Rope Climbing

Question
My son is in Marine Bootcamp-he is a good athlete-but he said he has problems with the rope climbing-any tips ? Hand placement etc. Thanks

Answer
Sorry about the delay.  I'm sure you can understand with the holidays.  The advise I give to new climbers is to use their feet. I think the same would apply with climbing rope.  In climbing, we use mechinical clamping devises to ascend rope as opposed to climbing with only body strength.  Although, I did do a fair amount of rope climging in school.  I would suggest that your son practice pinching the rope with his feet.  This will allow him to rest his arms.  While his feet are "climped" on the rope, he can move his hands up, hold onto the rope, move his feet up and repeat the process.  The following URL has more detailed information.

http://www.powerathletesmag.com/archives/Girevik/Second/articleropeclimbing.htm

If there is anything else I can do, please let me know.

Happy Holidays,

Nick