Simplified steps to make bowline knot using the snake/rabbit analogy

Supplies

Rope
Something to be anchored to the rope (that's the metal leg you see in top of picture)

Step 1: Make Overhand Quarter-Size Hole in Shape of a "6"

This is the hardest part to remember:

Make an OVERHAND hole, looks like a 6 or a P.

If you can get this step right, the remaining steps are easy.

As a mnemonic: A bowlin' (BOWLINE) snake throwing the ball OVERHAND and carrying a SIX pack.

Step 2: Snake Comes Up Out of Hole

Now the traditional bowline mnemonic story goes on. Pretend the loose end is a snake or a rabbit. The quarter-sized hole is the uh... hole.

Step 3: Goes Around the Tree

By 'tree', they mean the opposite vertical part of the rope, not the actual thing that you are anchoring down to. Sorry, this is why I tried not to add too much narrative.

Step 4: And Back Into the Hole

Step 5: Looks Kind of Like Someone in a Life Jacket

A clean bowline looks symmetrical and kind of like Gumby (or someone with a long head) in a life jacket.

Want more mnemonic tricks?

https://www.amazon.com/Numbilical-Cord-Unleash-Recall-Power-ebook/dp/B009ZLGPH2