Hi! My name is Rich Carlson — adventure travel addict and technical rescue, rigging and rappelling instructor. Since 1990 I have trained thousands of canyoneers, climbers, adventurers, professional guides and rescue teams across the Americas and around the world. Check out my free instructional videos and my blog to follow the adventure through entertaining stories and images, plus technical advice, gear reviews and minimalist travel tips.

ART of RopeWork & Canyoneering Karma

Canyons & Crags exists to train and to serve; to help you learn, practice and hone technical rope skills. Our ART of RopeWork series includes training for canyoneering, professional canyon guides and rappel masters, and ultralight rigging and rescue.

In addition to our training workshops we frequently host other events for canyoneers to practice their skills; to meet other canyoneers; and of course to have fun exploring canyons.

Featured Gear

Totem CRT
Totem CRT

The Totem — on steroids! The Totem CRT has all the features and capabilities of the original Totem and then some. We added “wings” that can be used to add friction, redirect braking position and for easy lock-off. The three … Read More

$48.00 Read more
8mm VT Prusik, Tan
8mm VT Prusik, Tan

Designed by Rich Carlson and manufactured by BlueWater Ropes, the VT Prusik features a super tough, heat resistant Technora aramid sheath over durable nylon core strands. The core in this kernmantle design keeps the VT from flattening and binding up. … Read More

$23.00 Add to cart
7mm VT Prusik, Tan
7mm VT Prusik, Tan

Designed by Rich Carlson and manufactured by BlueWater Ropes, the VT Prusik features a super tough, heat resistant Technora aramid sheath over durable nylon core strands. The core in this kernmantle design keeps the VT from flattening and binding up. … Read More

$23.00 Add to cart
Totem
Totem

The original Totem is the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of rigging devices. Deceptively simple looking, the Totem is remarkably versatile. Use it for belaying, releasable rigging and hauling systems, or as a rigging plate. Use it for rappelling – it’s simple … Read More

$40.00 Add to cart

Featured Videos

The Latest from Rich's Blog

8 May 2018
Nature’s Temple
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The soundtrack to my personal experiences in canyons is almost always Native American flute music. Surrounded by silence I hear the music in my head. I am at peace. Recently that silence was... Read More

14 Mar 2018
Mexico
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Arrived in Monterrey, Mexico on the 7th of March. Here training 19 aspiring canyon guides. Four days on, three days off, four days on. From here on to Guadalajara for another seven days... Read More

10 Jan 2018
Internet Forums
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I started the first canyoneering forum on the internet back in May of 2000. The original platform was called eGroups, which was later acquired by Yahoo! Those who have been around long enough... Read More

4 Dec 2017
Respect
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“OMG! Can you believe that guy? He almost ran right into me!” Actually, I couldn’t believe the woman who said that. I was stuck behind her group of around ten people, who were... Read More