Leaning how to monkey traverse is a useful skill to get across long distance obstacles you can hang off. It is safer than cat-walking on the bar and also works on a rope.

Practicing the horizontal rope climb is tiring if you have poor technique. Use this monkey traverse tutorial to get the most out of your energy.

Here’s an abridged version of this post in video format for those of you that prefer to watch than read. The complete article continues below the video.

Hang below the obstacle suspended by your hands and with both feet crossed over the rope. Your right hand is in front of your left hand and your left foot is in front of your right foot. 

Your right hand and left foot are in front

Keep a slight bend in your arms and engage your core for the whole time you're are traversing. 

Move your left hand in front of your right hand.

Move your hands first

As your left hand takes grip move your right foot in front of your left. Do not slide your feet. Lift them. This will prevent friction burns.

Lift your feet to prevent friction burns

Ensure your feet land ahead of each other and not on top, otherwise, you will get “tangled up”.

Lift your feet to prevent friction burns

Ensure your feet land ahead of each other and not on top, otherwise, you will get “tangled up”.

Lift your feet to prevent friction burns

Ensure your feet land ahead of each other and not on top, otherwise, you will get “tangled up”.

Don't get tangled up

Continue this motion. 

Learning the horizontal rope climb is not part of most parkour training, but it should be. 

It is the safest way to cross a rope without special equipment and since many people don't practice it, your enemy will be reluctant to follow.

Did you find this article about horizontal rope climbing useful? If so, please share it with your friends.