Rock Climbing Knots - Bowline

The Bowline has been called the "King of Knots" and it is used around the world in one form or another. This type of knot opens under ring loading and is prone to loosening up when there is no load on it (especially in some synthetic ropes). This increases the possibility of it coming undone or distorted. In addition, the breaking strength of this knot is as much as 40% (very high, meaning that it reduces the strength of the rope heavily). Nevertheless, the bowline can be used for a wide range of jobs.



Step 1:
Twist the rope to form a crossing turn or a loop. You can do this by bringing the working end under the standing part.

Step 2:
Pass the tip of the working end through the crossing turn or loop.

Step 3:
Move the tip of the working end underneath the standing part.

Step 4:
Pass the tip of the working end through the crossing turn or loop again. Pull to tighten.

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