Rich's Two-Step Process

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From Joke to Canyoneering Legend

What started as a tongue-in-cheek comment in one of my YouTube videos has become part of the canyoneering lexicon. "Rich's Two-Step Process" is simple: Step 1 – Get their attention (affectionately known as the "bitch slap"). Step 2 – Make the system secure. The idea? Sometimes you need to interrupt dangerous behavior before you can teach the right technique. You can't deliver a safety lesson to someone who isn't listening, and nothing gets attention quite like a metaphorical wake-up call.

The concept resonated so deeply with the community that it's now referenced across the canyoneering world. Students joke about it in the field. Instructors cite it when correcting rigging mistakes.

It's even inspired cartoons—like the hilarious Spanish-language comic showing a mountain rescue team with roles including "Jefe de Patrulla" (Team Leader), "Paramédico" (Paramedic), and of course, "Abofeteador Técnico de Idiotas" (Technical Slapper of Idiots). The humor captures a serious truth: effective teaching starts with breaking through complacency. Hook them before you teach them. Get their attention first, then deliver the lesson that could save their life.