event.
7 May 2024
Becoming Competent
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This is Episode 2 of the Canyoneering Karma Podcast.
In this monologue episode Rich talks about the four stages of learning and a cognitive bias known as the Dunning Kruger Effect, along with some advice to avoid spending too much time at the "Peak of Ignorance".
The Competencies Checklist is a free tool that can provide you with a roadmap of sorts to put you on a more efficient path to learning and becoming competent.
6 Oct 2022
Episode 001 - Introduction
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Do you have a passion for adventure? More specifically a passion for canyoneering? If so, you may have stumbled upon the perfect podcast for you.
In this introductory episode of the Canyoneering Karma podcast, Rich Carlson shares some of his background in canyoneering going back to the mid 1970s - first as a recreational canyoneer, then as a professional canyon guide, as the founder of the American Canyoneering Association and later as the founder of Canyon Guides International.
We hope this introduction will pique your interest enough for you to tune in to more episodes in the future.
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