Water Bowline
A fixed end loop with an extra half hitch in its collar. It is a distinct bowline variation, not the same knot as a Double Bowline.
How to tie the Water Bowline
- Form two overlapping loops in the standing part as a clove hitch.
- Pass the working end up through both loops, around the standing part, and back down through both.
- Dress the collar and leave a generous tail while practicing.
Safety note: These steps support practice and recognition. Climbing, rescue, lifting, towing, and other critical systems require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Compare with the ordinary Bowline to see what the extra collar contributes; choose a Running Bowline only when the outer loop should tighten.
Why it earns its place
The added half hitch gives the tail another gripping turn compared with an ordinary Bowline.
Where it fails
Correct loop overlap matters. The name does not certify it for water rescue, and extra turns do not replace qualified instruction for critical uses.
Quick facts
| Function | Rope loop |
| Practice level | 3 / 5 (editorial rating) |
| Tutorial | Animated Knots by Grog |
External reference
KnotStyle provides the selection advice, written practice sequence, inspection points, and cautions above. Use this independent animation as an additional visual reference.
View external animation ↗Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Water Bowline. Source checked 2026-09-11. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.