Test the rope ladder to make sure that it is secure in the location that you have it placed. If it is tied to a tree, inspect the tree branch as well as the rope tied around the tree for fraying, rot, mildew or broken strands. Replace any strands that are broken before spending lots of time on the rope ladder. If the branch is rotten or if it is extremely weak, consider moving the rope ladder to a different location.
Hold on to the rope sections in between the rungs on the rope ladder. By moving hands and shifting weight onto the rungs, the entire ladder will shift more rapidly than grabbing hold of flexible points, such as the ropes connecting the rungs themselves.
Apply equal pressure to limbs that are catercorner from each other. As you are climbing, try to balance the pressure between your right foot and your left arm.
Move your left foot and right arm simultaneously while applying equal pressure using the other two limbs. Continue to shimmy yourself up the rope ladder.
Push yourself up the ladder with your legs rather than trying to pull yourself up with your arms. Your legs are much stronger than your arms since you use them to walk and run on a daily basis. However, many people have a limited amount of arm strength.
Rest while climbing by wrapping your elbows around the ropes immediately above a rung. Shift your weight to your legs in order to rest your arms. Your arms will tire more quickly if you keep your arms straight as you are climbing. Keeping your arms bent as you are pulling up and shifting your weight will help you to climb more quickly and tirelessly.
Set up your etrier from a fixed point, whether it is an anchor connected to a tree or a cable or a rope that is connected to another fixed point.
Step into the bottom rung of the etrier with your foot while grabbing hold of the outside webbing lengths that are above the rungs of the ladder.
Push yourself up with your foot that is highest on the etrier while moving your lower foot higher. Similar to the traditional rope ladder with wooden rungs, balance yourself using opposite limbs.
